Plain White T’s
Cheap Trick
Toxic Audio
Aretha Franklin
Taylor Swift
Jay Leno
Mike Birbiglia
Jeff Dunham
Lewis Black
Taylor Mason
Jackson Browne
Plain White T’s
Emerson Drive
Charlie Daniels
Blue Man Group
Mitchell Zeidwig
Joe Castillo
Craig Karges
The Passing Zone
Terry Fator
Plain White T’s new album BIG BAD WORLD is the highly anticipated follow-up to the band's breakthrough release, Every Second Counts. On the strength of megahit single "Hey There Delilah," which rocketed to No. 1 in 10 countries and was the fourth song in history to sell over 3 million digital downloads, Every Second Counts sold over a million and a half copies worldwide and earned the Chicago quintet two Grammy nominations. The band recently finished a North American arena tour with Panic at the Disco and a successful headlining tour around the U.S.
Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He's been honored with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004) and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame (2007). At the latter ceremony, Jackson performed his song "Lives In The Balance," which SHOF notes is, "a fitting example of how his social and political activism has influenced much of his work."
CHEAP TRICK may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 70s they’ve been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and the late 80s lighter-waving favorite, “The Flame,” CHEAP TRICK are a musical institution. With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards, the band is an industry favorite.
Plain White T’s new album BIG BAD WORLD is the highly anticipated followup to the band's breakthrough release, Every Second Counts. On the strength of mega-hit single "Hey There Delilah," which rocketed to No. 1 in 10 countries and was the fourth song in history to sell over 3 million digital downloads, Every Second Counts sold over a million and a half copies worldwide and earned the Chicago quintet two Grammy nominations. The band recently finished a North American arena tour with Panic at the Disco and a
Vox Audio aka “Toxic Audio” is an amazing, Off-Broadway award-winning theatrical show, where the star is the human voice. The five powerhouse singers are an instant hit at theatres, casinos, colleges, trade shows and performing arts centers everywhere! Their album, “Chemistry” was named “Acappella Album of the Year”. Vox Audio has thrilled sell-out crowds and toured internationally throughout Canada, Mexico, Asia, South America, and Europe.
With a work ethic the size of Texas, Emerson Drive emerged from Canada into the Nashville music scene with a brand of hip country combined with stellar musicianship and signed with Dreamworks, Nashville. They are one of the only bands ever signed to a major label who have the distinction of playing their own instruments on ALL of their records. They humbly accept this honor because they are true instrumentalists.
18, AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, January/February 2009
As a member of contemporary music’s royal family, Aretha Franklin is peerless, the undisputed reigning “Queen of Soul.” The 17-time Grammy winner (second highest of any woman in history), Grammy Living Legend and Lifetime Achievment Award honoree, the first woman inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, and 2005 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (America’s highest honor, her awards and accolades are endless. Her name is on the lips of every producer and every audience member.
Born in 1936 in Wilmington, North Carolina, he was raised on a musical diet that included Pentecostal gospel, local bluegrass bands, and the rhythm & blues and country music. Epic Records signed him to its rock roster in New York in 1976. The contract, reportedly worth $3 million, was the largest ever given to a Nashville act up to that time. In the summer of 1979 Daniels rewarded the company’s faith by delivering “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which became a Platinum single, topped both country and pop charts, and
"Got the radio on, my old blue jeans, and I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve,” Taylor Swift sings on “A Place in This World,” a self-penned coming-of-age anthem from her self-titled debut album. It’s an apt description of the enthusiastic, down-toearth young woman, whose original compositions about teenage life brim with poignant honesty and an infectious spirit. Just 16 years old, Taylor is at an age where most teenagers are only beginning to find their identity and lay tentative plans for the future. But there’s never been much doubt in Taylor’s mind about her calling.
Blue Man Group is best known for its award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as "groundbreaking", "hilarious", "visually stunning" and "musically powerful." These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and Vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else. People from all over the world, from all walks of life and from all age groups have become
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Jay Leno follows in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as the host of the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated “The Tonight Show.” Jay has won four Emmy Awards - In 1995 for Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series, and in 1996, 1997 and 1999 for Outstanding Technical Direction. One of the country’s premier comedians, Leno has appeared in hundreds of comedy shows around the United States and in 2001, Bosnia, where he performed for the troops.
Mitchell Zeidwig is a critically acclaimed concert pianist, comedian, and composer who has performed as a soloist with major symphonies around the world on 6 continents and for many Fortune 500 corporations. Audiences call his one man show "Masterful, Hilarious, Ingenious!" But this is a show you need to experience live to enjoy. It is filled with brilliant music and uproarious comedy that will leave you with fond memories of an enjoyable evening.
At 24, Mike was one of the youngest comedians ever to appear on The Late Show With David Letterman. Seventeen Magazinenamed Mike one of the “Voices Of The Next Generation” and Mike made countless appearances on Conan, Kimmel, Carson Daly, and Ferguson. From there, Mike took his act on the road. His debut album Two Drink Mike drew comparisons to Seinfeld from Esquire Magazine in their “Favorite Comedy Albums.” AMG Music hailed it “the arrival of standup’s next big thing.”
Absolutely unique! Powerful! Penetrating and visceral are just a few of the words that have been used to describe him. Magically coaxing detailed images from fine grains of sand, then transforming them into ever-changing shapes. This sand animation is projected on large screens for corporate events, conventions and other audiences. Sand Art is an awe inspiring, captivating, inspirational experience. Joe is one of the first and certainly the premier “SandStory” artist in the world!
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Jeff Dunham is a ventriloquist whose tremendous talent and skill make him a master of his craft. His puppets come to life and portray characters with intense and colorful personalities. His puppet Peanut is a self-described comic genius who possesses unending energy and a rapid fire wit. Dunham has a tremendous amount of experience and has been featured on shows such as “Entertainment Tonight” and “Good Morning America” and he even shared the couch with Johnny Carson.
During Craig’s one-man show, tables float, minds are read, metal bends and your imagination is challenged because you won’t believe your eyes. Craig’s credits include more than 4,000 performances in 16 countries on 4 continents; 40 national television appearances including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and two, one-hour television specials.
Lewis is one of the most prolific performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as a standup comedian, actor and author with 200+ nights a year to sell out audiences. He is one of few performers to sell out renowned theatres including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City Center and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He was the first stand-up comedian to ever perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Experience the unbridled adrenaline of roaring chainsaws, flaming torches and knives flying through the air, as only The Passing Zone can deliver. As Tonight Show regulars and finalists on America's Got Talent, Jon Wee and Owen Morse are bona fide experts on working together effectively. Holding four Guinness World Records and 18 Gold Medals from the International Juggler's Association, expect as many big laughs as big stunts. When it comes to comedy entertainment, They are the best in the business.
World-class ventriloquist, stand out stand-up, and talented musician, Taylor Mason has spent the last 25 years making audiences laugh from on stage, in film, and on television. Taylor’s credits include his Star Search Grand Champion performance, Last Comic Standing, FOX-TV’s “Bananas”, TBS’s “Comedy Roadshow” pilot (airing Spring 2009), and numerous appearances on Comedy Central and Showtime. His comedy has cut to the funny bone of audiences of all ages.
The Human Jukebox blends Danny Gans and Ronn Lucas into a world class singing impersonator, comedian, and ventriloquist. From country stars like Garth to rock legend Sir Elton, to the voices of the Rat Pack, he can please any audience with clean humor, right-on impressions and amazing ventriloquism.
January/February 2009, AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, 19