The B-52’s were formed in 1976 when vocalist Cindy Wilson, her older brother and guitarist Ricky, organist and vocalist Kate Pierson, original drummer and percussionist Keith Strickland and cowbell player, poet and vocalist Fred Schneider played an impromptu musical jam session after sharing a tropical Flaming Volcano drink at a Chinese restaurant in Athens, Georgia. Other ideas they had to name their band were the “Tina-Trons” and “Felini’s Children”. When they first jammed, Strickland played guitar and Wilson played congas. They later played their first concert (with Wilson playing guitar) in 1977 at a Valentine’s Day party for their friends. This concert was just one year later, and the same year their first single, “Rock Lobster”, recorded for DB Records in 1978, was an underground success, selling over 2,000 copies in total. It would late be re-recorded and become a classic.
The Best Obituary You’ll Read All Week
If you’ve lived the life, and I mean really lived this life, you can rock in your obituary, like Rick Rice. I didn’t know Mr. Rice, nor his family, but I will say that we can only hope to have as much fun and adventure in our own.
From The Yakim Herald:
Richard (Rick) Rice (59) walked with God Saturday August 15th, 2015. Rick died from complications resulting from being stubborn, refusing to go to the doctor, and raising hell for nearly six decades. A pulmonary embolism also played a minor role in his demise.
Rick was born and raised in Yakima, WA and spent over 40 years here in the valley before moving to Cincinnati, OH, Bakersfield, CA and eventually settling in Edgerton, WI.
Rick was widely recognized as the leader in his industry but his MOST cherished accomplishment was by far his three daughters, his “girls” Jeni Rice of Yakima, Diedre Twitty of Stanwood, and Shayla Cox of Renton. His girls were his whole world.
Rick never let an opportunity to laugh slip by. His witty humor greased his way through many a sticky situation. Oh the stories he had to tell! He orchestrated a truly legendary life. Never a dull moment with that man. Always dreaming. Dreaming of the future, dreaming of his next project, the wheels in his visionary mind never came to a stop. From his trips through the Amazon jungles searching for new super fruits to his endless lifetime of shenanigans – well everywhere he went. He lived his life to the fullest and he did it HIS way. With style and class baby!
Rick had IT. He exuded charisma, charm and style. Women noticed. Rick was married to Tea Rose (Rice) in 1977 and spent the next 25 years in a whirlwind love affair.
He was an avid competitor, earning a Golden Glove in boxing, black belt karate instructor for the police departments, received a wrestling scholarship to South West Oregon Community College and spent over 30+ years playing basketball at the YMCA. He was known by “Coach” Rice to some as he started his own youth wrestling team at Washington Middle School in the late 90’s and took his team to state.
His generous spirit knew no bounds.
Rick was survived in death by his three daughters, Jeni, Diedre, and Shayla, current wife Lynn Rice of Edgerton, WI, five grandchildren, brother Jerry Rice of El Segundo, CA, and sister Betty Rosencranz of Green Valley, AZ. Rick is reunited with his parents Sidney and Ella along with his bother Jim.
In lieu of flowers, Rick would be honored if you would do the unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone else today in his name.
There will be no viewing since his family refuses to honor his request to have him standing in the corner of the room with a glass of Jack Daniels in his hand so he would appear natural to visitors.
Services will be held Saturday at August 29th at the Seasons Performance hall at 2 pm; he would be delighted if you come and share a story. A celebration of his life will follow.
Rick would like you to remember him in all his glory, drinking Grey Goose, laughing and telling lies. His larger-than-life persona and trademark jack-assery will not be forgotten.
THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND. YOU ARE OUR WORLD AND WILL BE MISSED MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE. LOVE YOU DAD.
Canadian Arts/Media Job Posts For December 15, 2015
Fleming College in Lindsay, ON has an opening for a Marketing & Communications Coordinator.
Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario in Toronto is looking for Communications Officer.
Bell Media in Edmonton, AB has an opening for a Promotions Co-ordinator.
Vista Radio in Lloydminster has an opening for a News Reporter/Anchor.
World Vision Canada is looking for an Artist Relationship Manager (Events).
Bell Media in Prince Rupert, BC has an opening for a Video Journalist/Radio Reporter.
CTV Edmonton has an opening for a Reporter/Anchor.
680 NEWS in Toronto is looking for a Traffic Reporter/Anchor, reporting to the News Director.
North Strategic in Toronto has an opening for an Account Director, Social Media.
R.E.M. signs multi-year, worldwide licensing agreement with Concord Bicycle Music for 1988-2011 catalog
R.E.M. has inked a multi-year, worldwide licensing agreement with Concord Bicycle Music for the band’s catalog that was recorded between 1988 and 2011, which includes the albums Green, Out of Time, Automatic For the People, Monster, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, and Up. Concord Bicycle plans to release deluxe reissues of the albums with bonus material and exclusive packaging on its Concord imprint. “The band and all at REMHQ [CQ] are very happy to be joining with Concord Bicycle Music for this next phase of curating and extending R.E.M.’s recorded legacy,” said R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs in a statement. “The albums covered by this agreement are some of the band’s most successful, both artistically and commercially, and we know the people at Concord share our enthusiasm about this partnership. We leave the Warner Bros. family, a great label where we are certainly grateful for some of our career highlights. But moving forward, we knew this was the right time to change it up and Concord is the right home for this key part of R.E.M.’s catalog.”
Via FMQB
Matt Andersen Announces “Honest Man” Album Release Date
Matt Andersen has been enthralling audiences with his one of a kind performance in North America, Europe and Australia for years. And in the last few he’s managed to net three Maple Blues Awards, a Memphis Blues Challenge win, a CIMA Road Gold Award, a European Blues Award, and a Juno Award nomination. A powerhouse performer with a giant soul-filled voice and commanding stage presence, Andersen has built a formidable following the old fashioned way – touring worldwide and letting the converted audiences and Andersen devotees spread his reputation through word of mouth.
Earlier this fall the award winning artist once again de-camped from his New Brunswick home – this time to record his upcoming eighth full-length album. Produced in New York with Commissioner Gordon (Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, KRS-One), Honest Man follows up the JUNO Award nominated Weightless and sees the songwriter pushing himself into new territory. Blessed with a rich gospel soul voice and armed with a new set of songs, Matt Andersen found a perfect partner in crime with Commissioner Gordon.
“Gordon has worked with so many different people, like Santana and Quincy Jones, on so many historic albums,” says Andersen. “He has such a great approach and was able to tie-in so many new ideas to what I’ve done in the past without losing touch with my sound.”
From writing around drum beats to bringing in a cast of players including Andy Bassford (Toots and the Maytals, Burning Spear, Natalie Merchant) Benjamin Bouton (Ibibio Sound Machine), Josh David Barrett (The Wailers, Lauryn Hill), and Lenny Underwood (Mary J. Blige, Amy Winehouse), Honest Man expands on what we already know and love from Andersen and brings it to a new level.
“Gordon brought a drum beat to one of our first sessions that I loved, and I wrote ‘Let’s Get Back’ around it. When we tracked, we did it the same way as the others – myself on acoustic guitar, Benji on electric, Josh on bass. Using beats is something I never thought I would go for. But it was a lot of fun and I’m really excited with what we recorded. If I was left up to my own devices it would have been a very different record.”
Set for release on February 26 via True North Records, the ten songs that make up Honest Man explore both the political and the personal. The title track, co-written with Chris Kirby, was inspired by a US political cartoon while “Let’s Get Back”, co-penned with Andy Stochansky, has Andersen thinking about how his country as a nation has changed, but not for the better. “Who Are You Listening To?” was hatched with Ryan Hupman during a pre-election social media flood and emerges as a rally call for people to make up their own minds and not be swung by the ‘information’ we’re being fed.
On “All The Way”, written with Gordie Sampson, Andersen takes a more personal approach as he sings about the decision to fully commit to a relationship, while on the alluring piano ballad “I’m Giving In”, composed with Andy Stochansky and Jamie Hartman, he muses about the moments leading up to that commitment.
“The song ‘I’m Giving In’ was the final one that I needed to lay down vocals for,” recalls Andersen. “It was my last night in New York and the studio we were using was underneath a ballroom where Alicia Keys was rehearsing for a performance the next night. We managed to get the piano recorded in between the breaks of the rehearsal but had to skip the vocals. We went back to Gordon’s studio to listen back to the weeks’ work and enjoy a scotch when we decided to take a stab at recording the vocals. This was at 1am. It was a special way to wrap up the sessions with Gordon.”
On one of two songs created with Donovan Woods called “One Good Song” Andersen sings about exactly that. He explains, “All songwriters desire to have that one good song that just gets everybody. Not necessarily a hit, but a song that when it’s heard you can’t help but listen. This song is about the journey we all take to get there.” There is no need at all for Matt Andersen to worry about one good song, Honest Man is a watershed album full of transcendent musical moments that should elevate the songwriter from internationally acclaimed to world renowned.
No stranger to the headlining spot during summer festival season, Andersen has shared the stage and toured with Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Little Feat, Jonny Lang, Serena Ryder, and more. Supporting the release of Honest Man Andersen will take to the road throughout February and March with a string of North American tour dates. Full tour dates can be found below.
Joining him on stage behind the drum set is Geoff Arsenault (Daniel Lanois, Matt Mays, Al Tuck, Mary Jane Lamond), a multifaceted artist with a soulful sensibility known for his generous and harmonious style. On bass and harmonica is the JUNO Award winning multi-instrumentalist and producer Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk, Harry Manx). And taking up the guitar and keys is Chris Kirby (Wide Mouth Mason, Big Sugar), a 10-time ECMA nominee, 5 time Music Newfoundland Award winner, and in demand songwriter, co-writing with the likes of Tim Chaisson, Phil Churchill (The Once), Eddie Schwartz, Stephen Fearing, and many others.
HONEST MAN TRACK LIST
Break Away
The Gift
Honest Man
I’m Giving In
Quiet Company
Let’s Get Back
All the Way
Last Surrender
Who Are You Listening To?
One Good Song
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
Feb 16 – Duncan, BC – Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
Feb 17 – Victoria, BC – University of Victoria Farquhar Auditorium
Feb 18 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
Feb 19 – Kelowna, BC – Kelowna Community Theatre
Feb 20 – Banff, AB – The Banff Centre
Feb 21 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Feb 22 – Calgary, AB – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Feb 24 – Saskatoon, SK – Broadway Theatre
Feb 25 – Regina, SK – University of Regina Drake Hall
Feb 26 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
Feb 27 – Guelph, ON – River Run Centre
Feb 28 – London, ON – Centennial Hall
Mar 1 – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Square
Mar 2 – St. Catharines, ON – St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre
Mar 3 – Owen Sound, ON – Roxy Theatre
Mar 4 – Burlington, ON – Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Mar 5 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Mar 6 – Orillia, ON – Orillia Opera House
Mar 8 – Port Hope, ON – Cameco Capitol Arts Centre
Mar 9 – Markham, ON – Flato Markham Theatre
Mar 10 – Kingston, ON – Grand Theatre
Mar 11 – Burlington, VT – Club Metronome
Mar 12 – Boston, MA – Club Passim
Mar 13 – Bethlehem, PA – Blast Furnace Blues Festival
Mar 14 – Vienna, VA – Jammin Java
Mar 15 – New London, CT – Garde Arts
Mar 16 – Portsmouth, NH – Birdseye
Mar 18 – New York City, NY – Rockwood Music Hall
Mar 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Tin Angel
Mar 20 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center For The Arts
Mar 24 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre
Mar 25 – Montreal, QC – L’Astral
The Grateful Dead Story Is Coming To Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios is continuing to pad out its original content.
The streamer is set to develop a limited bio series about the legendary rock band The Grateful Dead. The news comes on the heels of the announcement that Margaret Cho will star in the platform’s upcoming pot comedy.
Based on the 2003 book Home Before Daylight: My Life On the Road with the Grateful Dead written by roadie Steve Parish, the project has yet to find a writer. Meetings will be taking place over the next several weeks in search of one. Bob Weir, founding member of the rock band, will executive produce the project.
Cision and PR Newswire Announce Intent to Combine, Creating a Leading Global Communications Platform
Cision, a global media intelligence company, has announced an agreement to acquire PR Newswire, a premier provider of multimedia communications, from UBM plc, in a transaction that will create a global leader of communications software and services. The transaction, which requires approval by the shareholders of UBM plc as well as regulatory approvals, is expected to close late in the first quarter of 2016.
PRN is a global leader in public relations (“PR”) and investor relations (“IR”) communications and related services, connecting over 30,000 customers to their target audiences through the largest distribution network of its kind in the world. Customers spanning Fortune 2000 multinationals, small businesses, public relations agencies and government entities rely on PRN to target, reach and engage the most relevant media outlets and audiences with impactful and timely content.
“Bringing Cision and PR Newswire together will enable communicators to turn data into actionable insights — the necessary link between communications and business outcomes,” explained Peter Granat, Cision CEO. “We are serious about building a comprehensive platform to help our clients manage the entire lifecycle of communications – from influencer discovery and content distribution to engagement and campaign analysis.”
The combination of Cision and PRN resources would result in a seamless and integrated communications tool for intelligence gathering, distribution, monitoring, and analytics platforms. Enhanced scale from the combination of the two companies would enable significant investments in R&D to support continued technology innovation.
“We are very excited about the transaction and the opportunities it would provide for our clients, partners and employees,” said Robert Gray, CEO of PR Newswire. “PR Newswire helps PR, IR, Marketing and Compliance professionals maximize the impact of their communications programs through best-in-class solutions and the combination with Cision would further enhance that capability.”
This transaction is the latest example of Cision’s steadfast commitment to the continued delivery of innovative products and services and advancement of marketing and communications professionals.
While the regulatory and shareholder approvals are sought it will be business as usual for both firms.
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Barclays and RBC Capital Markets are providing debt financing to Cision.
I’m Teaming Up With @ThatHannahAlper, Rancho Relaxo To Go and SiriusXM To Give Back This Holiday Season With Food Drop To Homeless In Toronto
Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season. I wanted to let you know about a cool event I’m doing with my daughter, Hannah, and we have partnered with local Toronto restaurant Rancho Relaxo To Go to give back to those in need during this season of giving.
I’m launching the #FeedTO day-long event on Monday, December 21st at the corner of Yonge and Dundas in Toronto at 9:00am followed by riding in and directing the Rancho Relaxo food truck along the area of Yonge and College, Bathurst and Bloor, and Dufferin and King to hand out hot and ready breakfast meals donated by the restaurant. Eric, myself and Rancho Relaxo will be posting on their social media accounts throughout the day.
I have always been passionate about giving back to the community, and we will also make stops at local police stations including Toronto Police Headquarters at 40 College Street around 10:30am, fire halls and the Toronto Humane Society to give out meals as a humble way of saying thank-you for their service to the people (and pets) of the city.
From Noon-2:00pm, we will be at the SiriusXM building at Liberty Street and Fraser Avenue in Liberty Village in Toronto where a full-menu of food items will be available for a Pay-What-You-Can initiative, with all proceeds going to the Daily Bread Food Bank. A social media post on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram tagged with #FeedTO is encouraged, along with the donation, for people to show their act of giving and challenge their followers to do the same.
Social media plays a huge role in our daily lives and spread the word about great ideas and what people are doing to make the world a better place. Every post and tweet helps to bring awareness to the issue and also to let people know that they can do something to help.
We hope to donate more than 500 meals to feed hungry individuals and hopes to raise more than $5,000 for the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Follow along, and see you next Monday!
2016 Warped Tour Dates Are Announced
The Warped Tour began in 1995 as a showcase for alternative and punk rock music, and in more recent years featured very diverse genres. It’s the longest running touring music festival in North America, and they’re back for next summer, with no Canadian dates.
Check out the full Warped itinerary below.
Tour dates:
06/24 Dallas, TX
06/25 San Antonio, TX
06/26 Houston, TX
06/27 New Orleans, LA
06/29 Nashville, TN
06/30 Atlanta, GA
07/01 St. Petersburg, FL
07/02 Orlando, FL
07/03 West Palm Beach, FL
07/05 Charlotte, NC
07/06 Virginia Beach, VA
07/07 Syracuse, NY
07/08 Camden, NJ
07/09 Wantagh, NY
07/10 Hartford, CT
07/11 Scranton, PA
07/13 Mansfield, MA
07/14 Darien Center, NY
07/15 Pittsburgh, PA
07/16 Columbia, MD
07/17 Holmdel, NJ
07/19 Indianapolis, IN
07/20 Cuyahoga Falls, OH
07/21 Cincinnati, OH
07/22 Detroit, MI
07/23 Chicago, IL
07/24 Shakopee, MN
07/26 Milwaukee, WI
07/27 St. Louis, MO
07/28 Bonners Spring, KS
07/30 Salt Lake City, UT
07/31 Denver, CO
08/02 Oklahoma City, OK
08/03 Albuquerque, NM
08/05 San Diego, CA
08/06 San Francisco, CA
08/07 Pomona, CA
08/09 Phoenix, AZ
08/11 Boise, ID
08/12 Auburn, WA
08/13 Portland, OR
Those wondering about the absence of Canadian dates, you’re out of luck. Warped Tour organizers say “Toronto and Canadian Warped fans: Due to construction that’ll be taking place next summer at the Amphitheater festival grounds, we’re going to have to take a year off from hitting Toronto on the 2016 tour. In March when the tour onsale begins, we’ll be making a number of discounted tickets available in Toronto and in the Ontario region for your closest Warped show. In addition we’ll provide information about Rally Bus which provides roundtrip bus travel at low price. We appreciate the passion that Canadian fans have shown the tour over the years and we’ll see you in 2017!”
https://youtu.be/0Ytk86edE8s
2015’s Unlikely Movie Scripts Topped By Michael Jackson’s ‘Bubbles’
The Black List, which recognizes the year’s most-liked unproduced screenplays as voted on by film executives, has unveiled its 11th edition today. The top vote-getter is Isaac Adamson’s Bubbles, which follows Michael Jackson’s life through the eyes of his adopted chimpanzee. Originally a boutique list, the surveyed execs have grown to 250 for this year, with 81 scripts making the 2015 list.
BUBBLES
by Isaac Adamson
A baby chimp is adopted by the Pop star Michael Jackson. Narrating his own story, Bubbles the Chimp details his life within The King of Pop’s inner circle through the scandals that later rocked Jackson’s life and eventually led to Bubbles’ release.
See the entire list here.
