All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.
Photo Gallery: Blink-182 with Alexisonfire, Pierce The Veil and Hot Milk at Toronto’s Rogers Centre
TrueFire Studios & Sue Foley Launch ‘Blues Shuffle Building Blocks’ An Interactive Learning Experience For Blues Guitar
Leveraging TrueFire Studios’ patented music learning technologies, Sue Foley’s “Blues Shuffle Building Blocks” is the definitive course focused solely on the most important and commonly encountered rhythm across the entire blues genre — the shuffle. The blues shuffle has many variations, and Foley covers them all, putting TrueFire’s interactive learning tools to good use. She first demonstrates the rhythmic technique, then invites you to join her to practice and play the variation of the variation over a backing track for a highly effective, hands-on, contextual learning experience. Watch the trailer and order “Blues Shuffle Building Blocks” NOW.
“The blues shuffle is the backbone of countless classic and modern blues songs and is one of the most important rhythms for blues guitar players to learn and master. I’ll explain the technique step by step, and then we’ll practice and play it together over backing tracks. You’ll learn essential variations, and I’ll show you how to bring out that soulful, swinging feel at the core of blues shuffles.”
TrueFire’s multi-angle video lessons and intuitive learning tools have powered immersive learning experiences for millions of music learners worldwide. “Blues Shuffle Building Blocks” performances and demonstrations are tabbed, notated, and synced to the video lessons with controls for looping, slow motion, and fretboard animation. Other learning tools enable students to personalize their learning experience and learn at their own pace.
“Sue is one of the most dynamic and multi-talented blues artists on the planet today,” says TrueFire founder Brad Wendkos. It’s not often that you encounter an artist who is a brilliant singer, profound songwriter, virtuoso guitarist, and first-class music educator. We’re very privileged to have the opportunity to collaborate with her!”
“Blues Shuffle Building Blocks” is available now. It can be downloaded to any desktop or mobile device, streamed from any browser, or played on Apple TV and Roku. Purchase on SueFoley.com or TrueFire.com.
Texas-based singer, songwriter, and master blues guitarist Sue Foley cut her teeth amongst Texas guitar slingers like Albert Collins, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and The Vaughan Brothers. Today, Foley performs and records her brand of Texas Blues with 17 albums and multiple awards to her credit, including the coveted 2024 Lifetime Achievement Maple Blues Award, Traditional Blues Female Artist in 2023, 2022 and 2020; Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the 2023 Austin Music Award; Guitarist of the Year at the 2023 Maple Blues Awards; and Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards for Pinky’s Blues. Foley is also passionate about music history, education, and passing the torch to the next generation of blues guitarists.
The Cleverlys Unleash a Hilarious Bluegrass Twist on ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ Live at Larry’s Country Diner
The Cleverlys brought the house down with their outrageously fun bluegrass rendition of The Bangles’ 1986 hit “Walk Like an Egyptian” at Larry’s Country Diner. This comedic country ensemble turned the pop classic into an uproarious bluegrass spectacle, proving once again that they’re masters of musical mayhem and toe-tapping joy.
Watch 1,000 Musicians Play Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part Two)’
The Rockin’1000 absolutely rocked the stadium in Cesena, Italy with a mind-blowing rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)”! Imagine 1,000 skilled musicians unleashing an epic performance, and you’ve got a sonic celebration of rock brilliance that left everyone electrified.
Jack Nicholson Wins BAFTA Best Actor in 1975, Hilariously Accepts Award from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Set
At the 1975 BAFTA Film Awards, the Best Actor honor went to none other than the legendary Jack Nicholson for his standout performances in The Last Detail and Chinatown. The twist? Nicholson was busy on the set of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in Oregon, so he couldn’t make it to the ceremony. In a brilliant stroke of humor, he accepted his award right from the set, surrounded by cast members who stayed in character while Nicholson himself broke the mold with his signature charisma. Classic Jack!
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Recap ‘Deadpool’ 1 & 2
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) recap all the bad words, fights, fourth wall breaks in ‘Deadpool’ 1 & 2 ahead of the new Deadpool film.
Woody Harrelson Reads A Letter About A Very Grumpy Cat
One afternoon in 1960, a balding cat was thrust upon novelist John Cheever by his old friend Josie Herbst, who explained that she could no longer keep him. Cheever reluctantly homed the cat, but they didn’t get on; so much so that Cheever’s friendship with Herbst soon deteriorated. The rift finally healed in 1963, when Cheever sent Herbst the letter you’re about to hear.
At Letters Live at London’s Royal Albert Hall in November 2023, Woody Harrelson gave this hilarious reading of Cheever’s letter.
Cheech and Chong Go On A Rockin’ Adventure with Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar pays a visit to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong at Chong’s house. They take a walk down memory lane and then play a couple of acoustic songs together.
National Music Centre Announces Mid-Autumn Festival at Studio Bell, from September 20-22
National Music Centre (NMC) is thrilled to announce Mid-Autumn Festival from September 20-22 at Studio Bell. The three-day festival in collaboration with the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre will celebrate the music and traditions of Canada’s Chinese and Asian communities.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a significant cultural event traditionally celebrated by Chinese and other Asian communities, symbolizing the full moon harvest, unity, harmony, and the gathering of family and friends. NMC’s festival will capture the spirit of this cherished tradition, weaving traditional and contemporary art forms together while building connections and an appreciation for different forms of music.
Over the three-day event, attendees can expect ticketed evening concerts with Jasmine Jazz featuring Jodi Proznick Trio and Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble on September 20, and instrumental fusion ensemble XIA-3 on September 21.
2023 Western Canadian Music Instrumental Artist of the Year Award Winner Jasmine Jazz brings a contemporary sound to the unusual and exquisite interplay between traditional Chinese and jazz instruments. Jasmine Jazz features musicians from the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble and is led by JUNO-nominated bassist and composer, Jodi Proznick.
Hailing from Newfoundland, XIA-3 seamlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with Western post-rock sensibilities. Established in 2022, the band is spearheaded by guzheng virtuoso Dr. Jing Xia, and supported by seasoned St. John’s punk rockers Ritche Perez on baritone guitar and Brian Downton on drums. Tickets are on sale now for both concerts at studiobell.ca/whats-on.
During the daytime on September 21 and 22, NMC will offer free matinee performances from local artists and dancers, including Calgary’s Gai Lan Ensemble, the Calgary Chinese Orchestra, Zhaoli Dance School, and much more. Visitors will also experience lion and dragon dances throughout the building, a pop-up market, and hands-on activities for families. Admission will be free for all daytime activities at Studio Bell. Find the full schedule at studiobell.ca/whats-on.
Additionally, NMC will host a singing contest, called Mid-Autumn Star, with one act winning recording time in NMC’s world-class studios. Emerging artists are encouraged to submit their music to be considered for the contest. The top 10 submissions will be invited to practice and perform for festival attendees during the day on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22.Then they’ll come back to perform live in the evening of September 22 for the Mid-Autumn Star Finals, where each artist will receive live feedback onstage from a panel of established musicians and industry pros. Artists interested in performing and receiving feedback can upload their submissions at studiobell.ca/mid-autumn-star by Friday, September 6 at 11:59 pm MT.
“Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated throughout Asia where music, mooncakes, lantern-making, and connecting with family and friends play a big role,” said Tony Wong, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre’s President. “We’re excited to bring this tradition to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and invite everyone to join us for this exciting celebration of music and community.”
“Collaborating with the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival is an exciting opportunity for NMC to bring a national perspective to a popular annual event among local Chinese and Asian communities,” said Andrew Mosker, NMC’s President and CEO. “We look forward to a vibrant and memorable event that will bridge traditional Chinese culture with mainstream Canadian culture, and bring people together through the universal language of music.”
To see the full Mid-Autumn Festival schedule and to purchase tickets, visit studiobell.ca/whats-on.
Outback Presents Announces former JFL-er Christine Melko Ross As New Senior Vice President Of Global Operations
Outback Presents is thrilled to announce the appointment of Christine Melko Ross as the company’s new Senior Vice President of Global Operations.
Based in Montreal, Canada, Melko Ross will spearhead Outback Presents’ Canadian operations and drive the company’s international business development and expansion strategy. Her extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental as Outback Presents continues to grow its global footprint.
“Everyone at Outback Presents is excited to have Christine join the team,” says Outback Presents company president Michael Smardak. “Her extensive achievements and experience in comedy will be invaluable to our global growth. We are very proud to have her join us.”
“I am very excited to work with Mike Smardak, Brian Dorfman and the entire team at Outback,” adds Melko Ross. “They have built an amazing roster of successful touring talent and have done a fabulous job at establishing themselves as the largest independent promoter in North America. Together, we will strive to elevate Outback to the global stage. We cherish similar values in ensuring a great audience and artist experience, and I can’t wait to get started!”
Melko Ross has over 35 years of experience producing and promoting thousands of comedy and music shows. For the past 23 years, she has been an integral part of the Just For Laughs Group, where she has worn many hats and left an indelible mark on the comedy landscape.
At Just For Laughs, Melko Ross was instrumental in running the renowned Montreal Festival, launching the Toronto Festival and creating the company’s highly successful Touring division. She’s worked with comedy giants like Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah, Tom Segura, Hannah Gadsby, Bill Burr, Iliza Shlesinger, Sebastian Maniscalco, Rick Mercer, Jimmy Carr, John Cleese and Eric Idle, as well as unique events such as “The Simpsons: In the Flesh” (starring Matt Groening and the Simpsons cast) and “Ryan Reynolds, Maximum Effort, A Funny Conversation.”
Melko Ross’ influence extends beyond North America, as she has produced and developed international festivals in Sydney, Bermuda, Mexico, London, Austin, and Chicago, often collaborating with major industry players.
Before joining Just For Laughs, Melko Ross honed her skills as the lead talent buyer for Donald K. Donald/Universal Concerts/House of Blues Concerts, booking numerous music shows and managing tours for high-profile artists like The Backstreet Boys and Leonard Cohen.
A native of Lansing, Illinois, and a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, Melko Ross began her career with Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment in Chicago. Her diverse experience, including managing corporate hospitality for prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby, laid the foundation for her remarkable career in entertainment.