Watch a timelapse video of LEGO Master Builders assembling a 6’3” astronaut model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. The model took almost 300 hours and 30,000 LEGO blocks.
Bell Media Announce’ David Foster: Off The Record’ Feature Documentary
Bell Media Studios and Melbar Entertainment Group have joined forces on a new feature documentary, DAVID FOSTER: OFF THE RECORD, it was announced today. The film about the 16-time Grammy Award-winning producer and composer is directed by Barry Avrich (The Last Mogul, Prosecuting Evil) and executive produced by Randy Lennox, Barry Avrich, Jeffery Latimer, and Marc Johnston. The project, currently in post-production, will enjoy a theatrical run before premiering on CTV and Crave. Broadcast details for CTV and Crave will be announced at a later date, as well as US and international release dates.
Blending rare archival footage, interviews, and unprecedented access to Foster himself, DAVID FOSTER: OFF THE RECORD is an up close and personal look at the extraordinary career of a producer, composer, and entertainer who has helped sell more than a half billion records working with some of the most successful artists of all time. Powerful and sometimes humorous, the film follows Foster’s relentless ambition, hunger, and rise to the top, as he becomes an iconic producer and songwriter, working with the likes of Chicago and Celine Dion at the beginning of his career, and later with Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, and Andrea Bocelli, just to name a few. Viewers also receive an inside look at the next chapter in his career – a first for Foster – Broadway, and a look into his personal life, which has occasionally become front-page news.
The film features interviews with friends, family, and fellow musicians, including: Barbra Streisand, Lionel Richie, Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones, Clive Davis, Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, Kristin Chenoweth, Peter Cetera, Chicago, daughters Erin and Sara Foster, Diane Warren, Carole Bayer Sager, and more.
“I have spent a near half century devoted to making music and discovering talent all over the world so now it becomes a very daunting, emotional, and cathartic experience giving in to the process of having a film made about your life,” said David Foster. “I am both excited and nervous but most of all I hope that this film may serve as a guide to inspire young artists, songwriters, musicians and producers to relentlessly pursue their dreams and creative talents.”
Born in Victoria, BC, Foster began studying piano at age four. As the story goes, his mother was dusting the family piano, hit one of the keys, and was shocked when he correctly called out, “That’s an E!”, thus discovering he had perfect pitch. Starting as a studio musician, arranger, and recording artist with the band Skylark, Foster worked his way up the ranks to become one of the most successful songwriters and record producers in history. He’s behind 50 Top 20 hits; has 16 Grammy Awards; and another 47 nominations to his name, including three Academy Award nominations. He has also earned a reputation as a talent scout, playing a key role in the discovery and launch of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. In 2002, David was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and has also been inducted into The Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the U.S. In 2013, he received his star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also established the David Foster Foundation in 1985 with a mission to provide financial support to Canadian families with children in need of live-saving organ transplants, along with promoting organ donor awareness.
The Archies’ Sugar Sugar is 50 years old!
Let’s talk about 1969 – 50 years ago – for a moment – The Beatles’ last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records, First Concorde test flight is conducted In France, Boeing 747 jumbo jet makes its debut, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am the epitome of the American muscle car is introduced, Woodstock attracts more than 500,00 and a singer-songwriter named Andy Kim co-writes The Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar,” a song that debuts on the Billboard Hot 100 in July, 1969, a full 2 months after released as radio doesn’t want to play a cartoon band.
In September, it hits #1 on the way to becoming Billboard’s Record of the Year and the biggest-selling single of the year. Wilson Pickett, Tom Jones, Ike & Tina Turner, Bob Marley, The Germs, Mary Lou Lord, and even Homer Simpson goes on to cover the song.
Born in Montreal, Andy Kim was inspired by the Beatles, Hank Williams, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Bob Dylan. He found fame in New York City at just 16 years old when he wrote How’d We Ever Get This Way?, the first of nine Billboard Top 40 hits, including #1 songs Rock Me Gently and Sugar, Sugar, one of Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time.” A true Canadian son, Andy has been awarded the country’s top industry honosr three times, the JUNO Award for outstanding achievements in the record industry, as well as the Indie Award for Favorite Solo Artist and a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Andy is a member of Songwriters Hall of Fame and was inducted into Billboard’s Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Over his epic career, Andy has sold over 30 million records, and The Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar, has been streamed over 300 million times on Spotify and YouTube.
His latest album, It’s Decided, produced by Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, was released on Arts & Crafts to critical acclaim. In May, 2016, Andy was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame. Andy Kim’s music can be heard almost 50 years later in hit series such as Showcase’s Ray Donovan, The CW’s Riverdale and Netflix’s Mindhunters and Sarah Jessica Parker’s new series Divorce.
Gregg Allman’s Debut Solo Album ‘Laid Back’ To Be Remastered And Released As Expanded Two-Disc Deluxe Edition And Reissued On 180-Gram Vinyl
A few months after the Allman Brothers Band released their revered fourth studio album Brothers And Sisters, legendary frontman, vocalist, pianist Gregg Allman stepped out on his own with his masterful debut solo album Laid Back. Co-produced by Allman along with Johnny Sandlin, the collection of songs was a creative outlet where he was able to assume full control and explore his varying influences, including rhythm and blues and soul music. Exemplified by the album title’s relaxed approach, the songs were a departure from his band’s guitar-heavy sound in favor of gospel-tinged organs, slower tempos and a choir, all of which beautifully buoyed Allman’s soulful, and at times, mournful vocals. On several songs he sounds like a man reflecting on the last few tumultuous years which included the deaths of his bandmates, brother Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, hard touring and incredible success. Of the album, NPR wrote, “It’s amazing stuff, deep and intense yet nowhere near the decibel levels of his work with the band. Allman is amazing when he’s belting his heart out about being tied to the whipping post. But he’s equally compelling — maybe even more so — in a quieter space, when he’s less fired up.” Upon release in October 1973, Laid Back received positive reviews and peaked at number 13 on Billboard’s Top LPs & Tape chart while “Midnight Rider” became a top 20 hit across North America. To support the album, Allman embarked on an unprecedented tour accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra comprising members of the New York Philharmonic, which was captured for posterity on 1974’s The Gregg Allman Tour live album.
To honor this creatively fertile period in the late musician’s life, Mercury/UMe are reissuing Laid Back in a variety of formats, including a remastered and expanded Deluxe Edition on 2CDs and digital, 180-gram black vinyl and a 180-gram limited purple and white marbled color vinyl edition. Allman’s iconic live album The Gregg Allman Tour will also be released on 2LP vinyl for the first time since 1987. In addition to a 180-gram black vinyl pressing there will also be a limited color pressing on 180-gram grey and white marble vinyl. All releases will be available August 30 and are available for preorder now. The digital preorder of Laid Back includes an instant grat download of the unreleased demo of the Jackson Browne classic “These Days,” which is also available to stream now.
The new Deluxe Edition of Laid Back expands the original album, which features tunes like “Please Call Home,” covers of “These Days” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and a different take on the Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider,” to 34 tracks and includes 26 bonus tracks of previously unreleased or rare songs or new mixes. Early mixes of all eight songs are featured alongside the remastered album on disc one while disc two includes demos, outtakes, alternates and a breathtaking solo acoustic live performance of “Melissa” from the Capitol Theatre on April 13, 1974. The 2CD Deluxe Edition of Laid Back includes beautiful new packaging with unreleased photos and extensive liner notes by noted Allman Brothers Band historian John Lynskey. Tracks have been newly remastered from the original Laid Back analog album masters, as well as from analog and digital archival masters. Laid Back digital configurations will include HD 192kHz 24-bit and 96kHz 24-bit, Mastered for iTunes and standard streaming/download; while the Laid Back Deluxe Edition digital configurations include standard streaming/download and Mastered for iTunes.
Out of print on vinyl for over 30 years, The Gregg Allman Tour double LP, available on both 180-gram black vinyl and 180-gram grey and white marble vinyl, has been remastered from the original stereo analog tapes. This vinyl reissue mimics the original double LP with sides one and four pressed on disc one, and sides two and three pressed on disc two which optimizes playback for multi-disc turntables. Recorded over three nights at Carnegie Hall in New York on April 10 & 11, 1974 and at the Capitol Theatre in New Jersey on April 13, 1974, Allman along with members of the band Cowboy (Scott Boyer, Randall Bramblett, David Brown, Chuck Leavell, Bill Stewart, Tommy Talton), and a 24-piece orchestra performed songs from his debut solo album Laid Back alongside several laid-back reworkings of Allman Brothers Band songs like “Stand Back” and “Dreams.” The album also features spirited covers of “Turn On Your Love Light,” “Are You Lonely For Me Baby” and the Elvis Presley hit “I Feel So Bad,” as well as two tracks by Cowboy who take the reins with their songs “Time Will Take Us” and “Where Can You Go?,” the latter featuring Allman on keys. The record is also notable for its inclusion of “Oncoming Traffic,” a song that Allman said he was especially proud of and that wasn’t featured on any studio releases. Digital configurations will include HD 192kHz 24-bit and 96kHz 24-bit, Mastered for iTunes and standard streaming/download.
Laid Back and The Gregg Allman Tour showcase a remarkable time in Allman’s career when he set off on his own to explore a different side of his artistry where he was fully at the helm. Taken together these albums allow for an opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the making of his solo album and the celebratory tour that followed.
LAID BACK DELUXE EDITION TRACK LIST
CD1
LAID BACK remastered
1. Midnight Rider
2. Queen Of Hearts
3. Please Call Home
4. Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing
5. These Days
6. Multi-Colored Lady
7. All My Friends
8. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
LAID BACK early mixes
1. Midnight Rider (Early Mix)*
2. Queen Of Hearts (Early Mix)
3. Please Call Home (Early Mix)*
4. Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing (Early Mix)*
5. These Days (Early Mix)*
6. Multi-Colored Lady (Early Mix)
7. All My Friends (Early Mix)*
8. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Early Mix)*
CD2
LAID BACK demos, outtakes & alternates
1. Never Knew How Much (Demo)**
2. All My Friends (Demo)
3. Please Call Home (Demo)*
4. Queen Of Hearts (Demo)*
5. God Rest His Soul (Solo Guitar & Vocal Demo)
6. Rollin’ Stone (Catfish Blues) (Solo Guitar & Vocal Demo)**
7. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Solo Guitar & Vocal Demo)
8. Multi-Colored Lady (Solo Guitar & Vocal Demo)
9. These Days (Solo Guitar, Piano & Vocal Demo)*
10. Shadow Dream Song (Solo Guitar & Vocal Demo)
11. Wasted Words**
12. These Days (Alternate Version with Pedal Steel Guitar)
13. Multi-Colored Lady (Rough Mix)*
14. These Days (Rough Mix)*
15. God Rest His Soul (Rehearsal)
16. Midnight Rider (Rehearsal)*
17. Song For Adam / Shadow Dream Song (Solo Guitar & Vocal Demo)
18. Melissa (Live at the Capitol Theatre)*
* Previously unreleased
** Previously unreleased mix
LAID BACK VINYL TRACK LIST
Side 1
1. Midnight Rider
2. Queen Of Hearts
3. Please Call Home
4. Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing
Side 2
1. These Days
2. Multi-Colored Lady
3. All My Friends
4. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
THE GREGG ALLMAN TOUR VINYL TRACK LIST
DISC 1
Side 1
1. Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing
2. Queen Of Hearts
3. Feel So Bad
Side 4
1. Turn On Your Love Light
2. Oncoming Traffic
3. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
DISC 2
Side 2
1. Stand Back
2. Time Will Take Us*
3. Where Can You Go?*
Side 3
1. Double Cross
2. Dreams
3. Are You Lonely For Me Baby
* Performed by Cowboy
Kevin Hart Expands Relationship with SiriusXM
Today SiriusXM and Laugh Out Loud, Kevin Hart’s comedy brand and multi-platform network, announced that the superstar actor and comedian is expanding his relationship with the world’s largest audio entertainment company. Starting July 18, Hart’s exclusive SiriusXM program, Straight From The Hart, will increase from a weekly show to twice a week, and will also double to two hours, giving listeners even greater comedy and dynamic banter from Hart and The Plastic Cup Boyz.
Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio channel 96 premiered on SiriusXM in February of 2018, with Hart hosting his own program alongside co-hosts and friends, The Plastic Cup Boyz. It’s since emerged as one of the most popular comedy channels on SiriusXM. In April of 2019, Straight From The Hart became available on Pandora, and now ranks as the #1 podcast across all genres.
The new season of Straight From The Hart will kick off on July 18 with episodes airing Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 – 9:00 PM ET.
Following in August, Hart will premiere a recurring interview special, Hart to Heart, in which he’ll sit down with fellow celebrities and some of the greatest names in comedy for hilarious and uniquely insightful interviews. The all-new format will debut at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal where fans will be treated to an evening of conversation, comedy, and candor as Hart will conduct interviews with Trevor Noah, Anthony Anderson, Howie Mandel, and other guests, in front of a live audience at Montreal’s The Monument-National theater. These special interviews will air in place of regularly scheduled broadcasts of Hart’s show on August 8 and August 22.
SiriusXM subscribers with streaming access can listen to SiriusXM’s 200+ channels – including Laugh Out Loud Radio – at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, Apple TV, Sony PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.SiriusXM.com/AtHome to learn more.
‘TIDAL X Festival Season’ Brings a Slate of Exclusive Concert Livestreams to TIDAL
Today, global music and entertainment streaming platform, TIDAL, is announcing a slate of summer festivals to be exclusively livestreamed on the platform. ‘TIDAL X Festival’ Season celebrate this summer’s hottest festival lineups with livestreams of Greatest Day Ever (7/13-14 in Brooklyn), 88rising’s Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival (8/17 in LA), Made in America (8/31-9/1 in Philadelphia), and Lil Weezyana Fest (9/7 in New Orleans). TIDAL members across the globe will be able to participate in this season’s highly anticipated music performances directly from their devices.
TIDAL is kicking off summer festival season with the Greatest Day Ever live from Brooklyn, NY. The upcoming livestream with feature performances from Carnage, Cashmere Cat, Pusha T, Bas and more. Learn more here TIDAL.com/FestivalSeason.
The extensive list of concert livestreams will give wider audiences front row access to their favorite artists. These seasonal offerings add to the growing list of exclusive festival content that TIDAL offers – cementing the platform as a premium destination for fans to connect with their favorite musicians.
TIDAL is a pioneer in giving its subscribers exclusive premier access to high-profile music, videos, original content, livestreams, tickets, merchandise and live experiences fans cannot find anywhere else.
Check TIDAL.com/FestivalSeason for more info throughout the summer!
Comedians Tom Papa and Fortune Feimster to Co-Host First Original Show on SiriusXM’s “Netflix Is A Joke Radio” Channel
Today SiriusXM and Netflix announced the first original program to broadcast exclusively on the newly launched Netflix Is A Joke Radio channel 93. Popular comedians Tom Papa and Fortune Feimster will co-host What A Joke with Papa and Fortune weekdays during the prime driving hours of 7:00 – 9:00 am PT / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET.
The new show will broadcast live from SiriusXM’s expanded broadcast center and performance space in Los Angeles. What A Joke with Papa and Fortune will be a hilarious show in which the co-hosts hang out with fellow comedians, interview celebrities, and cover everything from their personal lives, to the world of comedy, to the day’s trending topics. They’ll also play clips from Netflix’s exclusive and unparalleled library of top comedy specials.
Beginning in late-summer, Netflix Is A Joke Radio will roll out new shows every month from some of today’s favorite comedians including Jo Koy, Iliza Shlesinger and Katherine Ryan. The limited programs will feature talent such as Sam Jay, Tiffany Haddish and the comedians from Tiffany Haddish’s They Ready stand-up series, and others in a multi-part original series.
Also launching the week of July 15 are Netflix Is A Joke Radio celebrity “takeovers.” During each takeover, a famous comedian will commandeer the station, playing clips from their favorite specials and celebrating the world of stand-up. The line-up includes: Michael Che, Tig Notaro, Jo Koy, Ricky Gervais, Nate Bargatze, Gabriel Iglesias, Anthony Jeselnik, Sebastian Maniscalco, Vir Das, among others.
Netflix Is A Joke Radio launched on SiriusXM channel 93 in April 2019. The channel features Netflix’s massive collection of established and rising stars, as well as segments from future stand-up specials, granting SiriusXM subscribers the chance to hear new material from A-list comics before anyone else.
SiriusXM subscribers with streaming access can listen to SiriusXM’s 200+ channels
TD Markham Jazz Festival Announces Saturday Night Headliner Michael Kaeshammer
Among more than 30 free concerts on three stages and along Main Street from Friday August 16 through Sunday August 18, The Markham Jazz Festival could not be more proud than to present JUNO Award-winning artist Michael Kaeshammer as their Saturday night headliner.
Michael performs from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. on the Pfaff Town+Country BMW Stage at Unionville’s iconic Millennium Bandstand.
Internationally acclaimed Michael Kaeshammer has toured the world with his talents as a singer, songwriter, pianist & producer. A spellbinding and JUNO Award winning artist, Kaeshammer’s performances are intimate and inviting affairs. His new album, SOMETHING NEW, is a new musical adventure. It features original songs about love, life, travel and politics. As a trademark, Michael is unafraid of crossing genre boundaries and uses his many influences to take the listener along on a most memorable journey.
Finland Hosts Heavy Metal Knitting World Championship
Finland has hosted the first ever Heavy Metal Knitting World Championship. Competitors from all around the world descended on the small town of Joensuu. Japan’s Giga Body Metal, complete with their Sumo wrestlers, became the first ever world champions.
Talking Heads performing at Max’s Kansas City in 1976, a year before their debut album
Here’s Talking Heads covering the Modern Lovers classic Pablo Picasso in 1976. Drummer Jerry Harrison was actually apart of The Modern Lovers until he joined Talking Heads in 1977.