Category Archives: Entertainment

True Blood Will Finish Stronger Than Ever: Rob Kazinsky

Posted on by

Persistently renowned for pushing the boundaries with themes of death and rebirth, this spooky, vampire drama with half human fairies thrown in for good measure, has been taken to the hearts of the public and inspired many copycat style dramas. None though will equal series 6, which promises to be not just memorable but thoroughly dramatic and emotional. With Series 6, producer Brian Buckner has set himself the onerous task of proving to loyal fans that True Blood didn’t outstay its welcome, by ensuring he leaves fans begging for more with Robert Kazinksy’s short but sweet dalliance with vampires.

True-Blood-Cancelled-7http://hbowatch.com/hbo-true-blood-season-7-will-be-its-finale/

New Cast Member
Robert Kazinsky, the 30 year old British actor of EastEnders and Pacific Rim fame, joins True Blood in its sixth and final season. This is a brave move for Kazinsky, entering a show which has such an established and cult following in its closing act. Making one’s mark on an established partnership is no mean feat, particularly with a cast and crew who have worked on the previous five seasons. However, it seems that injecting new blood into True Blood’s final series has injected new life into the well-worn formula of this sexy horror drama about real life southern vampires.
Kazinky’s emergence onto the scene provided a new frisson between his character Macklyn Warlow and Sookie Stackhouse. Kazinzky’s character evolves over the course of the season like a good wine ages over a season, no doubt to the anticipated delight of True Blood’s loyal fans.

What to expect in series 7
A real sense of fresh energy has been poured into this series of True Blood which has given the show a major boost and helped ensure that it carries its strengths from previous seasons, and also injects a new impetus to this, its swan song.
Given that half the cast are now no more, there has been a welcome return to a more parochial and homely family unit. A feel which Kazinsky thinks strikes the right note for the final season: “That’s absolutely the right way to go, so this entire [sixth] season was about getting there. That’s Brian’s dream and what he’s doing is brilliant for the show.”
No shrinking violet, and just as well given the abundant nude scenes the character plays as a love interest of lead character Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin, Kazinksy tackles some interesting plotlines in the show including a scene with Jason Stackhouse, Sookie’s brother.
Determined to end the show on a high note, producer Brian Buckner has bravely cast Kazinsky in several passionate scenes, none more risk taking than that with fellow co-star Ryan Kwanten who plays Jason, Sookie’s womanising brother. This interseting twist tests and examines the boundaries and relationships between Sookie, Jason and Macklyn. Series 6 is guaranteed to be a show stopper of vampire proportions.
Just as it sparked a revival of vampirology when it premièred in 2008, so it has left the stage with its fans wanting more, surely the sign of a meaty drama, talented cast and great writers which will prove hard, if not impossible, to emulate.

The Plum Magnetic | Music Profile

Posted on by

Band: The Plum Magnetic
Location: New Orleans, LA, USA
Styles: World/Fusion/Rock
Similar to: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Umphrey’s McGee, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Talking Heads,Grateful Dead
CD: Terra Animata
Accolades: Have opened for NoHayBanda Trio (Italy), World Service Project (UK), The Magnetic Ear (New Orleans)

Members/Instruments: Trent Ciolino- electric 6-string banjo,vox; Andrew McLean- guitars, tabla; Jon Solomon- bass; Oliver Burke- drums

Production: Trent Ciolino and The Plum Magnetic; Engineered by Andrew McLean; Mixed by Andrew McLean and Kevin Sweet; Mastered by Paul Marinaro at Piety Street Studios, NOLA

Tracklisting: Spring; Trece Leches; Sweet Confusion; The Electric Jungle; Shesh Besh; Parallax; The Delicious; Terra Animata

Websites:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Reverbnation
Twitter

 

Bio:
The aim of The Plum Magnetic is to blend elements of music from all over the world into a synergistic whole and through this genre-melding approach to both represent and promote a harmonious unity-through-diversity. The depth of emotion, melody, The Plum Magnetic musicand structure of Indian Classical music; the ecstatic pulse and rich, repetitious, patterns of Africa; the manifold great American forms, including Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk/Bluegrass, Fusion, and beyond; all of these are deftly interwoven to produce a sound that is broad in scope, rich with intent, and full of surprises.

The Plum Magnetic was formed in late 2011 out of relationships built over years of involvement in the New Orleans music scene. Trent (banjo/vox) and Oliver (drums) met while playing in super eclectic local group Eve’s Lucky Planet, and over years of extended jams based in African, Reggae, and Afro-Cuban styles developed a unique musical bond which serves as the backbone of The Plum Magnetic’s developing sound. In considering personnel to expand the project’s line-up, Andrew McLean (guitar) was the obvious first choice. Trent and Andrew met through a shared love of Indian Classical Music; Andrew (having studied raga and tala for over a decade at the esteemed Ali Akbar Khan College of Music) as teacher, and Trent as a beginner sitar student. Last but not least, the group needed a bassist, and after experimenting with a few different players, Jon Solomon (founding member of Gravity A and bass player about town) was a natural fit. With his great feel and sensitivity he rounds out the sound, allowing the group to present music that though at times exceedingly complex, is always firmly rooted in the groove.

Drawing comparisons to groups ranging from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, The Grateful Dead, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Talking Heads, and Umphrey’s McGee, The Plum Magnetic is one of the most diverse, engaging, and original up and coming groups in the New Orleans scene and beyond.

The Cheesemaker’s House Book Review

Posted on by

The Cheesemaker's House, Jane Cable, Book reviewThe Cheesemaker’s House arrived in our postbox with a lovely personal note from the author, Jane Cable. Touched by the effort and about to go on a five-and-a-half hour train journey I decided to take it with me. I read the book in under four hours. In part because the chapters leave no wastage or flowery writing; they are short and snappy. The book is easy to read, but it is also gripping, you desperately want to know what is going to happen and the characters draw you in.

 

For something with a paranormal bent it is also strangely believable if you let your imagination go. The character of Alice is a great one. She is a survivor and has been through a lot. Her husband left her for his secretary who he had impregnated, but she remains a good, giving person. Owen is more complicated. Mostly likeable but also infuriating. The actions of the countryside are perfectly encapsulated; how everyone knows everyone elses business, the random noises, the community spirit.

 

The Cheesemaker’s House is Jane’s first published novel and I wonder how many more she has written as she is a skilled writer with a strong voice. The author really has a talent for writing, this book won the suspense & crime category of the Alan Titchmarsh Show People’s Novelist competition in 2011, and I had seen it on a few ‘must read’ lists before I received it. I really enjoyed this book and I hope for more novels from this talented writer.

 

The Cheesemaker’s House by Jane Cable can be bought here.

A Bad Case of the Mondays | Theatre Listings

Posted on by

theatrelistingParadigm Theatre Company presents

A Bad Case of the Mondays

7 Short Plays on Monday Evenings…

In The Morris Space at Park Theatre

6,13,20,27 January at 7.45pm

For Monday. For Mankind. For the Future!

2014 sees Paradigm Theatre Company take over the Morris Space at the Park Theatre to present A Bad Case of the Mondays, opening the venue for the first time on Mondays throughout January.

Seven playwrights have penned seven incredibly different and exciting plays using the theme of ‘a bad case of the Mondays’ as their prompt.

From British Gangsters to underpaid actors to office types who probably aren’t eating what they should be… The seven bite-sized short plays will be staged across each evening – A Bad Case of the Mondays may just turn Monday into the new Friday.

 

The seven featured writers are Paradigm’s Artistic Director, Sarah Pitard, with Michael Ross, B. Spencer Evoy, Caro Dixey, Giles Morris, Katherine Rodden and Serena Haywood.

 

Work Makes You Free

by Michael Ross

Director: Cat Robey

Lunch Break

by B. Spencer Evoy

Director: Lucy Wray

Toast or Cereal

by Caro Dixey

Director: Gavin Dent

A Valued Employee

by Sarah Pitard

Director: Theo Ancient

Thank Crunchie It’s Not Friday

by Giles Morris

Director: Tutku Barbaros

The Lost Case of the Mondays

by Katherine Rodden

Director: Eyal Israel

The Lionel Blair Sex Years

by Serena Haywood

Director: Liz McMullen

 

2013 Top Music Moments

Posted on by

top music moments of 2013, Miley Cyrus, wrecking ball, naked, music, video, The Rolling Stones beat One Direction to claim music moment of 2013

· Rock icons beat pop princes in 2013 music review

· 8 out of 10 Brits think it hasn’t been a ‘golden year’ for pop

· Prince William belting out Livin’ On A Prayer beats Miley Cyrus’ twerk at VMAs

· The Big Reunion tour voted a bigger music moment than Beyonce’s surprise album

The Rolling Stones’ performance at Glastonbury has been named the biggest music moment of 2013.

With a combined age of 273, the Stones have romped to victory and shown the pop stars of today how to put on a show. The rockers not only came out top in a review of the year’s music high and lows by free music streaming service blinkbox music, but trounced pop sensations One Direction.

The Best Song Ever singers – with a combined age of 97 – came bottom of the top 20 list with the launch of their movie. To add insult to injury, the only other entry featuring the boys is Taylor Swift’s swipe at Harry Styles as he spoke at the MTV Video Music Awards, coming in at number 19.

Proof that a Rolling Stone gathers no moss, Mick and the gang’s epic performance at this year’s festival topped the survey by a landslide, with 1 in 4 putting them on top – EIGHT TIMES more than those backing the 1D boys.

In another sign of respect for the elder statesmen of music, the death of music icon Lou Reed came in second, followed in third place by the return of legend David Bowie with his new album Where Are We Now?.

2013 was a year of comebacks and reunions, including news that McFly and Busted would form a super group (4th), Eminem’s epic return (8th) and 90s pop band B*witched with The Big Reunion gang going on tour (10th) – a bigger moment than Beyonce’s surprise album (11th).

The future King of England can take a bow after his performance with Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift (6th) eclipsed Miley Cyrus’ twerk-tastic We Can’t Stop/Blurred Lines show stopper at the VMAs (7th).

The summer time smash hit Get Lucky by Daft Punk was the only song entry in the survey (15th) whilst the naughty video to Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines was the only video entry, but failed to make it into the top 10 (12th).

Despite huge music moments over the past 12 months, 8 out of 10 Brits didn’t think 2013 was a golden year for pop music.

Over 2000 British adults were surveyed by One Poll for blinkbox music. Here is the full list:

1. Rolling Stones headline Glastonbury

2. Death of Lou Reed

3. David Bowie comeback album

4. McFly and Busted form McBusted

5. Adele wins Oscar for Skyfall

6. Prince William sings with Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift

7. Miley Cyrus twerks at the MTV VMAs

8. Eminem’s comeback album

9. JLS announce they are breaking up

10. The Big Reunion tour

11. Beyonce releases a surprise album

12. The Blurred Lines video

13. Emeli Sande named UK’s biggest selling album artist for the second consecutive year

14. Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro appear on The Graham Norton Show

15. Daft Punk’s Get Lucky reigns over summer

16. Jay Z rides the London Underground

17. Beyonce’s performance at the Superbowl

18. Metallica play a special gig in Antarctica

19. Taylor Swift has a dig at Harry Styles as he collects MTV award

20. One Direction’s movie

Bobbie Morrone Trio | Music Profile

Posted on by

Bobbie MorroneArtist: Bobbie Morrone
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Styles:  Pop/Blues, Pop/Jazz, Alternative
Similar to: Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Matt Costa, G. Love
CD: The Best I Can Be EP
Release date: January 10, 2014 (1/10/14)
Members/Instruments: Bobbie Morrone (Vocals/Guitar), Paul Machette (Bass), Alex Machette (Drums)
Production: Jonathan Class

Bio:  The Bobbie Morrone Trio is comprised of three guys that just love music and want to share it with the world. With their extensive musical knowledge and backgrounds, they work together as a musical blender. First you throw in pop, soul, funk, blues, and folk music. You thoroughly blend those ingredients together, pour them into a cup, add whipped cream, then sprinkle some jazz on top. You call that beverage the Bobbie Morrone Trio.

Tracklisting:
1) Make You Scream
2) Long Way Down
3) The Best I Can Be

Websites:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Twitter

Beyoncé and Chanel Iman in Hervé Léger by Max Azria

Posted on by

Last week, Beyoncé stunned the world by unexpectedly releasing a self-titled album with 14 new songs and 17 new music videos. In her video titled “Yoncé”- Beyoncé enlisted help from super model friends- Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn and Joan Smalls.

Beyonce Chanel Iman

Who: Beyoncé

What: Hervé Léger by Max Azria One-Piece Swimsuit (HUV9B480-Peach Blush)

Who: Chanel Iman

What: Hervé Léger by Max Azria Skyler One-Piece Swimsuit (HUV9C391-Grey)

Where: Beyoncé’s “Yoncé” Music Video

Released: Thursday, December 12, 2013

An Evening With Sylvester Stallone

Posted on by

 AN EVENING WITH SYLVESTER STALLONE IN LONDON Hollywood’s much-loved action hero Sylvester Stallone is set to enthrall, enlighten and entertain the UK at a unique ‘An Evening With’ event at London’s iconic Central Hall, Westminster on Saturday, 11th January 2014. This un-missable event is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s biggest stars in the grandiose setting of Central Hall, Westminster. The event is presented by leading entertainment impresario and event organiser Rocco Buonvino and entrepreneur Joe Ricotta, in association with film producer and founder of entertainment company Sterling 2 Ent Teji Singh.

 

Sylvester Stallone, who is famed for his roles in such cult classics as Rocky, Rambo, Demolition Man and The Expendables, will treat the audience to an intimate evening of anecdotes about his illustrious career, private insights from his life as one of the world’s most admired screen idols as well as partaking in a special question and answer session with audience members.

Sylvester Stallone rose to worldwide recognition as an actor, writer and director since he played the title role in his own screenplay of Rocky, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and was nominated for a staggering 10 Oscars. Rocky grew to a franchise of five sequels and in 2006 Stallone concluded the series with Rocky Balboa, a critical and audience success which resolutely confirmed both Stallone and Rocky as iconic cultural symbols. In more recent times, Stallone wrote, directed and starred in Rambo, which continued the saga of Vietnam vet John Rambo 25 years after the debut of Rambo: First Blood.

 

Stallone then released his most ambitious project, the action thriller The Expendables, which he wrote, directed and starred in, and for which he hired an all star action cast including Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Eric Roberts, Dolph Lungren and Steve Austin – as well as Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It opened to Number One at the Box Office – making Stallone the only actor in Hollywood history to open a Number One film across five decades.

 

Seen as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Sylvester Stallone will be seen at Christmas 2013 starring in Grudge Match with Robert DeNiro. In March, 2014, Rocky the Musical will open at The Winter Garden on Broadway. The musical is based on the original film written by Sylvester Stallone with music by Stephen Flaherty and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

 

‘An Evening with Stallone’ is undoubtedly an exceptional occasion to catch an icon in the flesh. Tickets start from £45 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased from www.seatlive.com For VIP tickets, please contact Sterling Media on 020 7801 0077 or 07503 231 715.