RASCAL FLATTS WRAP REWIND TOUR 2014 &
PERFORM ON THE VIEW THIS WEEK
 

35–City Summer Trek Culminates in Northeast

 

Photo Credit: Todd Owyoung 
 

NASHVILLE, TN (October 6, 2014) – Continuing to prove why they are synonymous with massive live shows, RASCAL FLATTS (Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney) will bring their high-octane REWIND TOUR 2014 to the Northeast for its final leg this weekend. Fans can also catch the Supergroup on ABC’s The View this Friday (10/10) at 11:00A ET / 10:00A CT/PT when they perform “Payback” – from their chart-topping ninth studio album REWIND (Big Machine Records) – and chat with hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell, Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez.

This summer’s 35-city trek will culminate with stops at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Friday (10/10) and Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ on Saturday (10/11) with opening act The Swon Brothers.

Highlights along the way have included:

“Rascal Flatts open 'Rewind' tour with high energy and loose feel.”
– ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

“…delivered an electrifying performance that was the perfect way to kick off summer.”
– THE SUN CHRONICLE
 
“This is a band that’s always [pretty good if not] brilliant…I defy you to sit through a Rascal Flatts concert unmoved by the sheer giddiness of the fans around you...”
– DALLAS MORNING NEWS
 
“Rascal Flatts knows how to put on an arena show.”
– THE PRESS ENTERPRISE
 
“For 90 minutes, one of the most popular groups in mainstream country kept the pavilion and lawn crowds on their feet, dancing and especially singing along.”
– THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER 

“The whole place was on its feet, singing every word, and getting wild…”
– THE BROWARD/PALM BEACH NEW TIMES

Also making a grand entrance and reason to celebrate during the tour was the birth of Devon Olivia, Joe Don Rooney and wife Tiffany Fallon’s third child.

The best-selling Country vocal group of the past decade has sold over 22.8 million albums and over 29 million digital downloads since their musical debut in 2000. Rascal Flatts have delivered 15 #1 singles to the top of the charts, including the gold-certified title track from their latest album REWIND, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart, distinguishing them as one of only four acts during the SoundScan era to have eight consecutive studio albums debut in the top spot. Rascal Flatts has earned over 40 trophies from the ACAs, ACMs, AMAs, CMAs, People's Choice Awards and more. In 2012, Rascal Flatts reached a new career milestone with over 7 million concert tickets sold.

RASCALFLATTS.COM

Join the excitement on Twitter with @RascalFlatts and @theviewtv

Earth, Wind & Fire and Legacy Recordings Celebrate the Season with Holiday, the Iconic Group's First-Ever Holiday Album  

 

Featuring Seasonal Standards, Traditional Carols and Future Holiday Classics, Available Everywhere Tuesday, October 21 

Legacy Recordings is proud to announce the release of Holiday, the first-ever holiday album from the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire on Tuesday, October 21. Available for pre-order at: http://smarturl.it/EWF_HOL_amzn.

Holiday is a spirited celebration of the holiday season, bringing together brand new recordings of  seasonal standards ("Winter Wonderland," "The Little Drummer Boy," "Sleigh Ride," "Jingle Bell Rock"), beloved carols ("Joy to the World," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," "What Child Is This?," "Away in a Manger," "The First Noel"), a traditional Japanese winter song ("Snow"), a modern day Christmas song ("Every Day Is Like Christmas") and future Earth, Wind & Fire classics: "Happy Seasons" (inspired by "Happy Feelin'), and "December" (inspired by "September") featuring original vocals from Maurice White.
Lead vocalist and Earth, Wind & Fire co-founder Philip Bailey says, "This album is the band's first and only holiday music project. We are very proud to offer it as a labor of love to all of our fans and soon to be. Enjoy and happy holidays from our families to all of yours."
"The Holiday album was a joy to record, it is a celebration of tradition, love and spirituality, some of the elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. From our families to yours, we wish you a happy holiday," said EWF's co-founder Verdine White.
Produced by Philip Bailey and Myron McKinley (the band's Musical Director), Holiday is Earth, Wind & Fire's 21st studio album and second for Legacy Recordings.  Now, Then & Forever, the group's first new album for the label and first new studio material since 2005, debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200 upon its release in September 2013, marking the band's highest-charting album since Raise! hit #5 in 1981.
Earth, Wind & Fire
Holiday
1. Joy to the World
2. Happy Seasons
3. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
4. Winter Wonderland
5. What Child Is This?
6. Away In a Manger
7. The Little Drummer Boy
8. Every Day Is Like Christmas
9. The First Noel
10. Sleigh Ride
11. Snow
12. Jingle Bell Rock
13. December
About Earth, Wind & FireAmerica's seventh top-selling musical group of all-time, Earth, Wind & Fire was born in Chicago in 1969 and is still going strong in its fifth decade, making music that crosses years and decades and now connects the 20th and 21st centuries.  Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Earth, Wind & Fire has earned eight Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards alongside numerous other accolades including the prestigious Soul Train Legend Award.  EWF has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and is consistently one of the world's top touring bands.
About Legacy RecordingsThe multiple Grammy-winning Legacy Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment's catalog division, produces and maintains the world's foremost catalog of historic reissues, an unparalleled compendium of thousands of digitally remastered archival titles representing virtually every musical genre including popular, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, folk, country, gospel, Broadway musicals, movie soundtracks, ethnic, world music, classical, comedy and more.
www.earthwindandfire.com
www.facebook.com/earthwindandfire
www.legacyrecordings.com

 

Tony Bennett And Lady Gaga's Cheek To Cheek At No. 1 On The Billboard 200, Jazz Album And Traditional Jazz Album Charts  

 

Bennett Breaks Personal Record By Remaining Oldest Artist to Debut at #1 on Billboard 200 at the Age of 88; Gaga Scores Third Consecutive #1 Album

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's widely acclaimed jazz album, Cheek To Cheek, debuted at no. 1 this week on the Billboard 200 Album and hits #1 on the Jazz Album and Traditional Jazz Album Charts. Released September 23rd on Streamline/Columbia/Interscope Records, Cheek To Cheek has received extensive widespread critical praise around the world, including such leading publications as USA TODAY ("an epic musical mashup"), ROLLING STONE ("Gaga has real chemistry with Bennett"), PEOPLE ("An unlikely pairing results in beautiful music on this album of jazz standards. [Gaga] is a revelation."), THE TIMES OF LONDON ("crooning nirvana") and the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES ("A musical match made in jazz/standards heaven.")
With the release of Cheek to Cheek, Bennett breaks his own record, set in 2011 when DUETS II debuted at #1 at the age of 85.  Now at 88, Bennett remains the oldest artist in music industry history to have an album on the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. Cheek To Cheek marks Lady Gaga's third consecutive #1 album release in just over three years; this is the second time in Bennett's career that he has had an album debut at #1 in both Billboard's Pop and Jazz Album charts.  Two tracks released prior to the album, the Cole Porter classic "Anything Goes", and the Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields standard "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", both debuted at  #1 on Billboard's Digital Jazz charts. 
Cheek To Cheek features classic jazz standards sung by Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett in a combination of vocal duets and solo performances.  Each song was handpicked by the artists, and the album features classic selections from the Great American Songbook including "Anything Goes," "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Sophisticated Lady,"  "Lush Life," and the record's title track, "Cheek To Cheek." Recorded in New York City, the record took over a year to complete and features jazz musicians associated with both artists including members of Bennett's quartet, Mike Renzi, Gray Sargent, Harold Jones and Marshall Wood as well pianist Tom Lanier.  Jazz trumpeter Brian Newman, a long-time friend and colleague of Lady Gaga appears on the album as well with his NYC based jazz quintet. Jazz soloists on selected tracks include tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, trumpeter George Rabbai and flutist Paul Horn, who passed away in July.
Upcoming highlights of the Cheek To Cheek campaign include:

• "But Beautiful" live performance video to be available on VEVO today at http://vevo.ly/dM8vYV
• Lady Gaga first cover appearance on jazz magazine DOWNBEAT sent to subscribers this week; Cover marks Bennett's sixth appearance on the magazine
• Great Performances TV special, "Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek LIVE!", debuts on PBS on October 24 at  9 pm ET (check local listings)

Photo credit:  Alex Vanhee
SOURCE Interscope Records

Old Rock House announces three new shows

Mom's Kitchen (A Tribute to Widespread Panic)

Tuesday, October 21st (late show)

Doors 11pm
$8 Advance $10 Day of Show

18+

http://youtu.be/CPyFcWIJUI4

Mom's Kitchen is the nation’s premier Widespread Panic tribute band. Formed in the winter of 2010 in St. Louis, MO the band built up their reputation early and often. Keeping true to Widespread Panic as much as possible they try to portray each song the way it was intended all the while exploring the vast amounts of space inside each melody to put their own mark on that signature sound. Night after night their set lists are never the same; it is truly an experience that can't be explained.

Royal Southern Brotherhood

Tuesday, December 16th

Doors 7pm Show 8pm
$22 Advance $25 Day of Show

All Ages

http://youtu.be/xwK1vog5mZU

The Brotherhood are back. Some might say they’ve never been away. Two years have passed since 2012’s self-titled debut album, but the genre-splicing all-star Southerners have barely paused for breath. There’s been the roof-raising world tour, taking in twenty-plus countries. But HeartSoulBlood is the big one. The main event. The comeback special. Released 2014 on Ruf Records, this much-anticipated second studio album is set to rubber-stamp Royal Southern Brotherhood’s reputation as the boldest creative force in the game, and give an adrenalin-shot to the band’s setlist as they scorch the tarmac this summer.

Trampled Under Foot

Friday, December 26th

Doors 7pm Show 8pm

$10 Advance $12 Day of Show

All Ages

http://youtu.be/d5GC1ufe6Pw

Siblings Danielle and Nick Schnebelen have a life-long connection with the blues.  Growing up in Kansas City, MO, they soaked up the music of their parents, who were active in the thriving blues scene.  Trampled Under Foot was originally formed as a family band consisting of Danielle, Nick and Kris Schnebelen.  The trio headed to Memphis in 2008 for the IBC and walked away from the competition with First Place honors.  Riding the wave of support following the IBC, Trampled Under Foot was ready to take their style of power blues/rock to audiences around the world.  After a series of headlining tours and stand out performances at blues festivals across the globe, TUF earned the reputation as one of the hottest bands on the blues circuit. 

www.facebook.com/oldrockhouse

www.twitter.com/oldrockhousestl

http://instagram.com/old_rock_house_stl

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^®

PRESENTS LEGENDS^SM

^{AT SCOTTRADE CENTER IN ST. LOUIS, OCTOBER 17, 18 & 19}

Iconic Ringling Bros.^® Stars 

Meet Fabled Mythological Creatures

At The Place Where Legends Live - 

The Greatest Show On Earth^®

St. Louis, MO - October 3, 2014 - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS, an all-new edition that unites iconic circus stars with living mythological creatures in a celebration of the LEGENDS that have captured imaginations for centuries.  Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on his quest to discover real, living legends from around the world and presents Paulo's fantastic discoveries to circus fans everywhere.

Shows take place at the Scottrade Center, Friday, October 17, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, October 18, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 19, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.  Tickets begin at $17.  Visit www.Ticketmaster.com or dial 800-745-3000 to purchase by phone. Tickets also may be purchased at the Scottrade Center box office at 1401 Clark in downtown St. Louis.

An hour before show time, families can come to the arena floor and participate in interactive, up-close circus experiences, the All-Access Pre-show and the brand new Ringmaster Zone. 

Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show allows circus fans to learn juggling and balancing skills, meet the performers of The Greatest Show On Earth, get autographs, take photos and enter to win a one-of-a-kind Pachyderm Painting. 

For the ultimate circus fan experience, the producers have created a new, exclusive, intimate experience: the Ringmaster Zone. A combined value with the best seats in the house, the Ringmaster Zone offers families an unprecedented look behind the curtain of The Greatest Show On Earth. Fans have the opportunity to walk on the Ringling Red Carpet with Ringmaster Jonathan Lee Iverson and the stars of the show, step inside the Globe of Steel, take photos on the ringmaster's float and have an up-close elephant encounter.

  "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is where legends live, and we constantly ask our audiences to believe in the unbelievable.  For this edition we've combined a number of mythical themes and stories into a lavish production of sight and sound unlike any show we have ever created," says Producer Nicole Feld.

Mythology meets reality as Paulo encounters the wondrous Pegasus and the amazing Unicorn, as well as circus legends such as big cat presenter Alexander Lacey; the Riders of the Wind Cossack horsemen; and motorcycle daredevils, the Torres Family.  They all come together along with a cast spanning 25 countries in a spectacular production.

Experience magnificent Asian elephants, a twenty-acrobat troupe perched atop only a pair of bicycles, and a never-before-seen double-wide, high-flying trapeze act.

"A legend is something so magical and larger than life that once you see it, you never forget it.  The talent in this show is unprecedented and embodies the name LEGENDS," says Producer Alana Feld.  "My sister and I were speechless when we saw these acts the first time.  We searched the world for the best of the best and put them together in an unforgettable show."

The extraordinary talent that can only be seen at Ringling Bros  Present LEGENDS includes:

• Hailing from Great Britain, Alexander Lacey's special bond with lions, tigers and a majestic leopardallow him to present a legendary mixed cat display that has garnered him awards from the renowned International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo and The Festival International du Cirque de Massy (France). With each performance, Lacey demonstrates his lifetime dedication to training and caring for these beautiful animals as he showcases their natural agility, strength and the unconditional respect and cooperation they share.
  

• The Riders of the Wind thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses and are the protectors of the mythological Pegasus and Unicorn.  These speeding daredevil Cossack riders display their strength and amazing dexterity as they perform intricate maneuvers, including a remarkable five-man high pyramid, while galloping at more than 25 miles per hour in a 46-foot-diameter, specially-designed ring.
• From Paraguay, the fearless Torres Family shatters records and dares to achieve the impossible by putting seven family members, including one female rider, on speeding motorcycles inside the Globe of Steel. Once locked inside the 16-foot globe, they will orbit at an unprecedented 65 miles per hour with only six inches to spare between each rider, avoiding collision by relying on their rigorous accuracy and confidence in each other.
• An elite super-group of high-flying trapeze artists from the U.S., Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico, The Solar Hawks present a never-before-seen double-wide flying trapezeact designed specifically for The Greatest Show On Earth. This dream team exhibits precision, stamina, strength and perfect form while attempting four consecutive triple somersaults with only seconds between each release.
• The Chinese National Acrobatic Troupe from Beijing impresses audiences with a number of diverse acts that include fast-paced hoop diving through astonishingly tall and impossibly narrow hoops, an elegant rolling ballet on bicycles where acrobats perform feats and build an incredible pyramid and breathtaking pole climbers executing flips and twists accompanied by traditional, dancing Chinese lions.
• Also hailing from China, the Jade Statues come to life in a graceful display combining elegant choreography, precise timing and coordination with jaw-dropping diablo juggling skills. The spinning diablos dance in the air like synchronized fountains and are caught by these masterful artists in a unique and memorable performance.
• A heartwarming presentation of showmanship with an animal menagerie ranging from ten to 10,000 pounds can only be found at Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS. Treasured Ringling Bros. Asian Elephants, from the largest herd in North America, are presented in an incredible spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere but at Ringling Bros. Other legendary animals from almost every continent include North American rescue dogs, donkeys from Europe, pigs from Asia, llamas from South America, kangaroos from Australia and a special surprise...Woolly the Mammoth.
• Under the baton of bandleader Wages Argott, the dynamic, nine-piece Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Band performs an original score of over 200 pieces of music arranged by award-winning Hollywood and Broadway composers.

To design Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS, producers Nicole Feld and Alana Feld assembled a creative team whose special story-telling experience forms the foundation for a circus worthy of the LEGENDS it represents. 

Rye Mullis (Director) - Mullis returns to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey asDirector of LEGENDS. Previously, he was part of the creative team for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Built To Amaze!^SM, BARNUM BASH^SM,  Bellobration^SM, OVER THE TOP, and BARNUM 200^SM. Other notable production credits include Disney's The Cheetah Girls, Yanni Voices Tour, American Dance and Disney's Imagination Movers Tour. Mullis' stage experiences include performances in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein The Musical, Curtains and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Bonnie Landrum (Writer) - Landrum brings her talents in comedy and storytelling to this production. Her writing credits include Nickelodeon's The Troop, Six Degrees, Veronica's Closet, Malcolm in the Middle, Friends and others. Stanley Meyer (Production Designer) - Meyer's critically acclaimed work includes the smash-hit Broadway show Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the outdoor spectacular productions of Peter Pan's Neverland at Universal Studios Japan and SeaWorld's Blue Horizon. Meyer's credits also include recent Feld Entertainment productions Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents BARNUM 200^SM and Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream.

Amy Clark (Costume Designer) - A veteran of Ringling Bros. productions, Clark leads the costume team to bring LEGENDS to life. Her theatre credits include A Night with Janis Joplin (Broadway), Chaplin (Broadway), Show Boat, The Little Mermaid and many others.

Jim Dooley (Score Composer) - Dooley is an Emmy-winning composer/songwriter well known in film, television and video game circles. In 2013, Dooley was honored with Academy Award nominations for the animated short Maggie Simpson in The Longest Daycare and the live action short The Buzkashi Boys. Dooley also was a composer, arranger and orchestrator on such notable features as Columbia Pictures' The Da Vinci Code, Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, DreamWorks' The Ring, and many others.

Lucian Piane (Music Composer) - Piane's work includes composing credits for feature films such as Team America, Rumor Has It, the Broadway show Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and the 76^th Annual Academy Awards. Piane received his first RIAA Platinum Album Award for his production work on New Line Record's Grammy-nominated soundtrack to the feature film Hairspray.

Michael Himelstein (Lyricist) - Himelstein is a three-time Emmy-nominated songwriter whose television and film credits include Shrek, The Sopranos, Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show.  Himelstein has written lyrics for eight editions of Ringling Bros.

 
Kevin Wilson & Marcel Wilson (Choreographers) - The Wilson brothers' choreographic style is a fusion of jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and musical theatre. They have worked with artists such as Mariah Carey, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Juan Luis Guerra, Paulina Rubio and others. Their work has been seen on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, America's Got Talent, Your Chance To Dance, Nickelodeon's Halo Awards, The Miss Universe Pageant, the film Rock Of Ages and more.

Abigail Rosen Holmes (Lighting Designer) Holmes has been responsible for lighting design for concert, film, television, corporate buildings and architecture. She has designed for The Cure, Cher, Janet Jackson, Peter Gabriel and many others. Her television and film lighting includes Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus 3D Concert Film, Martina McBride/PBS Great Performances, Shakira's Oral Fixation and Roger Waters' The Wall.

Darrel Maloney (Video and Production Designer)

Maloney has designed for broadcast, commercials, film and theatre. His projection and video designs for Broadway include Green Day's American Idiot, St. James Theatre, A Night With Janis Joplin, Lyceum Theatre, and more.

For the national tour schedule and to find out more about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS, visit Ringling.com and follow us on Twitter @RinglingBros and @NicoleFeld. Search RinglingBros and like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and watch us on YouTube.

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, NuclearCowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information on Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

Chelsea Handler to Answer Fan Questions for Exclusive SiriusXM "Town Hall" Special Hosted by Dave Grohl 

 SiriusXM announced today that comedian Chelsea Handler will sit down for an intimate Q&A session with a select group of SiriusXM listeners and Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl as part of SiriusXM's "Town Hall" series on Monday, October 6.

"SiriusXM Town Hall with Chelsea Handler" will feature Handler answering questions about her career, as well as her Netflix special "Uganda Be Kidding Me Live," which is scheduled to premiere on October 10. 
"SiriusXM's Town Hall with Chelsea Handler" will air on Thursday, October 9 at 6:00 pm ET, via satellite on Entertainment Weekly Radio, via satellite on channel 105 and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. The "Town Hall" will also air on SiriusXM Raw Dog Comedy Hits, channel 99. For rebroadcast times, please visit www.siriusxm.com/townhall.
"I have been doing stand up for 15 years and this is the first time I have ever taped a special. When you meet the right lover, you will bend over backwards for them. And that's why I asked Dave Grohl to host my SiriusXM Town Hall," said Chelsea Handler.​
"The woman who brought rock and roll to late night talk shows sits down with one of rock's great performers, only at SiriusXM," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. "This is what the best Town Halls are: a mix of high octane personalities talking directly with their fans only inches away."
"SiriusXM's Town Hall with Chelsea Handler" is part of SiriusXM's "Town Hall" series, featuring iconic entertainers and figures sitting down with studio audiences of SiriusXM listeners. Previous SiriusXM "Town Hall" specials have featured Bruce Springsteen, Billy Crystal, Quentin Tarantino, Carol Burnett, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, KISS, Seth MacFarlane, Coldplay, Tony Bennett, Ringo Starr, Eminem, Cher, Taylor Swift, Hugh Jackman, Katy Perry, Roger Waters, the surviving members of Nirvana, Gregg Allman, Usher and Patti Labelle.
After the broadcast, "SiriusXM's Town Hall with Chelsea Handler" will be available on SiriusXM On Demand for subscribers listening via the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other mobile devices or online at siriusxm.com. Visit www.siriusxm.com/ondemand for more info on SiriusXM On Demand.
For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com.

Steve Martin To Receive 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award  

 

America's Highest Honor for a Career in Film to be Presented June 4, 2015

Tribute will Air on TNT in June 2015, and Encore on Turner Classic Movies 

Sir Howard Stringer, Chair of the American Film Institute's Board of Trustees, announced today the Board's decision to honor Steve Martin with the 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor for a career in film.  The award will be presented to Martin at a gala tribute in Los Angeles, CA on June 4, 2015.  The 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award tribute special will return for its third year on TNT when it airs in June 2015, followed by encore presentations on sister network Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

"Steve Martin is an American original," said Stringer.  "From a wild and crazy stand-up comic to one who stands tall among the great figures in this American art form, he is a multi-layered creative force bound by neither convention nor caution. His work is defined by him alone, for he is the author – and a national treasure whose work has stuck with us like an arrow in the head.  AFI is proud to present him with its 43rd Life Achievement Award."
One of the most diversified performers and acclaimed artists of his generation, Steve Martin is an actor, comedian, author, playwright, screenwriter, producer and musician. Recipient of an Emmy^®, four Grammy^® Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor and an Honorary Oscar^®, Martin first rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian and quickly established himself as a leading man with a body of work defined by his unique creative voice.
Martin began his career writing for THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR – and in 1969, won an Emmy^® for his work.  Through the 1970s, he appeared on a number of memorable TV shows – including iconic spots on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE – as well as comedy essays and albums.  The big screen beckoned. Martin's first film was a seven-minute short he wrote and starred in, THE ABSENT-MINDED WAITER. The film was nominated for an Academy Award^® for Best Short Film, Live Action in 1977. In 1979, he had a breakout role as the sweet and clueless "Navin Johnson" in THE JERK (which Martin also co-wrote).  It was a perfect showcase for his distinct comedic sensibilities – earnest, innocent and absurd – and it launched him into the zeitgeist.  PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (1981) followed, and he went on to become a bankable big-screen star, with distinct roles in films such as DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID (1982), THE MAN WITH TWO BRAINS (1983), THREE AMIGOS! (1986), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1986) and DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (1988) – while also embodying an endearing everyman in ALL OF ME (1984), PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (1987), ROXANNE (1987) and FATHER OF THE BRIDE parts I and II (1991, 1995).  He proved himself more than just a funnyman in bittersweet ensemble works including PARENTHOOD (1989), GRAND CANYON (1991), L.A. STORY (1991) and SHOPGIRL (2005) – a film which he wrote based on his own novella of the same name.
In addition to his beloved film credits and his successful writing career, Martin is also an accomplished musician. Martin recently premiered his new musical BRIGHT STAR, at the Old Globe Theater featuring original music by Martin and songwriter Edie Brickell, inspired by their Grammy^® Award-winning collaboration "Love Has Come For You." 
http://www.afi.com

 

Jazz St. Louis Opens to the World  
$10 million jazz performance and education center celebrates grand opening 

Friday night St. Louis was at the center of the jazz world, as jazz legends, community and corporate leaders, jazz enthusiasts and VIPs gathered at Jazz at the Bistro to celebrate the grand opening of the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz. The grand opening celebration was underwritten by World Wide Technology and featured world renowned Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Already known as one of the best and longest running not-for-profit jazz organizations in the country, Jazz St. Louis hit a high note with its new state-of-the art live performance venue with livestreaming capabilities, education center, jazz lounge and staff headquarters.
"We need to celebrate our rich heritage and focus on the things that unite us," said Dave Steward, Chairman and Co-Founder of World Wide Technology. "The Arts are a powerful tool that we can use to bring our community together, and no other does it more than Jazz. I'm so proud of the new Jazz St. Louis and call on the entire community to support it to make St. Louis the prominent center for jazz in the world."
The $10 million capital campaign kicked off in August 2013 and thanks to the support and generosity of David & Thelma Steward, John & Alison Ferring, Centene Corporation, Ken & Nancy Kranzberg, Emerson, Richard & Josephine Weil, the Jazz St. Louis Board of Directors, and other jazz patrons, in excess of $6.7 million has been raised to date, allowing this new venue to open on time and within budget. The remaining $3.3 million is currently being raised through the public phase of the on-going capital campaign. Through continued donations, the on-going capital campaign gives the entire St. Louis community and worldwide jazz community the opportunity to ensure the future of Jazz St. Louis' operations and educational pursuits.
The 20^th season of the Jazz at the Bistro concert series kicks off in conjunction with the grand opening. Subscriptions for the upcoming 2014-15 Season are already up over 50% from last year, and the success of the new Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz is taking shape. The center located at 3536 Washington Avenue in Grand Center projects that by 2017, attendance will double and the economic impact to the St. Louis region will reach over $3.9 million. The impact will also be felt around the world as people will be able to experience concerts via audio and video recording and online streaming.
The re-designed Ferring Jazz Bistro is home to the Jazz at the Bistro concert series. Amenities include:

• seating for 200, expanding capacity 34% from the previous club space
• unobstructed views of the entire stage with no seat more than 45 feet away from center stage, enhancing the intimate feeling for the audience and artists
• fully accessible facility with ground level entrance and elevator

The new Centene Jazz Education Center is the most advanced and comprehensive facility in the country, which will enhance Jazz St. Louis' education programs, which have already reached more than 140,000 students since the year 2000 through in-school performances and master classes, youth concerts, student ensembles, and more.  The new education center will house:

• two large rehearsal studios
• a recording studio that will also be connected to the Bistro to serve as a resource to record and live stream performances on the internet and broadcast over radio
• six soundproof practice rooms
• a resource room featuring computers loaded with music, composition software, and more
• student lounge

And the brand new Nancy's Jazz Lounge located next door to the Bistro seats up to 60 and features a large video wall that will simulcast the Bistro's live performances.
For the first time ever Jazz St. Louis livestreamed the inaugural performances from the Bistro making Jazz accessible to a worldwide audience. They look forward to the opportunity to live stream future performances.
About Jazz St. Louis Jazz St. Louis advances the uniquely American art of jazz through live performance, education, and outreach. Each year, this non-profit organization presents over 270 performances in its internationally-acclaimed Jazz at the Bistro concert series. Jazz St. Louis takes a three-pronged approach to its work: presenting jazz, encouraging and educating future audiences, and nurturing budding musicians. For more information about Jazz St. Louis, visit www.jazzstl.org or www.facebook.com/jazzstl.

Larry’s Country Diner promises a refreshing October lineup: Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy, CMA-winning songstress Deana Carter, Bluegrass act Mountain Faith, and balladeer Collin Raye
 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – "Larry's Country Diner," the down-home variety program produced by Gabriel Communications that draws over 1.5 million loyal viewers each month on RFD-TV and FamilyNet, continues to serve up hearty laughs and great music that will leave you thirsty for more!  "Larry’s Country Diner" promises a refreshing October lineup: Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy, CMA-winning songstress Deana Carter, Bluegrass act Mountain Faith, and balladeer Collin Raye. For more information on "Larry's Country Diner" please visit larryscountrydiner.com.

Each week in October, you can catch Larry and the gang on the RFD-TV network, as well as FamilyNet**:

Week of:
October 4: Charlie McCoy
October 11: Deana Carter
October 18: Mountain Faith
October 25: Collin Raye

"Larry's Country Diner" airs Saturday nights at 11 P.M ET/10 P.M. CT and Sunday evenings at 7 P.M. ET/6 P.M. CT on RFD-TV. "Larry's Country Diner" also airs on FamilyNet (check local listings for airtimes in your area). All lineups and schedules are subject to change.

"Larry's Country Diner" has captured the hearts of consumers across the nation, regularly earning top primetime ratings for viewership with ages 50+ [Nielsen]. Fervent fans and the shows' growing popularity have led to a multiple-year waiting list to be a part of the studio audience.

Charlie McCoy was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia, and while growing up, he played in a band with future country legend Johnny Paycheck. He moved to Nashville in the 1960s, and became one of the most sought-after instrumentalists in town. His first session was Ann-Margret’s “I Just Don’t Understand.” His harmonica work has also graced recordings from Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. He was a crucial part of such classics as “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” In 1972, McCoy scored a rarity with 1972’s Good Time Charlie, which topped the Billboard Country Albums chart. McCoy has been featured on such television series as Music City Tonight and Hee Haw, where he served as Music Director. McCoy was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

Music has always been a part of Deana Carter’s life – long before she became a recording artist, as the daughter of legendary musician Fred Carter. A graduate of Hendersonville High School, Carter once dated future Desperate Housewives star Jamie Denton. She signed with Capitol Nashville in the mid1990s, hitting the top of the charts with her 1996 debut “Strawberry Wine,” which won the CMA Single of The Year trophy. Future hits included “We Danced Anyway” and “There’s No Limit.” Carter’s current album is titled 2013’s Southern Way of Life.

Comprised of Sam McMahan, Luke Dotson, Dustin Norris, Summer McMahan, and Brayden McMahan, Mountain Faith has carved out a spot as one of the most-respected acts in the business. They successfully blend the traditions of the past as well as the energy of today with their combination of Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, and R&B. A fan favorite on the road, they play to packed houses in concert at theatres as well as theme parks such as Dollywood. They have also been consistent award winners from SPBGMA, as well. Their most recent recording project is Battlefield.

Arkansas-born Collin Raye burst upon the Country Music scene in 1991 with “All I Can Be (Is A Sweet Memory),” and soon found himself at the top of the charts with such hits as “Love, Me” “In This Life,” and “Not That Different.” Six of his releases have been certified Gold, with three also going Platinum. 2014 has seen no letdown in his creativity, with the release of Still On The Line: The Songs of Glen Campbell, as his autobiography A Voice Undefeated.

ABOUT "LARRY'S COUNTRY DINER":
"Larry's Country Diner" is a unique down-home variety show which integrates interviews and music in an entertaining weekly format, taped LIVE in front of a studio audience in a country diner setting. The show features regular characters including Larry Black, Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps, Waitress Renae and avid church gossip, Nadine along with special guest appearances by country music artists of yesterday and today.  Since its initial airing on August 3, 2009, "Larry's Country Diner" has produced over 100 episodes and has become one of the most popular shows on RFD-TV, garnering 1.5 million viewers monthly. The show can also be seen on FamilyNet, check your local listings. For more information, please visit larryscountrydiner.com.

"Larry’s Country Diner" is a product of Gabriel Communications. Owned and operated by longtime disc jockey Larry Black, Gabriel Communications was created in 1996 and specialized in "Reunion" videos. The success of these videos spurred the creation of more than a dozen more "Country's Family Reunion" projects, featuring hundreds of songs and stories as well as Country’s Family Reunion News, a monthly newspaper which highlights the music of yesteryear. For more information on "Country's Family Reunion" products, please visit: cfrvideos.com.

Due to Overwhelming Demand, 

Additional Dates are Scheduled for:

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

At St. Louis Union Station

New, Themed Dining Experiences

At The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree By Hilton

Add to the Holiday Fun

Due to overwhelming demand, St. Louis Union Station announces that additional dates have been scheduled for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, and new themed dining options are now available in the newly reinvented Grand Hall.

Excursions on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride have been added on Thursday, December 4; Thursday, December 18; Monday, December 22; Tuesday, December 23; Monday, December 29; and Tuesday, December 30.  Previously announced excursions will take place beginning Saturday, November 22 and continuing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 28. The magical story comes to life when real trains depart St. Louis Union Station at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. for a round-trip journey to the North Pole.  Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas on the train.

To purchase tickets, visit www.STLPolarExpressRide.com or dial 314-942-6942.  Coach tickets are $38, First Class tickets are $68, Premium Class tickets are $75 and Diamond Class tickets are $89.

HOTEL PACKAGES EXTEND THE EXPERIENCE

Hotel Packages, which include tickets on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, are now available at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton.

 Coach Class Packages, which include hotel accommodations, four tickets on the train, a souvenir Golden Ticket, hot chocolate and cookies, start at $229. A letter from Santa and a small bedtime treat complete the magical evening. Premium Class Packages include hotel accommodations, four premium-class seats on the train, four commemorative ceramic THE POLAR EXPRESS™ hot chocolate mugs, a Holiday Magic snow globe, and The Polar Express book, starting at $349. Guests also receive an in-room delivery of a letter from Santa and a small bedtime treat. A Diamond Class special packages offers all the amenities of the Premium Class Packages plus limited seating on the upper level of the Dome Car with larger than normal windows for viewing the train ride experience. 

The AAA Four Diamond St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton, is located in the National Historic Landmark St. Louis Union Station. Built in 1894, the station was once the largest and busiest rail center in America.  St. Louis Union Station is owned by Lodging Hospitality Management. The hotel has been named one of the world's top railway themed hotels by Condé Nast.

Dial 314-942-6942 for hotel packages or visit the hotel tab at www.STLPolarExpressRide.com.

FESTIVELY THEMED HOLIDAY MEALS

Holiday-themed meals featuring well-known characters have been added to the calendar at St. Louis Union Station.  Families will be served by Chef characters and will meet a Conductor and Santa's elves during the dinners.  

Dinners will be in Grand Hall and will include entertainment by a projection show featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™, face painting and photographs. The dinners will feature festive adult and children's buffets and are scheduled for 5, 6, and 8 p.m. with an elaborate holiday dessert buffet at 10 p.m. The dinner buffets and the dessert buffet will be priced at just $15. Themed dining experiences can be reserved online at www.STLPolarExpressRide.com with or without tickets on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride or as an add-on to already-purchased train excursions.  Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas during the events.

HOLIDAY MAGIC EVENTS AT ST. LOUIS UNION STATION

In addition to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, St. Louis Union Station will be the epicenter of seasonal celebrations with Holiday Magic entertainment events on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 through the end of December. The station's beautiful Grand Hall will be home to a spectacular, one-of-a-kind projection show featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™ on train excursion dates.

On November 22, the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, located in the plaza across Market Street from Union Station, will be illuminated during the Festival of Lights celebrations that include a stunning fireworks display and an appearance by Santa, who will be arriving at St. Louis Union Station by train.

Thanksgiving Day weekend, November 27-30, begins with the Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Thanksgiving Day Run on Thursday. Both events will be broadcast live at St. Louis Union Station. Throughout the weekend musical performances will take place throughout the station, a holiday model train display will thrill rail fans and a gingerbread house contest and Hall of Trees auction will add to Christmas cheer.

On December 13 and 14, events for the Hot Chocolate 15/5K Run will start at St. Louis Union Station. The race's VIP party, Saturday, December 13, features chocolate vendors, tastings and holiday events in the station's Midway. Sunday, participants run a route that begins and ends near the station and includes a chocolate stop along the race course.

ABOUT THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children's book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas - a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to St. Louis Union Station.  

Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events, Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Inc. Since 2005, Rail Events, Inc. has held the exclusive license to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

                                                 

THE POLAR EXPRESS Film

The Academy Award winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for THE POLAR EXPRESS, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg.  When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Sony Pictures Imageworks and visual effects supervisor Ken Ralston, Oscar winners for their innovative work, help bring the story vividly to the screen in full CG animation through Imageworks' next-generation motioncapture process that allows live-action performances to drive the emotions and movements of the digital characters. Warner Home Video will once again offer THE POLAR EXPRESS in standard-definition, Blu-ray and 3D DVD versions this holiday season.

                                                                       

THE POLAR EXPRESS Book

THE POLAR EXPRESS film is based on Chris Van Allburg's classic Christmas picture book, which tells the story of a boy who takes a magical Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa. First published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1985, The Polar Express became an instant family favorite and has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. In 1986 it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration.  

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Rail Events Inc.

Rail Events Inc. is the industry leader in rail-related special events management. In 2013, we hosted over 600,000 guests at 50 licensed events with 34 partner railroads in the US, Canada, and the UK. Rail Events Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Heritage Railways, which is the premier operator of heritage railroads in the United States.

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Future Home of George Jones Museum Announced 

 
Possum Legend, LLC Acquires 128 and 130 2nd Ave N in Downtown Nashville

– Nancy Jones announced recently that she will soon unveil plans to open the George Jones Museum.  The museum and event center will incorporate a gift shop, restaurant, event space and also a music venue.  At 128 and 130 N Second Avenue, the popular tourist destination formerly known as Graham Central Station, will become a four-story, 44,000 square foot immersion in the legend and legacy of George Glenn Jones.

"We are overjoyed to share George's legacy and memory with the Nashville community," said Nancy Jones. "We hope that this will draw George's friends and fans worldwide to our great city.  George and I made this our home, and he would be happy to know that we found a home to continue his legacy in the heart of Music City."

Designs are underway with imminent plans to reveal in detail all that will be offered at the museum.

For more information, please visit georgejones.com
 

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