Steve Albini, a singer and guitarist best known for producing some of the most groundbreaking and influential albums of the alt-rock genre, died of a heart attack at his Chicago recording studio Electrical Audio. He was 61.
Albini’s death and cause of death was confirmed by Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio.
Born July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, Albini moved to the Chicago area after high school to study journalism at Northwestern University. While there, he began writing for local punk rock ‘zines and beginning to record and engineer albums for local bands.
Stubbornly opposed to the larger music industry and its exploitation of artists, Albini formed the Chicago-based band Big Black in 1981, recording the first of several albums, an EP for the Chicago label Ruthless Records, a label he co-managed. That band last until 1987.
From 1987 to 1988, Albini sang and played guitar for Rapeman, named after a Japanese comic book. The short-lived band broke up after one album,...
Albini’s death and cause of death was confirmed by Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio.
Born July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, Albini moved to the Chicago area after high school to study journalism at Northwestern University. While there, he began writing for local punk rock ‘zines and beginning to record and engineer albums for local bands.
Stubbornly opposed to the larger music industry and its exploitation of artists, Albini formed the Chicago-based band Big Black in 1981, recording the first of several albums, an EP for the Chicago label Ruthless Records, a label he co-managed. That band last until 1987.
From 1987 to 1988, Albini sang and played guitar for Rapeman, named after a Japanese comic book. The short-lived band broke up after one album,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Happy Campers director Amy Nicholson with Anne-Katrin Titze: “There are times when you get lucky and you get magic.”
I first met Amy Nicholson in 2013 when I was on the jury of the inaugural First Time Fest with Gay Talese, the B-52’s Fred Schneider, and Killer Films’ Christine Vachon. Amy’s documentary, Zipper: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride, won our Outstanding Achievement in Editing Award (by John Young and Jonah Moran): “Fast-paced editing that captures, in a balanced way, a story about humanity in an age of greed. The editing works like the Zipper itself, connecting the ride with the story of Coney Island.”
Amy Nicholson often places the people side-by-side, Wes Anderson style.
In Happy Campers, a highlight of the 14th edition of Doc NYC, we are taken to the Inlet View Rv Park campground on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Nicholson often places the people side-by-side, Wes Anderson style,...
I first met Amy Nicholson in 2013 when I was on the jury of the inaugural First Time Fest with Gay Talese, the B-52’s Fred Schneider, and Killer Films’ Christine Vachon. Amy’s documentary, Zipper: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride, won our Outstanding Achievement in Editing Award (by John Young and Jonah Moran): “Fast-paced editing that captures, in a balanced way, a story about humanity in an age of greed. The editing works like the Zipper itself, connecting the ride with the story of Coney Island.”
Amy Nicholson often places the people side-by-side, Wes Anderson style.
In Happy Campers, a highlight of the 14th edition of Doc NYC, we are taken to the Inlet View Rv Park campground on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Nicholson often places the people side-by-side, Wes Anderson style,...
- 11/25/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The reactions to Saturday Night Live’s episode hosted by Timothée Chalamet are coming in and Britney Spears’ manager is not happy about the parody the show did about the Princess of Pop.
“Wow. The writers of SNL are getting worse and worse,” Cade Hudson shared on social media. “No wonder you all reached out to me to get Britney on the show… SNL is on life support.”
Hudson continued, “You all are pathetic and this Chloe [Fineman] isn’t funny. Did you find her on Craigslist or something?”
In the pre-taped sketch, Fineman reprised her impersonation of Spears. This time, the sketch revolved around the “Stronger” singer’s memoir “The Woman in Me.” Clips of the audiobook narrated by Michelle Williams went viral on social media and this is where the SNL idea came from in showcasing the supposed casting process to find the best person for the job.
The...
“Wow. The writers of SNL are getting worse and worse,” Cade Hudson shared on social media. “No wonder you all reached out to me to get Britney on the show… SNL is on life support.”
Hudson continued, “You all are pathetic and this Chloe [Fineman] isn’t funny. Did you find her on Craigslist or something?”
In the pre-taped sketch, Fineman reprised her impersonation of Spears. This time, the sketch revolved around the “Stronger” singer’s memoir “The Woman in Me.” Clips of the audiobook narrated by Michelle Williams went viral on social media and this is where the SNL idea came from in showcasing the supposed casting process to find the best person for the job.
The...
- 11/12/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Pop star Britney Spears has been back in the public eye ever since the abuse she's suffered from both her management team and her family came to light, resulting in the termination of her conservatorship in 2021 after 14 years. Her new memoir, "The Woman in Me," (published this past October by Simon & Schuster) has put the spotlight on her once again; the New York Times bestseller list doesn't lie.
While "Saturday Night Live" hasn't had Spears on as a guest host yet, the latest episode, did have a sketch highlighting the book. "The Woman in Me: Auditions" features Britney revealing some interesting details about how the memoir's audiobook was produced. As the sketch notes, the audiobook of "The Woman in Me" was ultimately read by Michelle Williams. However, Fineman's Britney reveals that plenty of other actors auditioned for the honor of reading her words.
Read more: The 15 Best Hot Ones Guests,...
While "Saturday Night Live" hasn't had Spears on as a guest host yet, the latest episode, did have a sketch highlighting the book. "The Woman in Me: Auditions" features Britney revealing some interesting details about how the memoir's audiobook was produced. As the sketch notes, the audiobook of "The Woman in Me" was ultimately read by Michelle Williams. However, Fineman's Britney reveals that plenty of other actors auditioned for the honor of reading her words.
Read more: The 15 Best Hot Ones Guests,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
To kick off Saturday Night Live, Timothée Chalamet remixed “Pure Imagination,” the iconic song from 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, to celebrate the 118-day actors strike ending and being able to talk about his film projects again.
During his opening monologue, the actor, who is set to star in the upcoming film Wonka, said he felt lucky to be hosting after the SAG-AFTRA strike ended. The union reached a tentative deal with studios and streamers earlier in the week.
“Up until two days ago, and I know this is what we were all thinking about, actors couldn’t talk about their movies,” he said. “The only thing I was allowed to talk about is that I have a commercial coming out. It’s an ad for a perfume, directed by Martin Scorsese.”
“Now let me tell you, when you get that call that Martin Scorsese wants to direct you,...
During his opening monologue, the actor, who is set to star in the upcoming film Wonka, said he felt lucky to be hosting after the SAG-AFTRA strike ended. The union reached a tentative deal with studios and streamers earlier in the week.
“Up until two days ago, and I know this is what we were all thinking about, actors couldn’t talk about their movies,” he said. “The only thing I was allowed to talk about is that I have a commercial coming out. It’s an ad for a perfume, directed by Martin Scorsese.”
“Now let me tell you, when you get that call that Martin Scorsese wants to direct you,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The news that multiple Oscar nominee Michelle Williams was the reader for the audiobook of Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” was too delightful for “Saturday Night Live” to pass up. In a pre-taped sketch for the Nov. 11 episode hosted by Timothée Chalamet, Chloe Fineman as Spears introduced a cavalcade of celebrities auditioning to be the reader of Britney’s book.
Fineman was everywhere in the sketch: She also played idiosyncratic actress and model Julia Fox, and a manic, borderline illiterate version of Chalamet, while the actor himself played Martin Scorsese (who recently directed Chalamet in a perfume commercial for Blue de Chanel).
Other highlights included Sarah Sherman as comedian John Mulaney, referencing his most recent stand-up special, “Baby J,” about his drug addiction (but in a funny way); Molly Kearney as actor Kevin James, but instead of reading from the memoir, Kearney just recreates the ubiquitous meme of...
Fineman was everywhere in the sketch: She also played idiosyncratic actress and model Julia Fox, and a manic, borderline illiterate version of Chalamet, while the actor himself played Martin Scorsese (who recently directed Chalamet in a perfume commercial for Blue de Chanel).
Other highlights included Sarah Sherman as comedian John Mulaney, referencing his most recent stand-up special, “Baby J,” about his drug addiction (but in a funny way); Molly Kearney as actor Kevin James, but instead of reading from the memoir, Kearney just recreates the ubiquitous meme of...
- 11/12/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Michelle Williams was the one hired to perform the audiobook version of Britney Spears’ “The Woman in Me.” But according to Saturday Night Live‘s second skit for the night, there were quite a few other “celebrities” who were hoping for the gig.
Chloe Fineman did most of the heavy lifting in SNL‘s now signature audition series. First, she played the role of Spears to open the skit. Later, she transformed into Natasha Lyonne, Julia Fox and Timothée Chalamet — three of the many, many personalities who attempted to read bits from the memoir.
Other actors who were impersonated in the audition sketch included Allison Janney (by Heidi Gardner), Martin Scorcese (by Chalamet because how unfunny would it be if he played himself?), John Mulaney (Sarah Sherman), the B52s’ Fred Schneider (Bowen Yang), and Jada Pinkett Smith (Ego Nwodim), who ended up reading a few lines from her own memoir,...
Chloe Fineman did most of the heavy lifting in SNL‘s now signature audition series. First, she played the role of Spears to open the skit. Later, she transformed into Natasha Lyonne, Julia Fox and Timothée Chalamet — three of the many, many personalities who attempted to read bits from the memoir.
Other actors who were impersonated in the audition sketch included Allison Janney (by Heidi Gardner), Martin Scorcese (by Chalamet because how unfunny would it be if he played himself?), John Mulaney (Sarah Sherman), the B52s’ Fred Schneider (Bowen Yang), and Jada Pinkett Smith (Ego Nwodim), who ended up reading a few lines from her own memoir,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
White House Alters State Dinner Plans Due To World Crises; The B-52s Will No Longer Perform — Update
Update: First Lady Jill Biden said that The B-52s will no longer perform at the White House State Dinner on Wednesday, and that guests instead will listen to music from the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band and the Army and Air Force Strolling Strings.
The change — from the relentlessly upbeat B-52s to the more sedate instrumental music — was made given the multiple crises in the world, Biden said.
“While we had initially planned for legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing sorrow and pain, so we made a few adjustments to the entertainment portion of the evening,” Jill Biden said.
The dinner will be for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon. Biden said that The B-52s will still attend the event.
Previously, Monday, 10:56 a.m. Pt:...
The change — from the relentlessly upbeat B-52s to the more sedate instrumental music — was made given the multiple crises in the world, Biden said.
“While we had initially planned for legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing sorrow and pain, so we made a few adjustments to the entertainment portion of the evening,” Jill Biden said.
The dinner will be for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon. Biden said that The B-52s will still attend the event.
Previously, Monday, 10:56 a.m. Pt:...
- 10/24/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The legendary Tony Bennett died at the age of 96 in New York City. Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Tony Bennett died on Friday, July 21, at the age of 96, in his hometown of New York City. In addition to being a renowned song stylist with numerous guest appearances on television and in the movies, he was also the founding father of Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward's innovative and engaging First Time Fest. I first met Tony when I was introduced to him and his wife, Susan, by Gay Talese in 2013 when Gay and I were on the inaugural First Time Fest jury together with Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider. As a two-time First Time Fest juror, I witnessed Tony's unwavering support for his daughter Johanna. I remember him fondly.
Tony Bennett with his daughter Johanna Bennett Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
In High Notes: Selected Writings of Gay Talese...
Tony Bennett died on Friday, July 21, at the age of 96, in his hometown of New York City. In addition to being a renowned song stylist with numerous guest appearances on television and in the movies, he was also the founding father of Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward's innovative and engaging First Time Fest. I first met Tony when I was introduced to him and his wife, Susan, by Gay Talese in 2013 when Gay and I were on the inaugural First Time Fest jury together with Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider. As a two-time First Time Fest juror, I witnessed Tony's unwavering support for his daughter Johanna. I remember him fondly.
Tony Bennett with his daughter Johanna Bennett Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
In High Notes: Selected Writings of Gay Talese...
- 7/22/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Tl;Dr:
John Lennon revealed what he thought about The B-52’s and their relationship to Yoko Ono’s songs. A member of The B-52’s discussed what she thought of Yoko as a musician. Yoko had a considerable impact on music even if her style was unorthodox.
John Lennon said the classic rock band The B-52’s was inspired by Yoko Ono. He was right. In addition, Yoko indirectly influenced a more modern rock band.
John Lennon felt he and his wife inspired songs by bands who came after them
In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed one of his lesser-known albums. “There’s the one [Live Jam LP] that we did in London in a ballroom — the U.N. concert,” he said. “It was great. It was one of these that went on. We did ‘Cold Turkey’ and ‘Don’t Worry,...
John Lennon revealed what he thought about The B-52’s and their relationship to Yoko Ono’s songs. A member of The B-52’s discussed what she thought of Yoko as a musician. Yoko had a considerable impact on music even if her style was unorthodox.
John Lennon said the classic rock band The B-52’s was inspired by Yoko Ono. He was right. In addition, Yoko indirectly influenced a more modern rock band.
John Lennon felt he and his wife inspired songs by bands who came after them
In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed one of his lesser-known albums. “There’s the one [Live Jam LP] that we did in London in a ballroom — the U.N. concert,” he said. “It was great. It was one of these that went on. We did ‘Cold Turkey’ and ‘Don’t Worry,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many might be unaware of the contributions Yoko Ono has made to music. Her music is avant-garde, with sounds often ahead of their time. John Lennon loved her music and infused his own work with a more stylized feel, leading to more unconventional work in his solo career. In the 1970s, Lennon heard a song by The B-52’s that he thought sounded similar to Ono’s work.
John Lennon thought The B-52’s ‘Rock Lobster’ sounded ‘like Yoko’s music’ John Lennon and Yoko Ono | Keystone Features/Getty Images
The B-52’s formed in 1976 and became famous thanks to their fresh blend of pop and rock, with distinct vocals from Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. Their first single, “Rock Lobster,” was released in 1978. While it wasn’t a massive hit, it achieved cult classic status and developed an audience over time. The band would later have bigger hits,...
John Lennon thought The B-52’s ‘Rock Lobster’ sounded ‘like Yoko’s music’ John Lennon and Yoko Ono | Keystone Features/Getty Images
The B-52’s formed in 1976 and became famous thanks to their fresh blend of pop and rock, with distinct vocals from Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. Their first single, “Rock Lobster,” was released in 1978. While it wasn’t a massive hit, it achieved cult classic status and developed an audience over time. The band would later have bigger hits,...
- 6/10/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gabe Polsky’s new acid Western “Butcher’s Crossing,” premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, takes place on the vast fertile plains of hubris, where if you stare far enough into the horizon, you can probably see your own uppance come.
Based on a novel by John Williams takes place in Kansas in 1874, where a young wide-eyed student named Will Andrews has abandoned his Ivy League education in favor of seeing the country and palling around with buffalo hunters. It’s a decision that old man McDonald, a fur trader and distant friend of the family, thinks is intensely ill-advised, so he warns him — in a tone so condescending it was practically guaranteed to have the opposite of its intended effect — that following this path will lead Will to soul-obliterating ruin.
Undeterred, Will proceeds to ally himself with the first semi-friendly person he meets, a hunter named Miller (Nicolas Cage), who...
Based on a novel by John Williams takes place in Kansas in 1874, where a young wide-eyed student named Will Andrews has abandoned his Ivy League education in favor of seeing the country and palling around with buffalo hunters. It’s a decision that old man McDonald, a fur trader and distant friend of the family, thinks is intensely ill-advised, so he warns him — in a tone so condescending it was practically guaranteed to have the opposite of its intended effect — that following this path will lead Will to soul-obliterating ruin.
Undeterred, Will proceeds to ally himself with the first semi-friendly person he meets, a hunter named Miller (Nicolas Cage), who...
- 9/10/2022
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
Amélie van Elmbt with her Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel co-director Maya Duverdier and Anne-Katrin Titze on meeting Martin Scorsese: “It’s amazing, it really happened at First Time Fest.”
When I was on the inaugural First Time Fest jury with the B-52s Fred Schneider, Killer Films Christine Vachon, and Gay Talese we gave Amélie van Elmbt the Best Director Award for Headfirst (La tête la première), produced by Frédéric de Goldschmidt and Best Actress to her star Alice de Lencquesaing (Elisabeth Vogler’s Années 20), daughter of the great cinematographer Caroline Champetier and Louis-Do de Lencquesaing. Martin Scorsese was on hand at The Players to present Darren Aronofsky the John Huston Award for Achievement in Cinema.
Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel Executive Producer Martin Scorsese Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Dreaming Walls: Inside The Chelsea Hotel invites us into the skyline of Manhattan and then jumps in a taxi,...
When I was on the inaugural First Time Fest jury with the B-52s Fred Schneider, Killer Films Christine Vachon, and Gay Talese we gave Amélie van Elmbt the Best Director Award for Headfirst (La tête la première), produced by Frédéric de Goldschmidt and Best Actress to her star Alice de Lencquesaing (Elisabeth Vogler’s Années 20), daughter of the great cinematographer Caroline Champetier and Louis-Do de Lencquesaing. Martin Scorsese was on hand at The Players to present Darren Aronofsky the John Huston Award for Achievement in Cinema.
Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel Executive Producer Martin Scorsese Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Dreaming Walls: Inside The Chelsea Hotel invites us into the skyline of Manhattan and then jumps in a taxi,...
- 7/3/2022
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The first time the B-52s performed onstage together after Covid lockdowns — playing “Love Shack” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! — might have been nerve-racking for any other band. They had to shave a minute out of the song to accommodate the tight TV spot. Then they had to wait in a trailer until they were called onstage —”We didn’t even get to meet him,” the perennially redheaded Kate Pierson says of Kimmel — and then it was just a matter of tapping immediately into their inborn party spirit. The performance was typically spot-on,...
- 5/28/2022
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Miranda Lambert’s 2021 collaborative album The Marfa Tapes, with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall, was a stripped-down set that helped resituate the Texas-born Lambert in the tradition of Lone Star singer-songwriters like Guy Clark and Robert Earl Keen. It also further cemented the country star’s reputation for stylistic risks — following 2019’s more conventionally fantastic Wildcard, and released in the same year she dropped a tropical house remix of “Tequila Does.”
Palomino, Lambert’s eighth solo album, is full of departures too. Lambert and her collaborators (including co-producers Randall and...
Palomino, Lambert’s eighth solo album, is full of departures too. Lambert and her collaborators (including co-producers Randall and...
- 4/26/2022
- by Jon Freeman
- Rollingstone.com
After 45 years, the B-52s, one of the most reliable purveyors of rock & roll party music, will call it quits with a farewell tour this year.
The band announced an initial run of 11 dates across the U.S., though more shows are expected to be added in the coming weeks. The band currently has one show scheduled for Aug. 22 in Seattle, Washington, though they’re scheduled to kick off a proper run Sept. 29 in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The run will wrap with a final blowout at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta,...
The band announced an initial run of 11 dates across the U.S., though more shows are expected to be added in the coming weeks. The band currently has one show scheduled for Aug. 22 in Seattle, Washington, though they’re scheduled to kick off a proper run Sept. 29 in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The run will wrap with a final blowout at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta,...
- 4/26/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Archie Andrews has encountered musicians before in Riverdale — including Kiss, the Ramones and Jenny Lewis — but this time the teenager will encounter New Wave legends the B-52’s.
A one-shot issue titled Archie Meets the B-52s #1, the comic features Archie as an intern at Wriv, the local TV station. His supervisor, Kevin, tells him that he’s working on a local variety show and that the B-52’s will be the next musical guest.
The New Wave band is in need of a local act to play with. Archie...
A one-shot issue titled Archie Meets the B-52s #1, the comic features Archie as an intern at Wriv, the local TV station. His supervisor, Kevin, tells him that he’s working on a local variety show and that the B-52’s will be the next musical guest.
The New Wave band is in need of a local act to play with. Archie...
- 2/19/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
The B-52s have announced a world tour commemorating the band’s 40th anniversary. The 43-date trek includes a headlining North American summer run along with European dates and festival appearances. Tickets for the 43-date trek go on sale on Friday. Omd and Berlin will serve as support on select dates.
The tour kicks off on May 4th in West Palm Beach, Florida at Sunfest. Following a string of dates throughout Europe in June and July, the band heads stateside, beginning in the West Coast on August 1st at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa,...
The tour kicks off on May 4th in West Palm Beach, Florida at Sunfest. Following a string of dates throughout Europe in June and July, the band heads stateside, beginning in the West Coast on August 1st at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa,...
- 4/9/2019
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
The Eighth Annual Better World Awards, themed Roc4Humanity, and benefitting Wells of Life was held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at The Loeb Boathouse where it recognized outstanding humanitarians who have made the world a better place.
Jean Shafiroff Attends Better World Awards
Credit/Copyright: Krista Kennell
Jean Shafiroff was presented with the Humanitarian Philanthropist Award, by New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright. Acclaimed photographer Harry Benson, Cbe, was presented with the Humanitarian Arts Award by Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy of Human Rights Foundation. Philanthropist and author. Fred Schneider was given the Humanitarian Musician Award, and Claudinette Jean, wife of Wyclef Jean, was given the Humanitarian Helping Hand Award.
The event was hosted by CBS Radio and CNN anchor, Rita Cosby, and Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, CEO of SohoMuse.
Acclaimed by critics around the world as one of the greatest living guitarists, eight-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Jose Feliciano celebrated...
Jean Shafiroff Attends Better World Awards
Credit/Copyright: Krista Kennell
Jean Shafiroff was presented with the Humanitarian Philanthropist Award, by New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright. Acclaimed photographer Harry Benson, Cbe, was presented with the Humanitarian Arts Award by Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy of Human Rights Foundation. Philanthropist and author. Fred Schneider was given the Humanitarian Musician Award, and Claudinette Jean, wife of Wyclef Jean, was given the Humanitarian Helping Hand Award.
The event was hosted by CBS Radio and CNN anchor, Rita Cosby, and Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, CEO of SohoMuse.
Acclaimed by critics around the world as one of the greatest living guitarists, eight-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Jose Feliciano celebrated...
- 11/30/2018
- Look to the Stars
A plus-sized makeup artist with candy-colored hair and a marijuana addiction has a hard time holding down a proper job, so to make ends meet she deals drugs door to door, pedaling her bike to a colorful cast of clients – including her landlady, a soap star, and a nun – across a wide swath of Mexico City.
An irreverent, transgressive, psychedelic romp, “Tripping-Thru Keta” (El viaje de Keta) is the feature directorial debut of Julio Bekhór and Fernando Sama. The film is screening in the Sexual Diversity Program in Morelia, coming off its world premiere at the Transylvania Int’l. Film Festival.
Bekhór said the idea for “Keta” was born out of conversations with Sama and scripter Beto Cohen about the taboos around recreational drug use in Mexican society. “We really wanted to…have a dialogue with people who watch the film, and to open the minds of the people about these matters,...
An irreverent, transgressive, psychedelic romp, “Tripping-Thru Keta” (El viaje de Keta) is the feature directorial debut of Julio Bekhór and Fernando Sama. The film is screening in the Sexual Diversity Program in Morelia, coming off its world premiere at the Transylvania Int’l. Film Festival.
Bekhór said the idea for “Keta” was born out of conversations with Sama and scripter Beto Cohen about the taboos around recreational drug use in Mexican society. “We really wanted to…have a dialogue with people who watch the film, and to open the minds of the people about these matters,...
- 10/24/2018
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
After learning from PETA that Carson & Barnes Circus recently used the B-52s songs “(Meet) The Flintstones” and “The Bedrock Twitch” in its controversial elephant act, the band sent the circus a cease and desist letter this morning demanding that it stop using their songs — and urging it to end all animal acts as other circuses have.
Referring to this footage of the circus that performs nationwide and supplies elephant acts to other circuses around the country, singer Kate Pierson says in a new PETA video, “The man in this elephant act was caught on tape by PETA beating the elephants with bullhooks and jabbing them with electric prods…. [O]ur message to our fans and our friends and our families is stay away from cruel circuses and go to some great circuses … that don’t use animal acts.”
The B-52s, who are playing 60 shows this year as part of their 40th anniversary tour,...
Referring to this footage of the circus that performs nationwide and supplies elephant acts to other circuses around the country, singer Kate Pierson says in a new PETA video, “The man in this elephant act was caught on tape by PETA beating the elephants with bullhooks and jabbing them with electric prods…. [O]ur message to our fans and our friends and our families is stay away from cruel circuses and go to some great circuses … that don’t use animal acts.”
The B-52s, who are playing 60 shows this year as part of their 40th anniversary tour,...
- 8/31/2018
- Look to the Stars
With a June 1 date at Philadelphia’s Sugar House Casino, The B-52s – the toast of Athens, Ga and avatars of the dance-punk movement – officially kicked off its 40th anniversary summer tour. That The Bs founding brain trust of Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson was, and is, still intact, energetically performing their fun, frantic classics, drove the Philly audience to zealously enthusiastic and participatory action.
Forty years after they dropped their first single – “Rock Lobster,” recorded for Db Records – Schneider’s fiercely playful call to action to go “Down, down… Let’s rock” still inspired a sold-out roomful of fans to snorkel and crumble in place.
“We all still laugh at the same things and have a sense of each other — and the absurd — that influences each other,” said Schneider just before the Sugar House show. “I would never dream of doing it this long if I didn...
Forty years after they dropped their first single – “Rock Lobster,” recorded for Db Records – Schneider’s fiercely playful call to action to go “Down, down… Let’s rock” still inspired a sold-out roomful of fans to snorkel and crumble in place.
“We all still laugh at the same things and have a sense of each other — and the absurd — that influences each other,” said Schneider just before the Sugar House show. “I would never dream of doing it this long if I didn...
- 6/4/2018
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
The new documentary about the influential Long Island radio station Wlir is coming to Showtime on March 30th. New Wave: Dare to Be Different focuses on how the station helped break some of the biggest British bands of the Eighties like U2, the Cure, the Smiths, New Order, Duran Duran and Depeche Mode in the United States.
Directed by Ellen Goldfarb, Dare to Be Different teases the importance and influence of Wlir, specifically the role it played in laying the groundwork for MTV. Billy Idol notes in the clip, when...
Directed by Ellen Goldfarb, Dare to Be Different teases the importance and influence of Wlir, specifically the role it played in laying the groundwork for MTV. Billy Idol notes in the clip, when...
- 3/8/2018
- Rollingstone.com
B-52's frontman, Fred Schneider, and his side project, The Superions, are suing their record label, claiming it failed to live up to any of the holly jolly obligations of their Xmas album. According to legal docs, the synth rock trio -- made up of Schneider, Noah Brodie and Dan Marshall -- dropped "Destination ... Christmas!" in 2010, stocked with nontraditional yuletide gems like "Fruitcake" and "Christmas Conga (Jungle Bells)" that led it to debut at #13 on the Billboard Comedy Album Chart.
- 8/19/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
If you dig Peaches, then you'll love "Take One Thing Off" and the above video. I wasn't familiar with comedian Scout Durwood's work, but she's clearly got chops, can sing, and can take the piss -- as they say in ol' Blighty. Millienials know her from the Snoop Dogg produced Mary + Jane MTV comedy series about two Hollywood gals whacky weed biz, as well as her well-documented standup comedy schtick. So she's got a new album of comedy and music breaking on May 19th on Blue Élan Records. Had I produced this single, I might have added Fred Schneider of The B-52s in a campy cameo vocal and video appeareance. Regardless, this is one seriously infectious tune. Crank it, then "dance this mess around."...
- 5/1/2017
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic, along with former key members Bootsy Collins and keyboardist Bernie Worrell, dropped by the Late Show With Stephen Colbert Monday to perform the funk group's 1978 hit "Flash Light" ahead of an all-star New York "funkraiser" for Worrell that night. Jon Batiste and the Late Show also sat in on the performance of the party-starting classic.
In January, Worrell revealed that he's battling a "mild form" of prostate cancer and stage-four liver cancer. To help Worrell with his medical bills, friends and admirers of the Rock...
In January, Worrell revealed that he's battling a "mild form" of prostate cancer and stage-four liver cancer. To help Worrell with his medical bills, friends and admirers of the Rock...
- 4/5/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Here’s a leftover from Tasty Tuesday
Birthday shoutouts go to Liv Tyler, who is 37, Pamela Anderson is 47, Fred Schneider is 63, and Olivia De Havilland is 98.
After promising ratings, NBC has ordered a 14-episode second season of The Night Shift. This had better mean Luke Macfarlane will come back.
Whitney Houston‘s daughter is delusional.
Once Upon A Time has cast two of its Frozen characters for next season, and the role of mountain man Kristoff is going to Scott Michael Foster. Cappie!
Rachel takes on the Hobby Lobby debacle
I believe the judge was a George Bush appointee.
Breaking: Federal judge strikes down Kentucky's ban on gay marriage; ruling temporarily put on hold.
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 1, 2014
Teens react to Jonah Hill using homophobic slur. “Jeannie” started out terribly, but may have learned something by the end.
And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each week we’re going...
Birthday shoutouts go to Liv Tyler, who is 37, Pamela Anderson is 47, Fred Schneider is 63, and Olivia De Havilland is 98.
After promising ratings, NBC has ordered a 14-episode second season of The Night Shift. This had better mean Luke Macfarlane will come back.
Whitney Houston‘s daughter is delusional.
Once Upon A Time has cast two of its Frozen characters for next season, and the role of mountain man Kristoff is going to Scott Michael Foster. Cappie!
Rachel takes on the Hobby Lobby debacle
I believe the judge was a George Bush appointee.
Breaking: Federal judge strikes down Kentucky's ban on gay marriage; ruling temporarily put on hold.
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 1, 2014
Teens react to Jonah Hill using homophobic slur. “Jeannie” started out terribly, but may have learned something by the end.
And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each week we’re going...
- 7/1/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
The B-52′s are the greatest party band in rock history, and along with R.E.M. put the city of Athens, Georgia on the musical map in the 1980′s.
Formed in 1977, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Fred Schneider and siblings Cindy and Ricky Wilson combined surf music, new wave, and thrift store fashion, and made something magical … and unique.
Ricky died of AIDS in late 1985, and after Rock Hudson, he was the first person I knew of to die from the disease. But his spirit lives on three decades later every time a classic B-52′s song is played.
This weekend is Kate’s 66th birthday, so let’s pay tribute to her, and the rest of the band for giving us so much happiness. What is the greatest B-52′s song? Here are my top five:
5. Roam
1989′s Cosmic Thing was their first album in four years, and became the biggest seller of their career,...
Formed in 1977, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Fred Schneider and siblings Cindy and Ricky Wilson combined surf music, new wave, and thrift store fashion, and made something magical … and unique.
Ricky died of AIDS in late 1985, and after Rock Hudson, he was the first person I knew of to die from the disease. But his spirit lives on three decades later every time a classic B-52′s song is played.
This weekend is Kate’s 66th birthday, so let’s pay tribute to her, and the rest of the band for giving us so much happiness. What is the greatest B-52′s song? Here are my top five:
5. Roam
1989′s Cosmic Thing was their first album in four years, and became the biggest seller of their career,...
- 4/25/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Neil and David attend the world premiere of Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil.
Birthday shoutouts go to Karen Black, who is 74, Fred Schneider is 62, and Debbie Harry is 68.
Robbie Rogers writes letter to his 14-year-old self.
This is a must see, but it’s devastating. If you can get through the slideshow, you’re much stronger than I am. Just Because He Breathes: Learning to Truly Love Our Gay Son.
Did she learn nothing from Hilary Swank?
B. Scott, Host Of Bet Awards Pre-Show, Allegedly Told To Remove Makeup, Heels By Network
Pam Spaulding takes a final look back.
Here’s birthday girl Debbie Harry with Miss Guy in “God Save New York.”
Hugh Jackman and his wife address the rumors again.
The Onion week in review. “Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, and Alito suddenly realize they will be the villains in an Oscar-Winning movie one day.” And I know it’s wrong,...
Birthday shoutouts go to Karen Black, who is 74, Fred Schneider is 62, and Debbie Harry is 68.
Robbie Rogers writes letter to his 14-year-old self.
This is a must see, but it’s devastating. If you can get through the slideshow, you’re much stronger than I am. Just Because He Breathes: Learning to Truly Love Our Gay Son.
Did she learn nothing from Hilary Swank?
B. Scott, Host Of Bet Awards Pre-Show, Allegedly Told To Remove Makeup, Heels By Network
Pam Spaulding takes a final look back.
Here’s birthday girl Debbie Harry with Miss Guy in “God Save New York.”
Hugh Jackman and his wife address the rumors again.
The Onion week in review. “Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, and Alito suddenly realize they will be the villains in an Oscar-Winning movie one day.” And I know it’s wrong,...
- 7/1/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
The final installment of the First Time Fest… The First Time Fest’s closing night was held on March 4th. Hosted by Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist), the Players Club lit up with flashes of cameras and smiles of the first time filmmakers anxiously awaiting whose film will win the grand prize- the chance to have their film distributed by Cinema Libre Studios.
Johanna Bennett and Mandy founded the festival after noticing there wasn’t a venue for where new filmmakers can get their film viewed and appreciated. In attendance at the closing night ceremony were Tony Bennett and Jack Huston, as well as Martin Scorsese, who presented the First John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky, who was also in attendance. Anthony Rapp presented the awards as guests ate food from Chef Diane Dimeo and drank champagne by Nicolas Feuillatte. Also in attendance...
Johanna Bennett and Mandy founded the festival after noticing there wasn’t a venue for where new filmmakers can get their film viewed and appreciated. In attendance at the closing night ceremony were Tony Bennett and Jack Huston, as well as Martin Scorsese, who presented the First John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky, who was also in attendance. Anthony Rapp presented the awards as guests ate food from Chef Diane Dimeo and drank champagne by Nicolas Feuillatte. Also in attendance...
- 4/5/2013
- by Catherina Gioino
- Nerdly
I support this new NYC Film Fest which a lot of our friends attended and also support. I went to their inaugural event in NYC a few weeks back and it felt good and I certainly like their Indie lineup. The following is from a recent press release:
Celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the historic Players Club, First Time Fest also had additional participants to this year's unique event.
Harry Belafonte, Gay Talese, Michael Shannon & Ellen Burstyn have joined Christine Vachon, Fred Schneider, Sofia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Barbara Kopple, Scott Foundas, Eric Kohn, Emily Russo, Jenny Lumet, Darren Aronofsky, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley, Peter Saraf, Nancy Savoca, Amy Ryan And Martin Scorsese participated In First Time Fest.
Belafonte & Shannon appeared onstage in the Ftf’s “Stand Alone! – Conversations With The Outstanding” series, one-on-one interview with notable cinema artists. Renowned author Gay Talese joined Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as another of the Ftf’s five jurors (the entire live audience at each of the 12 competition films was the 5th juror). Together, the jury and audience ultimately selected Grand Prize winner, Sal, a modern-day Western by Argentinian writer-director Diego Rougier which was offered theatrical distribution and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn, who worked with both Scorsese and Aronofsky served as the host of the Ftf Closing Night Awards program. As part of that festive evening, Martin Scorsese added his illustrious presence and belief in the art of cinema, presenting the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky. John Huston was one of the most prolific and versatile directors in the history of cinema. And with his mesmerizing debut film, Pi – made independently on black-and-white 16mm film – Darren Aronofsky was instantly recognized as a uniquely gifted new talent. His subsequent films: Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Black Swan, have more than fulfilled that promise.
In addition, Ftf had a special presentation of Andy Grieve and Lauren Lazin’s documentary about the band The Police, Can't Stand Losing You, featuring Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
On an exciting party note, and in conjunction with Ftf’s presentation of the Australian/Mongolian documentary Mongolian Bling, First Time Fest and Hip Hop Saves Lives presented “Project Haiti,” an album release party for Zing Experience at Webster Hall.
Representing a hybrid between a traditional film festival and a highly motivated audience participation event, Ftf presented a dozen Competition Films, which were judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the Ftf audience. All competition screenings were followed by “hot-seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members then voted on the films. It was truly a contest of the best emerging filmmakers competing for the Ultimate Audience Award.
Competition Films – (please visit here for competition films & descriptions).
In addition to the Competition Films, Ftf presented First Exposure, a series of first films from now prominent filmmakers. Joining the line-up - and mostly attending the fest - was the exciting Opening Night presentation of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides, Todd Solondz with Welcome to the Dollhouse, Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Barbara Kopple with Harlan County, USA, Melvin Van Peebles with The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Pi from Darren Aronofsky, The Maltese Falcon from director John Huston, Poison from Todd Haynes, Jack Goes Boating from director Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and True Love from Nancy Savoca.
First Exposure Films – (please visit here, for First Exposure descriptions)
First Exposure also includes a 60th Anniversary Tribute to Morris Engel’s The Little Fugitive, a cinema vérité classic from 1953 that was shot on Coney Island and has inspired countless filmmakers, from Jean-Luc Godard to the Coen brothers. The tribute included a panel hosted by film historian Foster Hirsch including Mary Engel, daughter of Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, and James Sanders, author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies. In addition there was a Special Presentation of Everardo Gout’s thrillingly over-the-top action thriller Days Of Grace (Dĺas De Gracia), which won the Mexican Academy of Film’s prestigious Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for the Camera d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
First Time Fest included a series of panels called “How They Did It,” in which a diverse group of award-winning filmmakers moderated filmmaking case studies and spotlighted some of the most successful and accomplished masters of the industry.
First Time Fest is a four-day, multi-faceted event hosted in New York City’s Gramercy Park by the celebrated Players (16 Gramercy Park South), the club founded by Edwin Booth, Mark Twain and John Singer Sargent, the oldest and most exclusive arts organization of its kind whose membership includes the greatest stars of stage and screen. Each of First Time Fest’s twelve finalists receive high-level industry mentorship and a one-year membership to The Players. The Players was the location for all Ftf panels and events as well as the Filmmaker and VIP Lounge. First Time Fest’s screenings were all held at the Loews Village VII on Third Avenue (on 11th St. & 3rd Ave).
Among the Fest’s terrific sponsors is the delicious Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. "The forward-thinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws its inspiration from the call of ‘faraway lands.’ One of the youngest and most fashionable Champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte has captured the world's imagination by sharing its passion for creativity and arts in a record 37 years, becoming the #1 Champagne in France. In its role as discoverer of talent, the brand awards its prestige cuvée Palmes d'Or to First Time Fest's winners to complement the celebration in style."
Other terrific sponsors of the fest include Brooklyn Brewery, Moscot, Marquis Vodka and Technicolor Postworks.
For additional Festival Information - Visit The Festival Website at www.FirstTimeFest.com
Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of First Time Fest. As an accomplished philanthropist, actor and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
Celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the historic Players Club, First Time Fest also had additional participants to this year's unique event.
Harry Belafonte, Gay Talese, Michael Shannon & Ellen Burstyn have joined Christine Vachon, Fred Schneider, Sofia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Barbara Kopple, Scott Foundas, Eric Kohn, Emily Russo, Jenny Lumet, Darren Aronofsky, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley, Peter Saraf, Nancy Savoca, Amy Ryan And Martin Scorsese participated In First Time Fest.
Belafonte & Shannon appeared onstage in the Ftf’s “Stand Alone! – Conversations With The Outstanding” series, one-on-one interview with notable cinema artists. Renowned author Gay Talese joined Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as another of the Ftf’s five jurors (the entire live audience at each of the 12 competition films was the 5th juror). Together, the jury and audience ultimately selected Grand Prize winner, Sal, a modern-day Western by Argentinian writer-director Diego Rougier which was offered theatrical distribution and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn, who worked with both Scorsese and Aronofsky served as the host of the Ftf Closing Night Awards program. As part of that festive evening, Martin Scorsese added his illustrious presence and belief in the art of cinema, presenting the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky. John Huston was one of the most prolific and versatile directors in the history of cinema. And with his mesmerizing debut film, Pi – made independently on black-and-white 16mm film – Darren Aronofsky was instantly recognized as a uniquely gifted new talent. His subsequent films: Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Black Swan, have more than fulfilled that promise.
In addition, Ftf had a special presentation of Andy Grieve and Lauren Lazin’s documentary about the band The Police, Can't Stand Losing You, featuring Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
On an exciting party note, and in conjunction with Ftf’s presentation of the Australian/Mongolian documentary Mongolian Bling, First Time Fest and Hip Hop Saves Lives presented “Project Haiti,” an album release party for Zing Experience at Webster Hall.
Representing a hybrid between a traditional film festival and a highly motivated audience participation event, Ftf presented a dozen Competition Films, which were judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the Ftf audience. All competition screenings were followed by “hot-seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members then voted on the films. It was truly a contest of the best emerging filmmakers competing for the Ultimate Audience Award.
Competition Films – (please visit here for competition films & descriptions).
In addition to the Competition Films, Ftf presented First Exposure, a series of first films from now prominent filmmakers. Joining the line-up - and mostly attending the fest - was the exciting Opening Night presentation of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides, Todd Solondz with Welcome to the Dollhouse, Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Barbara Kopple with Harlan County, USA, Melvin Van Peebles with The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Pi from Darren Aronofsky, The Maltese Falcon from director John Huston, Poison from Todd Haynes, Jack Goes Boating from director Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and True Love from Nancy Savoca.
First Exposure Films – (please visit here, for First Exposure descriptions)
First Exposure also includes a 60th Anniversary Tribute to Morris Engel’s The Little Fugitive, a cinema vérité classic from 1953 that was shot on Coney Island and has inspired countless filmmakers, from Jean-Luc Godard to the Coen brothers. The tribute included a panel hosted by film historian Foster Hirsch including Mary Engel, daughter of Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, and James Sanders, author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies. In addition there was a Special Presentation of Everardo Gout’s thrillingly over-the-top action thriller Days Of Grace (Dĺas De Gracia), which won the Mexican Academy of Film’s prestigious Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for the Camera d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
First Time Fest included a series of panels called “How They Did It,” in which a diverse group of award-winning filmmakers moderated filmmaking case studies and spotlighted some of the most successful and accomplished masters of the industry.
First Time Fest is a four-day, multi-faceted event hosted in New York City’s Gramercy Park by the celebrated Players (16 Gramercy Park South), the club founded by Edwin Booth, Mark Twain and John Singer Sargent, the oldest and most exclusive arts organization of its kind whose membership includes the greatest stars of stage and screen. Each of First Time Fest’s twelve finalists receive high-level industry mentorship and a one-year membership to The Players. The Players was the location for all Ftf panels and events as well as the Filmmaker and VIP Lounge. First Time Fest’s screenings were all held at the Loews Village VII on Third Avenue (on 11th St. & 3rd Ave).
Among the Fest’s terrific sponsors is the delicious Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. "The forward-thinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws its inspiration from the call of ‘faraway lands.’ One of the youngest and most fashionable Champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte has captured the world's imagination by sharing its passion for creativity and arts in a record 37 years, becoming the #1 Champagne in France. In its role as discoverer of talent, the brand awards its prestige cuvée Palmes d'Or to First Time Fest's winners to complement the celebration in style."
Other terrific sponsors of the fest include Brooklyn Brewery, Moscot, Marquis Vodka and Technicolor Postworks.
For additional Festival Information - Visit The Festival Website at www.FirstTimeFest.com
Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of First Time Fest. As an accomplished philanthropist, actor and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
- 3/11/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
This past weekend, March 1st to 4th, marked the first ever First Time Fest at The Player’s Club in New York City. The festival is a celebration of the films of first time film makers which also features a competition in which 12 aspiring film makers get to debut their first film. These 12 filmmakers have competed for their chance to receive major distribution of their film and all competitors will receive advice from those in the industry.
The festival is to help those aspiring filmmakers in the industry obtain important information in making their films successful. There are twelve competition films that come from all over the world to compete against this wonderful grand prize of not only distribution by Sponsor Cinema Libre Studio, but knowledge- knowledge of how to make films and how people got their start.
The festival itself includes films from these 12 competition films as well as...
The festival is to help those aspiring filmmakers in the industry obtain important information in making their films successful. There are twelve competition films that come from all over the world to compete against this wonderful grand prize of not only distribution by Sponsor Cinema Libre Studio, but knowledge- knowledge of how to make films and how people got their start.
The festival itself includes films from these 12 competition films as well as...
- 3/9/2013
- by Catherina Gioino
- Nerdly
My fellow jurors, Killer Films co-founder Christine Vachon, B52's Fred Schneider, author and reconteur Gay Talese, and I were proud to announce that the First Time Fest Grand Prize of theatrical distribution from Cinema Libre Studio was awarded to an inventive modern-day western with majestic sweep, great acting, and a lot of surprises: Sal, written and directed By Diego Rougier (Chile/Argentina).
The awards night followed a wonderful four days of discoveries, with 12 films in competition for the inaugural competition.
The night's celebration at the Players Club, on Gramercy Park South, New York, was hosted by Academy Award winning actress Ellyn Burstyn, co-president of the Actors Studio. She was the ideal choice.
Two of the best decisions of her life, she said, were taking a chance and saying yes to new filmmakers. She confided in us that she had a project and was looking for a...
The awards night followed a wonderful four days of discoveries, with 12 films in competition for the inaugural competition.
The night's celebration at the Players Club, on Gramercy Park South, New York, was hosted by Academy Award winning actress Ellyn Burstyn, co-president of the Actors Studio. She was the ideal choice.
Two of the best decisions of her life, she said, were taking a chance and saying yes to new filmmakers. She confided in us that she had a project and was looking for a...
- 3/6/2013
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Legendary drag entertainer Jackie Beat is known for her bigger-than-life talent and her ballsy and blustery persona, but it turns out she managed to make a few friends along the road to her bilious stardom. Beat, who has no health insurance, needs to have both hips replaced, and faces a hospital bill of up to 50,000. Time for a benefit Joan Rivers, Debbie Harry, Parker Posey, Fred Schneider, and a gaggle of downtown performers are joining Jackie onstage for Hip Hip Hooray A Bone-a-fit For Jackie Beat tonight, March 3 at The Cutting Room, 44 East 32 Street.
- 3/3/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The inaugural First Time Fest is celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the Players Club & Loews Village VII this weekend March 1-4. Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of the festival and the Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
Eye For Film's New York critic, and contributing editor for The Word Anne-Katrin Titze will join author Gay Talese, producer Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as one of the Ftf’s five jurors (the audience at each of the 12 competition films will be the fifth juror). Together, the jury and audience will ultimately select a Grand Prize winner, who will be offered theatrical distribution for their film and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Actress Ellen Burstyn will host the Ftf Closing...
Eye For Film's New York critic, and contributing editor for The Word Anne-Katrin Titze will join author Gay Talese, producer Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as one of the Ftf’s five jurors (the audience at each of the 12 competition films will be the fifth juror). Together, the jury and audience will ultimately select a Grand Prize winner, who will be offered theatrical distribution for their film and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Actress Ellen Burstyn will host the Ftf Closing...
- 3/2/2013
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Legendary drag entertainer Jackie Beat is known for her bigger-than-life talent and her ballsy and blustery persona, but it turns out she managed to make a few friends along the road to her bilious stardom. Beat, who has no health insurance, needs to have both hips replaced, and faces a hospital bill of up to 50,000. Time for a benefit Joan Rivers, Debbie Harry, Parker Posey, Fred Schneider, and a gaggle of downtown performers are joining Jackie onstage for Hip Hip Hooray A Bone-a-fit For Jackie Beat on Sunday, March 3 at The Cutting Room, 44 East 32 Street.
- 2/12/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
We’ve barely had time to recover from last week’s heartwrenching elimination -- Mark was sent packing, plunging a (figurative) knife through the heart of his partner, Clark -- when we’re back for another Quickfire Challenge. The remaining chefs are presented with a salad bar full of ingredients, and instructed by host Curtis Stone to use them in a salad. One catch: they only have eight minutes. Art finds time to blend a watermelon soup, and Lorena manages to grill some cauliflower. Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, members of The B-52s, appear to sample the hastily thrown together dishes. Lorena’s risk pays
read more...
read more...
- 8/16/2012
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here is last week's caption pic winner. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Dame Edna is out of retirement? And chatting with Heads of State? Who said diplomacy was boring!?."
Thanks to Morgan for this week's winning caption!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Mitch Hewer (above) is 23, Pamela Anderson is 45, Fred Schneider is 61, Michael Phelps is 27, Brian Bloom is 42, Fantasia Barrino is 28, and Debbie Harry is 67. What are your Debbie/Blondie faves? Here are mine: 5. "French Kissin'," 4. "Maria," 3. "Dreaming," 2. "Call Me," 1. "I Want That Man." (my undying love to anyone who remembers it).
Happy Birthday to the faboo Karen Black, who turns 73 this weekend. And here comes her gif(t) now!
Bwa-Ha-Ha! Did you really think that today's release of...
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Dame Edna is out of retirement? And chatting with Heads of State? Who said diplomacy was boring!?."
Thanks to Morgan for this week's winning caption!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Mitch Hewer (above) is 23, Pamela Anderson is 45, Fred Schneider is 61, Michael Phelps is 27, Brian Bloom is 42, Fantasia Barrino is 28, and Debbie Harry is 67. What are your Debbie/Blondie faves? Here are mine: 5. "French Kissin'," 4. "Maria," 3. "Dreaming," 2. "Call Me," 1. "I Want That Man." (my undying love to anyone who remembers it).
Happy Birthday to the faboo Karen Black, who turns 73 this weekend. And here comes her gif(t) now!
Bwa-Ha-Ha! Did you really think that today's release of...
- 6/29/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: March 20, 2012
Price: DVD $14.98, Blu-ray $19.98
Studio: Eagle Rock
The B-52s: With The Wild Crowd: Live In Athens, Ga marks a historic hometown gig by the fun-fun-fun pop-rockers at Georgia’s Athens Classic Center.
Taped in Febrary, 2011 in honor of the 34th anniversary of their debut performance, the B-52s–Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland–bring the party back home with a brightly colored, full-on performance. The group’s 18-song set of syncopated funk and signature grooves includes such favorites as “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” “Roam,” “Private Idaho” and “Mesopotamia.”
An audio CD of the concert was released in October, 2011.
Here’s a complete track listing:
1. Pump
2. Private Idaho
3. Mesopotamia
4. Ultraviolet
5. Give Me Back My Man
6. Funplex
7. Whammy Kiss
8. Roam
9. 52 Girls
10. Party Out Of Bounds
11. Love In The Year 3000
12. Cosmic Thing
13. Hot Corner
14. Band Intros
15. Love Shack
16. Wig
17. Planet Claire
Buy or Rent...
Price: DVD $14.98, Blu-ray $19.98
Studio: Eagle Rock
The B-52s: With The Wild Crowd: Live In Athens, Ga marks a historic hometown gig by the fun-fun-fun pop-rockers at Georgia’s Athens Classic Center.
Taped in Febrary, 2011 in honor of the 34th anniversary of their debut performance, the B-52s–Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland–bring the party back home with a brightly colored, full-on performance. The group’s 18-song set of syncopated funk and signature grooves includes such favorites as “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” “Roam,” “Private Idaho” and “Mesopotamia.”
An audio CD of the concert was released in October, 2011.
Here’s a complete track listing:
1. Pump
2. Private Idaho
3. Mesopotamia
4. Ultraviolet
5. Give Me Back My Man
6. Funplex
7. Whammy Kiss
8. Roam
9. 52 Girls
10. Party Out Of Bounds
11. Love In The Year 3000
12. Cosmic Thing
13. Hot Corner
14. Band Intros
15. Love Shack
16. Wig
17. Planet Claire
Buy or Rent...
- 2/9/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Happy Birthday to Ryan Carnes (above), who turns 29, and Ryan White, who would have turned 40 today. A petition is underway to have the British government officially pardon gay mathematician Alan Turing. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Parliament will be obligated to debate it. Sienna Miller and Toby Jones will star as Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock in The Girl, about Hitch's obsession with Hedren while filming The Birds. I just pray they'll include that infamous moment when he presented Tippi's daughter Melanie Griffith with a miniature doll of Tippi ... in a small pine box. Kudos to Bradley Cooper for doing the right thing. Awww ... it's cute he thinks he'll ever have the chance to not make that "mistake." Santorum Makes Baffling Comments On Gay Sex. ... And? Below you can see Hillary Clinton giving her powerful United Nations speech about Glbt rights. You can read the text here.
Good news!
Good news!
- 12/6/2011
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Yes, we are still caught up in the pop whirlwind that is Madonna's leaked-may be finished-is it really her single 'Give Me All Your Love' (and yes, we still have a version here even though its being pulled feverishly from every corner of the Internets as we type).
What struck us most is how the song is wholly original while it also borrows from countless corners of pop and dance music. Everyone in our newsroom heard little bits and pieces of something else in it.
Haven't Heard It Yet? Do Yourself a Favor and Hit Play:
So, without further ado, we break down just what we heard between the lines.
First off, there's that L-u-v Madonna, Y-o-u you wanna chant that acts like a call to arms.
You don't have to think to hard to land at Gwen Stefani's 'Hollaback Girl' with its cheerleader chatter geared for the dancefloor.
What struck us most is how the song is wholly original while it also borrows from countless corners of pop and dance music. Everyone in our newsroom heard little bits and pieces of something else in it.
Haven't Heard It Yet? Do Yourself a Favor and Hit Play:
So, without further ado, we break down just what we heard between the lines.
First off, there's that L-u-v Madonna, Y-o-u you wanna chant that acts like a call to arms.
You don't have to think to hard to land at Gwen Stefani's 'Hollaback Girl' with its cheerleader chatter geared for the dancefloor.
- 11/9/2011
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
Here's last week's caption pic winner. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Since the repeal of Dadt, the Army has made new recruitment posters"
Thanks to Carlos for this week's winning caption.
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Johnny Weir turns 27, Patrick Wilson is 38, and Debbie Harry is 66. Okay, time to name your top five Debbie/Blondie songs. Here are mine: 5. "Maria," 4. "Dreaming," 3. "Heart of Glass," 2. "French Kissin'," 1. "Call Me."
Happy Canada Day! We hope all of our Canadian readers have a safe and happy celebration. In case you missed it last year, check out some our favorite gay Canucks! There are two big movies opening this holiday weekend. We already gave you our take on Larry Crowne, and Heather Hogan...
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Since the repeal of Dadt, the Army has made new recruitment posters"
Thanks to Carlos for this week's winning caption.
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Johnny Weir turns 27, Patrick Wilson is 38, and Debbie Harry is 66. Okay, time to name your top five Debbie/Blondie songs. Here are mine: 5. "Maria," 4. "Dreaming," 3. "Heart of Glass," 2. "French Kissin'," 1. "Call Me."
Happy Canada Day! We hope all of our Canadian readers have a safe and happy celebration. In case you missed it last year, check out some our favorite gay Canucks! There are two big movies opening this holiday weekend. We already gave you our take on Larry Crowne, and Heather Hogan...
- 7/1/2011
- by snicks
- The Backlot
With the release of Rabbit Hole on DVD this week, I thought it would be a good idea to post our special on John Cameron Mitchell again. Simon and I take on director John Cameron Mitchell’s brief but already incredibly diverse filmography: 2001′s trans-glam musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2006′s unsimulated-sex-infused melodrama Shortbus, and of course Rabbit Hole, an adaptation of the acclaimed stage play of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman (who hand-picked Mitchell for the material) and Aaron Eckhart as suburban parents trying to get past the death of their young son.
Listen now
Download the show in a new window
Playlist:
Stephen Trask – Midnight Radio
Sleater-Kinney and Fred Schneider – Angry Inch
Anita O’Day - Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?
Stephen Trask - Lift Up Your Hands
Listen on I-Tunes RSS feeds Twitter Facebook Tumblr...
Listen now
Download the show in a new window
Playlist:
Stephen Trask – Midnight Radio
Sleater-Kinney and Fred Schneider – Angry Inch
Anita O’Day - Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?
Stephen Trask - Lift Up Your Hands
Listen on I-Tunes RSS feeds Twitter Facebook Tumblr...
- 4/19/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
For an hour Ricky D has been breathlessly waiting years to do, he and Simon take on director John Cameron Mitchell’s brief but already incredibly diverse filmography: 2001′s trans-glam musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2006′s unsimulated-sex-infused melodrama Shortbus, and of course Rabbit Hole, an adaptation of the acclaimed stage play of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman (who hand-picked Mitchell for the material) and Aaron Eckhart as suburban parents trying to get past the death of their young son.
Listen now
Download the show in a new window
Playlist:
Stephen Trask – Midnight Radio
Sleater-Kinney and Fred Schneider – Angry Inch
Anita O’Day – Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?
Stephen Trask – Lift Up Your Hands
Listen on I-Tunes RSS feeds Sound On Sight Forum Twitter Facebook Tumblr...
Listen now
Download the show in a new window
Playlist:
Stephen Trask – Midnight Radio
Sleater-Kinney and Fred Schneider – Angry Inch
Anita O’Day – Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?
Stephen Trask – Lift Up Your Hands
Listen on I-Tunes RSS feeds Sound On Sight Forum Twitter Facebook Tumblr...
- 12/14/2010
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Ho Ho Ho! Welcome to the Holiday Edition of Afterelton's Music Roundup. This holiday season we've been blessed with fresh albums by artists who had yet to venture into the holiday album arena including Annie Lennox, Indigo Girls, and the B-52's Fred Schneider. Like a gift at a Pink Elephant party, we've also been given second attempt albums by those artists who should probably just stick to their original (I'm talking to you Mariah!).
With everyone from Train to The Killers to Coldplay churning out holiday hits at the last minute, there's much to discuss.On the flip side, we'll pick back up with new non-holiday material (Cee Lo Green, Adam Lambert, Joe McElderry and Real Housewives of Atlanta's Kandi Burrus) all worth a listen, so let's get started.
Holiday Highlights
Train has surely made a comeback this year. The San Francisco-based band took a three-year hiatus after their 2006 album For Me,...
With everyone from Train to The Killers to Coldplay churning out holiday hits at the last minute, there's much to discuss.On the flip side, we'll pick back up with new non-holiday material (Cee Lo Green, Adam Lambert, Joe McElderry and Real Housewives of Atlanta's Kandi Burrus) all worth a listen, so let's get started.
Holiday Highlights
Train has surely made a comeback this year. The San Francisco-based band took a three-year hiatus after their 2006 album For Me,...
- 12/6/2010
- by Davis Mallory
- The Backlot
So the biggest music news this March was supposed to be the release of the Scissor Sisters newest album, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Here we are on the 15th and still no official release date, no album title, no lead single … nothing. Maybe those folks lucky enough to see their upcoming live shows in New York and Texas will get a taste of it, but even that’s just speculation.
I guess we’ll just have to live with the suspense a little longer.
Thankfully there is plenty of new music coming out this month, and on top of that, we’ve got some even more amazing new music videos.
First up we’ve got new music from the B-52’s frontman, Fred Schneider and his new group, The Superions.
Their self-titled, debut Ep is chock-full of Fred’s classic tongue-in-cheek humor but gives it a more modern,...
I guess we’ll just have to live with the suspense a little longer.
Thankfully there is plenty of new music coming out this month, and on top of that, we’ve got some even more amazing new music videos.
First up we’ve got new music from the B-52’s frontman, Fred Schneider and his new group, The Superions.
Their self-titled, debut Ep is chock-full of Fred’s classic tongue-in-cheek humor but gives it a more modern,...
- 3/15/2010
- by michael
- The Backlot
It’s National Grammar Day – let me have it!
Debra Messing (Grace, Will & Grace) is set to star in a comedy pilot called Wright vs. Wrong as a conservative pundit. Politically, that’s a character about face, but as a conservative, she’ll likely be just as self-centered.
The A.V. Club has a great interview with out singer Fred Schneider of the B-52s and his new band, The Superions.
Well at least they’re consistent. The American Family Association is calling for the orca at Sea World to be stoned to death in accordance with Exodus 21:28. No doubt, since this was the second human death attributed to the whale, they’re also calling for the stoning death of the primary trainer, just like Exodus 21:29 says. Several people have wondered if you leave the whale in the water for the stoning, and if it counts if he...
Debra Messing (Grace, Will & Grace) is set to star in a comedy pilot called Wright vs. Wrong as a conservative pundit. Politically, that’s a character about face, but as a conservative, she’ll likely be just as self-centered.
The A.V. Club has a great interview with out singer Fred Schneider of the B-52s and his new band, The Superions.
Well at least they’re consistent. The American Family Association is calling for the orca at Sea World to be stoned to death in accordance with Exodus 21:28. No doubt, since this was the second human death attributed to the whale, they’re also calling for the stoning death of the primary trainer, just like Exodus 21:29 says. Several people have wondered if you leave the whale in the water for the stoning, and if it counts if he...
- 3/4/2010
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Back before I started writing, I managed this righteous hip-hop group from Newark. We should have been contenders, but things got wonky. A few weeks ago one of the Carroll brothers sent me this Youtube link to the first song I produced for them on my label Krossover Records. Check out the inspired vocals by Fred Schneider of The B-52s. Hilarious. Enjoy, Dusty
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- 5/24/2009
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
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