With ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll's most enduring anthems including "Juke Box Hero," "Feels Like the First Time," "Urgent," "Head Games," "Say What You Will," "Dirty White Boy," "Long, Long Way From Home," and the worldwide #1 hit, "I Want to Know What Love Is," Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game.
At Foreigner's core is founder and lead guitarist Mick Jones, the visionary maestro whose stylistic songwriting, indelible guitar hooks and multi-layered talents continue to escalate Foreigner's influence, along with lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bass guitarist Jell Pilson and multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel, each adding their individual credentials to the mix, the band is stronger and more powerful than ever.
It's been eight years since Guster released a proper live album - 2004's upbeat Guster On Ice - and on January 1st, the renowned live band will offer up new live material with Guster: Live Acoustic. Recorded during their 2012 acoustic tour, the sixteen tracks are a musical tribute tot the varied faces and places that made last year's travels one of the most remarkable in Guster's impressive career.
For a band that has experienced a drastic sonic overhaul during its two decades, the acoustic presentation acts as the glue, bridging material as varied as the somber, percussive "Rocketship" from 1996's Goldfly and the pop charmer "Do You Love Me" from 2010's Easy Wonderful. The band digs deep and rediscovers "Rise and Shine," a B-side from Ganging Up on the Sun, as well as reinventing 2006's "Beginning of the End" as an angry acoustic hoe-down of sorts.
The acoustic sound is nothing new for Guster, who began their career in the early 90s writing songs in their dorm room at Tufts University on acoustic guitars and hand drums. After 1999's seminal Lost and Gone Forever launched their stripped down sound into the national spotlight, the band threw a wrench into their instrumentation and surprised fans with a deeper, more textured album, Keep it Together (2003). The trajectory only continued with the more experimental Ganging Up on the Sun (2006), which featured the hit "Satellite" and saw the bean branching out with its arrangements and styles. Pop masterpiece Easy Wonderful (2010) was hailed as their most mature and complete album-to-date.
Currently starring on NBC's Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning "30 Rock," Morgan appears opposite Tina Fey and Alex Baldwin as "Tracy Jordan," the unpredictable star of Lemon's (Fey) hit variety show, "TGS with Tracy Jordan." In 2009 Morgan received his first Emmy Nomination for this role, in the Supporting Actor category; he has in five past years also been nominated for a Supporting Actor NAACP Image Award. The "30 Rock" cast has also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for "Outstanding Performance by an Ensamble in a Comedy Series."
As a stand-up comic who has headlined across the country, Morgan was first introduced to television audiences in his role as "Hustleman" on the hit comedy series "Martin." He went on to join "Saturday Night Live" in 1996 where he appeared for seven seasons and created such memorable characters as "Astronaut Jones" and "Brian Fellowa." After leaving SNL, Morgan went on to star in his own comedy series "The Tracy Morgan Show" and voiced "Spoonie Luv" on Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers." Additional film credits include: Dimension Films' SUPERHERO MOVIE, FIRST SUNDAY opposite Ice Cube and Katt Williams, THE LONGEST YARD opposite Adam Sandler, the Wayan's brothers LITTLE MAN, JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK, and HEAD OF STATE.
John Darnielle has written almost 600 songs now, and some of them are very sad, dealing with hard drugs and tragic ends, hurting yourself and others, sicknesses of both body and brain, off-brand alcohols. They are told in beautiful, unnerving, specific detail because he is a very good writer, and also some of them are just true stories about his own life.
But many have noted that John Darnielle seems often very happy, and his demeanor on stage is almost exclusively unhaunted, ecstatic.
Anyone who reads his Twitter feed knows he takes great delight in his delights: vegan cooking, fat babies, hockey, the beautiful alchemy of Chemex coffee, Anonymous 4, and playing music for people.
These are the consolations; and if some of his songs suggest that there are real hells on earth, other songs remind that the heavens are equally close at hand. (Sometimes they are even the same songs.)
It is my impression that this is the ecstasy John Darnielle is feeling: that thrill of having survived, escaped foe even a second to enjoy those small transcendent delights, and to sing of them.
Transcendental Youth is full of songs about people who madly, stupidly, blessedly won't stop surviving, no matter who gives up on them.
I can report that it is a very good album and has many more instruments on it than his early cassette tapes, including Peter Hughes on bass, Jon Wurster on drums, and, for the first time, a full horn section. And all of this makes a very joyous noise.
with special guests Ginny Blackmore and Nick Marzock
Thursday June 20th @ 7:30 p.m.
100.7 Star is proud to present their first ever "Sessions" concert starring Sara Bareilles with Ginny Blackmore at Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead.
About Sara Bareillis: I am sitting down to write my bio for the third time and I'm trying to think of what to say that you can't find on Wikipedia. There are lots of little facts and tidbits about my life and career that I'm sure can be summed up in a one-sheet, but that's not the kind of thing I feel like I want to be writing.
The Blessed Unrest is my third full-length release, recorded over the last 6 months and mostly written within the past year of my life. Last year was a transformative year for me personally, and I'm currently reeling from and reveling in the new. Among many life changes, I am a brand new resident of New York City. Most of this record was written and recorded here, which I believe has informed it's sound in a most profound way. I felt the need to embrace the expansion and energy of the city, both literally and figuratively. That ended up being reflected within my songs as well as the process of recording them. Not only did I want to write about broader themes, I wanted to articulate those with production choices that helped both myself as an artist and the songs stretch.
With the help of my producing partners, John O'Mahony (Metric, Coldplay), and Kurt Uenala (Depeche Mode), I co-produced more than half of this record and I'm very proud of that. In addition to the production here in New York, I was able to work with Mark Endert (Maroon 5, Fiona Apple) and Eric Rosse (Tori Amos, Sara Bareilles...that's me) to complete the record.
While writing for The Blessed Unrest, I found myself to be open to the idea of collaboration for the first time in my life. Other than one song off my first record written with my band mate Javier Dunn, I have always hated co-writing. Back in September of 2012, a friend introduced me to Jack Antonoff from the band fun. and I suddenly realized how easy and inspiring co-writing can be. Our very first session produced the song "Brave" which would then become the lead single off this body of work and a song I am definitely proud of. That session sparked a string of amazing communions with other wonderful collaborators, and I have ended up with a collection of songs that feel as much like me as anything I've ever done.
This record makes me feel vulnerable and exposed, and it feels right. I am consciously taking risks and feeling myself develop as an artist and a human being. The Blessed Unrest is a reflection of the driving forces that have moved me form one stage of my life to the next, and I am grateful for the divine dissatisfaction that keeps me marching on.
with two special guests: Ryan Beatty and Before You Exit
Saturday July 13th @ 7:00 p.m.
"Cody Simpson is much more than a teen heartthrob. He is one of those rare artists whose talent transcends trends. His live performances are among the finest on the road today and those fans lucky enough to catch his headlining tour are in for an incredible concert experience," according to Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live. "We are extremely lucky and proud to be Cody Simpson's partner in what will be a very long and eventful career."
The summer tour will be heralded by the new single, "Pretty Brown Eyes," set for release at all DSPs on Tuesday, April 23rd. "Pretty Brown Eyes" precedes the arrival of Simpson's much anticipated second album. The as-yet-untitled collection - which follows last year's debut, "PARADISE" - is set for release this summer. Complete details will be announced shortly.
Simpson - who has spent much of the past year on the road, with highlights including his first-ever European headline tour as well as dates on Justin Bieber's world-conquering Believe Tour - will be performing "Pretty Brown Eyes" at the upcoming Radio Disney Music Awards. Cody is among the night's top nominees, earning nods for "He's The One - Best Male Artist," "XOXO - Crush Song" (for "Wish U Were Here (Feat. Becky G)"), and "So FANtastic - Fiercest Fans." The Radio Disney Music Awards will be presented live from Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Saturday, April 27th and broadcast across multiple platforms, including Vevo, The Disney Channel, Radio Disney and their respective websites. For complete details, please click here.
Presale tickets will be available exclusively to members of The Angels & Gentlemen's Beach Club, the official Cody Simpson Fan Club, beginning on Thursday, April 25th @ 10:00 a.m.
Remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Saturday, April 27th @ 10:00 a.m.
A casual listen to the Boz Scaggs discography makes one thing obvious: Boz Scaggs is both a musical seeker and a man of sizable talent as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His explorations in blues and R&B, Rock and Jazz have produced lasting work and a career that has brought with it acclaim, a loyal following, and an enduring respect among musicians.
With MEMPHIS (429 Records), his first studio album in five years, Scaggs looks back musically and biographically. (His father and grandparents were from Memphis, as is his wife.) "I had been thinking about a record that involved going back into my past and finding songs that match my style and my voice," Scaggs says. With producer Steve Jordan and a crack band, he puts a distinctive touch on classics like "Rainy Night in Georgia," "Corinna Corinna," and "Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl," as well as on a couple of originals. Thirteen tracks were recorded in three days at the city's landmark Royal Studios, where the late Willie Mitchell produced so many of Al Green's and Anne Peebles' legendary albums.
In early 1965 Justin answered an advertisement for a guitar player in "The Melody Maker" and soon found himself one-third of The Wilde Three with Marty Wilde and his wife Joyce, appearing on stage at the London Palladium in April of that year as well as touring all over the UK and performing on a long tour of the Middle East. He recorded two singles with The Wilde Three - "Just As Long/Since You've Gone" and "I Cried/Well Who's That"- before branching out on his own and recording two self-penned solo singles in 1966 - "London Is Behind Me/Day Must Come" for Pye Records and "I Can't Face The World Without You/I'll Be Here Tomorrow" for Parlaphone (the Beatles original label). To this day, he credits Marty Wilde as having encouraged him to write his own material. Soon after the release of his solo singles, Justin wrote to Eric Burden of the Animals and sent him some of his compositions. Eric passed them on to Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues in the summer of 1966, so beginning a famous and acclaimed 36-year career, which started with the recording of Justin's "Fly Me High" at the famous Decca Studios, engineered by Gus Dudgeon. Within a few weeks Justin had written many other songs for the band including "Nights in White Satin."
The Next seven years, and seven legendary albums, are of course well documented.
On this tour, fans can look forward to a totally new and unique Yes experience; the band, for the first time in its storied history, will perform three of its most popular albums in their entireties, The Yes Album, Close to the Edge, and Going for the One.
Performing three of rock’s most renowned albums will see Yes members, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, and Jon Davison, playing Yes staples that have dramatically influenced rock music over the last four decades. Fans will enjoy long time favorites, including "Yours is No Disgrace," "I’ve Seen All Good People," "Starship Trooper," "Close to the Edge," "And You And I," "Going for the One," "Wondrous Stories," "Awaken," and more, in a completely unique format. Moreover, Yes will perform all tracks in the order they appear on their corresponding studio albums.
"These albums we all easily agreed on—they are complete works in themselves. And several of the songs have rarely been performed live," says Yes guitarist, Steve Howe. "I believe the one song we’ve never performed in concert is ‘A Venture’ from The Yes Album," states Yes co-founder and bassist, Chris Squire. Yes drummer, Alan White goes on to say, "This is a great opportunity to show the growth of Yes throughout different eras, and to once again enjoy the great memories of those times, as well as create brand new ones. We’re looking forward to performing these albums. It’s going to be fun for us, and we think our fans will love it as well."
Yes is proud to provide special show packages, which include near-stage seating, a meet and greet with the band, exclusive limited-edition gifts from Yes, and much more.
For the price of a fuzz pedal, learn techniques from the son of Frank Zappa. Dweezil Zappa's music camp, Dweezilla, has the motto "Learn And Destroy." It refers to destroying the boundaries that confine music creativity. At camp, students are in total immersion for 4 days of music instruction. While on tour with Zappa Plays Zappa, Dweezil will be previewing some of the guitar concepts he teaches at camp in a special event prior to each concert.
"I transformed my guitar technique before starting Zappa Plays Zappa out of necessity to play my dad's most sophisticated and challenging melodies. I've found a lot of exciting new approaches to the guitar. I started Dweezilla music camp as a way to share this information with guitarists. I'm excited to present an opportunity to share thoughts on my approach to guitar with students of all levels before each show on tour."
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the class (1:30 p.m.). You are encouraged to bring your personal guitar to this class. Length of class is 90 minutes.
Dweezil Zappa was born on September 5, 1969 in Los Angeles - the son of Frank and Gail Zappa. It was inevitable that from the moment of his birth his life would be filled wall-to-wall with music (his father having listed his religion as "musician" on Dweezil's birth certificate). Dweezil's early years were spent largely away from the spotlight - something of a rarity for the child of a celebrity, but perfect for cultivating a close relationship with his family.
Having watched his father perform concerts from the side of the stage since he was in diapers it was no surprise that he began to show an interest in music early on. At 6 years old he received his first guitar, a Fender Music Master from his dad. It wasn't until he was 12 that he began to show a serious interest in manipulating the instrument to make music.
Tickets are $22, $27.50, $36.50, $49.50, and $69.50*
*Tickets at $69.50 include admittance to the Soundcheck Party @ 4:30 p.m. Purchasers need to arrive at 4 p.m. (30 minutes prior). The Soundcheck Party will last approximately 45 minutes.
About Béla: Born and raised in New York City, Béla Fleck actually began his musical career playing the guitar. In the early 1960's, while watching the Beverly Hillbillies, the bluegrass sounds of Flatt & Scruggs flowed out of the TV and Earl Scruggs's banjo style hooked Béla's interest immediately. It wasn't until his grandfather bought him a banjo in September 0f 1973 that it became his full time passion.
About the NY Banjo Summit: Many of the world's most influential bluegrass banjo players - all with ties to New York State - will unite to perform in a concert that will find the banjo being performed in both conventional and unexpected ways. In performances ranging from solos and duets to full-tilt banjo blowouts with all the players and an acoustic band, the concert stage will range from the traditional backdrop of bluegrass and old-time country music to the more unconventional banjo genres including jazz, classical, and rock music. Banjo mastermind, Béla Fleck will be joined by Tony Trischka, Bill Keith, Richie Stearns, Eric Weissberg, and Noam Pikelny.
To view the participating artists' full Bios,click here
If you love quality rock music, then you will certainly have heard Steve Hackett’s work on some of the greatest songs of the past four decades. Whether with Genesis, GTR or on his solo output, the man has been a giant of the prog genre.
His guitar style and range has been both innovative and inspirational and he’s most definitely among the greats on the instrument, as you can tell by listening back to Genesis classics like ‘Firth Of Fifth’, ‘Supper’s Ready’ or ‘The Musical Box’. His sense of drama and diversity was accentuated by a desire to try different ideas, something that’s still true. In fact, he used the famed finger tapping technique a few years before Eddie Van Halen, which was readily acknowledged by the latter.
“It was a way of playing guitar fast and keeping up with keyboard players,” he laughs, recalling how finger tapping began for him when trying to play Bach’s ‘Toccata And Fugue In D Minor’.
The success he enjoyed with Genesis on six acclaimed studio albums allowed Hackett to subsequently become a consummate and powerful artist in his own right. All you have to do is check out the breadth and depth of the music on his solo records to appreciate that the man has grasped the opportunity to be in control of his own destiny. To create impassioned music that has never become rooted in clichés or stuck in a rut.
And Hackett, a master songwriter as well as being a supreme musician, has also worked smoothly with other top names. He teamed up with guitarist Steve Howe of Yes fame in GTR, releasing one self-titled album that was a big seller. He’s also continued a Yes connection by recently forming Squackett, with bassist Chris Squire.
From classical to jazz to rock to world music, Hackett has spanned the spectrum of what’s possible, in the process proving to be a big influence on Brian May, Eddie Van Halen and Rush’s Alex Lifeson to name but three. And, over the past few years, he’s enjoyed a purple passage of creativity, leading to the release of some of the finest albums in his distinguished career.
His latest album basks in the title of ‘Genesis Revisited II’. A follow-up to 1996’s ‘Genesis Revisited’, as the title suggests, it sees the guitarist reinterpreting the golden era of the great band – one in which he was crucially involved – while also remaining true to the original spirit which produced such a remarkable string of timeless songs.
1. A rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause.
With arching melodies, epic guitar riffs and rhythms inciting you to put your hands in the air, anthems give us a soundtrack to life's defining moments. And for HANSON, their sixth studio album ANTHEM marks the beginning of their third decade of making music together.
Over their first 20 years, brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have made their mark. Five years building a fanbase as an independent band led to a meteoric rise with the 1997 international smash single MMMBop from their debut album Middle Of Nowhere. A long line of hits, four more studio albums, multiple Grammy nominations and over 16 million album sales followed. Over their second decade, the band chartered their own course running an independent label while maintaining a coveted connection with their global fanbase, and in 2007 they launched a grassroots campaign to support poverty and HIV/AIDS relief in Africa (TakeTheWalk.net).
Set for release in the US in June followed by worldwide release and a coordinated wourld tour, the band's sixth studio album ANTHEM is an album that celebrates the power of music to ignite passion and bring people together.
Drew Carey is a stand-up comic turned actor and producer who had the distinction of having two hit shows simultaneously: the long-running comedy "The Drew Carey Show," which ran from 1995-2004, and the improv/sketch show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" on which he was host and producer. The success if that show led to the creation of "Drew Carey's Improv All-Stars," an improv troupe that performs in showrooms across the country. In July 2007, Carey was named the host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, succeeding longtime host Bob Barker.
While in Marine Reserves, his military buzz cut and black wide-rim glasses became part of his trademark look. He began his successful career as a comedian in April of 1986 at the Cleveland Comedy Club. One of his first big breaks was competing on "Star Search '88."
In 1991, Carey landed a spot on HBO's "14th Annual Young Comedians Special" and appeared on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." Carey landed his own television development deal at DIsney, which led to an opportunity for Carey to co-star in the series "The Good Life." Carey also had the opportunity to work with Bruce Helford, who was a consulting writer on the series and hired Carey as a staff writer for "The Gaby Hoffman Show." Their experience led the two of them to decide to co-create a series for Carey. Carey went on to star in his own comedy special for Showtime, "Drew Carey: Human Cartoon" and performed in Showtime's "Tenth Anniversary of the Montreal Comedy Festival."
Carey was born in Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in Los Angeles. His birthdate is May 23. Follow Carey on twitter @DrewFromTV and @TPIRhost.