SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE TOUR

Moving to a different beat this fall, the top ten finalists from SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will shuffle their way onto a stage near you! That’s right, representing the rhythm of America, these dancers will gear up for over 50 stop beginning September 21st in Albany, NY and ending on November 30th in Reno, NV.


With Season 3 still up for grabs, it is no wonder SYTYCD followed in the footsteps of its singing network counterpart American Idol and turned their television production into a nationwide tour. Also created by Simon Fuller, the response to this broadcast increases every airing (Wednesdays at 8:00 PM and Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Fox). Don’t worry Hok fans, it has been announced that even though HOK and Anya missed the top ten, they will be alternates on the tour.

The schedule is posted for this tour that is set to span nationwide. Check it out and get your SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Tickets before it’s too late. Tickets go on sale August 11th. (I know last year many shows sold out fast!) So don’t wait! Get your Concert Tickets today.

Newcomer Esmée Denters to tour with Justin Timberlake

This 18-year-old Dutch Diva is making history as the first amateur singer to go from internet video posting, via YouTube, to posting a signed record contract. As a YouTube singing sensation, her videos have over 21 million views and are becoming more popular by the minute.

Esmée Denters has wanted to be a singer her entire life. She was inspired and gathers her soulful sounds from such artists as Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child and Christina Aguilera. Her talent is self taught. In fact, from a very young age, Esmée thought people wouldn’t like her voice! She made the YouTube videos on a whim—just for fun and her own piece of mind. Little did she know that after making her first post, her life would do a complete 360.

Never doubt the power of YouTube. YouTube launched Esmée’s career. She was first noticed in August of 2006 for her videos- which she posted from an at-home webcam singing cover versions of popular songs.

Esmée continues to make history being the first artist to sign to Tennman Records—Justin Timberlake’s record label.

Why we like her? Her natural raw talent can’t be denied. Esmée’s story is a story that anyone can relate to. Her talent is self-made. The sky’s the limit for Esmée, as she already has a passionate following of supporters.

As her YouTube presence will only be heightened, Esmée plans to document her journey so loyal fans can still tune-in and follow her on what she calls an “out of body experience.” She is committed to keeping her fans in on the action. “…but all of her fans on YouTube should not worry…we will keep you in the loop every step of the way,” announced Justin Timberlake.

What’s next for Esmée? Fans can check her out with tickets to a Justin Timberlake concert where she will be his opening act. She will be on the Justin Timberlake tour all summer while the pair continues feverously writing and recording a debut album to be released late 2007.

What can we learn from Esmée? YouTube blows everything wide-open; any industry becomes fair game to potential newcomers.

“This is why I love the internet,” Esmée Denters.


*Check out Esmée Denters' most popular YouTube submission, "What goes around..." Justin Timberlake cover... wait for the special appearance at the end :)

Michael Bublé: my love...

I’ve never been as mesmerized with the total package of an entertainer before Michael Bublé. It is through him that I now understand the over-the-top reactions (crying, fainting, etc….) females overcame in the presence of star male performers of their day such as Elvis, The Beatles or Dean Martin. Needless to say, I want to marry Michael Bublé. :)

Deemed as the “modern-day Frank Sinatra,” the 31-year-old Canadian singing sensation debuted as an international smash, mastering unique remakes of artists including George Michael, the Bee Gees and Van Morrison. What makes him so unique is that he is able to put a modern pop twist on standard classics that span decades. His most recently released album, Call Me Irresponsible, encompasses a collection of original material and classic jazz standards.

Bublé has been recording since he was a teenager. Growing up, Michael Bublé's grandfather introduced him to Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Stevie Wonder; idols from which he draws inspiration and his insatiable love for music. His rise to the top progressed slowly through the release of a series of independent albums. To date, he has a Grammy nomination and multiple Juno Awards under his belt. Bublé prides himself on the international reach that the style of music that he’s chosen and perfected has amounted to. He sees himself as an artist unlike any other of this era because he loves this particular style of music. As tours brought him across the globe, he realized that he wasn’t alone in feeling a passion to bring back a lost art.

Bublé claims entertaining on his end is “a loose thing” where it’s more about “hearing the lyrics and enjoying yourself” versus a “show-stopping number.” I’m not sure who he thinks he’s fooling! A Michael Bublé show provides a moment to escape. He focuses on an intimate experience and relationship with his audience. It’s been said that one show, no matter what city, is never the same with Bublé. He is an artist who respects the money and time people have spent to come out and see him! Knowing that his fans can’t just put a bad show behind them, he uses that fact to fuel his fire to thrive and give his all in every show. Most importantly, his comfort level on the stage is observed and felt by all. That fact alone puts one immediately at ease, enough so that you can sincerely enjoy a personal experience with Michael Bublé.

He’s funny, he’s always wanted to be a superhero, “Be nice to everyone” is his trade secret, he can speak Italian...I just l.o.v.e. him. Bublé fans, what are you waiting for? You don’t know what you’re missing until you see Michael Bublé LIVE with Michael Bublé concert tickets. Tickets to this show promises to be a pure delight. Don’t find yourself saying “Call Me Irresponsible,” get your Michael Bublé tickets today!!

Hannah Montana: Miley Cyrus, truly the "Best of Both Worlds"

Who is this bubbly rising starlet that goes by the stage name Hannah Montana? None other than the daughter of the hit 90’s country artist, Billy Ray Cyrus. Cyrus is bound to have an “Achy Breaky Heart” thanks to all the attention and popularity that his 14 year-old daughter is receiving.

On her hit Disney Series, Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus’s character Miley Stewart is also known by her alter ego, pop-sensation Hannah Montana. Turns out that her fictional name crisis on Hannah Montana resembles her factual life. Her birth name is Destiny Hope. "Miley" was a nickname given to her as a young child by her father because she was very “smiley.” Combining her life on and off the screen she is either know by: Destiny Hope Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Miley Stewart or Hannah Montana.

Disney’s Hannah Montana is one of the top-rated kid’s shows of all time. Her 2006 "Hannah Montana" soundtrack debuted at #1 on the Billboards earning double-platinum status. Her second album released June 26; a two-disc set titled "Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus," beat out Kelly Clarkson's new album for the #1 spot, selling 326,000 copies.

So what’s next for Miley? A Hannah Montana Concert to support her second album, an appearance in High School Musical 2 and a Hannah Montana feature film… the line-up is a mile long for Miley.

How long will she maintain the Hannah Montana persona? Hillary Duff was able to drop the Lizzie McGuire name but her career has never lived up to the star potential she reached as Lizzie McGuire. The biggest question is…will she follow in the footsteps of Hillary Duff or Lindsay Lohan. It’s all up in the air as to how her budding fame will affect the tween as she continues to grow-up in front of America’s eyes.

At any rate, it appears that she has a good head on her shoulders. Miley states "My mom is always telling me it takes a long time to get to the top, but a short time to get to the bottom."

*Get your Hannah Montana Tickets and other concert tickets today before they sell out!!

Sex and the City Movie Debut!

Ladies hold on to your Cosmo’s and strap-up those Manolos tightly, this news is BIG. Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha will strut their stuff together once again in a larger than life film to match their larger than life agendas. That’s right; all signs point to go as the Sex and the City feature film is expected to start rolling mid-September 2007. New Line Cinema hopes to close the deal within the upcoming weeks. The film is to be distributed in association with HBO, the cable network that aired the show for seven years.

This project has been in the works since 2004 when the series came to an end in its sixth season. Pursuing individual endeavors, the girls set out to make a name for themselves a part from “Sex and the City.” Kim Cattrall, Samantha, was cited as the reason why this project didn’t get off the ground sooner. Once she learned that she was alone in this feeling, she found it “truly horrific” and explained that it was “not her intention.” Allegedly, Cattrall was looking out for the better good of the girl's careers. She explains, “I felt the only reason to revisit it after finishing it so beautifully would be a fabulous script and a big lump of cash for the actors. Working seven years for a cable TV series is not like doing Friends for NBC. We had all worked our [butts] off. If I was going to do this movie it had to be a retirement situation."

Still living out the scantly clad adventures of the four superwomen through DVD’s, I think the time passed will work in their favor. The show will remain a staple in every woman’s movie collection for decades to come. If anything, the 3 years it took to get this project going will only heighten the suspense adding to its marketability.

While I am ecstatic to see the ladies once again on the big screen, reactions have been all across the board on this one. Some share my sentiments while others think there is nothing left to tell … what’s your opinion?

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Scion xD and anti-marketing marketing

Consumer curiosity killed the cat, roll over Scion xA enter xD.

Due to Scion's strategic guerilla marketing plan, a mere commercial or billboard is probably the extent of what you have seen or heard about this brand. Most probably tune-out current advertising efforts due to their vague, non-informative, yet intriguing copy points. However, for the niche group of “urban” hip-hop enthusiasts that the Toyota brand is aiming for, they’re right on target. Through the use of non-traditional media, Scion looks to recruit “urban trendsetters” to jump on board with this brand.


In an effort to continue to push their brand Scion has come up with a new model, the xD, to be released in August 2008. This model will replace the former xA boasting the most affordable and smallest Scion yet. Don’t be fooled by its stocky subcompact exterior, this vehicle packs 128-hp and 1.8L four cylinder engine with variable timing mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The xD is comparable to the Toyota Yaris and Corolla. Sliding and reclining rear seats for optimal passenger comfort comes standard along with 6 speaker stereo, iPod connectivity, power locks, ABS, a tire pressure monitoring system and side curtain air bags. The xD is the first mainstream subcompact in the U.S. to offer an OEM navigation system and will be the cheapest car to make OEM navigation system available. You can get your hands on this hot commodity with a base price of only $14,000.

I too am a victim of their intriguing marketing tactic. In my constant pursuit of non-conformity, I needed a car that matched and complemented my personality and style. Customization is the name of the game that Toyota’s sister company plays with their client, literally plays. Scion.com allows for the customer to have an entertaining experience expressing themselves on a blank slate starting with choosing the model, color and any amenities that you could dream up. In the end, you can print out a copy of your vehicle vision and take to the dealer. Or, terminals are set up in each dealer in case you need to be in the right element to get your creative juices flowing. When all was said and done, I bought my tC in June of 2005. I got a gray “flint mica” 2006 tC with a rear spoiler, mud-flaps and branded car mats for just under $20,000. With amazing financing, as a college student my payments were set at an affordable $330 a month. I originally set out to buy a used car, but you can’t beat that price for a brand-new stylish vehicle that retains the up most in value even after being driven off the lot.

**Attend one of Scion's underground hip hop community events to see grassroots brand marketing at its finest. Or, get your concert tickets to this summer’s hottest scenes.

Spice Girls: They’re Bacccck!

The Spice Girls: Baby, Ginger, Posh, Scary and Sporty are making their return to the music scene in the form of a world tour spanning 11 dates on six continents, kicking off in Los Angeles on December 7 and ending in Buenos Aires on January 24. Apparently, this deal has been in the works for quite some time. Mel C was cited as one of the most hesitant members to get on board. It took an offer of 10 million pounds each, and at the drop of a hat, all 5 of the girls agreed to sign off. The official announcement was made on their website followed by a press conference on Thursday June 28, 2007. May 1998 was the last time these girls spiced up the stage together.

So my question is…why? I understand that, in their prime, they were a cultural icon for the British music scene but all “good” things MUST come to an end. In my opinion, the only thing that the Spice Girls contributed was a brilliant entertainment marketing strategy with their distinct identities. No doubt this tactic has long since been duplicated, so they have that going for them. And I guess, as a proud fearless female, I should thank them for their “Girl Power” movement…
However, Spice Girls “Greatest Hits” reunion tour? I don’t deem their career worthy enough to boast such an event. Their image and sound targeted young girls, but now as middle-aged post-natal women what do they have to offer? In other words: their solo careers are done and they’re looking for work… did they ever even start?

So if you’re as confused as I am right now…their reasons for the tour are:
- As a thank you to their fans
- To show their children what they used to do (soon to be 7 between 4 out of the 5 of them)
- And of course, money

The girls have also reunited with former manger Simon Fuller. Simon says, "The Spice Girls were huge worldwide and they want the reunion to reflect that. But it is fair to say some of them need it rather more than others." Leave it to Simon to tell it like it is.

It will be interesting to watch Spice Girls tickets sales for this tour. I think “Say You’ll Be There” won’t just be one of their top-charting hits, but their theme pleading for attendace t0 this reunion tour.

First-born child has higher I.Q.?

The results are in.
I just found out that, unless I am not the norm (which my parents/friends and pretty much everyone I have come in contact with tell me often), my brother probably has a higher I.Q. that I do!

Researchers are now reporting there is a correlation between I.Q. and birth order. While the difference is minimal, three points on average, the eldest child in the family tends to develop higher I.Q.’s than their siblings. What’s even more interesting is that this finding has nothing to do with biology or the child’s prenatal environment but with family dynamics.

Maybe it’s because I am the middle child, but is this truly a shocking “finding?” Think about it.

As the FIRST born, leadership is a role that is almost forced upon a child in this position. Out of the shear notion that respect has been given, they are willing and eager to accept. They are a novelty! The first born is a celebrated and cherished event, anything after that has already been done before. The first born receives the parent’s undivided attention. When parents later on have to juggle multiple kid’s activities, school, feeding, etc. it’s natural that their intellectual environment will be decreased amidst all the madness. Sounds like your classic case of natural selection because at a young age, one’s intelligence is their most redeeming quality. After the first born assumes responsibility, leadership and intellect… what ever roles are left for the others will gladly be assumed in an effort to stand out and be someone to their parents.

While I still stand strong on MY position that I am more intelligent than my brother…at least he has an argument now.

What's your take on these "findings?"

Kathy Griffin: Bravo, Bravo!

Only stand-up comedian/actress Kathy Griffin would be able to pull of a red carpet move like this: (Interviewing pop trio Destiny’s Child)

Kathy Griffin: “Girls I have a question, if you’re Destiny’s Child…then whose Destiny’s Daddy?”
… … …
Beyonce Knowles: “God”

Bravo picked up on Kathy Griffin’s satire style and offered her a solo reality show career. This show is currently in its third season and airing Tuesday nights at 10/9c.

The premise: As a self-proclaimed “D-list Celebrity,” her antics have one goal: to get off the D-list and move to the A-list! So you can imagine the witty ways in which she approaches every situation. Thus far, the three seasons have portrayed her rollercoaster of a business and personal life from her being banned on almost every talk show, her husband embezzling 72,000 from her personal account, her divorce after 6-years of marriage and her father passing away at the age of 90.
Contray to her personal style, Kathy says she doesn’t like confrontation. She claims that she was raised right! And if she has anything to say…she’ll say it behind your back.

While she may be a little over the top at times, I GUARANTEE you can’t make it through an episode of “My Life on the D-list” or one of her stand-up performances “Allegedly,” “Everybody Can Suck It” or “Strong Black Woman” without a good laugh. So check her out, tell your friends and let's get Kathy Griffin off the D-list! Get your Kathy Griffin Tickets today!

07.07.07 Live Earth: Why Litter?

Seriously. I don’t understand how hard it is to put garbage in a GARBAGE can. Maybe I’m out of the loop, but when did this act become socially acceptable? Everyday I see people tossing either their fast-food wrapper or cigarette butts on the ground. If you can’t take the time to pick up after yourself, then who will?
I’m not attempting to change the world or anything but holding on to your items until you reach a proper waste receptacle is an easier task than you may think.

Here’s a thought: Don’t litter for a selfish reason! By the act of consciously not littering and placing your waste in a receptacle, you have just done something good for the earth that YOU inhabit. Acknowledging this will increase the level of serotonin in your brain, thus stabilizing a pleased feeling throughout your entire being. :)

Litter isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s also an economic development issue. While I shutter in embarrassment everyday at the carelessness of my own generation’s actions, many leaders are at the forefront making efforts to bring environmental issues to attention.

7.7.07 - Live Earth… Amazing idea. Capitalizing on the versatility, power and the global reach of music this is a 24-hour music event to engage people on a mass scale. Aimed at combating the climate crisis, Live Earth spans across seven continents. This musical movement will propose actions and solutions as the kick-off to a multi-year campaign that calls for individuals, corporations and governments active participation. Live Earth will stage concerts in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Hamburg, and will feature more than 150 of the world’s best music acts for the ages. Such performs include: The Police, Bon Jovi, Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson.

S.O.S (Save Our Selves) is the larger movement behind Live Earth. Former Vice President of the United States Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance for Climate Protection which is the organization leading the campaign. “The mission of the SOS campaign is to empower individuals to change their consumer behaviors and motivate corporations and political leaders to enact decisive measures to combat the climate crisis. The message of SOS is that everyone everywhere can and must answer the call to solve the climate crisis” (liveearth.org).

Fall Out Boy...Fall In Girls

According to Fall Out Boy “Chicago is so two years ago.” But for most people who are just recently jumping on the bandwagon-they’re the greatest thing to hit the “alternative” music scene in…well…awhile. In my case, they “were only good ‘cause you can have almost famous friends.” Besides the fact that all my life I have resided in the area where FOB originated, through a long-winded lineage, I “know” them: my college roommate/best friend attended their shows in churches from the VERY start. Also, her dorm roommate/close friend was Pete Wentz’s (bassist) on and off girlfriend’s best friend (as he is now dating Ashlee Simpson). Phew! Needless to say, “I slept with someone from Fall Out Boy and all I got was this stupid song written about me”… Just kidding!

They began their stretch to stardom like any other group: self-released demo, mini-LP, local shows, first full-length album, nationwide steaming, tours…then it happened. Pete Wentz received a phone call; reluctantly he picked it up to hear…”Hey Pete, is Jay.” Pete replied, “Who?” The answer to his question was “Jay-Z, we’re going to make you huge.” This marked their commercial debut and taste of the spot light as "From Under the Cork Tree" went double platinum under Island Def Jam Records. Everyday FOB continues to turn their name- which was actually shouted out by a fan as a suggestion in the early stages when the band was nameless- into a brand.

For me, Fall Out Boy has become a “gateway drug” into my addition of pop punk music. Their musical style consists of hardcore punk instrumentals, sounds and influences but their clever use of irony in their lyrics is what makes them “Pretty in Punk.”

That being said, on to the point of my post:

If you can’t wait to hear more of Fall Out Boy, then make sure you get concert tickets to the Honda Civic Tour 2007 and Live Earth this summer. There’s no “Infinity on High” like tickets to a FOB event. But if you’re looking for other alternatives to get your fix I’ve got two suggestions that are sure to satisfy your ears. Keep an open mind as the females of the music industry fight their way on to the scene... or should I say arms race?

1. Paramore – Coming off of FOB’s second label, Fueled by Ramen Records, these Tennessee natives embrace this generation by placing female Hayley Williams as lead singer. She is backed by all male members on lead guitar, bass, drums and percussion. “Riot!” their second album was released on June 12, 2007. Their instrumentals hold a deep and strong melodic tone that embodies the pop-punk genre to a tee. The lyrics speak for themselves dubbed as an “unbridled outburst of emotions” by Hayley. Just take one listen to “Misery Business” (my personal favorite) and get yourself hooked. Catch them all summer with tickets to the Vans Warped Tour.



2. Colbie Caillat – For a change of pace, Colbie Caillat personifies soul and folk sounds with a strong acoustic nature. While I can’t compare her to FOB or Paramore, her musical style suggests the kind of comfort that puts you in an enjoyable place. The tone of this singer/songwriter’s voice is mesmerizing. Her album "Coco" drops July 17, 2007. With her increasing popularity due to internet infiltration, she is expanding her reach from California across the country currently touring with the Goo Goo Dolls. Check her out with cheap concert tickets for Summerfest.