Top 10 Jazz & Blues Music Blogs

By Lawrence Stelder

I was commisioned to seek out the best jazz and blues blogs & sites on the Internet today by the people at BestShowTicketsLasVegas. So I spent some time compiling a list of blogs and sites that I thought were cool, and then used a bunch of different variables to come up with the top ten. I used Google and Yahoo popularity, Alexa ratings, Technorati visiblity, wealth of information, frequency of updates and my own jazz opinion. I've been a fan of jazz music for 20 years and love the greats like Coltrane, Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Monk, Freddie Hubbard and I could go on and on. So, below are the ones I deem the top 10 jazz blogs (and blues), and I think these are some of THE best jazz & blues sites online now. And keep in mind, it's just my humble opinion:

1. Jazz.com Blog - An excellent jazz blog that has reviews, interviews, historical overviews and other materials, and encourage visitors to share their expertise and opinions on their Forums and elsewhere on the site. They have a cool Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians section and a thriving community.
2. About.com's Jazz Blog - Jacob Teichroew writes this blog that includes artist profiles, reviews, jazz festival information, and history of jazz.
3. Squeeze My Lemon - A blues blog that has some really cool pictures and videos.
4. Swing, Jazz & Blues - Written by Henrik Eriksson from Sweden who's a disc jockey that plays swing, jazz and blues for dancers. This blog is about music that makes you want to dance. Find tips about music and dancing resources: cd reviews, book reviews, video clips and jazz photography.
5. Jazz Lives - An entertaining and well-written jazz blog by Micheal Steinman, an author who has a wealth of jazz writing experience.
6. Straight No Chaser - A blog covering all things jazz - the music, the artists, the performances - from both yesterday and today. A source for links and podcasts.
7. All About Jazz - This is much more than a jazz blog and includes photos, forums, reviews, articles and featured stories all about jazz.
8. Jazz Improv Magazine - Although not a true blog, this site just had to be mentioned in this list. Find CD reviews, articles, a jazz store, Jazz Improv TV and more.
9. My Jazz World - This blog offers a good mix of things that have to do with the jazz world. Great writing and interesting opinions.
10. Jazz Portraits - A blog that discusses jazz news, reviews, gossip and some blues.

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills 11/9/08 Pictures

Yesterday me a bunch of friends went to the Patriots vs. Bills game in Foxboro. It was 65 degrees and sunny, a fantastic November day to see a Pats game. We had semi-nosebleed seats, but the Patriots tickets we bought were very reasonable (actually got them from Ticketmaster - since Tom Brady was hurt, they're a lot more plentiful).

 I took my camera in the stadium and took a couple good shots:

Patriots Bills coin toss

Pats kicking off

Patriots endzone and dragging helmut back in

New England Patriots Hot Cheerleaders

 Matt Cassel and Pats on offense

One of many time-outs

"Grinch" Offers Live Holiday Entertainment for the Whole Family

Live shows are a great way to bring the family together during the holidays. If your kids yawn at the idea of a Nutcracker performance, then Dr Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! might be more their speed. Even if your family has read the book and watched the movie ad nauseum, the musical offers a new approach to the classic.

I have yet to catch this live show, but it has been getting positive reviews since it started its run in 1998. (Incidentally, the first performances featured High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens as Cindy Lou Who. That's your fun fact of the day.) I think some kinks had to be worked out after an early run in San Diego, but it became a big seasonal hit once it started on Broadway during Christmas 2006. In fact, its premiere even knocked Wicked out of the top spot at the box office.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! has a lot of new songs in it, but the show also features the classic ones you probably remember from the cartoon film. "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" apparently pops up halfway through the show. According to The New York Times, the musical is "...an eyeful, with the grand sets and clever stagecraft that even children deserve for a Broadway ticket price."

Want to see the show this year? It starts up again in November. One caveat: tickets for Dr Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! should be acquired as early as possible. Since it only runs for a short time each year, the demand is quite high. Thankfully, you can find great deals online and I'd rather sit through this than a Rockettes holiday special or *gasp* something featuring cartoon characters on ice.

Speaking of the Grinch, don't be one this year! A pair of Broadway tickets to any show can make a great holiday present. I highly recommend Jersey Boys or Equus for those who aren't taking the kids along.

Ah, the plight of a Chicago Cubs fan. Each new season holds the reassuring promise that we will, once again make an emotional investment in a team that has the ability to bring us from the hopeful adrenaline rush of saying, ‘Oh my God, I think this is really going to be the year,’ to the bankrupt emptiness of watching another team, once again, achieve what we so badly want. It’s almost like having a psychotic girlfriend or a drug addiction. We walk away, shaking our heads, telling ourselves, ‘Never again,’ only to be pulled back under the spell of the lovable losers, year after grueling year.

This year though, we really did think it was going to be different, didn’t we? One hundred years, that must count for something. Maybe on the one hundredth year, the curse would officially be broken. How long could it really last?

I think the reason why we are so sorely disappointed is not because the Cubs are such horrible players. That would be much easier to deal with. Our pain comes from being brought to the edge of our seat so many times without ever experiencing true satisfaction.  read entire article The Sad Life of a Chicago Cubs Fan

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Holy cow! The Boston Red Sox did it again. They beat the Rays last night coming from a 3-1 game deficit in the ALCS to tie the series up and force a game 7.

Tonight's Game 7 and the Red Sox are entering the game with some massive positive momentum. Like I said in an earlier post, never count the Red Sox out.

The young Tampa team who have never been this good is reeling today after witnessing their World Series chances dwindle with each run scored by Boston.

And last night's game saw three players who have been seriously underperforming this series break out. Ortiz finally has done some hitting. Veritek was 0 for 14 and then hit the game-winning home run and Beckett pitched a doozy. Before last night, each of them have been relatively silent.

That's what makes the Red Sox so great. They have so much talent that when some of them are in a mini-slump, others 'step up to the plate'. When Pedroia, Bay, Drew don't do as well, here comes Big Papi and Veritek.

Hopefully the Red Sox will win tonight and make it three times to the World Series recently after being down 3-1 in the ALCS. Keep the faith.

One of America's favorite (and wholesome) things to do around the holidays is going to a musical with the family. Whether you want to see a Broadway play in NYC or in some other city, there are definitely some good choices this Christmas season.

Here are some of the holiday shows that you and your family can see this season:

A Christmas Carol Tickets
A Forbidden Broadway Christmas
Beasley's Christmas Party Tickets
A Christmas Story Tickets
All Is Calm - The Christmas Truce of 1914 Tickets
The Christmas Revels Tickets
Nutcracker Fantasy Tickets
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Tickets
Singing Christmas Tree Tickets
Sisters Catechism Christmas Tickets
Spirit Of Christmas Tickets
The Christmas Revels Tickets

There are some very interesting, obscure and entertaining plays and musicals both on Broadway in New York City showing in cities across North America now. Although most of the Broadway tours concentrate in American cities, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal seem to attract many top-rate Broadway show tours as well.

Below are some of the more unique Broadway shows playing currently that we offer tickets for. Be sure to check which cities each is playing in.

Ain't Misbehavin Tickets
All My Sons Tickets
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway Tickets
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Tickets
Footloose Tickets
George Gershwin Alone Tickets
Godspell Tickets
Nunsense Tickets
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Tickets
Sound Of Music Tickets
The School of Night Tickets
The Grapes of Wrath Tickets
To Kill A Mockingbird Tickets
Willy Wonka, Jr. Tickets
Wizard Of Oz Tickets

Also, you can see our entire list of Broadway shows here and here. If you live near a big city, you're almost assured you'll be able to see a fantastic Broadway show. It is truly amazing how many eccentric and obscure plays are showing right now.

Two nights ago the Boston Red Sox were down 3 games to 1 in the ALCS with the Rays, and they were down 7-0 in the 7th and came back to win. It was an unbelievable comeback and tonight the Sox are back in Tampa Bay to down only 3 games to 2.

Never count the Red Sox out when you're playing them in the American League Championship Series. In 2004 when they won their first World Series in 86 years, they were down 3 games to 1 in the ALCS against the New York Yankees and came back to defeat them!

And then last year the Boston Red Sox were up against the Cleveland Indians and once again found themselves down 3 games to 1. And once again, they came back to beat them, and then go on to sweep the Rockies in the World Series.

This season, the Red Sox look a lot different. No Manny. No Lowell. No Curt. But they have some young guns (a true testament to the Red Sox back office planning) in Youk, Pedroia, Masterson, and some new bats like Drew and Bay.

It's an hour or so till Game 6 and Beckett is on the mound. If there is any pitcher in the MLB who I'd want pitching in a big playoff game, it's Josh. Even though he's been sub-par for the last two outings, Red Sox nation is keepin' the faith.

Whatever happens tonight, being a Boston Sports fan, and particularly a Red Sox fan is exhilarating and keeps you on your toes. Keep the faith.

There are lots of fantastic things going on this fall. In fact, many big names are touring across North America in the next few months. And as always, you can find all the information you need to any event, such as tour schedules and cities and times, game schedules and times and of course, purchase tickets to any of the events you want.

Below are some of the events where tickets are going on sale this weekend (10/11/08):

• AC/DC Cincinnati, Dallas, Fargo, Kansas City, Nashville, Omaha, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Tulsa, 2nd x`shows in Toronto and Minnesota
• Jonas Brothers Hollywood & 2nd Las Vegas show
• Harry Connick, Jr. Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Louisville, Nashville, St Louis
• Wrestlemania XXV Houston
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis
• Coldplay Anaheim
• Alan Jackson Nashville
• Tim McGraw Uncasville
• Rod Stewart Hollywood
• 2^nd Tina Turner Montréal show
• Smashing Pumpkins Chicago & Las Vegas
• B96 Jingle Bash Rosemont
• Nine Inch Nails Sacramento
• Carrie Underwood Gainesville
• Usher Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, San Francisco
• Widespread Panic Denver
• Yes Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee
• Jeff Dunham
• Jeff Foxworthy St. Charles
• Jerry Seinfeld Charleston
• Duran Duran
• Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel
• Fall Out Boy Denver
• Frank Caliendo Boston
• Gov't Mule New York
• Denver Nuggets & Houston Rockets NBA Basketball
• Monster Jams
• ALCS & NLCS Playoff Tickets

Rock Icons Billy Joel and & Bruce Springsteen (The Boss) will team up for a Barack Obama benefit in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 16th. View our Springsteen Joel for Obama tickets here.

According to Reuters.com, legendary E Street Band leader Bruce Springsteen and singer songwriter Billy Joel are teaming up to show support of presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Attendees could be paying a lot of money to see Bruce and Billy since ticket prices go from $500 to $10,000 or more apiece. The Proceeds will go towards Obama's campaign.

The event was first reported by the Huffington Post Web site and confirmed by an Obama aide. This may be the first of a number of shows. 

Search our Bruce Springsteen & Billy Joel Benefit Tickets

Live Nation announced today that  Neil Young will begin a North American tour starting in the middle of October and continuing for eight weeks. The cool thing is that Neil Young will be touring with Death Cab for Cutie, Everest and Wilco.

The concerts will feature Young with his band -- Ben Keith, Chad Cromwell, Rick Rosas, Anthony Crawford and Pegi Young. Song sets are expected to be eclectic, featuring both newer material and classic Neil Young hits. Death Cab For Cutie and Everest will support dates from October 14 through November 5; Wilco and Everest are on the bill for dates starting November 29 through the tour's conclusion.

Here's Neil Young's U.S. & CanadaTour Dates:

Tue 10/14 - Saint Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center *
Thu 10/16 - Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre *
Sat 10/18 - Regina, SK Brandt Centre *
Sun 10/19 - Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome *
Tue 10/21 - Everett, WA Comcast Arena At Everett Events Center
Wed 10/22 - Vancouver, BC General Motors Place *
Wed 10/29 - San Diego, CA Cox Arena *
Thu 10/30 - Inglewood, CA The Forum *
Sat 11/01 - Reno, NV Reno Events Center *
Tue 11/04 - Kansas City, MO Sprint Center *
Wed 11/05 - Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha *
Sat 11/29 - Halifax, NS Halifax Metro Centre +
Mon 12/01 - Montreal, QC Bell Centre +
Tue 12/02 - Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place +
Thu 12/04 - Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre +
Sun 12/07 - Auburn Hills, MI The Palace Of Auburn Hills +
Tue 12/09 - Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena ^
Fri 12/12 - Philadelphia, PA The Wachovia Spectrum +
Mon 12/15 - New York, NY Madison Square Garden Arena +

* Death Cab For Cutie and Everest will support dates from October 14 through November 5;

Death Cab is not playing the Everett, WA show.

+ Wilco and Everest are on the bill for dates starting November 29 through the tour's conclusion,

^ with the exception of the December 9 Chicago date which will feature (TBD) and Everest in support.

Neil Young toured last fall, fresh off his release of Chrome Dreams II, spending multiple days in major North American markets such as Chicago, Toronto, Boston, and New York. These shows will also be his first in his homeland of Canada since his three night stand in Toronto at Massey Hall last November.

View All Neil Young Tickets

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Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Tom Brady all died and went to the gates of heaven and met God who was sitting in his thrown. God said, I have one question for you, and if you answer correctly, you will be let into my kingdom of heaven and can sit by my side.

 

God first asked Manning, "What do you believe made you a great quarterback?"

Manning replied, "I believe that hard work and practice made me a great QB."

 

God said it was a good answer and gestured to Manning to sit to his right. God then asked the same question to Favre who replied, "I believe relying on your team and putting teamwork first has made me a great QB." God said it was another good answer and gestured for Favre to sit to his left.

 

Finally, God asked Brady, "And Tom, what do you believe made you a great QB?"

Tom replied, "I believe you are in my seat."

Learn All About Broadway

Broadway is the theatre district in New York City, much as the West End is a similar area in London. While the street known as Broadway does run through this district, not all Broadway theatres are located on that single street. There are currently 39 professional theatres that seat 500 or more in the Broadway district. These theatres make up the Broadway we hear about… the Broadway that is considered the highest level of professional theatre in America. . . . read entire article

The Olympics and the Opening Ceremony

By staff writer Jennifer Adams

When I watched the Opening Ceremony, I was entranced. It began with giant footprints in the sky made of fireworks, leading the way to the stadium. The stadium was built specifically for the Olympics in the shape of a bird's nest, which is considered a lucky symbol in China.

Once at the stadium, fire appeared to race around the top edge of the structure before falling to the ground within like a comet. Two large rectangles full of what turned out to be drummers began performing along with a flickering light show that made patterns from the different drums. It was amazing. . . . read more about the 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Perfect Date, Dinner and a Show that Every Guy Should Know

By staff writer Jennifer Adams

This is the ultimate dream date for me, and for many women as well. Dancing, singing, vivid costumes and sets, live drama – all this is quite exhilarating and it's an experience that women will want to share with their loved ones. Tickets to a Broadway show or a Las Vegas show is definitely several levels above a simple movie date.

Now, your biggest problem may be that you don't live in New York and a Broadway show is out of the question? Well, Broadway is the utopia of award-winning musicals and all the productions on this strip are bound to be awesome, but there are lots of plays and musicals of similar grand proportions put on all over the US, especially in the larger cities. In fact, the top Broadway shows A call to your local theater will probably give you lots of pleasant surprises. You can use this site to find Broadway or Las Vegas shows playing in your area. Also, . . . read entire article

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Comedy Visionaries and Pop Culture Icons Announce Cheech & Chong: Light Up America .

Buy Cheech and Chong Tickets

TICKETS FOR THE MUST SEE COMEDY TOUR GO ON SALE NATIONALLY AT 4:20 PM ON AUGUST 8th

LOS ANGELES, July 30, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Successful beyond their wildest dreams, the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong defined an era with their hilariously irreverent, satirical, counter-culture, no-holds-barred comedy routines. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong's phenomenal success began on the stand up comedy circuit which led to 9 hit comedy albums and 8 hit films, breaking box office records, shattering comedy album sales, garnering multiple Grammy nominations and mesmerizing fans for more than a decade. Today, from the world famous Troubadour where they were initially discovered, Cheech & Chong announced their first tour in over 25 years, an epic cross country U.S. trek with over 22 dates confirmed; additional dates to be announced in the coming weeks. Cheech & Chong: Light Up America ... tickets go on sale nationally at 4:20 PM on August 8th. For more information on the tour and presale tickets go to http://www.cheechandchongtour.com.

The Live Nation produced tour will kick off on September 12th at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia. Other highlights include Los Angeles, Washington DC, Detroit, Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Austin, Seattle, Boston, San Diego and Denver to name a few. Chong's wife and comedy partner, Shelby Chong, will open all dates on the tour.

Cheech & Chong Live 2008 Tour Dates

September 12 Tower Theatre Philadelphia, PA
September 13 Warner Theatre Washington, DC
September 19 Murat Center Indianapolis, IN
September 20 Fillmore State Detroit, MI
September 26 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
September 27 Fillmore Jackie Gleason Miami, FL
October 24 Westbury Theatre Westbury, NY
October 25 Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, MN
October 31 Verizon Wireless Houston, TX
November 1 Majestic Theatre Dallas, TX
November 7 Chevrolet Theatre Wallingford, CT
November 8 Rosemont Theatre Rosemont, IL
November 14 Dodge Theatre Phoenix, AZ
November 15 Austin Music Hall Austin, TX
November 21 Memorial Auditorium Sacramento, CA
November 22 Berkeley Community Theatre Berkley, CA
November 28 Copley Symphony Hall San Diego, CA
November 29 Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA
November 30 San Jose PAC San Jose, CA
December 6 Gibson Amphitheater Los Angeles, CA
December 12 Orpheum Theatre Boston, MA
December 13 Borgata Music Box Atlantic City, NJ
December 19 Silver Legacy Casino Reno, NV
December 20 Paramount Theatre Denver, CO

Buy Cheech and Chong Tickets

Top NFL Rivalries List

There have been some classic NFL rivalries throughout the years, many which have endured to this day. And of course there are a few excellent ones that have developed more recently. I love sports rivalries, especially in football.

I've followed the New England Patriots which makes me think of one of their classic rivalries that's developed a little more recently, relatively speaking, and that's the Colts Patriots. Both teams were in the AFC East before 2002, so that contributed to the rivalry. But more recently, Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning, considered by many as the top QB's of the day, have really made this rivalry serious.

The NFC North has had three dominant teams in the Packers, Bears and Vikings, and they make up some awesome revialries. The Bears Packers is thought to be the longest and historic rivalries in pro football. In 2006, the Chicago Bears handed Packer's quarterback Brett Favre his first shutout in his 16-year career, winning 26-0 in Green Bay. The Packers beat the Bears in the last game of the season 26-7.

In the NFC Eastthe longest-running rivalry is between the Giants and Eagles. QB's Joe Pisarcik, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia all played pivitol roles in the games bewtween these two teams.

Another team the Super Bowl champions the New York Giants has a storied rivalry with is the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants and Cowboys first met in 1960. They've competed in many Monday Night Football games. And In 2007, the Cowboys swept the Giants in the regular season (45-35 in Dallas & 31-20 in NYC), but in the playoffs, the wild card Giants came to Texas Stadium and stunned the top-seeded Cowboys 21-17 en route to winning Super Bowl XLII.

And in the AFC North, the Browns and Steelers are another classic rivalry. The Pittsburgh Steelers leads series 57-55. Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene are two big names that came out of this rivalry. There are numerous other famous (or infamous) rivalries in the NFL. For more info, check out this Wikipedia entry.

Rush's Set List for their Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Concert

Rush's Set List for their Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Concert
I went to the Rush concert the other night and it was awesome.Their playing was outstanding, as if they never stopped playing since the 80's. I love Geddy Lee. What a bass player!

Here's their set list for the night.

SET I:

Limelight, Digital Man, Ghost Of A Chance, Mission, Freewill, The MainMonkey Business, The Larger Bowl, Red Barchetta, The Trees, Between TheWheels, Dreamline

SET II:

Far Cry, Working Them Angels, Armor And Sword, Spindrift, The Way TheWind Blows, Subdivisions, Natural Science, Witch Hunt, MalignantNarcisism/Drum Solo (he's STILL SICK!), Hope, The Spirit Of Radio, 2112(Overture & The Temples Of Syrinx) and Tom Sawyer. 

ENCORE: 

One Little Victory, A Passage To Bangkok, YYZ. 

GREAT show...they STILL got it....the only disappointment is that is wasa very similar show to last summer's show I went to at the samevenue.

You don't have to gamble in Las Vegas to have fun; you don't even have to go to a show. All you really need to do is go with the right attitude, good shoes, and a desire to have a blast.

The Strip is about six miles long, from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay, and throughout there are amazing things to look at, to see and to do. It all depends on what you want. My family started with a day pass to the Circus Circus indoor amusement park. There are perhaps twelve fairly good rides, all indoors, and a small games midway. With kids between about six and twelve, this is a great choice; it was nearly empty, but the rides all ran constantly. Our twelve-year-old ran the roller coaster 24 times in a row, and they both had so much fun it's all they wanted to do the rest of the time we were there.

Also on this end is the Stratosphere. Circus Circus didn't cost too much, but the Stratosphere will charge you to go to the roof, and then for each of the three rides that are up there. These rides are definitely for the thrill-seeker, not . . . read full article

Shop For Las Vegas Show Tickets

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Top Things to Do in New York City

If you’re planning a visit to New York City, you don’t have to stick to the tourist-only spots during your trip. Going to the top of the Empire State Building can be fun but it’s certainly not going to give you a look at the real fun and flavor the city can offer. Instead, why not try some of these other great activities during your stay in the Big Apple.

Outdoor Films in Tompkins Square Park

Almost anyone can see a movie in a cinema even in New York City but how many times can you watch a classic movie under the stars in a gorgeous park. Tompkins Square Park is located in Manhattan in the East Village. It covers more than 10 wooded acres in the heart of the city and is home to a different film showing every two weeks from the end of June through the middle of July. The 2008 line-up of films has a little something for everyone: the futuristic action of the 1980’s classic Blade Runner to the psychotic thrill of The Shining to the hilarity of the Big Lebowski. The best part is that the movies are free to the public so this is not only a cool thing to experience but also one of the cheapest in NYC.

New York’s Museum of Sex

Leave the children at home when you venture to this one-of-a-kind museum located on Fifth Avenue which opened in 2002. Some of the most respected names in the study of human sexuality and its history have helped craft the multiple exhibits you’ll find in the museum. More than 15,000 artifacts are housed in the museum, plus it contains an enormous multimedia library that contains footage in everything from 8mm to DVD. Exhibits on the Sex Life of Animals, Four Centuries of Graphic Sex in Japan, and How New York City Transformed Sex in America have all been on display at the museum.

Amateur Night at the Apollo

The legendary Apollo Theater was the starting point for some of the top performers in the world thanks to their Amateur Night. Every Wednesday night since 1934, new talent has graced the stage and competed for the tile once won by Mary J. Blige, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson. Now you can attend this amazing event and get your first glimpse at the next wave of talent firsthand. If you’re not in town on a Wednesday, you could also schedule a historic tour through this beautiful theater.

Take in a Unique Restaurant Experience

No place in the world has as many one-of-a-kind restaurant experiences as New York City. Take the Ninja New York Restaurant where “real” ninjas serve your food and make use of secret ninja spells to keep you entertained. The entire restaurant is designed in the style of a feudal castle. Prices aren’t too bad either. If you want something with a little more American history take a trip to Nathan’s which is the first hot dog stand in New York and some would argue still the home of the most delicious frankfurters in the city. You could also head to Katz’s Deli where you might rub noses with celebrities such as Al Gore, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Danny Devito.

Enjoy a Broadway Show

Who wouldn’t go to New York City without taking in a Broadway show? Some of the most famous musicals have been held here and it’s almost a guaranteed must-see for any fan. However, you need to book your tickets well in advance because most of the top shows sell out fast and early. Of course, if you can’t get seats for one of these shows, you can find some great performances off-Broadway, too. Some of the most popular shows include The Jersey Boys, Wicked the Musical and Young Frankenstein.

Watch a Television Show Taping

Many of the shows that are recorded in New York are open to a live audience. Imagine being able to watch David Letterman’s Top Ten list or Jon Stewart’s Moment of Zen live and in person. You can if you go to their web sites and secure your tickets early. All of the tickets are free but you’ve got to get them early if you want to secure a seat at one of the showings.

Sports in New York

And of course there's all kinds of sports to see. New York has some serious professional sports. First, New York is a baseball town. The New York Yankees and the New York Mets have a fanatical fan base and going to Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium is a momorable experience. But hurry, since this is the last year for the legendary Bronx's Yankee Stadium. Of course if it's the winter, check out the Knicks or the Rangers and Islanders too. Fall time? Then see either the New York Jets or the Super Bowl champs New York Giants.

Explore NYC with Your Dog

Now you don’t have to enjoy the Big Apple alone. Bring your canine companion along. The two of you can take a horse drawn carriage ride around the city or go on a walking tour through Times Square. You can also go shopping together at some of the city’s most upscale stores, compete at the first agility park open to the public, and be pampered with a stay at the Hilton.

Paul McCartney’s Next World Tour

Sir Paul McCartney, born in England in 1943, has made the decision to go on another world tour. The previous member of the well-known Beatles, McCartney has also made the decision that this will be his last tour. When McCartney made the announcement for the huge two-year world tour, he explained that it would be his last world tour because he wanted to spend more time with his daughter Beatrice. Buy Paul McCartney tickets here.

The tour will have an enormous list of dates and locations that will start in the fall, and will be one of the largest rock tours in music history. It is planned that there will be at least one hundred concert performances.

This tour will ultimately outdo his biggest tour, which included performances in Brazil, Europe and the United States. This tour only included 108 shows. The grand finale, as some might call it, will be in phases with places that include North America, South America, Europe, Australia, as well as Asia. The beginning dates are yet to be announced.

McCartney’s daughter Beatrice, at the age of four, will be with her dad at various times throughout the tour. Beatrice will fly to certain locations during the tour. Sir Paul McCartney is making this his last tour, because he just wants to essentially settle down and enjoy being around his little girl and be a part of her childhood and growing up. McCartney is 66 years old and has had decades of success in his rock music all over the world.

McCartney has performed in several different parts of the world, and this being his final tour is not unhappy about it. He has accomplished many different things, including selling 100 million singles. After the tour he has stated that from that point on Beatrice and his family is going to be the first priority and come first in his life. In the past, the music legend has been away from home for months at a time, and his decision to slow down and settle down will allow him to enjoy the best things in life.

Another important lady in his life is expected to be on much of the tour with McCartney.

Nancy Shevell is going to be the singer’s biggest fan.

According to sources, Paul was planning a world tour for quite some time now; however he was waiting on personal issues to be taken care of. His divorce to Beatrice’s mum somewhat hindered plans, and he had to wait for the end of the divorce proceedings to move forward with his world tour planning.

Macca’s last tour in 2002 was a successful one and a huge one at that. Proceeds exceeded the expectations of many people in the musical industry. That tour only consisted of fifty-eight shows. This final world tour will actually have at least one hundred performances and be one of the largest rock tours of all time.

Sir Paul McCartney can be found in the Guinness Book of world records as the most successful musician and composer, a well-deserved recognition for a great man. It has been speculated that numerous amounts of fans will be at each of the concerts scheduled for this final tour, as fans know that not only do they love the musician but also because it will be the absolute last time to see him perform live as well.

Paul is not only a multi talented instrumentalist but also a truly gifted songwriter, and his music will no doubt continue throughout time. In addition, his last world tour will take its place as being one of the biggest events in music history.

Being named “Macca” by his many fans, McCartney released his first solo single in 1970. In 1979 he was awarded the special rhodium disc for selling over 200 million albums. The unique singer plays his guitar left-handed as well.

And, as much as these few facts are astounding about Sir Paul, they are going to seem small compared to the musician’s final and greatest world tour. The artist has a unique style and effortless melodic song craft, unlike any other rock musician, during every one of his concert performances.

His first solo song “Ever Present Past” fits perfectly into his upcoming world tour. He will be settling down to enjoy life, but his past will be ever present as he will be known as one of the best rock musicians of all time, by many music lovers and fans. Fans of all ages and all over the world, just to hear the name Paul McCartney.

A contemporary and cultured performer, poet, artist, composer and singer, he has over three thousand copyrights. Also, in Brazil at a concert in 1989, McCartney had the largest audience for a solo concert in which over 350,000+ people attended. He is definitely one of the greatest and successful entertainers of all time.

The upcoming world concert tour for Sir Paul McCartney is going to go down in history. The sales and commissions for the tour are going to be exceedingly high as well. For more information about the world tour that is also going to be Paul McCartney’s last and final world tour, an individual can find details on various web sites via the Internet. Some of the web sites also give personal information about the great musician as well as biographies and career accomplishments.

Ultimately but not amazingly, there are numerous web sites that were created by all of the many fans that have followed the career of the left-handed and talented musician, who has touched the rock music world forever. An individual can join these web site fan clubs too and receive newsletters about the man as well as the musician. Information about the final world tour is also on many of the web site listings, while fans patiently wait for further announcements, locations, and dates of the events that will take place during this last world tour by the performer Sir Paul McCartney.

Congratualtion Boston Celtics for Championship #17

In downtown Boston last night the Celtics took on Bryant and the Lakers in Game 6 of the '08 Finals and the C's were up 3 games to 2. In convincing fashion, the Celtics beat the Los Angeles 131-92, winning their 17th NBA Championship in franchise history.

Rajon Rondo had 21 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals, Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 14 rebounds and Finals MVP Paul Pierce scored 17

The classic matchup of Boston vs. Los Angeles, and especially the Celtics vs. the Lakers (remember Kareem and Bird?), came to a close last night. The NBA's most storied franchise won their first Championship.

With the seemingly unstoppable New England Patriots losing the SuprBowl to their coach's "spy-gate" problems, people around the country aren't lovin' Boston and New England these days. Add two Red Sox World Series Wins and a bunch of Patriots Super Bowl wins, and there may be some real national resentment. But if you're a Bostonian or New Englander, things are simply excellent. Now the Boston Celtics are champs. Sometimes I wish the Patriots made it all the way this past year, the it would have 3 out 4 pro teams from one city was the best in the same year.

Boston's Rolling Rally Details

Wednesday, June 18 - The Morning After

There is no speaking program. More details to come as they are available.

...more details

Janet Jackson is going on tour for the first time in seven years and it's dubbed the Rock Witchu Tour. Regardless of your opinion of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson has been a force of her own for a very long time.  Janet's sexy and has the voice of an angel and has been independent of her controversial brother Michael.

Janet Jackson has announced a new tour tour for the fall of 2008 and will be starting off in Vancouver, Canada on September 1oth, making their way to Oakland, CA after that, then on to Las Vegas and Los Angeles next.

From there, Janet Jackson is playing in San Diego, Detroit and then Toronto on September 28. Janet will then be in Boston, Houston and then in Dallas on October 22nd.

The tour, which opens in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 20 and includes dates in New York and Washington, is Jackson’s first in seven years. But the singer, who just turned 42 last week, said she hadn’t planned on waiting for so long.

“I was supposed to go on tour with the last album,” said Jackson, referring to the 2006 CD 20 Y.O. But the singer said her record label wanted her to wait for her latest CD, Discipline.

“We were actually in full-blown tour rehearsals at that point … learning numbers, getting everything together, set designs,” she said. “I had to kind of shut everything down and go into the studio.”

Janet Jackson concert tickets are on sale now.

There are some excellent classical concerts coming up in many parts of the U.S. See below for some of the more popular ones and where to find tickets, schedules and venue information.

• Yo-Yo Ma Philadelphia Tickets
• Boston Symphony Orchestra Lenox Tickets
• Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago Tickets
• Leslie Jordan Atlanta Tickets
• New York Philharmonic New York Tickets
• Los Angeles Philharmonic Los Angeles Tickets
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky Spectacular Cincinnati Tickets
• Kanzel conducts best of Broadway Highland Park Tickets

All Classical Concerts

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Me and my buddy went to Game 5 of the Celtics on Wednesday and I took a bunch of pictures of the game. The Garden was awesome and the crowd was unbelievably loud and raucous. The Boston Celtics had a decent lead for a while, then the Pistons got closer and closer, and the next thing you knew, it was a totally close game at the end. But the Celts won! Below are some of the pice I took while I was at the Celtics game at TD Banknorth Garden.

 Game 6 went to Boston and now . . . Bring On The Lakers!

Update 6/8/08:

And now the Celts are in the NBA Finals with the Lakers. It can't get batter than this! Buy Celtics Lakers Tickets here.

Tickets for Shrek the Musical to Go on Sale May 31; Casting Now Complete

The following is from Playbill.com

Casting is now complete for Shrek the Musical, which will bound its way into the Broadway Theatre Nov. 8 with an official opening scheduled for Dec. 14.

As previously reported, Brian d'Arcy James, the singing actor who was recently seen in the Off-Broadway musical Next to Normal, will play the title role of the green ogre in the new musical with Cry-Baby's Chester Gregory II as Donkey, Avenue Q Tony nominee John Tartaglia as Pinocchio, Tony winner Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Young Frankenstein) as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber (Monty Python's Spamalot) as Lord Farquaad and Kecia Lewis-Evans (The Drowsy Chaperone) as the dragon.

Shrek, according to a press statement, "is an entirely new musical based on the story and characters from William Steig's book 'Shrek!,' as well as the DreamWorks Animation film." The production will play an exclusive world-premiere engagement at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle Aug. 14-Sept. 21.

Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) penned the lyrics and libretto (based on the kid-lit character created by William Steig), and Tony Award nominee Jeanine Tesori (Millie, Caroline, or Change) wrote the music.

DreamWorks Theatricals is co-producing with Sam Mendes' Neal Street Productions Ltd. Jason Moore (Avenue Q and the Carnegie Hall Jerry Springer ? The Opera) is directing.

Josh Prince will choreograph the production, which will feature musical direction by Tim Weil, set and costume design by Tim Hatley, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and sound design by Peter Hylenski.

Visit www.shrekthemusical.com for more information

Buy Shrek Musical Tickets

Top Upcoming R&B and Soul Concerts 2008

There is going to be some fantastic R&B artists and bands touring this concert season and among them are a number of old-school artists and reunions as well.

For example, Kool & The Gang, Al Green and Anita Baker are all going to be in Las Vegas.

Los Angeles is also going to be a great city to catch some live R&B as well. Diana Ross in Los Angeles, Patti Austin Los Angeles and War are all going to be in L.A. this summer. Also, expect to see Stevie Wonder at the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl in July.

One of my favorites, Stevie Wonder is touring in June and July from Jones Beach to Vancouver. Two of my favorite albums are Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium and Journey through the Secret Life of Plants. But I also picked up one of most recent CD's called A Time To Love, and I am really starting to like that one as well. Stevie is currently working on a new album called The Gospel Inspired By Lula which will deal with the spiritual and cultural issues facing the world.

Another awesome R&B soul sister is Alicia Keys. See Alicia Keys in New York on 6/18/08. She's on tour this from May and July. I hear her live concert is unbelievable.

Also you'll be able to see Erykah Badu on tour. She'll be in Los Angeles, Erykah Badu Atlanta and Las Vegas as well.

All in all, this summer is going to be a time to get some concert tickets and check out a show or two. Of course, Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles are going to be hot spots for catching an R&B concert.

 American Idols Tour 2008 - Contestants and Schedule

The top American Idols are touring once again this year. Below is the tour's dates, venues and cities. Also, find American Idol tickets that you can buy online here at BestShowTickets.

Top 12 Idol Contestants:

Amanda Overmyer
Brooke White
Carly Smithson Chikezie Eze
David Archuleta
David Cook
David Hernandez
Jason Castro
Kristy Lee Cook
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Syesha Mercado

Tour Schedule:

Public American Idol Ticket Onsales is May 17th, 2008

July 1 Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena
July 2 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena
July 3 Fresno, CA SaveMart Center
July 5 Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center
July 7 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
July 8 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
July 9 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
July 11 Portland, OR Rose Garden
July 12 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
July 14 West Valley City, UT The "E" Center
July 18 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
July 19 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena
July 20 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
July 22 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
July 23 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena
July 24 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
July 26 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
July 27 Rochester, NY BlueCross Arena
July 29 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
July 30 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
August 2 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall
August 4 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
August 6 Albany, NY Times Union Center
August 8 Hartford, CT XL Center
August 9 Worcester, MA DCU Center 
August 10 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Center 
August 12 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena 
August 13 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center 
August 14 Washington DC Verizon Center 
August 16 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena 
August 17 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Bobcats Arena 
August 18 Duluth, GA Arena at Gwinnett Center 
August 20 Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center 
August 21 Tampa, FL St Pete Times Forum 
August 24 Houston, TX Toyota Center 
August 25 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center 
August 26 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center 
August 28 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center 
August 29 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center 
August 31 Minneapolis, MN Target Center 
September 2 Green Bay, WI Resch Center 
September 3 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena 
September 4 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center 
September 6 Bridgeport, CT Arena at Harbor Yard 
September 7 Providence, RI Dunkin Donuts Center 
September 8 Wilkes Barre, PA Wachovia Arena 
September 10 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County Memorial Coliseum 
September 11 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium 
September 13 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

View All American Idol Tickets

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The Cure for the Summer Time Blues 2008

The thoughtful and and sometimes depressing band that was big in the 80's, The Cure, are touring this year in North America. And this is sure to be a fantastic show that any fan ought to seriously consider attending. They are hitting the road in the summer of 2008.

The Cure's a rock band from England that formed in Crawley, Sussex in 1976. The band's frontman, guitarist and main songwriter Robert Smith is known for his iconic wild hair, smudged lipstick and gloomy and introspective lyrics. Smith was a staple in 80's pop culture.

The Cure Tour in Canada

• The Cure Vancouver Tickets
• The Cure Montreal Tickets
• The Cure Toronto Tickets

The Cure Tour in U.S.

• The Cure San Diego Tickets
• The Cure Philadelphia Tickets
• The Cure Phoenix Tickets
• The Cure Fort Lauderdale Tickets
• The Cure Austin Tickets
• The Cure Los Angeles Tickets
• The Cure Kansas City Tickets
• The Cure New York Tickets
• The Cure Duluth Tickets
• The Cure Charlotte Tickets
• The Cure Boston Tickets
• The Cure Tampa Tickets
• The Cure Cleveland Tickets
• The Cure Fairfax Tickets
• The Cure San Jose Tickets
• The Cure Santa Barbara Tickets
• The Cure Dallas Tickets
• The Cure Salt Lake City Tickets
• The Cure Houston Tickets
• The Cure Rosemont Tickets
• The Cure Red Rocks Tickets

The Cure Studio albums

    * Three Imaginary Boys (1979)
    * Seventeen Seconds (1980)
    * Faith (1981)
    * Pornography (1982)
    * The Top (1984)
    * The Head on the Door (1985)
    * Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)
    * Disintegration (1989)
    * Wish (1992)
    * Wild Mood Swings (1996)
    * Bloodflowers (2000)
    * The Cure (2004)
    * Upcoming thirteenth album (2008)

Young Frankenstein the Musical

November 8, 2007 launched the opening of the Broadway musical Young Frankenstein. Young Frankenstein is an adaptation of the 1974 film by Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder. Young Frankenstein is a spoof of the classic novel by Mary Shelley.

Frederick Frankenstein is a well respected New York brain surgeon. Dr. Frankenstein learns that he has inherited his mad scientist grandfather’s castle. After saying goodbye to his fiancée, Elizabeth, he travels to Transylvania where he meets Igor, the grandson of the late Dr. Frankenstein’s henchman and Fran Blucher, the housekeeper. Igor, in turn, hires Inga as lab assistant. 

He stays in the castle given to him by his late grandfather. Sound asleep, Frederick dreams of his ancestors telling him to build a monster. When he awakes, he and Inga, the lab assistant explore the castle to find his grandfather’s secret laboratory.

Frederick decides to continue with his grandfather’s deranged experiment to bring the dead back to life. He and Igor visit the local cemetery and retrieve a rather large corpse. After getting the body to the lab, Frederick sends Igor to get a brain, but not just any brain. Dr. Frankenstein wants a brain with superior intelligence and kindness and he knows exactly where to find it. Igor, however, drops the brain on his way back to the lab. He gets another brain and brings it to the lab not telling Dr. Frankenstein that it is not the brain he had expected.

He implants the brain into the oversized cadaver and the creature soon wakes up. The monster runs amok, destroying everything in its path, before disappearing into the night. Dr. Frankenstein is beside himself when he learns that Igor brought him the wrong brain. One that Igor said is called “Abby Normal”.

Elizabeth arrives unexpectedly while the townspeople are looking for the monster, and finds Frederick and Inga in a compromising position. They tell her that nothing happened. Meanwhile, the creature finds a blind hermit. When the doctor captures the beast, he works on humanizing him. He dresses the creature as a gentleman and presents him. He is startled, however, by some lights falling and goes on another rampage, kidnapping Elizabeth who eventually falls in love with him.

The monster is once again captured and in a failed attempt at an intelligence transfer, Frederick is hanged. The monster, seeing that he is only unconscious and not dead, revives him. The performance ends with the joining of three unlikely couples; Frederick and Inga become engaged, the hermit and Fran Blucher decide to go on a “blind date” and the monster proposes to Elizabeth.

The main characters of this great parody include:

•Frederick Frankenstein, a respected brain surgeon who inherits a castle from his mad scientist grandfather
•Igor, Frederick’s hunchback sidekick and henchman
•Fran Blucher, the sinister housekeeper
•Inga, the lab assistant
•Frankenstein’s monster
•Elizabeth, Frederick’s unassuming fiancé

The Broadway musical production of Young Frankenstein is largely adapted from the hysterical movie version starring Gene Wilder. There are a few revisions to the musical version, obviously adding several musical numbers in various scenes. Much more humor has been added and a couple minor scenes have been omitted. Young Frankenstein is a humorous look at the classic horror novel, Frankenstein. The musical is currently playing exclusively on Broadway.

Buy Young Frankenstein Tickets

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