If you are a music fan at all you have heard of and probably have a decent amount of respect for the heavy metal rock band Metallica. Little did you probably know, this amazing band is also a large advocator for cancer awareness and fundraising. It's not very often that you meet heavy metal guys like the band member of Metallica that have such a soft spot for kids struggling with cancer. But these guys not only have big sound but even bigger hearts.
The leader of this fundraiser is Metallica frontman James Hetfield. Also involved will be Sammy Hagar, and Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell will all take part in the second annual Acoustic-4-A-Cure concert on Friday, May 15th at The Masonic in San Francisco. Also joining the show's killer lineup are Red Hot Chili Peppers (Holy S***, yes) and Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith, Chickenfoot guitarist Joe Satriani, singer Linda Perry and so many amazing artists more.
Tickets will go on sale for this awesome event, this Friday (April 10th) at 10:00 a.m. You can find them on ticketmaster.com or on Metallica official website.
If you do decide to buy tickets to this killer heavy rock phenomena, all proceeds from the concert will be donated to fund children's brain tumor research at the Pediatric Cancer Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, one of the nation's leading children's medical facilities.
This amazing organization; Acoustic-4-A-Cure was created by Hagar and Hetfield, who are both Bay Area residents, who wanted to raise funds and awareness for the Pediatric Cancer Program at UCSF. They saw no better way to do so then by rocking out of course.
This is only the second concert but, last year's inaugural sold-out concert included Hetfield's acoustic rendition of the Beatles' "In My Life," Hetfield, Satriani and Billie Joe Armstrong doing a medley of Bob Seger's "Turn The Page" and Green Day's "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams," and an all-star closing jam of Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women" With all this to measure but to, This year's concert definitely has it's work cut out for it. But, I promise it will knock your socks off, I mean just look at that line up! so buy tickets now!!!
Word count: 372
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Long Live AD/DC
Imagine being a nurse or an aide at a nursing home. You start your shift, dragging your feet because you are dreading the work day. You're told there is a new resident in the home and you will be taking care of him. Before you start roaming the halls you put in an earbud and Back in Black is first on the shuffle list... You didn't take the time to read up on your new resident because, you're just not feeling it. You sigh and open the door, and who is it you see in the room. Malcolm frickin' Young. The quite guitar playing brother from AC/DC.
Now, this didn't happen, but the talented Young brother is indeed in a nursing home these days, and no longer touring beside his band mates. The 61 year old guitarist was placed in a nursing home by his wife this year due to dementia. Young's band mates had stated that he had been having trouble remembering the music during one of the last tours, and decided it was time to move forward.
It's hard to believe these rock gods that I have looked up to for so many years are now becoming unable to preform the way they used to. Brian Johnson, now lead singer of AC/DC struggled to hit his once strong rock notes, Ozzy tries to stay sharp with his music, but from years of heavy drugs struggles. Pete from The Who, one of the greatest guitar players of all time, struggles with the quickness of playing Pinball Wizard. Ronnie Jame Dio is dead.
Rock is becoming a thing of the past. Music out fathers and mothers used to die for are becoming classics, and music isn't measuring up to how it once was. It's sad to think that I will never have the chance to live in the glory of all of these bands I have listened to for so many years. It breaks my heart to hear the popular music on the radio today having no depth to it.
Malcolm, I hate to say it, but you're probably going to be happier with the music world by not knowing what's going on in it. You classic rock gods paved the way for rock music only for my generation to tear it down. Best of luck to Malcolm and his wife, and his former band mates. Even though Malcolm's brother was always the star of the show, my quiet man, Malcolm will always be my favorite of the Young brothers.
Now, this didn't happen, but the talented Young brother is indeed in a nursing home these days, and no longer touring beside his band mates. The 61 year old guitarist was placed in a nursing home by his wife this year due to dementia. Young's band mates had stated that he had been having trouble remembering the music during one of the last tours, and decided it was time to move forward.
It's hard to believe these rock gods that I have looked up to for so many years are now becoming unable to preform the way they used to. Brian Johnson, now lead singer of AC/DC struggled to hit his once strong rock notes, Ozzy tries to stay sharp with his music, but from years of heavy drugs struggles. Pete from The Who, one of the greatest guitar players of all time, struggles with the quickness of playing Pinball Wizard. Ronnie Jame Dio is dead.
Rock is becoming a thing of the past. Music out fathers and mothers used to die for are becoming classics, and music isn't measuring up to how it once was. It's sad to think that I will never have the chance to live in the glory of all of these bands I have listened to for so many years. It breaks my heart to hear the popular music on the radio today having no depth to it.
Malcolm, I hate to say it, but you're probably going to be happier with the music world by not knowing what's going on in it. You classic rock gods paved the way for rock music only for my generation to tear it down. Best of luck to Malcolm and his wife, and his former band mates. Even though Malcolm's brother was always the star of the show, my quiet man, Malcolm will always be my favorite of the Young brothers.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Nicki, Nicki Manage why?
Nicki, Nicki, Nicki... Why?
The ever so... Interesting... Nicki Manage is at it again after releasing a lyric version of her newest song, "Only". While this is simply a lyric video she released, Manage still managed to get everyone fired up and talking. What is it that got people stirring you're wondering? Well, in the video it depicts a cartoon version of a hip hop, nazi Germany. Yep, good job Nicki, now everyone thinks you hate Jews.
Nicki then fired back saying she is now dating a Jew. I'm sure he loves the endearing term, no name, just that he's Jewish.
So, here we go... What do you think? I'll include a link to the video. Reminder the lyrics are rather explicit, so watch at your own risk. Did the rap diva take it too far this time? Or is it a simple piece of art?
Here's what I think... Nicki, well she's doing what every artist is trying to do, gain attention and popularity. I'm not saying that I like what she did, but it's her right to showcase her art however she pleases. As I have stated before, even bad publicity is still publicity. It get people talking. It gets your name out there and gets them talking around the water cooler. Like I said, I don't like it, but I don't like her, but she did what she wanted us all to do, and that's talk about her. So, I give ear credit there.
As for bringing the image of Nazi Germany into this, well, I mean it is part of history, but she includes Drake in the video as a priest of some kind and the others, which I don't even remember their names or care to double check, that's how much I care about them... But the others are as what looks to be like higher ranking officers in the Nazi army. Yeah... I'm not even sure what the song has to do with what her cartoon video is. The song is filled with the "F" word and horrible raps.
So, good job Nicki, you got people talking about you! I still think you're an idiot though. And if you're offended by the video, my advice to you is, well, don't watch it. When I am offended by things, I tend to stay away from it, not dwell on it and few the situation fuel.
The ever so... Interesting... Nicki Manage is at it again after releasing a lyric version of her newest song, "Only". While this is simply a lyric video she released, Manage still managed to get everyone fired up and talking. What is it that got people stirring you're wondering? Well, in the video it depicts a cartoon version of a hip hop, nazi Germany. Yep, good job Nicki, now everyone thinks you hate Jews.
Nicki then fired back saying she is now dating a Jew. I'm sure he loves the endearing term, no name, just that he's Jewish.
So, here we go... What do you think? I'll include a link to the video. Reminder the lyrics are rather explicit, so watch at your own risk. Did the rap diva take it too far this time? Or is it a simple piece of art?
Here's what I think... Nicki, well she's doing what every artist is trying to do, gain attention and popularity. I'm not saying that I like what she did, but it's her right to showcase her art however she pleases. As I have stated before, even bad publicity is still publicity. It get people talking. It gets your name out there and gets them talking around the water cooler. Like I said, I don't like it, but I don't like her, but she did what she wanted us all to do, and that's talk about her. So, I give ear credit there.
As for bringing the image of Nazi Germany into this, well, I mean it is part of history, but she includes Drake in the video as a priest of some kind and the others, which I don't even remember their names or care to double check, that's how much I care about them... But the others are as what looks to be like higher ranking officers in the Nazi army. Yeah... I'm not even sure what the song has to do with what her cartoon video is. The song is filled with the "F" word and horrible raps.
So, good job Nicki, you got people talking about you! I still think you're an idiot though. And if you're offended by the video, my advice to you is, well, don't watch it. When I am offended by things, I tend to stay away from it, not dwell on it and few the situation fuel.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Anchor Me, The Tenors
So for those of you who have not read my blog let me just let you in on a little secret. I love ballads. Like more then anything in the world. They are sad yet happy and just always make me feel better by the end. They are absolutely perfect. Speaking of perfect ballads let's talk about one of my favorites, Anchor Me by The Tenors. I may be slightly biased since this is my girlfriend and I's song. And it was also the ballad of my show choir last year but who cares? never the less it is a passionate and moving song. It inspired me to let go and truly learn the meaning of leave it all on the stage.
"I have no more strength left
Can you stand and fight?
I'm dying in this doubt
Can you be my faith tonight?"
With lyrics like this I could not help but break down on stage while performing this beautiful song. We performed this song for showchoir when I was going through probably one of the hardest things a teenage can attempt to overcome. I was in the process of coming out not only to my self but to my catholic family. Fun right? No, coming out is never fun. I mean what is fun about standing in front of people you love and telling them that you are different, no one want to be different, at least I don't, I just want to blend in with the crowd. Anyway my point I that this song is very inspirational and it helped me through a very tough time. And I think it could do that for many of you so take a few minutes to listen to it now if you never have ever this elegantly beautiful song.
Everyone has hardships in life. Everyone has path they are meant to take, lessons they must learn, obstacles to overcome, no person's just like the next. And it's over coming this thing that make us who we are. And one great way of over coming obstacles and coping with the issues at hand is music. It allows you to express yourself in a way like no other. I can tell you for sure that if it weren't for music like Anchor Me I wouldn't be writing this blog right now. So next time you feel like you cant go now turn on some tunes and just relax. who knows maybe Anchor me will pop next on your Pandora.
Word count: 417
"I have no more strength left
Can you stand and fight?
I'm dying in this doubt
Can you be my faith tonight?"
With lyrics like this I could not help but break down on stage while performing this beautiful song. We performed this song for showchoir when I was going through probably one of the hardest things a teenage can attempt to overcome. I was in the process of coming out not only to my self but to my catholic family. Fun right? No, coming out is never fun. I mean what is fun about standing in front of people you love and telling them that you are different, no one want to be different, at least I don't, I just want to blend in with the crowd. Anyway my point I that this song is very inspirational and it helped me through a very tough time. And I think it could do that for many of you so take a few minutes to listen to it now if you never have ever this elegantly beautiful song.
Everyone has hardships in life. Everyone has path they are meant to take, lessons they must learn, obstacles to overcome, no person's just like the next. And it's over coming this thing that make us who we are. And one great way of over coming obstacles and coping with the issues at hand is music. It allows you to express yourself in a way like no other. I can tell you for sure that if it weren't for music like Anchor Me I wouldn't be writing this blog right now. So next time you feel like you cant go now turn on some tunes and just relax. who knows maybe Anchor me will pop next on your Pandora.
Word count: 417
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Glee is over..... Finally
We all remember the hoopla when the hit TV series GLEE first premiered in 2009. It was like no TV show before it, it followed a couple of high schoolers who were trying to start up their school GLEE club with actually turned into a showchoir. I loved the show when it first started although it was nothing like actually showchoir which I was involved in myself. It had a great story line for first few seasons and of course they did some killer remakes of a few classics that we all know and love. Glee was very inspirational for many kids and teens. I can attest to this myself being a gay teenager in the world today. With confident out and proud characters like Kurt, Blaine, and even the sassy Santana it gave kids the courage to come out in their own school because like Kurt finds out often times the people who make fun of you the most are the ones who are more self conscious then anyone. Gay struggles are not the only thing that it 6 year old series covered, they also covered divorce issues, remarried of parents, parental deaths, learning acceptance of all, and low self confidence. These are all things that we know kids are forced to deals with in high school and shows and powerful characters like those in GLEE help kids when having to deal with these life issues.
Glee also created a lot of controversy with it on camera make out sessions with young gay couple Kurt and Blaine. While I personally loved their kisses on camera because of its portrayal of love between any age, sex, or creed. I know many however do not feel this way. Many see this as wrong and inappropriate but to be completely frank screw those people because love does come in all shapes and sizes and I know for sure the on camera kisses like that gave nothing but courage to kids who were in the process of coming out or even who just dream of the day that they will have the courage to.
While GLEE was not the best in it last few seasons after the main characters graduated and they tried to introduce new ones it is still a TV show that changed the history of TV shows and is one that I will never forget GLEE changed a lot of peoples lives and will hopefully continue to for many years to come. Long live the GLEEKS.
word count: 416
Glee also created a lot of controversy with it on camera make out sessions with young gay couple Kurt and Blaine. While I personally loved their kisses on camera because of its portrayal of love between any age, sex, or creed. I know many however do not feel this way. Many see this as wrong and inappropriate but to be completely frank screw those people because love does come in all shapes and sizes and I know for sure the on camera kisses like that gave nothing but courage to kids who were in the process of coming out or even who just dream of the day that they will have the courage to.
While GLEE was not the best in it last few seasons after the main characters graduated and they tried to introduce new ones it is still a TV show that changed the history of TV shows and is one that I will never forget GLEE changed a lot of peoples lives and will hopefully continue to for many years to come. Long live the GLEEKS.
word count: 416
Sunday, January 25, 2015
All of Me, John Legend
So I know I am a little late with this one. But, come on let's face it, All of Me by John Legend is going to be a classic. It was already the most popular wedding song of 2014 and I'm sure that it is also many couples "first dance". I am sure this song was often on repeat on many girl's iPhones after their terrible break-up with their soul mate. For me this song is special because it is the first song I ever recorded for my girlfriend on her birthday. Either way we all know that whether you like to admit or not you love this song. That's right don't deny it, yeah I'm talking to you guys who hoped this post would be about Buckcherry or some other rock band. Come on you know you love this song. Also if you are looking for a post about some heavier music bands just wait because I always make sure to include those as well. With of course the occasionally post about how much I love Tswift.
Enough about how much girls and even grown men go crazy over this lovely soon to be classic, let's get down to business here the stuff that really matters, let's talk music. This song instrumentally is beautiful. Words are not even needed to show the emotion John Legend was trying to convoy. His incredible piano playing can say every word he was feeling, even though the notes themselves aren't all that complicated. But, that is also what makes this song beautiful, the simplicity. And the fact that John Legend has the voice of an angel. If you have read my previous posts you know that simplicity is key, I love simply music that can just draw you in and calm you down simply with a smooth rhythm and a sick beat. And if you know me as a person you know that I am a sucker for any kind of ballad. Any kind of good ballad that is, I'm not about those crappy showchoir ballads, I love simply instrumental ballad ballads with tender, soft, and gorgeous singing. Also for my piano players out there, this is a great song to learn whether you are just starting to learn or if you are a master simply trying to impress the ladies ;) Here's the sheet music to it, if you are interested.
Bottom line, this is an amazing song. It will be played for years as an anthem of love and for some people, it's the first song there will remember dancing to with their spouse and that pretty cool if you ask me. So thanks John Legend for your amazing voice and for this gorgeous song.
Word Count: 452
Enough about how much girls and even grown men go crazy over this lovely soon to be classic, let's get down to business here the stuff that really matters, let's talk music. This song instrumentally is beautiful. Words are not even needed to show the emotion John Legend was trying to convoy. His incredible piano playing can say every word he was feeling, even though the notes themselves aren't all that complicated. But, that is also what makes this song beautiful, the simplicity. And the fact that John Legend has the voice of an angel. If you have read my previous posts you know that simplicity is key, I love simply music that can just draw you in and calm you down simply with a smooth rhythm and a sick beat. And if you know me as a person you know that I am a sucker for any kind of ballad. Any kind of good ballad that is, I'm not about those crappy showchoir ballads, I love simply instrumental ballad ballads with tender, soft, and gorgeous singing. Also for my piano players out there, this is a great song to learn whether you are just starting to learn or if you are a master simply trying to impress the ladies ;) Here's the sheet music to it, if you are interested.
Bottom line, this is an amazing song. It will be played for years as an anthem of love and for some people, it's the first song there will remember dancing to with their spouse and that pretty cool if you ask me. So thanks John Legend for your amazing voice and for this gorgeous song.
Word Count: 452
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts & Heart
So I am not your average teenage girl. I don't enjoy listening to boy bands or Katy Perry. I don't know Naill Horan's shoe size or who 5 seconds of summer even is. I listen to bands like Styx and Queen. I love 80's hair bands and any kind of classic rock band. Which is why I flipped when I heard that Joan Jett and the Blackhearts AND Heart are coming to play at the US Cellular Center here in Cedar Rapids Iowa!!! I was like UMMM no freaking way. I immediately went on ticketmaster and tried to see much tickets were. $86.93. For $86.93 I could go see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts AND Heart. NO FREAKING WAY!! I have never been to a concert in my life and I have wanted to go so bad!! Plus who wouldn't want to see these two amazing bands play at the US Cellular center. I know I would. And I know any feminist within a 100 mile radius would since Joan Jett herself is one of the biggest feminist in the music industry. And not to mention the QUEEN of rock n' roll.
So let's talk about the music of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. We all know the big hits like "I love Rock n' Roll" and "I hate myself for Loving you". But there's a deeper meaning to all of her music and I guess that's why I love it. She write all of her own music from her own experiences. She first stated off founding The Runaways with co-musicians Sandy West, Jackie Fox, Lita Ford, and Cherie Currie. After the band broke up Joan Jett tried going solo in England. With little success she later formed The Blackhearts with producer Kenny Laguna's help. The Blackhearts were very successful in their first few years and continue to tour across the country,
So now that you have a little background, tell me how you could turn down going to see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts AND Heart. And for only $86.93!!! That's right you can't! So get in the mood start blaring that Joan Jett cassette you brought at the CD store for $3. And get psyched for one of the best shows you will ever see! I mean I assume, I have never seen their show, but I hear great things! And go by your tickets now before they sell out!!! Go NOW!
So let's talk about the music of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. We all know the big hits like "I love Rock n' Roll" and "I hate myself for Loving you". But there's a deeper meaning to all of her music and I guess that's why I love it. She write all of her own music from her own experiences. She first stated off founding The Runaways with co-musicians Sandy West, Jackie Fox, Lita Ford, and Cherie Currie. After the band broke up Joan Jett tried going solo in England. With little success she later formed The Blackhearts with producer Kenny Laguna's help. The Blackhearts were very successful in their first few years and continue to tour across the country,
So now that you have a little background, tell me how you could turn down going to see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts AND Heart. And for only $86.93!!! That's right you can't! So get in the mood start blaring that Joan Jett cassette you brought at the CD store for $3. And get psyched for one of the best shows you will ever see! I mean I assume, I have never seen their show, but I hear great things! And go by your tickets now before they sell out!!! Go NOW!
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