Wednesday, June 26, 2013

“I am Still Alive”

LIVE at The Paramount June 29th

Courtney Love is still alive and making a sober comeback. The 47-year-old is no stranger to public scrutiny. Her marriage to Kurt Cobain was passionately dangerous; they both battled with a drug addiction. Kurt was the lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter of the grunge band Nirvana. After three failed attempts at suicide, Kurt Cobain took his life. Courtney, who owns the entire Nirvana catalog after Kurt’s death, has allowed rapper Jay-Z to use lyrics from “Smells like Teen Spirit” for his new album, Magna Carta Holy Grail. In an interview with HuffingtonPost, she said, “Frances [Kurt Cobain’s daughter] would freak [if she knew about this].”

The relationship between Courtney and Frances has been complicated from the start. Frances was placed in protective custody when she was born. Two years ago, Frances Bean Cobain emancipated herself from her mother. Courtney admits her faults in raising Frances, such as Frances’s inability to read until she was seven. Frances has always seen her mother under the influence of drugs, but within the past few years Courtney has managed to clean herself up. With all her legal issues settling, she is trying to turn her life around. She has even reached out to the troubled Amanda Bynes.

Love tweeted, “Amanda Bynes pull it together dude,” to which Bynes replied, “Courtney Love is the ugliest woman I've ever seen.” Needless to say Bynes didn’t take the advice to heart, but Love says, “If someone calls me ugly, it sort of rolls off my back because…it’s not about looks, it’s about attitude. I mean, you get laid on attitude…”

It’s Love’s attitude that makes her entertaining to watch. She has been putting her energy into her music and it has become a healthy outlet for her. Although Love is touring this summer she is not performing new material. Her album will be released around Christmas time along with her book. The book will be a memoir, but will not contain “…name-dropping like that. I mean, it’s super important to keep my private life discreet.” Courtney will be performing at The Paramount this Saturday, June 29, maybe she’ll have a change of heart and perform something new!

For tickets to her upcoming show click here: http://bit.ly/13F6Zju

-Katherine 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Michael Jackson 4 yrs. Later: Remembering an Icon


When tragic events happen in history we can always recall where we heard the news. On June 25, 2009, I was on my way to my senior prom when I found out Michael Jackson had passed away. Tomorrow will be the fourth anniversary of his death and since his sudden death the music industry has never been the same.  

Jackson's death came Less than a month before he was scheduled to begin a series of comeback concerts. AEG Live hired Dr. Conrad Murray to treat Jackson’s insomnia so that Jackson would be able to perform. Murray was getting paid $150,000 a month to administer drugs to Jackson. When the trail began the public learned what went on behind the gates of Neverland.

Dr. Murray administered a slew of drugs including Propofol and just hours before Jackson’s death he administered the painkiller Dermerol. In 2011, Dr. Murray was found guilty of Jackson’s death and was sentenced to four years in prison. Jackson’s mother, Katherine and his three children have filled a civil suit against AEG Live for negligence and breach of contract for hiring Dr. Murray. The trail has taken a toll on Jackson’s 15 year-old daughter, Paris.

On June 5, Paris was hospitalized after a suicide attempt and is reportedly doing better. An attorney for Katherine Jackson sent out a statement stating: "Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are. It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you. Paris is physically fine and is getting appropriate medical attention. Please respect her privacy and the family's privacy." While Paris is recovering her brother, 16-year-old Prince, has been focusing on his future.

For his 16th birthday his only wish was a career and his wish came true. Prince is pursuing a career in the entertainment industry and has made his acting debut on the season finale of 90210. “Looking to become well-rounded as a producer, director, screenwriter and actor,” he practiced his interviewing skills as a special correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. When Brook Anderson remarked that he seemed much wiser than 16 he replied, “That's what most people say. That was all thanks to my dad. He raised me right.”

Darren Criss (@ The Paramount on 6/26)
Does a tribute to the King of Pop on the
hit show "Glee"
Michael Jackson was a loving, compassionate, and involved father. Not only did he inspire his children, but he has inspired artists including Usher, BeyoncĂ©, and Chris Brown. Artists, such as Pat Benatar, have been influenced by Jackson’s choreography. In her music video for ‘Love is a Battlefield’ she is featured in a Michael Jackson inspired dance number (She will be performing at The Paramount on August 27th - tickets still available)
. Jackson has become an icon and the music industry was shaken by his death. Jackson graced us with his talent and as outlandish as his private life was, he will always be remembered as the King of Pop.  

-Katherine 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Paramount Gleefully awaits Darren Criss


In the course of one year Darren Criss has gone from YouTube sensation to a 4-time Billboard charting musician. Criss currently stars as Blaine Anderson on Fox’s Emmy Award-winning series Glee. His outstanding rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ debuted at #1 on Billboard and sold over 200,000 tracks in its first week.
Criss plays a variety of instruments including the violin, guitar, piano, and played the drums in his brother’s band. He pursued his acting degree at the University of Michigan and in his senior year helped create a Harry Potter musical parody.  He stared as the boy wizard and composed the music used in the production. Within weeks of posting the musical online the video garnered millions of views.

After the positive feedback from his first musical, Criss and his partner teamed up and created StarKid Productions. With Criss composing the music and lyrics, StarKid gained followers from all over the world. StarKid Productions has expanded and is now based out of Chicago. Glee has not altered Criss’ commitment to Starkid; he continues to compose all the music for the original comedies.   

When Criss isn’t producing music for StarKid, he’s busy writing music for himself as an artist. Criss’ quirky personality and raw outlook on life are the basis for his music. He has a wide range of genres including soul, rock, jazz and classical music. Criss has become one of the most sought-after musician and actor of his generation. With all his success Criss says, “I just hope I can continue to do work that matters to me, I’m not interested in being any kind of superstar or anything I’m not. I’m just a dude who got lucky and an artist who cares about the work that I do.” This summer, he will make his theatrical debut in the film Girl Most Likely, alongside Kristen Wiig, Annett Benning and Matt Dillon.

-Katherine

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Paramount's Most Wanted


Everyday our mailboxes get filled with all your suggestions as to whom you’d like to see at The Paramount. From rock-n- roll to country we have narrowed down the list to 3 timeless acts. These are The Paramount’s Top 3 Most Wanted…now let’s hope they come!

The first band on our list is Linkin Park. Back in 1996 Linkin Park was just another rock band from California. The group of High School friends originally called themselves Hybrid Theory. After adding Chester Bennington, the group decided to change their name to Linkin Park. Their hits like ‘Numb’, ‘Lying from you’, and ‘Somewhere I belong’ has catapulted them to the top of the charts. Linkin Park has continued to explore different types of music including electronic sounds. They have also collaborated with rapper Jay-z on ‘Collision Course’, and ‘Reanimation’ adding to their variety of music. Their latest album was released in June 2012 entitled “Living Things” and they will continue to perform this summer.

Sting has made it to the top of our list! Born as Gordon Sumner in 1951, he received his famous name from a fellow musician who noticed his black and yellow stripped sweater. Sting got his jump start to stardom in a group called Police. He became a solo artist in 1987 and created Grammy winning hits such as ‘Fields of Gold’. In the late 80’s Sting helped establish the Rainforest Foundation. He’s since held fund raisers that brought awareness to the endangered Brazilian territory. Age is just a number to Sting and he has no intention on slowing down.  In 2011 he celebrated his 60th birthday and one year later went on tour. His Back to Bass tour is set to revisit North America and Europe this summer.

Rounding off our list at number 3 is Journey. A year after forming they were signed to Columbia Records in 1974. They have 19 Top 40 singles and 25 Gold and Platinum albums. Their long lists of hits include, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, ‘Who’s Crying Now’, and ‘Open Arms’.  After taking a short break in the late 80’s, they reunited in 1996 for “Trial by Fire” which took two weeks to write and record. Their hit single ‘When you Love a Woman’ earned them their first Grammy nomination and in 2011 the band released their latest album “Eclipse.” Three decades and 16 albums later, multiple generations are enjoying Journey’s timeless hits.

If you have a band you’d like to see at The Paramount hit us up on our website!

-Katherine

Thursday, June 13, 2013

No Rime or Reason


 At age 13 Leann Rimes came out with her first album entitled ‘Blue’. She sold over 3.7 million albums and won 2 Grammy Awards, 3 Academy of Country Music Honors, and 12 Billboard Awards before the age of 25. Although her success was at its peak it was her private life that was making all the headlines.

In 2000 she filed a lawsuit against her father, claiming he pocketed $7 million of her earnings and kept tens of thousands in cash hidden on her tour bus. Two years later Leann seemed to find stability marring Dean Sheremet. After their seventh wedding anniversary, Dean filed for divorce due to Leanns’ public affair with Eddie Cibrian. At the time Eddie was married to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reality star, Brandi Glanville.

Yet again her personal life is continuing to make headlines. The current feud between Leann and Brandi continues to be about the custody of Brandi’s two sons with Eddie, Mason and Jake. During an appearance on the “Wendy Williams” show Brandi was asked how Leann is as a stepmom to which Brandi replied, “overbearing, well sorry, she is!” Brandi is not shy about her dislike for Leann and recently told In Touch that the songs on ‘Spitfire’ are the worst.  Brandi went on to say, “I don’t think anyone wants to listen to songs about a family being broken up.”

The new album ‘Spitfire’ is about Leann’s side of the story. She discusses finding love and the pain it caused. Leann says, “This album is a peek into my world; it’s who I am, what I’ve gone through, what my emotions are. It’s an intimate conversation between me and whoever’s listening. I hope I’m saying things that are hard for others to express. It certainly took me a lot of work to get to this point. And it’s still easier to sing these thoughts than it is to say them out loud. The intimacy in my music is just beginning.” She claims that Eddie supports the album and admits that it was hard for him to hear. The anticipation of the album is leaving critics wondering if Eddie will be touring with her. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if he is in the audience at the Paramount August 2!


-Katherine 

Monday, June 10, 2013

Fluffy comes to the Paramount


Put your oversized Hawaiian shirt on because Gabriel Iglesias is coming to the Paramount on June 27. Gabriel, often going by that “Fluffy guy,” has been described as brilliantly funny, witty, and an energetic performer.  His animated style has made him popular among fans of all ages; he has fans walking out laughing. It’s Gabriel mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters, and sound effects that bring all his personal experiences to life.

Gabriel has had numerous television appearances including ‘Good Morning America’, ‘The Family Guy’, and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’.  His first two Comedy Central DVD specials “Hot & Fluffy” and “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy” sold well over 1 million copies. He has sold out performances around the globe, including Australia, Europe, the U.K. and Saudi Arabia.  

Gabriel recorded his third one-hour Comedy Central DVD special in spring 2013 and will continue his tour this summer. In two weeks Huntington Village is welcoming that “Fluffy guy.” So come to the Paramount and experience the dangerously funny Gabriel Iglesias. Buy your tickets now! Visit the box office or purchase them on Ticketmaster.

-Katherine