Scene and Heard

I know what many of you are going to say.
I really need to get a life.
I shouldn’t be watching such garbage and I really shouldn’t buy into this “reality” show about some snotty rich girls living in Hollywood.
Well guess what?
I’ve never really given a rat’s right eye about what people think so there’s no point in starting now.
Don’t like it? Change the channel.
Don’t like reading about it? Find another way to waste your time.
I’ve decided to reel some of you into my web. Whether you’re already a fan of MTV’s The Hills or jumping on the band wagon this season (which by the looks of the ratings, there are a lot of you out there) my yummy little blog will update you on all of the drama: real or not.
We’ll watch Lauren Conrad grovel over the elusive Brody Jenner or Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag fight for airtime.
This is my vice.
So welcome to my world.

Off to Parrrreeee…
When we last tuned in Teen Vogue Editor Lisa Love offered both Lauren and Whitney (Port) a chance to help out at the annual Crillon Ball in Paris.
For a minute there we thought Lauren would get shafted based on her previous offer the year before. (Ah yes, the summer of Jason). But no, in true “reality show” fashion she got the invite along with her pal.
Meanwhile back in Hollywood, Spencer and Heidi continue their on-off again engagement, er, relationship, er, perfect for TV romance.
While Heidi’s still on her sebatacle to Colorado, good ol Spence thinks it’s a good idea to go the extra mile to be with his sweetie. So what does the guy do, crash her folks house the next day.
Awwwkward.
Mr. Montag greets Spencer with a ‘what the hell are you doing here’ mug but graciously invites him in out of the 4 feet of snow.
Ok, these two are hilarious. Are they or aren’t they? And why do I even care?
Truth is, I love to hate this couple.
They’re shameless and the epitome of Hollywood media whores. How did it get this bad?
I wonder if they’ll work in Heidi’s “budding” music career into the mix. I would be so disappointed if they didn’t.
Anywho…back to the dynamic duo in their first night in Paris.
The girls’ oh so dreamy driver, Stephane picks them up at the airport where they are given their itinerary for the week.
I swear I hung my head in shame when I heard Whitney mispronounce Givenchy. (It’s a ‘Verr Sace’).
They are given a few tasks: pick up some shoes for the Crillon debutantes and if they’re smart enough, pick up their ball gowns second.
Oh no. This peanuts-for-brains pair decide they want to stop by the Alfreda Ferretti store FIRST and then Colette second. And of course, once they get to Colette the damn store is closed.
I had never seen Whitney so stressed. She’s usually pretty calm. She did this really cute thing with her tongue (zip it, you pervs)…it was like a panting puppy dog. Sorta.
I think I pay way too much attention to every detail of this show, it’s borderline ridiculous.
It’s only until they meet the guys from Rock&Roll, whom they met back in Los Angeles (thanks to Audrina’s savvy music connections). Ugh. Gag me already with that!
So the guys are this European type of hot. Skinny jeans (borderline leggings) scarves and cigarettes.
Whew, what more can a girl ask for?
I fancied Matthias (the dark-haired one), who fancied Lauren.
All the while I’m thinking, ‘Why can’t they just keep talking in that gorgeous French accent?’
And why is Paris, better yet, the Eiffel Tower so gosh darn romantic? I guess there’s just something about a sky high steel structure that gets us girls goin’.
Watching the premiere, I really saw a more mature LC, oh sorry, Lauren Conrad-less hair twisting, less pouty faces and frankly, a bit more backbone. (I sure as hell wouldn’t have had the guts to wear a ball gown out the night before I’m supposed to wear it).
Then again, it’s just the first episode.
I’m really pulling for Lauren. Things haven’t really panned out in the boy department since, well, ever.
J-Wahl was a lu-hoo-ser, Brody a tease and all the others in between, well, were all the others.
There were teases of her old unrequited love Stephen Colletti who might roll up on The Hills in future episodes. That would be a nice blast from the past considering their chemistry.

As in all seasons of The Hills, I’m excited to see what’s in store for the cast. Will Whitney make her grand exit from Teen Vogue?
Will Lauren find love?
Or will Heidi and Spencer finally figure out their wedded mess.
 

On a side note…
The season premiere of The Hills was the highest rated telecast for cable all year long so far, celeb-blog Perez Hilton reported Tuesday.
It was also the highest rated episode ever of The Hills.
It even beat out broadcast television channels with the highest ratings for the night.

The premiere averaged over 4.7 million viewers.

After the premiere, the performance by Mariah Carey resulted in an over 180 percent increase from the regular ratings in that normal time slot.

Even MTV online received record highs, with an increase of 29 percent of people going online to stream the episode. MTV.com delivered a staggering 2.2 million streams, according to the Web site.

Here’s my dilemma.
Tomorrow morning tickets for both Kanye West AND Iron Maiden go on sale.
Holy hole in a donut Batman, what’s a girl to do?
 Just get both.
Problem solved.
(I guess I’ll have to whip out the dreaded plastic and charge it to the game).

Nonetheless, these are two shows you just cannot miss.
Yeah, yeah so Kanye’s a whiny ‘you-know-what’ but this is going to be a memorable show. On this Glow in the Dark Tour he’s bringing along some of the hottest names in hip hop and r&b: Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and N.E.R.D.
Need I say more?
The Texas dates include:
April 30 - Frank Erwin Center, Austin
May 1 - Superpages.com Centre, Dallas
May 2 - Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands

I’ve penciled in the Austin date (big ups to my peeps in the ATX) but I really wish I could go to all three. Tickets will go fast so make sure you’re up early and have your finger ready for the refresh button. Visit this link for more ticket info.

Then there’s Iron Maiden.
Chihuahua! Another jab to the pocket book.
Tickets also go on sale at 10 a.m., on Saturday so there’s another reason to wake up with the roosters.
As I’ve mentioned before, my beau and I were super bummed because we thought we had missed out on the chance to see them in 2008.
And then when we find out they’re touring AND making a couple stops in the Lone Star State!!!
Now Maiden fans must decide where they want to see these metal maestros:
May 21 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Selma
May 22 - Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands

For us here in the Valley, we’ve got a little driving to do, but that’s really never stopped us before. This is IRON MAIDEN!
I hope those interested in either tour will snatch their tickets before they are gone.

In the meantime, I’m counting down the hours and minutes until the Jonas Brothers concert tomorrow at Dodge Arena.
I’m how old?
Who cares. These boys are super talented and of course super cute.
Plus, we’ll get a chance to check out the NEW Menudo, which were recently added to the Look Me in the Eyes Tour.

If you get a chance, check out Borderfest in Hidalgo. Not only is there great food and exhibits but some pretty neat music to enjoy.
(Survivor, Vince Neil, Charro and that traveling New Orleans-style quartet).
See y’all there.
Be sure to stop and say hi (or buy me a beer)…whatever happens first.

Cheers!

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.”

There’s nothing like poppin’ in some Spinal Tap and unwinding after a hard days work.
That was me last night.
What a great movie, one of my favorites. Frankly, it just cracks me up!!!
If you haven’t seen it, or haven’t re-seen it, you really have to folks. I consider it a rite of passage for young musicians.
Some musicians take themselves way too darn serious.
It’s nothing against your passion for music, but seriously, check your ego at the door.
Lately I’ve been hearing some horror stories which is why I really had to pop in the ‘ol Spinal Tap to bring my temper down a notch.

And then I got this news…
Are you sitting down?
Friends…pack your bags because we’re hittin’ the road!!!
For what, you ask?
IRON MAIDEN - MAY 21 (San Antonio), MAY 22 (Houston).
Oh Em Gee!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen my boys in concert. The last time was at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in San Antonio alongside Dio and Motorhead.
It was one of the BEST shows I have ever seen! Hands down!
This time, we’ll get a chance to check out the highly acclaimed Somewhere Back in Time World Tour…which focuses more on the Powerslave era as far as set design.
Last night, the tour landed in America and I have to say my boyfriend and I were super bummed we couldn’t make it out to Los Angeles.
Ok, so maybe he was near tears but we won’t get into that.
Luckily, our good friend was in the crowd calling in so we could catch a soundbyte or two of the show.
It was a bittersweet moment…but I’m so glad he did it.
Then, around 1 a.m., I woke up to my man running around the apartment. He had gotten the news of Iron Maiden coming to the Lone Star State!
I thought I was dreaming.
But no…it’s true folks. Read all about it here.

And on with the news…
Looks like it’s dunzo for P!nk and her hubby of two years, (the very hunky) Carey Hart, TMZ reported.
Apparently the couple’s crazy careers got in the way of their doting marriage and their “love” wasn’t enough to make it.
I shoulda put money on this one. Darn it!
I knew they wouldn’t last. Something just hinted at the fact that they were more ‘buddies’ than passionate lovers.
Real couples make it through the rough patches without throwing in the towel on the first play.
Two careers=Hard work.
One might be out of town for a week, a month, a holiday and the other might have to rush out of town at the drop of a hat.
It’s just the way it goes.
You have to be equipped to handle the groupies, the world tours and the new business ventures.
According to gossip rags, Hart was spending alot of time building his club empires and Pink was headed back into the studio.
For one, when they say heading into the studio, don’t expect to see them for a LONG time.
Artists make the studio their home for however long it takes to lay the track down just right.
They eat, sleep and dream making that album and their significant others are the last thing on their mind.
It’s just the way it goes.
The life of an entrepreneur is no different.
They spend months planning a club opening and making sure all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
Yeah, it means they’ll be spending alot of time out at night mingling with good looking women and having a few cocktails.
How we say in my house, “nimodo.”
Well, so long Mr. and Mrs. Hart. It was nice while it lasted.

Busy, busy, busy…
I swear, December and early January were pretty slow as far as shows were concerned.
I am now eating those words.
It’s crazy around these parts…so many shows coming to the Valley!!!
I’ve been on the horn with so many artists, I can’t keep track.
I think at one point I mistakenly called Angel (of Aiden) Albert and totally lost track of time for my Pierce the Veil phoner while I was on the horn with Devin from Emery.
Oh boy, that was rough and slightly embarrassing.
Be sure to catch those shows this coming weekend, nonetheless.
Visit DontGetEmo for more details.

This just in…
Fans of the Brownsville band Vinyl Dharma will get a chance to see these guys and gal, today at the Hillary Clinton rally at Dodge Arena. They will be taking the stage around 4 p.m.
Vinyl Dharma also recently won the MTV2 on the Rise contest
MTV flew the band to New York City to record two music videos which aired on MTV in Austin on New Years Eve and throughout TRL in February.  
The MTV2 video can be viewed on the band’s myspace
On the other side of the coin…
The hard-working folks at Leyenda Production Co. want you to show your support for presidential candidate Barack Obama, Thursday at 6 p.m.
They will be hosting a Concert for Obama at the McA2 Incubator and have invited about a dozen bands to participate.
It’s totally free!
Warryor just confirmed and will take the stage somewhere around 8p.m….so it should be one heck of a show!!!
Also on the bill: Go Lightly Project and our very own Brandon Garcia
to name a few.
Show starts at 6:30 p.m. and will go on till around midnite, or so.
It’s the same day as the Hillary (Clinton)/Obama debate so it was set to coincide with that.

The event will also feature a dialogue with Obama campaign field organizer Joe Duffy and a setting to watch the Austin debate live. Also on hand will be producers and reporters from “Living The Beat,” a local television program dedicated to showcasing regional artists and covering the vibrant South Texas live music scene.
Volunteers are needed in all capacities. Those interested should contact Leyenda Production Co. at leyendamcallen@aol.com as soon as possible.

“The Dream Unites Us” promises to be a precedent-setting coalescence of youth, music and politics in a part of the country too long ignored by its leaders in Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (956) 279-3627 or visit www.myspace.com/leyendamcallen for news updates and additions to the lineup.

Also…
Don’t forget to get your tickets to all of the upcoming shows.
Visit Dead Gift Entertainment and EZ-TIXX for all of that information.

And stay posted for some great news from Driving the Nails, who will be featured on the next edition of Living the Beat on NBC. 

Enjoy your Wednesday!!!!

Was I dreaming or did Herbie Hancock really take home the Grammy for Album of the Year?
Oh ok, just checking.
Blah.
I was pulling for Kanye West and good ‘ol Amy Winehouse the entire night. These are my peeps.
Like them or not, feel they are deserving or not, (on crack or not) both are amazing artists. I’ve had a couple of conversations this morning about both.
But I won’t go into that just yet…

Here’s a recap of last night’s shindig…
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Sunday night, rekindled any hope I had left for a decelerating mainstream music industry.
Last night’s Grammy’s truly kicked the crap out of last year’s MTV Video Music Awards (minus the Britney Spears debacle).
There were legends, reunions and a few surprise presenters who made it one of my favorite awards shows in a long time.
The celebration kicked off with a state-of-the-art duet between Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra singing the classic, “Learnin’ the Blues.”
From there things turned up a notch with the Idol herself, Carrie Underwood, who belted her mega-hit, “Before He Cheats.” The blonde country star, who got some help on the stage from several kodo-style drummers really got things rollin’.
Great hair, great outfit and superb vocals further proved why Underwood managed to take home two golden gramaphones (Best Female Country Vocal and Best Song).
After that performance I was super-hyped for the rest of the night…for some reason, I just had a good feeling, I guess.
It’s not like I’ve had much to go on, when it came to awards show, the last year or so.
Then Prince shows up.
Put a fork in me-I’m done.
Wearing an all red suit, with oversized dark sunglasses, Prince could look no better. (Have I mentioned how much I ADORE this man)?
His time on stage was brief, presenting Alicia Keys with the first Grammy of the night, but it was worth the two minutes on stage. And yes, I did this.
Well if that wasn’t enough, we also witnessed the reunion of Morris Day and The Time, who looked like they hadn’t lost a step.
Oh wee, oh wee, oh…
Together, Day, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis performed, “The Jungle,” with a special appearance by R&B Princess, Rihanna.
All I needed was Apollonia and my life would’ve been complete.
The performances were, by far, the highlight of the evening. For so many years I saw the Grammy’s as a total sleeper and really wished we could go back to the days where Madonna was rolling around on stage or Michael Jackson was moonwalking his way towards greatness.
Granted, those two artists can never be duplicated, it’s good to see a new breed of talent emerge.
Another high was of course, Kanye West’s performance. Some say it was a bit lackluster and a poor song choice but it’s Kanye.
He can do no wrong (in my book). Joined on stage by electronic duo, Daft Punk, West and his trademark sunglasses did their thing on, “Stronger,” but gave the audience a bittersweet bonus.
He slowed things down with a slightly altered rendition of, “Hey Mama.” Cue the waterworks.
I’m really glad my mama was in the room to hear that song.
Wheeeeew! That moment was a tough one.
Only to be followed later in the night with West asking the production folks to cut the acceptance music while he remembered his late mother.
In all, West took home four Grammy’s, but was once again jipped for Album of the Year (which went to Herbie Hancock).
I guess he has that Martin Scorcese/Buffalo Bills curse…so close yet so far away.
But let’s continue…
By this time I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the Amy Winehouse (satellite) performance. Actually, I had butterflies.
This girl is a hot mess, but damn is she talented.
And that’s the bottom line.
Anyway, while I waited I was entertained by the Beyonce/Tina Turner duet.
Once Tina broke out into, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” I was immediately whisked back to 1984 (am I dating myself here) dancing in my living room with my dorky brother playing the pots and pans behind me.
Wow.
Tina didn’t look a day over, 50, 45, er…Ok, she doesn’t look 68.
She’s still a diva and still amazing.
I miss her mini skirts and crazy hair, though. I’m sure her gams are still kickin’.
And then there was Keely Smith, the legendary Las Vegas lounge singer and Kid Rock.
He just looked lost. It was a rather awkward moment, if you ask me.
They presented the award for Best Rock Album to the Foo Fighters.
These guys were really visible the entire awards show.
I guess I underestimated them. No offense to Dave Grohl and the rest o the guys, I guess they’re just one of those ”fall through the crack” bands that manage to stay afloat in the industry.
It’s still good to see him doing well. (It was also nice to see Pat Smear in the background as they accepted the award).
As the clock continued to tick away, I wondered if these Grammy folks were going to save Amy Wino until the end. In any other case, I would’ve been forced to turn the channel, but I was genuinely entertained so I wasn’t going anywhere.
Maybe y’all felt the same?
Watching Alicia Keys hit the stage once again was another reason to stay. This young woman can do no wrong. It was an added treat to see John Mayer doing what he does best, playing guitar, alongside Keys.
I’m not a big fan of Mayer’s smack-talking mouth but I’ve loved him since the early days (when Room for Squares sold for $6.99 at Target back in the day).
Then finally, from a rising curtain the bee-hive emerged.
There she stood, wearing a little black mini-dress, a shiny gold belt and stilettos.
And we waited.
Those milli-seconds seemed like an eternity.
Then she broke into, “You Know I’m No Good,” and it was glorious.
Her deep, almost overzealous voice, her spastic little dance moves and that seductive stare squelched any rumor of her incapability.
At least for those few minutes on stage.
From that gem, she shimmied into the ubiquitous, “Rehab.”
She looked alert, gave shout-out’s to her incarcerated hubby, Blake and gave the naysayers the bird (figuratively, of course) with her performance.
Just a few minutes later, Winehouse won the Grammy for Record of the Year.
It’s difficult to say whether she was genuinely shocked or a little out of it (under the influence). But I’d vote against the latter, because I’m pulling for her.
So many of us are pulling for her.

Honorable Mentions go to:
Vince Gill for calling out Kanye West.
Vince: “I just got my Grammy handed to me by a Beatle…Have you had that happen Kanye?”

Pianists Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock joining forces for George Gershwin’s masterpiece “Rhapsody In Blue.”

Fergie accompanied by John Legend, performing her song, “Finally.”

Cyndi Lauper and Miley Cyrus presenting the award for Best New Artist.
(I not only felt old, but dorky for loving both equally)

Congrats to King Diamond for being nominated for Best Metal Performance!!! (But lost to Slayer…boo)

Congrats to Tool for being nominated for “The Pot,” in the Best Hard Rock Category, but lost to the Foo Fighters…double boo.

Congrats to The Boss, Bruce Springsteen for his multiple Grammy wins.

For a complete list of the winners click here.
 

Is it just me or is this year’s Grammy awards super exciting so far???
Prince!!!
Kanye!!!
Tina (Turner)!!!
And it’s not even 9 p.m.!!!
I’m uber anxious for my favorite Brit, Mizz Amy Winehouse…and her live-via-satellite performance.
Ok, I’m more nervous.

Right now, Dave Grohl and the rest of the Foo Fighters are tearing things up orchestra style outside the Staples Center.
Oh, and there’s John Paul Jones, “of Led Zeppelin if you’re a moron.” (I love Jason Bateman)

Stay posted for a full Grammy Wrap Up by yours truly, tomorrow.
See what I have to say about the winners, losers and the truly outrageous moments of the night.

Enjoy the rest of the show!

It’s official.
Mom-to-be Jennifer Lopez and hubby Marc Anthony are having twins, as per People En Español.
J-Lo’s proud papa told the Spanish television show, Escandalo TV his diva daughter is proudly expecting the double package, sex still unknown.
I predict a set of little divas. JLo is due any day now.

It’s official
Our favorite Kumbia King-turned-Kumbia All Starz is FINALLY branching out on his own. Hasn’t this solo career been in the works for ever now? I guess he finally realized his presence on the stage went far beyond just another boy band. Granted, the Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz are terrifically talented and bonafied eye candy but Pee Wee, born Irvin Salinas, stood out from the get go.
Kudos Rio Grande Valley (by way of La Joya) for sprouting such a fine young boy , er, man.
There’s also word that several other KAS will fly the coop, but still no word as to who those brave souls will be.
Aside from Pee Wee’s boyish charm, I’m not sure the others can stay afloat without the backing of the Quintanilla brand.

Hey, hey, you, you…
As the Avril Lavigne camp prepares for their tour launch March 5 in Victoria B.C., and against reports she’s preggers, several celebrity gossip sites have stirred allegations of Lavigne’s “sub-standard” pay toward dancers.
After the dance community, mainly out of Hollywood, decided to boycott auditions held Monday, the singer and her peeps allegedly changed their tune.
Way to go Perez!!!
The Sk8r girl will be here April 24 and I’m sure the show has already sold like hot cakes. As much as the pint-sized Canadian makes my blood boil, her songs are infectious. Seriously, I memorized “Girlfriend” the first time I heard it. And I vividly recall the first time I heard “Complicated,” it was about 2 a.m., I was driving to Weslaco, and I immediately called my partner in crime, Chelsea.
“What the hell is that song? And why do I like it?”
I’m sure a lot of you out there can relate. Sure she’s a big brat, but dang that girl has some muscle behind her writing. Rob Cavallo, Butch Walker, The Matrix? Good lord! What more do you need? (Are you listening Kelly Clarkson?)

 Why my job rocks…
One of the many perks of being a features and entertainment reporter are all the goodies we get here and there.
I have in my hands, thanks to our friends at Nuclear Blast, a fresh copy of Avantasia’s, The Scarecrow. Yes, my friends, Tobias Sammet of Edguy and his side project.
After five years of silnece, Sammet decided to “reanimate his Avantasia project and record a follow up to his highly praised metal operas in 2001-2002,” the Indie label said in a press release.
This new album is full of cameos!!! Eric Singer from KISS on drums and vocals; Alice Cooper, Michael Kiske of Helloween and some guitar work from Rudolf Schenker of the Scorpions.
It offers everything from hard rock, stadium rock, rock ‘n roll, new rock to melodic metal and even speed metal…but as one friend put it, straight up POWER METAL.
Now that’s music to my ears.

Dear Randy Moss…
I am your biggest fan.
I’ve followed you from your time in Minnesota…your mooning incident, the time you left the field a little early…and your tension-filled relationship with Daunte Culpepper.
You were my No. 84. My one and only reason for Sunday football.
I followed you to Oakland…which alot of us still want to forget.
You ‘just weren’t into it,’ and I stayed close. Ready when you were.
That day didn’t come.
Until now…you’re in New England. And by default I’m cheering for the greatest team in recent memory alongside one of the best QB’s of all time.
(I say one of the best, because Danny White and Joe Montana will always be my Numero Uno and Dos).
Anyway, all season I defended my allegiance to you, Mr. Moss. No, I’m not a diehard Pats fan, but by default, this season was a lucky one for me.
Wagon-jumper…fairweather fan…poser….Yeah, I’ve heard it all. Especially now as we inch closer to the Big Game on Sunday.
My favorite player has made it to the Superbowl. It’s like watching your child graduate.
(Even though I don’t have kids, I bet it feels like this).
So what if he’s not perfect off the field…He hasn’t “made it rain,” at a strip joint or tortured animals, allegedly. At least not this passed year.
I love Randy Moss because he is Randy Moss.
Ask anyone, take a look at my desk…it’s littered with Randy’s face
Will the Pats send the Giants packing? Who knows.
I’m nervous only because it’s the most important game of the season and I would love to see my man get a ring.
His childhood buddy Jason “White Chocolate” Williams of the Miami Heat (my other favorite athlete) has a championship under his belt…now Moss needs one of his own.
I’m not predicting a score…cause you never know with these types of games…but I’m certainly hoping for a good matchup.
El Ocho Uno!!!! For life vatos!!!

Now here’s what some metal bands are saying about the big game.
I always find it somewhat sexy when metal heads/musicians get really into sports.
It’s kind of like an abberration. You wouldn’t expect a guy with tattoos, rockstar hair and a metal library to hunker down on the sofa and understand the ‘ol gridiron.
For example, my man-friend is a die-hard Cowboys fan. It’s rather nauseating. From his Emmitt Smith jersey to the Cowboy star tattooed on his chest…he eat, sleeps and breathes Cowboy football. (However, he never gave in to what he calls, “Romo-itis” he’s more of a Aikman, Smith, Irvin kind of guy).
Maybe that was the ‘ol hook, line and sinker for me. Our date night usually includes Inside the NFL on Wednesdays. Who knows what we’ll do once that’s over.
Nonetheless, it’s nice to break away from stereotypes and take pride in your team (whichever it may be). Trust me, we often have a few “discussions” about several NFL teams.
He respects my adoration for Moss, though. He better. Randy was here first.

So after the Patriots trample the Giants, you should definitely hit up Smoking Aces in Mission for the All-American Massacre Show.
Only the more reason to party with these guys.
Mike Ski checked in from the road and is still stoked about their stop here in the Valley.
I will be ready to celebrate!!!

Aside from the rumors spreading around the net about both Metallica and formerly defunct-now-reunited Rage Against the Machine being one of the two American acts headlining the Reeds and Leading Festival in Englan…d in an interview with Revolver Magazine, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich gave old school Metallica fans some refreshing insight.
Their new album, set to drop later this year, will take fans down memory lane-during a time when Metallica ruled the world.
According to various reports, producer Rick Rubin (LOVE HIM) told the guys to tap into their Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets days.
And to use those monumental albums as “points of reference.”
That’s something Metallica fans can smile about, considering we haven’t heard much from the Bay Area thrashers since 2003’s St. Anger.
And I try not to remember that album.
Now that Rubin is on board could this be their resurgence into metal royalty? When that guy puts his stamp on things…they turn to gold…er platinum?
Ulrich tells the magazine he hopes these predictions come to fruition but doesn’t want fans to seem disappointed if they don’t.
Whatevs. I just want the old Metallica back. I’m sure alot of you do too.

What if…
Rob Halford did a black metal album?
Oh boy. I’m not sure about this one. (Anyone remember TWO?) Eek.
Well, the Metal God…recently spoke to UK’s Metal Hammer magazine about his aspirations to one day make a “black metal” record. “Oh, yeah, some day I’d love to, but it’s all about finding the time,” he said. “I’m metal 24-7.”
He went on to say his buddies in Emperor and Dimmu Borgir have been at him to give it a go, but they just haven’t gotten around to it.
I hope he thinks this one through.
If ain’t broke…

For the KORN fans…
I guess I’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks. Cause I had no idea James “Munky” Shaffer had left KORN’s European tour:
The band posted on its Web site…
“Lead Guitarist, James “Munky” Shaffer has left the band’s current European tour for both personal and family reasons. Said Jonathan Davis…”We fully support Munky’s need to be home right now and because we want to come through for all of our European fans, the tour will go on. It’s what Munky wants us to do, too. We promise to give it our all every night!”.
In a MySpace bulletin, Munky stated about his decision to leave the tour, “If you want to better understand my departure, then listen to the words in the song ‘Watching the Wheels’ by John Lennon.”
And then there were two. With Munky on hiatus it’s now three original members who have left.
KORN’s current touring lineup includes guitarist Shane Gibson and ex-Army of Anyone drummer Ray Luzier, in addition to remaining original members Jonathan Davis and bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu.
They say Munky’s absence is not permanent and for the band’s sake I hope it isn’t. In my experience with musicians both personally and professionally things can look good on the surface…once the lights go dark, it’s a completely different story.
It doesn’t necessarily have to deal with egos or creative differences (most often the usual culprits) but with chemistry and running a relationship through its course. It’s a bit like falling out of love, if you will.
It happens.
It’s always disappointing to see a band fall apart. It’s like divorce. You want them to stay together for the kids (us) but doing that will make the relationship more volatile and more likely to explode in your face.
Let’s hope for KORN’s sake they come to terms with whatever demons they are battling. Fourteen years is a long time and when you’re always in such close proximity of each other, whether on stage or on the road..it’s hard to stay fresh, keep the chemistry alive and please the outsiders.
Look at it this way, at least we got to enjoy Munky on stage in Hidalgo.

If you haven’t already done so…
Pick up your tickets for Juanes, April 21 at Dodge Arena.
The rock en Español heart throb is currently on his La Vida World Tour in support of his latest album, La Vida…Es Un Ratico (Life…Is a Moment)
Tickets went on sale Friday and are still available through Dodge Arena or Ticketmaster (956) 668-7740. Tickets are $65, $85 and $125.

I hate taking photos.
(Which is why I’m in print)
Once I saw that one (points to picture)…I freaked. It was taken two years ago and I think i was hungover that day.
NOT the way I wanted to be introduced to you.
But it’s my fault…because I forgot to request a new one. Well, hopefully soon you’ll see a better and much more accurate representation of myself.

And todays news…
It’s been a short minute since we’ve heard anything from alt-rockers, Yellowcard…Not since they’re 2006 Lights and Sounds album had the Jacksonville, Floridians made any waves.
But in 2007 the band released, Paper Walls their third major label effort.
You might’ve heard the hit single, “Light Up the Sky,” on the radio af ew dozen times. (Catchy little ditty!!!)
Well here’s the good news…Yellowcard is set to release a digital live album, Live From Las Vegas at the Palms, exclusively through the iTunes Store.
Starting Jan. 22, fans will be albe to check out footage of their October performance at the Pearl Concert Theater inside the popular Sin City club.
Live From Las Vegas features five tracks from Paper Walls and the previous singles, “Way Away,” “Ocean Avenue,” and “Only One,” from the band’s double-platinum debut, Ocean Avenue as well as “Lights and Sounds,” and “Rough Landing, Holly,” from their gold album Lights and Sounds.
The band has been on the road since the July release of Paper Walls, including a summer stint on the 2007 Vans Warped Tour and a winter tour supporting Linkin Park in Japan, their label said in a press release.
In March they are set to hit the road stateside with support from MxPx, Play Radio Play and Treaty of Paris. Yellowcard will perform an acoustic set with the other bands performing plugged-in, according to Capitol Music.

Anyone who buys Live From Las Vegas at the Palms in its first week of release (from Jan. 22 to Jan. 28) will also receive a code for Ticketmaster which will allow you to buy up to four tickets for the tour on Jan. 30 before they go on sale to the public on Feb. 2.
The only Texas date is March 29 at Emo’s in Austin.

For more information on Yellowcard visit: http://www.yellowcardrock.com/

In totally unrelated news….
I was really bummed to hear that actor Brad Renfro (you remember, the kid who starred alongside Susan Sarandon in, “The Client”) was found dead in his Los Angeles home Tuesday morning, The Los Angeles Times reported.  He was 25.
Although we don’t know how he died…my feeling is it’s likely to be drug related as the actor had been battling drug addiction for several years now.
It just breaks my heart when this kind of stuff happens. I hope the autopsy proves me wrong.

Sorry for the buzzkill…
Did anyone catch the premiere of American Idol.
Hooah! It’s back!
I’m excited to see what this season has in store. I heard there were a few change ups to make things  more exciting…Like more backstories and more character development.
I guess Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis just weren’t all that interesting, according to season-ending ratings.
Last night there were a few stand outs in Philadelphia but there’s still so much to weed out.
For those that don’t know…some people might be wagging their tails over Kristy Lee Cook, you know, the log cabin girl with horrible fashion sense.
(I think I wore that same tye-dye shirt in 7th grade)…yeah her.
According to MTV.com, Idol failed to mention she was once signed to Arista Nashville. I’m guessing she was dropped.
Check this out: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579672/20080115/id_0.jhtml

Enjoy your remaining years….
 

Happy Monday kids!
For those football fans still mourning the loss of their respective football game, my condolensces.
Watching an entire bar go quiet was entirely too painful to experience.
It forced me to just drink more beer.
(For those that know me well…know that I am NOT a Cowboys fan…haven’t been since 1989…but I was quietly rooting for the silver band blue last night. Cause I REALLY don’t like the Giants. And by “REALLY” I mean I hope the Packers wipe the field with them next week).
But that’s just me.

On with the show…
If you’re a fan of stand-up…You really gotta check out one of the Valley’s very own. Comedian Raymond Orta (www.myspace.com/rgvcomedian)has really honed his chops and delivered an act that’s truly hilarious.
He pulls no punches…takes pot shots at Valleyisms and comes up with some material I WISH I had thought of.
Well…here’s the good news. He’s performing tonight at Thirsty Monkey in McAllen (across the street from Hollywood 17 on Nolana).
Show starts at 8:30 p.m. and cover is $10.
But wait…before you say, “10 bolas?”…here’s why:
Turns out Ray has a friend named Sarah, from Pharr.
She wants to try out for the hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance?”
This is her dream but there’s a minor setback.
Sarah needs some extra funds to get her to the audition in Dallas.
Whatta guy!
As some people may know, Ray took a trip to Hollywood recently and needed an extra boost too. And he got it. Friends, family and total strangers supported his dream venture and he was able to g0.
So he says he knows the feeling of being a little behind monetarily.
Face it…we all need some help here and there…
So, all of the money collected at the door will help Sarah on her way.
Heck, maybe we’ll see her on the show!?!? Give the Valley a little plug?
Sounds good to me!
(Anyone 16 years and older is welcome)…although he warns some material might not be suitable for some youngsters.

Speaking of Valley talent…
Local filmmaker Charlie Brenner needs your help!
His film, Mason-Dixon is one of 15 finalists in the Project Breakout Filmmaker competition where the winner gets to go to London and work with Academy Award winning producer David Parfitt (best known for his movie, “Shakespeare in Love”).
Mason-Dixon features all local actors, including my friend Fred Galvan, Jr..
 To help out, visit www.shortfilm.projectbreakout.com create an account
(it’s totally free) and voila you’ve done your part.
The winner is determined by 75 percent judges and 25 percent audience vote…so your vote will count!
Brenner is a 2007 graduate of UTPA and a San Juan resident.
To check out a trailer of the film visit: www.myspace.com/jobessiproductions

Until next time…