Tag: Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey)

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 day 15 (part 1) – see it or skip it

Thursday was a remarkable day at Fringe, as we had time to pick up a couple extra shows, bringing our current total to 74 on our way to 85.  Tonight we close our show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) with a final performance at 7 p.m. at Studio/Stage.  Please come check us out, because we will not be extended.  In the meantime, here is part 1 of our reviews from Thursday.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Ed Goodman’s Ol’ Timey Brainwash

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Studio)

REVIEW:  Every once in a while you get lucky enough to see a master of improv at the top of his form.  Unfortunately, that was not this show.  The humor is dry, the timing was off, but it was still an interesting show, primarily for the M&Ms being passed around.  It became quite obvious why he was such a perfect fit for Revenge of the Root Beer.  Surprisingly enough, Goodman is a better musician than a talk show host.  That being said, Mark Twain would have warned us, “This show is rated RFS.”

RECOMMENDATION: This one is an acquired taste.  If your palate for comedy is not too refined, check out one of his two remaining performances on June 28 at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 at 4 p.m.  Tickets are available on their project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  A Bit Much

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  I met Stacy Dymalski last year when I saw her show The Other Side of that Razor Ribbon.  This year’s show revealed an entirely different side of her amazing life.  This one was more relatable, and filled with brilliant comedic moments.  She held the audience in the palm of her hand, and we will forever be changed by her willingness to make herself vulnerable.  The glaring lesson I learned was how stupid it is to try and hide who you are just to get people to like you.  If they can’t take you at face value, then they don’t deserve to be a part of your life.  Don’t sell yourself short.

RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no more performances of this show, but we recommend you check it out if and when she gets extended.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Becoming Peace

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  There have been quite a few politically charged shows at HFF19, but this one is unique among them.  It tells the story of the nonviolence movement started by Mahatma Gandhi and perfected by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  It is told in story and song, and will stay with you long after the final bow.  There is a lot of information contained in this show that will need to be properly digested, but suffice it to say that the knowledge gained may change your life or at least your outlook on life.

RECOMMENDATION: There are currently no more performances of this show, but we recommend you check it out if she gets extended.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 preview day 2 – see it or skip it

Day 2 was not as hectic as day 1, but just as enjoyable.   I worked my part-time job in the morning, then spent the afternoon writing reviews of the day 1 shows, as well as getting ready for my own preview performance last night.  One of my roommates at the Air BnB wanted to see the show, and wanted to spend some time discovering what the Fringe is.  Although he is the son of long-time Fringe reviewer Ken Worther, Angel Morales had never been to a Fringe show.  He made a great +1 for the evening, and got the chance to see what I do first-hand, including having dinner with one of my fringeships, Rasika Mathur.  Thanks for coming along.

TITLE OF SHOW: Uprooted:  A Tale of Navigating Turbulence to Find Home

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  Solo shows have always been one of my favorite forms of Fringe expression, and I review a multitude of them each year.  I love their honesty and triumphant story, and the bravery it takes to share these sometimes dark truths with the public.  During my nine years of reviewing Fringe shows, one director keeps popping up behind my favorite shows, and that is Jessica Lynn Johnson, who not coincidentally directed this show.  Vanessa Boss revealed so much in this show which was totally relatable and filled me with more hope that I was following the correct path.  What made her show so different was her use of mythological creatures to represent the different aspects of Boss’ psyche and bring her struggles to life so that we could all cheer as she made life-changing discoveries.  Although a bit slow at first, she soon hit her stride and kept the audience mesmerized with her beautiful storytelling.  Her audience interaction skills were likewise brilliant, enabling her to break the third wall without missing a beat.  It was the perfect show to prepare me for my own preview show that occurred later that night.  Thanks for a wonderful experience.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 12 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in May 2019

Everyone seemed to enjoy our list of singles yesterday, so we’re back today with our list of music videos, as Friday’s preview performance of Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) gets closer to fruition.  We hope to see you all at one of our performances on June 7, 16, 20, 23 or 28.  Click the link for tickets and more details.

We start things out with another outstanding hard rock band with a female vocalist that could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with Amy Lee.  We are blown away by Cold Kingdom and their lead singer Elissa Pearson, as demonstrated on the truly rocking “A New Disaster.”

Next up is the latest from Nashville rocker Kristen Dinsmore aka DINZY, who is tired of people that “Lie to Yourself.”  This girl can wail and we think we just may have found the next Avril Lavigne.

Our next video is for all the OG video game nerds, as it provides a truly Atari-level retro feel and perfectly captures the mood of the song.  Here’s LUV DOT GOV with “Helsinki.”

Video number four comes from the latest but possible the best Ariana Grande-influenced pop performer, that packs a healthy dose of Janet Jackson as well.  We think she has a huge future in this business, and can’t wait to see what comes next.  Here’s Olivia O’Brien with “Just a Boy.”

Diamond Thug bring us indie pop bathed in their native South African rhythms, delivering a stunning sound that you will want to enjoy over and over again.  Here’s their video for “Tell Me.”

We kick off the second set of five videos with the latest from K-POP star J. Lee, who encourages us all to follow our “Dream.”  We love the way he weaves retro and current pop with outstanding hip-hop on this amazing tune.

Rock seems to be the language of the day and it is bursting forth from every frame of the new video by Kiss Kiss Bang.  Check out “Hearts on Fire” before it burns a hole in your screen.

Next up is a music video from Emmy-nominated actress Ginesse from daytime TV stalwart The Young and the Restless.  We guarantee this one is fresh and sweet and not at all what you would expect.  Enjoy “the inbetween.”

Video number nine has an intriguing animated look with a fun and catchy pop tune that will have you on the dance floor in nothing flat.  Check out okaywill and their song “Falling for You.”

We close out the month the way we began.  We shared their single during our first Monday Mashup, and are happy to now bring you the video for their over of the T-Rex hit “The Motivator.”  Here are two of the finest female rockers to ever perform, and we look forward to seeing what their new partnership will produce.  Here are Brie Darling and Cherie Currie.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 21 (updated)

We’ve reached Memorial Day, and the opportunity to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free and strong.  Never forget what they did to give us the chance to live our own lives.

It was another busy week, working for Trendsource, completing the tech and dress rehearsals for my solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and having the chance to see the latest masterpiece from the ladies and gentlemen of Cherry Poppins Productions.  They put on a masterful production of Clash of the Queens, which succinctly summed up the entire eight seasons of Game of Thrones, and sold out the Globe Theater in downtown LA in the process.

Speaking of my solo show, it’s hard to believe that my preview is less than two weeks away, with the entire Fringe kicking off with the Opening Party on June 12.  It’s going to be a great Fringe, and should be worthy of being the tenth year.  Please check out my show which will be at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue) on June 7 at 10 p.m., June 16 at 5:30 p.m., June 20 at 10 p.m., June 23 at 9 pm. and June 28 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available on the Fringe website.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Toronto.  If you’re going to catch something, we suggest you catch The Black Fever.  We simply love the sound of “No Work” and recommend that you listen intently to the lyrics of the song.

Our next single is a killer remix that combines Monsta X, Steve Aoki and DVBBS.  The song is called “Play it Cool” and it is mega-hot and a sure-fire way to get the gang on the dance floor.  Request it from your favorite DJ.

Our third single is an incredible song from London-based Theo Bard entitled “The Gift.”  It truly is an amazing electronic song with incredible vocals and well-crafted lyrics.  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next single combines electronica with jazz and pop and highlights the talent of the amazing KYOSi on her track, “Boo Radley.”  We think this one will become your favorite dance track.

Our final single this week is from the upcoming album Fuel the Crazy by Brazilian-born electro-pop artist Carvi.  We are totally digging on her “Vibe.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from teen sensation Maddie Rose, who delivers a stunning video for her song “Liv Tyler.”  This one is going on repeat and we think you’ll love it.

Next up is a video shot in Los Angeles by Trapdoor Social for their song, “The Move.”  The song is amazing, as is the video.  Be part of the solution and join in “The Move.”

Next up are the powerful vocals of Dejhare on her video for “Trust my Love,” which remind us of Madonna’s True Blue album.  We think this one is stunning and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Our next video comes from New York-based band Wild Planes.  Put on your rocking shoes and enjoy their latest single “Money.”

Our final video this week is from Aly and AJ, who we last heard from when their song ‘Church” was included in our March edition of Ten Great Singles.  They’re back with a beautiful video for their song “Don’t go Changing,” which could easily be a Top 40 hit.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 16

Happy Earth Day.  It’s our final Monday Mashup from Montana, as we head down to California on Saturday.  We will be in Los Angeles until the end of June as yours truly presents his first solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival entitled Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  The preview is scheduled for June 7, with shows to follow on June 16, 20, 23 and 28 at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue).  We look forward to this new adventure.  Click on the link for more info.

PLEASE NOTE THAT, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, AND DUE TO OUR CURRENT COMMITMENTS, WE MUST TEMPORARILY SUSPEND  ACCEPTING REVIEW SUBMISSIONS FOR ALBUMS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE BEFORE JUNE 1.

We have quite the backlog of current release requests that need to be completed before May 31, the end of the current cycle for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Once we get caught up and complete those currently in our possession, we will let you know we are ready to again begin accepting all submissions.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Holly Tucker, a Top 6 finalist on NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake).  The song is sweet and pure and should get your week off to a sober start.  Check out “Country Music Won’t Let Me.”

Next up is a band with a similar sound to Maroon 5, and we totally dig it.  Here is indie-pop band Del Pelson and their latest single, “Oak.”

Our third single comes from one of our favorite international indie artists Zsuzsika Lencses, a past LA Music Critic Award nominee.  We love her soaring vocals, the retro dance beat and the incredible keys on “Storm.”  This one is guaranteed to get  you on the dance floor.

Our fourth single is hauntingly beautiful, with soaring vocals and perfectly written lyrics that paint incredibly vivid word pictures.  Check out “Looking for God” (I am Snow Angel remix) from the stunning Coyote Eyes.

We close out this week with the perfect hip-hop/R&B sound of Aussie wordsmith Stefan Rossi.  His single “Long Road” features the sweet voice of Kenyan Elsy Wameyo, and we can’t imagine a better collaboration.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video is an alt-rock gem from Italian duo Soaware, expressing their desire that “We Shall be One.”  Rock out to this one and let’s bring this request to reality.

Our next song is definitely a candidate for Song of the Year.  It has already been used on Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor, and we simply love this video that drives its message home.  Here is BANNERS and their mega-hit “Got it in You.”

Our third video is from one of our favorite Glee actors, Kevin McHale.  The video features a special cameo from Modern Family‘s Nolan Gould and is set in the world of virtual reality.  Check out “Help me Now.”

Check out the amazing vocal harmonies from Aly & AJ in their latest music video for their song, “Church.”  This is one of the best songs we have heard this year and should be blowing up your radio.

We close out this week’s videos with a look at the way society treats women, when Swedish band Girl Crush delivers their iconic “Blame Girls,” released on International Woman’s Day.  Think about this one as you jam to their sweet sound.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 15

Happy tax day!  Two weeks from today we’ll be in Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  We open on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood, and will be doing five performances during the month of June.  If you believe in the arts, and want to help us put on this show, please visit our fundraiser page at GoFundMe and donate.  Thanks.

We are also making our final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  Tickets are on sale now at the venue website, as well as through PayPal.  If you want to purchase tickets through PayPal, use lamusiccritic@yahoo.com as the payee and indicate how many tickets you want.  The cost is just $10 per ticket.  Please help us showcase these amazing indie artists and raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winning country trio Southern Halo, who has been featured on numerous occasions in this blog.  We simply love their new single, which truly sets the stage for summer.  Give it up for these three young ladies, who are bringing us the “Sunshine.”

Next up is a band from Stockholm that will put you in a party mood, even though the words are nothing to laugh about.  The sound is so infectious and upbeat that you will enjoy it, even though it’s about sadness.  Check out “Cryin’ (such a disgrace)” from Delsbo Beach Club.

Our third single is the title track to the new album by Field Guide.  It’s called “Full Time,” and we think it demonstrates that this artist is ready for prime time.  We love the accompaniment and the honesty and integrity of the lyrics.  Enjoy it.

https://soundcloud.com/user-574887665/full-time-master

Next up is the sweet simple acoustic stylings of Hong Kong born singer-songwriter Allman Brown.  This artist has a perfect radio-friendly sound and we think he is on his way to the top of the charts.  Check out his single, “Lonely Hearts, Los Angeles,” and you’ll see what we mean.

Our final single this week is from the ever-impressive Jess Ribeiro, who consistently delivers quality music.  This is from her recently released album LOVE HATE, and describes her love/hate relationship with “Dylan.”  We’re sure you can relate.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Broadway legend Eden Espinosa (Wicked), and is an incredible video for her single “Bed for 2.”  Her voice is electric and her songwriting is some of the best we have heard this year.  Enjoy this one – we think she’ll be riding the top of the charts in no time.

We think our next video, “Ring Ring” will definitely get you up and ready for the dance floor.  We love the sound of Nikki Paige, and were impressed that she has been a paid songwriter since the age of 11!  Let us know what you think about her.

Our next video is a well-shot film for the latest from Taveeta, “Chasing Feelings.”  She has an amazing voice and and hip-hop/R&B sense of style to her sound.

Our next video is the perfect segue and features R&B artist Àkin.  Check out the smooth sound of “Green Light,” with just the right amount of reggae goodness to take it over the top.

We close out this week with a beautiful remake of the classic Minnie Ripperton song “Loving You.”  We think T’Melle has the perfect voice for the song, and captures it perfectly.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 10

Hope you all survived the start of Daylight Savings Time yesterday.  Hopefully today’s great music will give you the jump start you need (that and several cups of coffee).  We’re getting really excited about our return to LA next month, and looking forward to the Hollywood Fringe Festival, our debut solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and celebrating women at the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  We hope to connect with all of our LA peeps at at least one of these events.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from one of the scheduled performers at this year’s Showcase, Brigitte Purdy, who took home wins for Best Blues Artist and Best CD (Female).

Our second single comes from the cold vastness of Denmark.  The Straw Family Band have been thrilling us since we introduced them to you back in July 2017.  Their latest, “Perfectly Fine,” is another prime example of why we love them so much.  The tune is melancholy while still upbeat and features stirring vocals that uplift and give the song its intended positive vibe.

Next up is the first single from Americana/Indie Rock duo Anana Kaye.  We love the harmonies and the intriguing vocals, and think this song should do well in both Americana and Indie Rock/College radio circuits.  Check out “Blueberry Fireworks.”

We had intended to feature our next single a few weeks ago, but it got lost in our email.  We are very pleased to present it now, as it is pure classic country that we can’t get enough of.  Check out Marty Brown‘s “Umbrella Lovers” and we think you’ll love it too.

Our final single this week is an amazing work of R&B smoothness, featuring the amazing vocals of Dominique Tey.  Her EP will drop next month, and this tasty appetizer should get you ready for it.  Here’s “Every Part.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s music videos with this torch song from the amazing Fiona Grey.  We definitely agree with her assessment that we need more “Girls Like Me.”

Our next video comes from Kakkmaddafakka, which we introduced to you in our Ten Great Singles of February.  Here is the video of that same song, and we love it.  Get up and dance your cares away.

Likewise, our third video is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, featuring the stunning vocals of Liz Brasher.  We introduced this song to you a couple of weeks ago, and we can’t get enough of it.  Check out “I Got a Feeling it Hurts.”

We featured Kat Holland‘s song “The One” in our post-Grammy Monday Mashup, and she has now released a music video for it.  We love the sound of her voice, which is elegant, airy and full of life.  See what we mean.

We close out this week with the heartfelt sound of Cameron Hawthorn, who likes to be “Dancing in the Living Room.”  Sounds like a great idea, don’t you think?