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Haliey Welch – Who Has Reached Viral Fame As The Hawk Tuah Girl – Signs With The Penthouse For Exclusive Worldwide Management

Haliey Welch – the 21-year-old who has recently catapulted to viral fame as the Hawk Tuah Girl – has signed with The PENTHOUSE for worldwide exclusive management.

The PENTHOUSE’s Founder Jonnie Forster says, “the world’s gone crazy for Haliey!  I’m glad our team can help guide this rocketship. All the podcasters are right, spend five minutes with her and you’ll see why she is America’s Sweetheart.”

“Please don’t wake me. Two weeks ago it was just my Granny and me in itty bitty Belfast, Tennessee. Then, I say something silly, and now my life has changed. Isn’t God great?! Can’t wait for what’s ahead,” adds Welch.

After a whirlwind media storm, which included headlines from Rolling Stone, The Cut, New York Post and more, Welch joined Barstool’s Plan Bri Podcast for her first official interview, dispelling the internet narratives around her viral video (watch here).

There’s confusion about who Welch is online, but this week, Welch, who has not had her own social media accounts for six months, launched her official channels recapping her appearance at Zach Bryan’s Nissan Stadium Show (June 29).  Today (July 2), she shared collaboration posts with Brianna LaPaglia (aka Brianna Chickenfry).

Additionally, Welch has retained Nashville entertainment attorney Christian Barker of Christian Barker & Co. for representation.  Barker added: “Haliey has risen to fame with her cheeky humor–known to her friends as the female Theo Vonn, but after getting to know her on a greater level, I think her small-town, grassroots story and how a chance encounter on Broadway took her on this unexpected path to stardom will resonate with millions.  We are proud to represent her on this journey.”

Welch is represented by The Penthouse, Christian Barker & Co., and Shore Fire Media. Stay tuned for more from Welch in the coming weeks.

 

Runes For One More: Zep Revival Act MR. JIMMY Summons The Spirit Of ’73 In Toronto For 3 August Nights

Sometimes the song really does remain the same—all the way down to the last wildly bent guitar note and subtle rustle of a satin jacket against a 1959 Les Paul. It’s something Toronto audiences are about to find out, as Led Zeppelin revivalists Mr. Jimmy take over Kobayashi Hall for an absolutely uncanny trip back to the days when giants truly walked the Earth (and the rest of us got happily Trampled Underfoot).

Presented by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the concerts will lavishly recreate the mighty Zep’s historic 1973 three-night stand at New York’s Madison Square Garden—the same shows captured for posterity in the immortal concert film The Song Remains the Same and on its classic soundtrack album. On Aug. 8, 9 and 10 of this year, at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Sakura Way (formerly Garamond Court), Toronto, ON, Mr. Jimmy band members Akio “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai (lead guitar), August Young (vocals), Alexis Angel (bass guitar) and George Fludas (drums) will stun the Toronto crowd with a performance extravaganza that replicates every nuance of those classic shows, from the peerless musicianship to the vintage equipment, wardrobe, lighting and staging. Tickets available here. It’s a pitch-perfect spectacle of sight and sound that’s going to leave fans of the prototypical arena band plenty dazed all right, but less confused than simply awestruck.

Nothing less should be expected of Sakurai, a former kimono maker (and the offspring of same) who has spent three decades mimicking the music and mannerisms of Zeppelin guitar god Jimmy Page to a T. Having fallen under the spell of the human riff machine at age 17, Sakurai has not only played and replayed Page’s parts until physical graffiti became muscle memory, but learned to move and even look like the iconic axeman to the point where the devil himself would do a double take.

For the first 20 years, Sakurai was content to ply his purist’s trade in tiny Tokyo clubs —until one fateful night when Page himself showed up to watch, listen and ultimately give his enthusiastic blessing. The experience spurred Sakurai to relocate to Los Angeles and turn his six-string idolatry into a full-time career.

What happened next is chronicled in the movie Mr. Jimmy, an eight-years-in-the-making documentary that recently played the Toronto Japanese Film Festival. With a fly-on-the-wall immediacy that’s been praised by Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter, the film shows how Sakurai’s American stint with the L.A. outfit Led Zepagain was only a stepping stone on the way to founding Mr. Jimmy, a passion project that’s brought his ongoing obsession to full flower, and with the most meticulous detail. As the Toronto audience is about to discover, the Mr. Jimmy experience isn’t merely a live re-creation of album tracks every FM listener knows by heart, but a reverent summoning of the particular power of Zep in concert, as orchestrated by a disciple who’s studied live bootlegs and other artifacts of the era with the devout diligence of a seminarian.

“To play this music in a lackluster way would be inexcusable,” Sakurai says. “I just want to express the magic of Jimmy Page.”

Proceeds from the shows will go to supporting the not-for-profit Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.  Tickets for the Kobayashi Hall shows range from $125 to $500, with VIP and meet-and-greet packages offering perks like exclusive rehearsal access, a photo session with the band shot by Rush cover photographer Yosh Inouye, and keepsake commemorative merch.

In the meantime, Mr. Jimmy the movie will be screened June 28 at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and on Sept. 19 at The Whale Theatre in Greystones, Ireland. And Sakurai has shows booked for fall with another band he now happens to play for: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening. Yes, all those years of study have earned him the endorsement of more than one member of the family. As Robert Plant himself might say, that’s the way.

The Front Row VIP tickets include:

  • Front row ticket
  • Exclusive afternoon rehearsal access
  • Archival quality studio portrait with you and Jimmy by iconic Rush photographer Yosh Inouye
  • Mr. Jimmy Live at Kobayashi Hall T-shirt, poster and program
  • Post-show reception with band and special guests, including hosted bar
  • One-year JCCC membership for member discounts and the inside track on upcoming JCCC events and performances (registration via jccc@jccc.on.ca with proof of purchase).

Add-on for all ticket levels – Meet and Greet Package ($100+HST – purchase available at venue) includes:

  • Mr. Jimmy Live at Kobayashi Hall T-shirt
  • Photo on your camera with Jimmy and the band
  • Autographed show poster
  • Exclusive vintage-style show program

Kitchener’s Centre in the Square Introduces 2024/25 Lineup: Mariza, Gipsy Kings, Russell Howard, Colin Mochrie, Pauly Shore + More!

Centre in the Square is elated to announce a transformative lineup of new programs and community engagement initiatives, set to enrich the local arts scene and provide diverse entertainment experiences for all. These initiatives include the launch of a spectacular international series lineup, a dynamic comedy series, and the reopening of the Studio Theatre as an accessible rehearsal and performance space.

Established in 1981, The Centre In The Square Inc. (CITS) is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to managing Kitchener’s premier performing arts theatre. With over 140 annual events, CITS showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural landscape with concerts, plays, lectures, and more. Located in Downtown Kitchener, the theatre is a cultural hub that also houses the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and partners with local groups like the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Emphasizing on multidisciplinary programming and accessibility, CITS offers diverse artistic experiences for all ages, supporting artists and major national and international touring productions with state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.

International Series: Our international series features a rich tapestry of global talent, including:

  • Mariza – October 22, 2024 * Portugal
    The queen of Fado music, Mariza, will mesmerize audiences with her soulful voice and captivating performances.
  • Gipsy Kings Ft. Nicolas Reyes – November 4, 2024 * France
    Experience the vibrant rhythms and passionate melodies of the Gipsy Kings, led by the legendary Nicolas Reyes.
  • Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – November 18, 2024* Monaco
    This all-male ballet troupe will deliver a humorous and technically masterful performance.
  • Canadian Brass – November 21, 2024 * Canada
    The world’s most famous brass ensemble will showcase their virtuosic talent and engaging repertoire.
  • Swan Lake – P. Tchaikovsky The State Ballet of Ukraine – December 7, 2024
    This timeless ballet will enchant audiences with its exquisite choreography and beautiful music.
  • Forever Tango – February 8, 2025 * Argentina
    Experience the passion and drama of tango with this acclaimed dance performance.
  • Jesse Cook Live In Concert – March 1, 2025 | Presented by Attila Glatz Concert Productions * Canada   The guitar virtuoso will take audiences on a musical journey with his captivating fusion of world music.
  • Zakir Hussain – April 4, 2025 *India
    The legendary tabla maestro will enthrall with his extraordinary skill and improvisational brilliance.

Comedy Series: The comedy series promises to bring laughter and joy with a stellar lineup of performers. Highlights include:

  • Russell Howard Live – September 26, 2024 | Presented by Live Nation
    Renowned for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Russell Howard will kick off the series with his inimitable humor.
  • Whose Live Anyway? – October 7, 2024
    This live version of the popular TV show promises spontaneous hilarity and audience participation.
  • The Debaters Live On Tour Holiday Special – December 12, 2024
    This holiday special will bring festive cheer with witty debates and comedic performances.
  • HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis Starring Colin Mochrie & Asad Mecci – February 15, 2025
    Combining hypnosis and improvisation, this unique show promises an unforgettable night of comedy.
  • Pauly Shore Stick With The Dancing: Funny Stories From My Childhood –
    March 28, 2025
    Pauly Shore brings his personal stories and comedic flair to the stage in this entertaining show.

Studio Theatre Re-opening This Summer with Kitchener Creates Initiative!

Centre in the Square is thrilled to announce the reopening of the Studio Theatre this summer, reaffirming our commitment to fostering creativity and supporting local artists. This revitalized space will be available for rentals at the incredibly affordable rehearsal rate of $80/day – July 8 to September 20. After September 20th, our community rates transition to a still-affordable level, ensuring this space remains accessible for performances and diverse programming throughout the year.

“Centre in the Square’s initiatives are a shining example of our city’s dedication to nurturing a vibrant arts community,” says Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “These innovative programs and accessible spaces will not only empower our local artists but also enhance the cultural fabric of our entire community. I am thrilled to witness the positive impact these efforts will have on enriching the lives of our residents.”

Empowering Local Talent: Our goal with this initiative is to empower local artists by giving them the tools and spaces they need to create and showcase their work. The Studio Theatre, with its state-of-the-art facilities, will be a hub for artistic expression and innovation. Lisa O’Connell, Artistic Director of Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, shares her excitement about this initiative: “This is a game changer. Opening up the Studio Theatre for local artists’ use at an accessible price point is what our performing arts community needs. This will ensure that we can create professional, high-quality work from the outset – in a space honouring the artists’ impulse. We’re excited!”

Investing in Our Creative Future: Eric Lariviere, Executive Director, emphasizes the broader impact: “Centre in the Square is dedicated to supporting and enriching the local arts community. By creating the ‘Kitchener Creates’ initiative, we are making our Studio Theatre more accessible. We are investing in the future of our artists and the vibrant cultural landscape of our city. We believe that by providing an accessible, inclusive, and diverse cultural space, we can nurture the talent and creativity that make our community unique and vibrant.”

“This bold new chapter for Centre in the Square reflects our dedication to building a resilient and inclusive arts sector. By offering diverse programming and accessible spaces, we are ensuring that the arts remain a vital and vibrant part of our community,” says Dan Carli, Chair, Centre in the Square Board of Directors.

For full details about the Kitchener Creates Initiative or to book the Studio Theatre, please contact Rachelle Garcia, Manager of Community Engagement and Rental Coordinator, at rgarcia@centreinthesquare.com.

Centre in the Square invites everyone to join us in celebrating these new initiatives and to experience the diverse array of performances scheduled for the upcoming season. From comedy to international music and dance, our new lineup promises something for everyone.

From now until July 31, 2024 at 10 PM, buy two (2) or more tickets to three (3) or more events in our International Series lineup and get a FREE pair of tickets to “Our Planet Live – A Netflix Original Documentary” with Keith Scholey!

All the new shows being announced on Monday, June 24 at 10 AM will go on sale to the public Thursday, June 27 at 10 AM.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Centre in the Square’s website.

Real Recognize Real: In Tribute To A Musical Idol, Kylie Fox Offers Us A Big Swig Of “Brandi Baby”

The pantheon of great songs that namecheck fellow artists is both wide and distinguished. Now we can add another banger to the list: New Brunswick alt-rocker Kylie Fox’s “Brandi Baby,” the title of which does indeed refer to none other than Brandi Carlile.

“I used to straighten my hair to Brandi Carlile every day in high school, and she became a big influence for me becoming a musician,” Fox gushes. “Brandi has seen me through a few big stages. I planted a lot of trees to her music”—a committed environmentalist, Fox spent several summer vacations doing just that in British Columbia—“and wrote a lot of university papers. I’ve seen her live twice. I’m in the Bramily. She’s probably my dream collaboration.”

Yet the song isn’t “about” Carlile per se. Rather, it’s a memoir of the personal path Fox had to walk to get where she is today, with her Brandi fandom as a leitmotif.

When I was fifteen
Went to the dance alone
My friends weren’t friends
My sister drove me home
I used to lean my tramp stamp up against the bar
Now I’m a teacup in your arms
You love me
So gingerly
Tenderly baby
Count my freckles, water my plants
Put on some Brandi baby, do you want to dance

The “you” in question just happens to be her drummer and fiancé, Ryan Barrie. “The first song Ryan and I danced to was Brandi’s song ‘The Story,’” Fox reveals, “and now we are planning to use it as our first dance at our wedding next year.”

Barrie rises to the tribute on “Brandi Baby,” but his muscular contribution is just part of an instrumental axis that supports Fox’s velvety, warm vocals with some slick playing by guitarist Sean Hutchins, bassist Camilo Villamizar and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist Kelly Waterhouse. The song begins on a rhythm that strikes the ear and then gradually moves into something far more conducive to spinning around a dance floor with someone you’re enraptured by, especially if the DJ doesn’t have any Brandi Carlile.

Given the subject matter, the song’s accompanying music video was shot at a somewhat curious location: a wrestling match in Fox’s home of Fredericton, NB.

“My director, Jillian Acreman, and cinematographer, Jesse Anthony, asked if we could attend early and get some coverage of me singing the song before chaos ensued,” Fox recalls. “Walking onto the scene in a sequin fringe jacket ready to dance and sing in front of a camera while a bunch of wrestlers rehearsed was a very intimidating thing to do. They were all super nice and welcoming and happy to be a part of it, and it was so funny to see them beat each other up and throw cake at each other after getting to know a few of them.”

The day before the Harvest Festival gig, Fox will release her second album, Sequoia. The follow-up to 2020’s Green, the project was overseen by six-time ECMA-winning producer Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Fortunate Ones, The Good Lovelies) and funded with help from ArtsNB, Music New Brunswick and the Canada Council for the Arts. The record is deeply rooted in the folk-Canadiana elements that have characterized Fox’s career thus far, while also exploring folk-rock and jazz-pop fusion; the overall effect is being described as “’70s Sesame Street meets Sharon Van Etten.”

“The eleven songs that make up Sequoia are reflections on gratitude in relation to the women in my life, my environment, my relationships and myself.” Fox says. The title stems from a news story she read about firefighters working throughout the night to save a Sequoia tree from a forest fire: “It resonated with me how severely nature and time have been taken for granted.” Accordingly, the songs on the album acknowledge those moments in life when we don’t realize what we have, while simultaneously uplifting love and life as blessings to treasure.

And looking at her career so far, Fox has plenty to treasure. Since the release of her debut EP, Balcony, in 2017, she’s shared the stage with the likes of Bahamas, The Strumbellas and Joel Plaskett. She’s showcased at the East Coast Music Awards, Folk Alliance International and the Canadian Song Conference ( all in 2021). In 2020, she participated in the Banff Centre for the Arts International Songwriting Residency, and she’s also been featured on lineups for festivals like the Cavendish Beach Music Festival (2022) and Area506 (2021). She was named “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” at the 2020 PrixNB Awards and “Innovator of the Year” at the 2023 PrixNB Awards.

Having studied both music and theater at the college level, Fox has been able to keep an oar in each of those waters. While pursuing her own career as a singer-songwriter, she’s acted as the music director for the Theatre New Brunswick Theatre School, a composer for Solo Chicken Theatre Company’s developing works and a voice teacher in her home studio. She recently fell back on her theater training to star as Dolly Parton in two sold-out performances of the tribute show Once Upon a Christmas.

Now represented by manager Joe Bamford (The Kings, Glass Tiger, The Headstones, Leslie Spit Treeo), Fox is gearing up for a busy 2024. In addition to the concert dates that have already been announced and others that are forthcoming, she’ll be representing New Brunswick on an eight-date tour of the East Coast Songwriter Circle.

All in all, it sounds like Brandi Carlile herself couldn’t be any prouder. Can that dream duet really be far behind?

Dan Rather Sings “What’s The Frequency Kenneth?” with R.E.M. in Rare B-Roll Footage

In a fascinating twist of pop culture history, veteran news anchor Dan Rather found himself immortalized in a song by the iconic band R.E.M. The video captures a behind-the-scenes moment where Rather, alongside the band, sings “What’s The Frequency Kenneth?” during a recording session. Little did they know that this candid B-roll footage would later become a segment on The Late Show with David Letterman. The song’s enigmatic title refers to a bizarre incident from Rather’s past: on October 4, 1986, he was assaulted in New York City by two men who repeatedly demanded, “Kenneth, what is the frequency?” The assault left Rather puzzled, and it took years for the crime to be resolved. Yet, this strange encounter ultimately inspired a memorable song that still sounds great on the radio, all these years later.

1989 McDonald’s Animated Salad Commercial Features Cathy and Mike Ditka…Wait…What?

In a nostalgic throwback to 1989, McDonald’s released an animated TV commercial promoting their salad options. The ad features the popular comic strip character Cathy, known for her humorous takes on dieting and lifestyle, alongside NFL coach Mike Ditka. The commercial combines playful animation with a catchy jingle to highlight the fast-food chain’s healthy offerings, showcasing how McDonald’s aimed to appeal to a health-conscious audience even decades ago.

Todd Rundgren Showcases Revolutionary Philips CD-i on MTV Music News in 1993

From 1993, here’s a cool story from MTV Music News about Todd Rundgren discussing the Philips CD-i technology. This innovative multimedia CD format was an early attempt to merge audio, video, and interactive content, with Rundgren highlighting its potential in the music industry and beyond.

The Verve’s Home Movies From Back In 1996

This video from 1996 features the British band The Verve during a moment. The footage captures the band members in a candid and relaxed setting as they attempt to navigate their way to a rehearsal. This glimpse into their daily lives highlights the less glamorous and more personal side of being in a successful band, showing their camaraderie and the challenges they face behind the scenes.

The Monkees’ Peter Tork on the Pulse Plus Show In 1981

Peter Tork’s appearance on the Pulse Plus Show in 1981 showcased his enduring charm and musical prowess, captivating audiences with his distinctive blend of wit and talent. As a member of The Monkees, Tork brought a unique energy to the stage, effortlessly blending folk, rock, and pop influences. On the show, he charmed viewers with his infectious smile and laid-back demeanor, sharing anecdotes from his time in the band and beyond.

Multi-Grammy Nominee and 4x Blues Music Award-Winner Duke Robillard’s Lost Album ‘Roll With Me’ Is Out August 30

Stony Plain Records announces an August 30 release date for Roll With Me, the new album from two-time Grammy nominee and four-time Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Duke Robillard.

“Back in the early 2000’s I was given the OK to start a new blues album for Stony Plain,” Duke Robillard explains about the new album’s genesis. “It was a very prolific period for me, and somehow after recording nine hot blues tracks, I got another album concept and we started another album session. I said we’d get back to the blues album soon after finishing the new project. As things sometimes go, we got busy with gigging, touring and life, and the blues album we cut kept getting put aside and we kept coming up with new album concepts within months of release of the last one.

“Finally, after two decades and dozens of recordings, we got to the place where it was time for my final Stony Plain record. All this time, I knew we had to get back to the album we had started back in 2005. I knew those tracks were really strong, but until I listened to them again, I didn’t realize just how strong they really were.”

On Roll With Me, Robillard pays blazing tribute to Texas immortal Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown on “You Got Money” and the instrumental “Boogie Uproar;” legendary blues shouter Big Joe Turner on a piano-driven “Boogie Woogie Country Girl” and New Orleans kingpin Fats Domino on the rumba-rocking “Are You Going My Way.” There’s also a trio of Chicago blues classics from the respective songbooks of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Eddie Boyd. Duke’s vocals connect with the same power as his razor-sharp guitar (Chris Cote takes over at the mic for “Look What You’ve Done” and “You Got Money”).

Duke invited some heavy hitters to back him up. Pianist Matt McCabe is on all but two tracks (those feature Bruce Bears), while bassist Marty Ballou and drummer Mark Teixeira keep the rhythm section cooking. Doug James and Rich Lataille are among the muscular saxophonists; Sugar Ray Norcia guests on harp for “Look What You’ve Done.” Duke cools the tempo down to lights-out level for an elegant “Give Me Back My Money,” but the title track sums the mood up: this album hurtles forward like a hard-charging midnight express.

Recorded at Duke’s Mood Room in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, by Thom Hiller and Lakewest Recording in West Greenwich, R.I. by John Paul Gauthier, Roll With Me is the latest in a long and distinguished series of albums the guitarist has made for Holger Petersen’s Canadian indie Stony Plain. Their working relationship harks back to 1993, when the two met at a folk festival in Winnipeg. Petersen was the executive producer on Robillard’s album, Duke’s Blues the next year. Duke developed into a Stony Plain mainstay with Stretchin’ Out Live (1998), Living with the Blues (2002), Exalted Lover (2003), Blue Mood—The Songs of T-Bone Walker (2004), Guitar Groove-A-Rama (2006), Duke Robillard’s World Full of Blues (2007) and The Acoustic Blues of Duke Robillard (2015).

“I’m traveling and playing all over the world still, so this is definitely not a farewell record,” Robillard happily reports. Now it’s time to roll with Duke!

ROLL WITH ME Track Listing
1. Bluecoat Man (Eddie Boyd)
2. Just Kiss Me (Duke Robillard)
3. Are You Going My Way (Antoine Domino)
4. I Know You Love Me (Joe Turner)
5. Boogie Uproar (Clarence Brown)
6. Look What You Done (McKinley Morganfield)
7. Built For Comfort (Willie Dixon)
8. My Plea (Duke Robillard)
9. You Got Money (Clarence Brown)
10. Boogie Woogie Country Girl (Joe Turner)
11. Give Me Back My Money (Duke Robillard)
12. Don’t You Want To Roll Will Me (Duke Robillard)

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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