2015 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards Nominees Announced

Apr 16, 2015

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) is pleased to announce the much-anticipated list of nominees for its 3rd Annual CMAO Awards Show. This year’s star-studded event will once again be hosted by Jason McCoy of the Road Hammers, and will be held Monday, May 25, 2015, at the Flato Markham Theatre.

Peterborough country star Tebey leads the pack of 2015 CMAO Awards nominees with a grand total of six nominations, including Single and Album of the Year. St. Catharines native Tim Hicks follows close behind with five nominations and Jason Blaine, Runaway Angel and Small Town Pistols each come in with four nominations apiece. See the full listing of 2015 CMAO nominees below.

The 2015 CMAO Awards, presented by Slaight Music,will feature performances by: Jason Blaine, Leah Daniels, Tim Hicks, Russell deCarle and Deric Ruttan with additional performers to be announced. The Western Swing Authority will return to the awards as the event’s house band. The CMAO Awards weekend will include the second-annual CMAO Conference on Sunday, May 24th and Monday, May 25th at the Markham Delta.

This year the CMAO Impact Award will be presented to Paula Chopik and Ed Leslie, producers of Havelock Country Jamboree, Canada’s largest live country music and camping festival. The CMAO Impact Award recognizes an artist, group, industry personality or company/organization that has left an enduring and indelibly positive footprint on the landscape of country music in Ontario. Last years’ Impact Award recipient was the legendary Gordon Lightfoot.

The 2015 CMAO Nominees are:

Single of the Year:
Jason Blaine – Layin’ Your Love On Me (eOne Music Canada)
Tim Hicks – Here Comes The Thunder (Open Road Recordings)
Beverley Mahood – Sunday I’m An Angel (Spin Music)
Runaway Angel – Our Story (Southbound Records)
Small Town Pistols – I Only Smoke When I Drink (604 Records)
Tebey – Now I Do (Road Angel Entertainment)

Album of the Year:
Lindsay Broughton – Take Me There (Curve Music)
Tim Hicks – 5:01 (Open Road Recordings)
Kira Isabella – Caffeine & Big Dreams (Sony Music Canada)
Lindi Ortega – Tin Star (Last Gang Entertainment)
Tebey – Two (Road Angel Entertainment)
The Lovelocks – The Lovelocks (MDM Recordings Inc.)

Songwriter (s) of the Year:
Jason Blaine/Deric Ruttan (Layin’ Your Love On Me – Jason Blaine)
Leah Daniels/Beverley Mahood/Bruce Wallace (Go Back – Leah Daniels)
Todd Clark/Tim Hicks/Gavin Slate (Here Comes The Thunder – Tim Hicks)
Ann Chaplin/Cadence Grace/Stacy Zegers (Our Story – Runaway Angel)
Alyssa Bonagura/Patricia Conroy/ Amanda Wilkinson/Tyler Wilkinson (I Only Smoke When I Drink – Small Town Pistols)
Patricia Conroy/Danick Dupelle/Tebey (Now I Do – Tebey)

Female Artist of the Year:
Genevieve Fisher (Independent)
Kira Isabella (Sony Music Canada)
Brea Lawrenson (Independent)
Beverley Mahood (Spin Music)
Tianna Woods (Independent)
Michelle Wright (Savannah Music)

Male Artist of the Year:
Jason Blaine (eOne Music Canada)
Marshall Dane (Awesome Country)
Tim Hicks (Open Road Recordings)
Jason McCoy (Open Road Recordings)
Deric Ruttan (Black T Records)
Tebey (Road Angel Entertainment)

Group or Duo of the Year:
Autumn Hill (Wax Records)
Blackwell (Eating Crow Records)
Runaway Angel (Southbound Records)
Small Town Pistols (604 Records)
The Stellas (Universal Music Canada)
The Western Swing Authority (eOne Music Canada)

Roots Artist or Group of the Year:
Lindi Ortega (Last Gang Entertainment)
The Abrams Brothers (Independent)
The Good Family (Latent Recordings)
The Heartbroken (Universal Music Canada)
The Lovelocks (MDM Recordings Inc.)
The Western Swing Authority (eOne Music Canada)

Rising Star Award:
Leah Daniels (Spin Music)
Riki Knox (Independent)
Brea Lawrenson (Independent)
Northern Roads (Independent)
Brooklyn Roebuck (Independent)
Runaway Angel (Southbound Records)
Tianna Woods (Independent)

Music Video of the Year:
Jason Blaine – Layin’ Your Love On Me (eOne Music Canada)
Lindsay Broughton – Take Me There (Curve Music)
Tim Hicks – She Don’t Drink Whiskey Anymore (Open Road Recordings)
Kira Isabella – Quarterback (Sony Music Canada)
Small Town Pistols – I Only Smoke When I Drink (604 Records)
Tebey – Now I Do (Road Angel Entertainment)

Record Producer of the Year:
Carey Blackwell/Joe Turner for Redneck Style by Blackwell (single)
Sam Ellis for Go Backby Leah Daniels (single)
Jason Barry for Night In Night Outby Genevieve Fisher (single) and One Of Us Is Lying by The Western Swing Authority (single)
Bob Funk/Beverley Mahood for Sunday I’m An Angel by Beverley Mahood (album)
Danick Dupelle/Tebey for Two by Tebey (album)
Peter Linseman for Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Kate Todd (single)

Radio Station of the Year (Major Market):
CHKX – KX 94.7 FM – Hamilton
CICX – KICX 106 FM – Orillia
CJKX – KX 96 FM – Oshawa
CKBY – Country 101.1 FM – Ottawa
CKDK – Country 104 FM – London/Woodstock
CKXC – Country 93.5 FM – Kingston

Radio Station of the Year (Secondary Market):
CFCO – Country 92.9 FM – Chatham
CFRM – The Island FM – Manitoulin
CJDL – Country 107.3 FM – Tillsonburg
CKAT – Country 600 – North Bay
CKNX – AM 920 – Wingham
CKYC – Country 93 FM – Owen Sound

Tickets are on sale now for the 2015 CMAO Awards at the Flato Markham Theatre on Monday, May 25, 2015. Ticket price is $59.95. For more ticket information visit www.ticketbreak.com.

Netflix Teams With Silverback Films and WWF to Create Our Planet, Follow Up to Planet Earth

Apr 16, 2015

Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, will premiere across all its territories in 2019 in collaboration with Silverback Films and WWF, Our Planet, an astonishing new eight part natural history series made by the creators of the critically and popularly acclaimed series Planet Earth.

The ambitious four year project — the largest of its kind ever attempted — will take viewers into never-before-filmed wilderness areas from the ice caps and deep ocean to deserts and remote forests, introducing them to the most precious species and places that must withstand the impact of humanity so generations to come can enjoy the bounties of the natural world. Using the latest in 4K camera technology, the series and a range of specially produced storytelling for multi-media platforms will bring millions of people into intimate contact with some of the world’s rarest animals and most precious natural habitats.

The series is being produced by Silverback Films, led by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey, who created Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Blue Planet for the BBC, as well as the Disney nature films Earth, Bears, African Cats and Chimpanzee. WWF, the world’s leading conservation organization with operations in more than 100 countries and over 5 million members, is providing the Silverback team unparalleled access to its projects in protected areas around the world and will collaborate on multi-media storytelling across its web and other platforms.

“Netflix is proud to be the global home for perhaps Silverback’s most ambitious project to date,” said Lisa Nishimura, Vice President, Netflix Original Documentaries. “The Planet projects have enjoyed great success on Netflix and have helped launch new technologies for viewing at home. We think watching Our Planet, fully on demand in 4K will be an unforgettable experience for our members.”

“Our Planet is going to raise the bar for natural history landmarks,” said Alastair Fothergill, Executive Producer Silverback Films. “We will reveal the most amazing sights on Earth and show them in ways they have never been seen before. Partnering with Netflix and WWF gives us the ability to reach and enthuse global audiences with the wonder and importance of the natural world.”

“Our Planet will inspire millions of people around the world by showcasing the planet’s most precious species and most fragile habitats through a visionary series and cutting edge multimedia storytelling,” said Colin Butfield, Executive Producer, WWF. “At this critical time for global conservation we are honored to work with Silverback and Netflix on this completely unique collaboration.”

Corus Entertainment and Disney/ABC Television Group Join Forces in Licensing Agreement

Apr 16, 2015

Corus Entertainment Inc., one of Canada’s leading media and entertainment companies, today announced a groundbreaking, long-term licensing agreement with the Disney/ABC Television Group that marks a new chapter for kids and family entertainment in Canada. Under the terms of this expansive agreement, Corus secures English- and French-language rights to Disney Channel’s world-class content and becomes steward of the brand with the launch of Disney Channel in Canada.

Scheduled to debut on September 1, 2015, Disney Channel will give Canadian kids and families full access to Disney Channel’s slate of high profile and popular shows such as K.C. Undercover, Girl Meets World, Austin & Ally, Liv and Maddie and many others. The agreement also includes authenticated simultaneous streaming and ad-supported video-on-demand rights for select programs airing on the channel, allowing fans to catch-up on episodes of their favourite series. Following the launch of Disney Channel in the fall, select Disney branded kids linear television offerings will also be rolled out in the future as those brands and programming are transitioned to Corus.

This multi-year agreement expands on the relationship between Corus and the Disney/ABC Television Group that began in 2011, when Corus announced the launch of its millennial-targeted service ABC Spark, based on Disney/ABC’s hugely successful ABC Family channel in the United States.

“We are very excited to take our partnership with the Disney/ABC Television Group to the next level, and proud to be forging a new course for the iconic Disney Channel brand in Canada,” said Doug Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corus Entertainment. “With an extensive roster of exceptional content to tap into, we look forward to delivering the full Disney Channel experience to families across the country. This deal underscores our commitment to provide Canadians with the highest quality content from around the world and reinforces our position as Canada’s market leader in kids and family-focused offerings.”

“With this licensing agreement, we couldn’t be more pleased to expand upon our highly valued and significant relationship with Corus Entertainment by bringing the Disney Channel brand — along with its hit programs and franchises — under their purview in the Canadian marketplace,” added Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution.

In the United States, Disney Channel is a top-performing destination for kids, geared towards ages 6-14. The 24-hour kid-driven, family-inclusive television network is available in over 96 million U.S. homes and watched by millions of viewers on Disney Channels around the world.(Thursday April 16, 2015 – Toronto) – Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B), one of Canada’s leading media and entertainment companies, today announced a groundbreaking, long-term licensing agreement with the Disney/ABC Television Group that marks a new chapter for kids and family entertainment in Canada. Under the terms of this expansive agreement, Corus secures English- and French-language rights to Disney Channel’s world-class content and becomes steward of the brand with the launch of Disney Channel in Canada.

Scheduled to debut on September 1, 2015, Disney Channel will give Canadian kids and families full access to Disney Channel’s slate of high profile and popular shows such as K.C. Undercover, Girl Meets World, Austin & Ally, Liv and Maddie and many others. The agreement also includes authenticated simultaneous streaming and ad-supported video-on-demand rights for select programs airing on the channel, allowing fans to catch-up on episodes of their favourite series. Following the launch of Disney Channel in the fall, select Disney branded kids linear television offerings will also be rolled out in the future as those brands and programming are transitioned to Corus.

This multi-year agreement expands on the relationship between Corus and the Disney/ABC Television Group that began in 2011, when Corus announced the launch of its millennial-targeted service ABC Spark, based on Disney/ABC’s hugely successful ABC Family channel in the United States.

“We are very excited to take our partnership with the Disney/ABC Television Group to the next level, and proud to be forging a new course for the iconic Disney Channel brand in Canada,” said Doug Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corus Entertainment. “With an extensive roster of exceptional content to tap into, we look forward to delivering the full Disney Channel experience to families across the country. This deal underscores our commitment to provide Canadians with the highest quality content from around the world and reinforces our position as Canada’s market leader in kids and family-focused offerings.”

“With this licensing agreement, we couldn’t be more pleased to expand upon our highly valued and significant relationship with Corus Entertainment by bringing the Disney Channel brand — along with its hit programs and franchises — under their purview in the Canadian marketplace,” added Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution.

In the United States, Disney Channel is a top-performing destination for kids, geared towards ages 6-14. The 24-hour kid-driven, family-inclusive television network is available in over 96 million U.S. homes and watched by millions of viewers on Disney Channels around the world.

Josh Groban Announces North American Tour For “Stages” Album

Apr 16, 2015

Multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban has announced that he will launch a Fall 2015 North American tour in support of his upcoming album Stages. The tour, produced by Live Nation, will begin on Sept. 12 in Atlanta and continues through early November. THE STAGES TOUR will visit specially selected theaters around the country, giving fans accustomed to seeing Groban perform in arenas (as he did on his 2013 “In The Round” and “All that Echoes” tours) a more uniquely intimate experience. Tickets go on sale April 24 at www.livenation.com. With every ticket purchased online, fans will receive a choice of either a standard physical or a standard digital copy of Stages.

Groban will make several television appearances during release week for Stages, which is due from Reprise Records on April 28. He will appear on Good Morning America on April 28, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Live! with Kelly and Michael on April 29, and Dancing With The Stars on May 5. He will also sing the National Anthem at the 2015 Kentucky Derby on May 2.

Stages is a collection of some of the greatest musical theater songs of all time, which Groban describes as “gorgeously arranged songs that have stood the test of time,” and which he was drawn to because of their combination of “incredible melody with an incredible story.” The album is available for pre-order at all participating retailers and JoshGroban.com. An exclusive edition of the album will be available at Target containing two extra tracks.

Recorded with producers Humberto Gatica and Bernie Herms in both Los Angeles and London’s Abbey Road (with a 75-piece orchestra), Stages features songs from Les Misérables (“Bring Him Home”); Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel (“You’ll Never Walk Alone”); Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George (“Finishing the Hat”), Sweeney Todd (“Not While I’m Around”) and Into the Woods (“Children Will Listen”); The Fantasticks (“Try to Remember”); A Chorus Line (“What I Did For Love”); Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera (“All I Ask of You”), The Wizard of Oz (“Over the Rainbow”), and others. Another highlight is “Pure Imagination,” originally sung by Gene Wilder in the film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Watch the album trailer for Stages here.

JOSH GROBAN – THE STAGES TOUR

Sat, Sept. 12, 2015	Atlanta, GA	Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Mon, Sept. 14, 2015	Washington, DC	DAR Constitution Hall
Wed, Sept. 16, 2015	Philadelphia, PA	Verizon Hall at Kimmel Center
Thu, Sept. 17, 2015	Pittsburgh, PA	Benedum Center
Mon, Sept. 21, 2015	Toronto, ON	Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
Fri, Sept. 25, 2015	Boston, MA	Citi Performing Arts Center – Wang Theatre
Sat, Sept. 26, 2015	Wallingford, CT	The Dome At Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre
Tue, Sept. 29, 2015	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre
Fri, Oct. 02, 2015	Providence, RI	Providence Performing Arts Center
Sat, Oct. 03, 2015	Albany, NY	Palace Theatre
Tue, Oct. 06, 2015	Syracuse, NY	Landmark Theatre
Wed, Oct. 07, 2015	Buffalo, NY	Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Fri, Oct. 09, 2015	Detroit, MI	Fox Theatre
Sat, Oct. 10, 2015	Cleveland, OH	State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare
Tue, Oct. 13, 2015	Louisville, KY	Palace Theatre
Wed, Oct. 14, 2015	Indianapolis, IN	Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Fri, Oct. 16, 2015	Chicago, IL	Chicago Theatre
Mon, Oct. 19, 2015	St. Louis, MO	Peabody Opera House
Wed, Oct. 21, 2015	New Orleans, LA	Saenger Theatre
Fri, Oct. 23, 2015	Austin, TX	Bass Concert Hall
Sun, Oct. 25, 2015	Dallas, TX	Music Hall at Fair Park
Mon, Oct. 26, 2015	Houston, TX	Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Thu, Oct. 29, 2015	Los Angeles, CA	Dolby Theatre
Tue, Nov. 03, 2015	San Francisco, CA	The Masonic

Q relaunches on CBC Radio with live show, new host, Shad, and new look

Apr 16, 2015

Shadrach Kabango, the Juno award winning hip-hop artist better known as Shad, kicks off his role as the new host of CBC Radio’s revamped arts and culture program next week with a live show under the program’s refreshed banner.

Q, is relaunching on April 20 with a special two-hour broadcast in front of a live audience at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, the broadcaster announced Wednesday.

Shad’s first day behind the mic will feature a number of live performances and a diverse lineup of guests, including:

American comedian and WTF podcast host Marc Maron.
Juno Award-winning Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq.
Canadian pianist Chilly Gonzales.
Canadian singer/songwriter Afie Jurvanen, better known as Bahamas.

Canadian singer/songwriter Afie Jurvanen — better known as Bahamas — will also perform an acoustic tune and talk about an exciting new project he’s been working on for q, says CBC.

The show is already sold out, but there will be a rush line for those who didn’t get advance tickets.

Fans in Toronto who couldn’t get tickets can watch it at a live public screening in CBC’s atrium, starting at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Ticketholders must be in their seats by 8:45 a.m. ET, with the doors opening a half-hour before.

Listeners across the country can catch the livestream on CBC.ca/q from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET. The broadcast will also air in its traditional slot on CBC Radio One starting at 10 a.m. (10:30 NT).

Shad’s first day behind the mic on q will feature a number of live performances and a diverse lineup of guests. (CBC)

Q fans will notice a number of changes as CBC producers attempt to spruce up the popular radio program. For one, instead of the show’s upper case “Q,” the show’s brand will now use a lower case version of the letter.

Other visual changes to come include a redesigned studio space using a new colour palette. Listeners can also expect to hear new sounds on the broadcast, including new audio signatures and a new opening theme song.

“We can’t reveal the artist yet, but suffice it to say we’re big fans,” says the show’s official blog.

Cindy Witten, interim executive director of CBC Radio and Audio, said Shad fulfilled their desire to have an “original thinker” and “a good conversationalist” behind the mic.

Born in Kenya to Rwandan parents, Shad was raised in London, Ont., and went on to earn a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont., and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University in B.C.

Q airs weekdays on CBC Radio One at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. (10:30 NT), on SiriusXM at 10 a.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. (ET) each day.

In the U.S., Q is broadcast in 165 cities through PRI and reaches a weekly audience of over one million people, the broadcaster said.

Music Managers Release Statement on ‘Fair Play Fair Pay’ US Radio Bill

Apr 16, 2015

American terrestrial radio has never paid performance royalties for master use. A number of attempts have been made to change this over the years but the radio lobby always wins out. Click here for the outreach document about the latest attempts.

The Music Managers Forum have released a statement on the US Radio Bill ‘Fair Play Fair Pay’:

Music is one of the most important social, emotional, artistic, and cultural forces in human society. It affects each and every one of us, every single day – from the smallest of personal moments and feelings to the largest and most vital arenas of social change.

Music is also a business and, for many, a job. And for too long the rules governing the economics of music have been stacked against those of who create it – from Top 40 superstars to garage bands hoping to break through and everyone in between.

We applaud Representatives Jerry Nadler and Marsha Blackburn for introducing the Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2015, and we thank all of their colleagues who have lent their support to this landmark effort to make the rules for the use of musical recordings more just and fair.

We love radio in all its forms and are proud to partner with terrestrial, Internet, and satellite music services in many different ways. We admire their innovation and support their growing success. In our view, this legislation will make those partnerships stronger, healthier, more lasting, and more fair. We encourage all our fans and everyone who loves music to support this legislation.

Sharon & Bram perform “Peanut Butter” with help from Kevin Drew & Max Kerman

Apr 15, 2015

To get ready for Field Trip 2015, the legendary Sharon & Bram perform their classic “Peanut Butter” song, with help from Kevin Drew, Max Kerman, and Raina, host from Indie 88 in Toronto.

Canadian Arts/Media Job Posts For April 15, 2015

Apr 15, 2015

Molson Coors Brewing Company in Toronto is looking for an Assistant Marketing Manager to work in their Toronto Head Office.

LOULOU Magazine in Montreal has an opening for a Digital Coordinator, creating the daily newsletter, and assisting with management of LOULOU’s social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest).

Ottawa’s JUMP! 106.9 & boom 99.7 have a great opportunity for a part-time temporary on-site personality for the 2015 summer months.

Corus Entertainment Inc. has an exciting opportunity for an Interactive Coordinator at their Toronto location.

KiSS 99.3 and Q92 are seeking a temporary Street Team Host to join their team as a fun and energetic station ambassador from May 2015 – September 2015. Represent KiSS and Q92 at the hottest events in and around Timmins!

McDonald’s currently have an opening for a Digital Marketing Manager located at their head office in Toronto. The Digital Marketing Manager will be responsible for the oversight and management of Digital Engagement Projects, as well as creating maximum engagement across digital consumer touch points for specific campaigns.

Altis’ government client is seeking a Social Media expert for a short term contract based in Ottawa.

Toon Boom Animation in Montreal has an opening for a VP Marketing and Product Management overseeing the digital and offline marketing strategy and execution for the company, product definition and validation, pricing, customer acquisition and retention, branding, social media, public and media relations, conferences and trade shows.

Vancouver’s News1130 Radio has a rare opening for a Managing Editor who also handles on-air duties as the PM Drive traffic announcer. This position reports to the News Director.

Oshawa This Week, produces both award winning community newspapers and online news, is looking for a Full Time Broadcast Journalist.

Randstad’s client in the legal industry is looking for a communication specialist to join their marketing department for their downtown Toronto location. The ideal candidate will work closely with the Manager of Business Development to pursue new types of communications strategies for the firm’s overall goals.

Fuse HR’s client is one of Canada’s leading communications companies and is recognized as one of Canada’s best employer year after year. They are known to have the most innovative and creative marketing campaigns by providing unique experiences and exclusive offers through partnerships, sponsorships and events. Due to tremendous growth they are currently recruiting for a Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Event Producer in the Greater Toronto Area.

Corus Radio has an exciting opportunity for a New Media Website Coordinator in the London office, reporting to the Director Promotions & New Media.

Randstad has a need for a Digital Content Producer, a key member of the Marketing Team and plays a critical role in the development of compelling and engaging content that will amplify Randstad’s voice across communication channels. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in creative writing and storytelling, and proven ability to create content that aligns with brand personality, optimizes marketing campaign strategies and enhances audience engagement.

CARFAC Ontario is the association of professional visual and media artists, and they’re looking for an Executive Director.

The Agency Group, the world’s leading live music booking agency, is a career-building, taste-making, artist development powerhouse, and they have a need for a Bilingual Booking Agent.

NOW Magazine, Toronto’s leading alternative news and entertainment weekly, is looking for an exceptional Interactive Producer to assist with the update and maintenance NOW’s website.

The Association of Canadian Publisher is currently seeking a full-time Program Manager.

The Institute of Asian Research (IAR) seeks to build knowledge that supports deep understanding and effective action in addressing a wide range of domestic, regional and global problems centred on Asia. They have an opening for a Communications and Events Assistant based in Vancouver.

Edmonton’s Royal Glenora Club has an immediate opening for the role of Communications Supervisor. This position will work directly with the Member Services Manager to develop, implement and manage integrated strategic marketing initiatives and communications programs.

Hootsuite’s Social Media Coach Team is the premier educational resource for small to medium sized businesses for Hootsuite dashboard training and Social Media Strategy, and they’re looking for a Social Media Coach.

Rogers in Toronto has an opening for a Manager, Digital Media Planning (12 month contract) responsible for formulating and implementing digital advertising strategies and tactics that help drive the business.

“Jazz Hot”: The Rare ly-Seen1938 Film With Jazz Legend Django Reinhardt

Apr 15, 2015

Here’s a remarkable short film of the great gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, violinist Stéphane Grappelli and their band the Quintette du Hot Club de France performing on a movie set in 1938. It was produced for the British media as a way to create some buzz before their first UK tour. As Michael Dregni writes in Gypsy Jazz: In Search of Django Reinhardt and the Soul of Gypsy Swing:

The Quintette was unknown to the British public, and there was no telling how their new music would resonate. So, Grade sought to educate his audience. He hired a movie crew to film a six-minute-plus promotional short entitled Jazz “Hot” to be shown in British theaters providing a lesson in jazz appreciation to warm up the crowds.

John Oliver Takes On The IRS, With Help From Michael Bolton

Apr 15, 2015

Nobody likes the IRS. But recent budget and staff cuts have made it increasingly difficult for the department to do its very important job. Don’t take John Oliver’s word for it. Ask Michael Bolton.