Elton And Billy: Prilosec & Razor Blades February 25, 2009

Have you heard the radio ads for this summer’s Elton John/Billy Joel concert at Gillette Stadium?  They’re really funny because they have the feel of a Monster Truck event.
“The Piano Man!”  “The Rocket Man!” “Live!”
They should have added, “Twin pianos … double the thrills!  Or maybe, “Key smashing, bench clearing action!”
Seriously, I have great affection for [...]

U.S. Nearly Blanked At Oscars February 23, 2009

If this was World Cup Soccer (sorry, Football) it wouldn’t be quite so embarrassing.  But this is showbiz … movie-making.  The U.S. is supposed to rule at this stuff.  Not according to the results at last night’s Oscars … we Yanks pretty much got a full facial from our friends in Europe and Bollywood. 
Is it just me, or was Hollywood [...]

Misery For Sale February 20, 2009

So who’s the bigger lowlife?  The LAPD insider who undoubtedly released the picture of a beaten woman (who, very much, appears to be the pop singer Rihanna) … or the TMZ .com website for publishing it? 
According to a statement released by police officials, “The photograph has the appearance of one take during an official Domestic Violence [...]

Getting My Grouch On For Oscar February 18, 2009

It’s arguably the Super Bowl of pop culture, but like everything else in these recessionary times, expect a very toned down Academy Awards come Sunday night.
The fashions tamer. The production numbers lamer.
Lots of talk about art … when it’s really about Paul Blart.
Hugh Jackman, an amiable host.  Chris Rock, exiled to a far flung post.
Bouquets [...]

Boston’s House Of Blues: Grand Opening Brings Geils Back Together February 16, 2009

Lansdowne Street comes back to life this week a full month and a half before the Red Sox return to Fenway Park.  The Hub gets a brand spankin’ new House of Blues … rising from the demolition of Avalon.  Also rising for the grand opening, The J. Geils Band, local heroes who grabbed a healthy [...]

Dirty Dancing: Tricky Steps In Making Leap Fron Screen To Stage February 12, 2009

There’s a reason it’s called, officially, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage … rather than say, Dirty Dancing, The Musical.  What you have here is a live action screenplay that’s enhanced with music, both live and recorded, and a staggering production budget.  It’s an event.  A spectacular “have you seen it?” theatrical throw [...]

Pumped For Stump February 11, 2009

He’s a gentleman of a certain age.  70 if he belonged to the curious breed known as Homo sapiens … but Stump the Sussex Spaniel proved a very important point by winning Best in Show at Westminster last night, age and experience do count for something.
Vertically challenged, not exactly buff … but man, what great [...]

Gimme Grit Over Grammy February 9, 2009

I love music and I work in TV so watching the Grammy Awards is sort of a given … especially on a Sunday night in February.  It’s sort of an exercise in frustration though … most of the bands that I really appreciate these days are makin’ a livin’ a long way from the glitz [...]

Pops And Sox February 6, 2009

It was just a couple of years ago that the Boston Pops were trying to bring in younger audiences by teaming up with artists like Ben Folds and My Morning Jacket… that was also back when the economy still had a pulse.  Flash forward to 2009, and the Pops are battling to stay in the game … so [...]

Bale Storm February 4, 2009

Hey Christian, maybe it’s time to try the decaf!
Yes, we all bow low to your mighty acting abilities, oh great one, but there’s apparently one character you’re incapable of playing… a human being.
The uproar over Bale’s meltdown on the the set of Terminator:Salvation is quickly becoming the stuff of internet legend thanks to TMZ.com  (think [...]