In the debut episode of Shred With Shifty, Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett gets a masterclass on Rush’s “Limelight” solo from its creator, Alex Lifeson. Shiflett praises the solo as the perfect scene change—emotional, building, and shredding in all the right ways. Lifeson shares stories of early influences like Allan Holdsworth and Jeff Beck, and candidly admits to lifelong insecurities about his playing despite Rush’s dazzling technicality. He recalls using a modded Stratocaster to capture the solo’s sense of isolation and fragility in just a few takes, reflecting the theme of “living in the limelight.”
Hunter S. Thompson’s Fiery Complaint Resurfaces as Brian Cox Reads It at Royal Albert Hall
In 1969, displeased to see a trusted news programme removed from his local station, American journalist Hunter S. Thompson wrote a complaint to its manager, Dave Allen, who replied with a complaint of his own about the coarse language in Hunter’s complaint.
So Hunter wrote again, and none other than Brian Cox (a.k.a. Succession’s Logan Roy) read the letter at Letters Live’s Royal Albert Hall show in October 2020.
Ticket Market to Grow by USD 228.52 Billion (2024–2028), Driven by Animated Movies’ Success
The global ticket market size is estimated to grow by USD 228.52 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18.67% during the forecast period. Success of movies due to increasing use of animation is driving market growth, with a trend towards high utilization of social media in selling tickets. However, growing threat of terrorism and occurrence of war between nations poses a challenge. Key market players include AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc., Big Tree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Cinemark Holdings Inc., Citizen Ticket Ltd., Coast To Coast Tickets LLC, Comcast Corp., CTS Eventim AG and Co. KGaA, Cvent Holding Corp., eBay Inc., Eventbee Inc., Eventbrite Inc., Ideabud LLC, ITKTS Interactive Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Live Nation Entertainment Inc., Lyte Inc., One97 Communications Ltd., Softjourn Corp., TickPick LLC, Viagogo Entertainment Inc., and Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc.
Ticket Market: Trends Shaping the Future of Convenient Ticketing Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the ticketing industry, making ticket purchase more efficient and convenient. Credit amounts can now be stored on wearables like smartwatches and NFC cards for contactless electronic ticket purchases. Operational efficiencies are increased with hardware like tap-off readers and RFID tags. Virtual reality maps and satellite delivery offer premium experiences for sports, entertainment, and parking. Buses, trains, and transportation networks are embracing digital transformation through smart cards and smart ticketing. Component manufacturers are producing ticket validators, Wi-Fi modules, and GPS for enhanced user experience. Event ticketing software provides deals, discounts, and marketing tools for event organizers, reaching internet users through online ticket purchase platforms. Digital wallets and mobile payment platforms ensure cashless transactions, increasing customer satisfaction and patronage. The public sector benefits from digital ticketing, reducing marketing costs and offering ticketless entry through wristbands. Movies, music concerts, and special presentations can be accessed with mobile tickets, enhancing the customer experience. Safety and accessibility are prioritized through contactless transactions and hygiene measures. Fintech companies like Mastercard are partnering with service providers to offer secure digital ticket purchases and mobile payment services. The entertainment industry continues to evolve with digital projection, 3-d content, and alternative entertainment offerings. Stay tuned for more trends shaping the future of ticketing!
Social media plays a significant role in providing real-time feedback for businesses, particularly in the event and movie industries. Organizations use social computing tools for branding, marketing, and knowledge management initiatives. By registering on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, vendors can reach new audiences and gather public opinions. Sentiment analysis and behavioral analytics are increasingly important, driving cost-effective collaborations with the audience. Social media integration in business processes enhances market reach and engagement.
In the world of Ticket Market, artificial intelligence is a significant challenge as it requires advanced programming and algorithms for event ticketing, sports, parking, and transportation. Credit amount management is crucial for cashless transactions and customer satisfaction. Wearables and NFC cards offer convenient ticketing, while operational efficiencies can be gained through hardware like tap-off readers and ticket validators. Virtual reality maps and GPS enhance the customer experience. Component manufacturers must keep up with the latest technology like RFID tags and Wi-Fi modules. Public sector projects demand smart cards and smart ticketing for transportation networks. Event organizers seek digital transformation through contactless electronic tickets, mobile ticketing, and online ticket purchase platforms. Safety and hygiene are paramount, with secure digital ticket purchases and fintech companies like Mastercard leading the way. The entertainment industry continues to evolve with digital projection, 3-d content, and premium experiences. Pre-sales, barcode scanning, and discounts are essential for attracting and retaining a customer base. Marketing costs remain a challenge, but event discovery platforms and deals offer opportunities for growth. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a seamless user experience, from ticket purchase to entry, using digital devices and mobile payment platforms.
The global rise in terrorist activities poses significant challenges for event organizers, particularly those hosting large gatherings in special venues or crowded places. This trend has led to increased security concerns among attendees, resulting in a decline in participation. The heightened threat level has resulted in stricter border clearance procedures, causing delays and more thorough inspections. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have been particularly affected, with many potential attendees choosing to avoid events out of fear. Organizers are investing in advanced technologies to enhance security, but the fear of potential terrorist attacks remains a major obstacle.
The primary segment of the global ticket market is the largest and most dynamic, driven by the increasing number of movies and events. Primary tickets can be sold through both online and offline platforms. Movies, with their increasing production and special effects, are a significant contributor to this segment’s growth. The end-users have diverse expectations, leading to intense competition among vendors. The growing popularity of sports events, such as the Indian Premier League, and the increasing use of mobile devices and the internet are also fueling this segment’s growth. Additionally, the corporate segment, including private organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, is expected to shift towards digital content services, creating a potential opportunity for online ticket sales during the forecast period. The digitization of event processes, customer-centric approaches, and the rise in the number of conferences and seminars are further growth drivers for this market.
Ticket Market is a dynamic and innovative platform revolutionizing the way we purchase and manage tickets for various modes of transportation and entertainment events. Our focus is on delivering a seamless journey management experience, optimizing passenger experience through contactless and NFC ticketing, RFID technology, and real-time transit information. We strive for operational efficiency with integrated ticketing systems, ticket transfer, and ticket recovery. Our commitment to public transport innovation includes transit automation, user-friendly ticketing, multimodal transportation, and smart city initiatives. We cater to sports ticketing, parking ticketing, and event ticketing solutions, providing secure and durable ticketing options. Our advanced fare collection systems and smart mobility solutions enable sustainable transportation and transit data analytics. Join US in exploring the future of transportation and event management.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the ticketing industry, offering convenient and contactless ticketing solutions through electronic means. Wearables, such as smartwatches and NFC cards, are increasingly popular for tap-on and tap-off transactions at bus stops and parking lots. Operational efficiencies are enhanced through the use of RFID tags, IR sensors, and Wi-Fi modules in hardware like ticket validators and card readers. Virtual reality maps and 3-D content provide event experiences, while mobile ticketing and digital wallets offer cashless transactions and customer satisfaction. Event ticketing software enables pre-sales, discounts, and deals for internet users, attracting a larger customer base. The entertainment industry benefits from digital transformation, with premium experiences and alternative entertainment options available through mobile ticketing platforms. Safety and accessibility are ensured through secure digital transactions and contactless ticketing experiences. The public sector and transportation networks are embracing smart ticketing, with smart cards and Smar transport systems streamlining transportation and reducing marketing costs. The future of ticketing is digital, with fintech companies like Mastercard leading the way in digital payment services and contactless transactions.
Events Industry Market to Grow by USD 722.67 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Increased Corporate Events,
The global events industry market size is estimated to grow by USD 722.67 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.63% during the forecast period. Rise in number of corporate events is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing popularity of events in education. However, emerging threat from open-source virtual events solutions poses a challenge. Key market players include Access Destination Services, Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc., ATPI Ltd., BCD Travel Services BV, CL EVENTS AND WEDDINGS, Clarion Events Ltd., CS Ellis, Cvent Holding Corp., DRP Holdings Ltd., Entertaining Asia Ltd., Event Rhythm, Freeman, Liberty Media Corp., Questex Media Group LLC, Regpack Inc., RELX Plc, Riviera Events, Theism Events, and Group Seven Events Ltd..
The global events industry market is experiencing significant growth due to the adoption of virtual classrooms for education. These classrooms offer flexible learning opportunities, enabling students to access educational content anytime and anywhere. Virtual events provide access to qualified instructors, transcending geographical boundaries. Interactive features like game dynamics and social media integration enhance student engagement and improve attention span. The Cisco WebEx Training Center is an example of a platform that addresses online instructional challenges, offering features such as audio, video, data sharing, and breakout sessions for collaborative learning experiences. These advancements are driving the expansion of the events industry market.
The events industry market is experiencing significant growth, with numerous organizations and businesses focusing on creating unique and memorable experiences for their clients. The use of technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, is becoming increasingly popular in the industry. Conferences and seminars are being held online, allowing for greater accessibility and convenience. Additionally, the trend towards sustainable events is gaining momentum, with many organizations prioritizing eco-friendly practices. The market for event management software and tools is also expanding, making it easier for businesses to plan and execute events efficiently. Overall, the events industry is adapting to the changing landscape and embracing new trends to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Open-source virtual events pose a significant challenge to the global events industry market due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. While they offer similar basic features as proprietary virtual events, the potential for data security and privacy breaches is a major concern. This threat may deter event organizers and attendees, hindering market growth during the forecast period. Open-source solutions, such as OpenSim, VirtualBox, and Xen Project, are freely available and accessible to a wide range of users, increasing the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited. This concern may undermine stakeholder trust and confidence in open-source virtual events.
In the Events Industry, several challenges exist that impact the success of conferences, seminars, and other gatherings. One major challenge is the increasing competition, as more organizations seek to host events to engage with their audiences. Another challenge is the need to provide unique and innovative experiences to attendees, as expectations continue to rise. Additionally, the use of technology in events is becoming essential, with the need to offer seamless registration, virtual events, and contactless check-ins. Cost management is also a significant challenge, as organizations strive to keep expenses low while delivering high-quality events. Lastly, the impact of global events, such as pandemics, can disrupt the industry, requiring quick adaptations and creative solutions.
The corporate events and seminars segment is experiencing growth due to digitization, customer focus, and an increase in events like product launches and conferences. This market caters to private organizations, corporations, trading associations, educational institutions, and political parties. Services provided include research, venue selection, transportation, and food arrangements. Despite growth, the market share is decreasing due to expansion in other industries like corporations, music, and concerts. Transactions from professional development conferences, strategic meetings, and shareholder meetings are driving the industry’s overall growth.
The Events Industry Market encompasses a diverse range of activities, including public gatherings, business objectives, celebrations of achievements, and entertainment. These events cater to various community causes, conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, seminars, promotions, fundraising initiatives, sports events, festivals, trade shows, and conventions. The industry provides a hands-on learning environment for participants, fostering discussions, interactions, and knowledge exchange. Entertainment industry events, such as music concerts and club festivals, add to the industry’s appeal. Corporate organizations, public entities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) host these events to meet societal needs and marketing objectives. Incentive group events and marketing events are popular for special celebrations, while courses and training programs offer networking opportunities. Ticket sales are a significant revenue source for the industry.
The Events Industry Market encompasses various sectors, including conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events. This market is characterized by its ability to bring people together, foster innovation, and create memorable experiences. The use of technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, is increasingly popular in the events industry, enhancing attendee engagement and interaction. Sponsorships and partnerships play a significant role in event funding and marketing. The events industry is also subject to various challenges, such as logistical complexities, security concerns, and unforeseen circumstances. Despite these challenges, the market continues to grow, driven by the demand for unique and immersive experiences. The events industry is a dynamic and evolving sector that requires creativity, adaptability, and effective planning to deliver successful events.
American Greetings Unveils New Digital Holiday Card Collection Starring Legendary Performer Bing Crosby
American Greetings is bringing the magic of Christmas to life for a whole new generation with a new SmashUp video ecard and digital greeting card collection featuring legendary performer Bing Crosby. Known for his distinctive crooning style, the singer, actor, television producer and media personality has been a quintessential holiday figure since he first recorded his timeless classic, “White Christmas,” more than 80 years ago. Available through the American Greetings and Blue Mountain websites, as well as the corresponding ecard apps for iPhone and Android, the customizable cards bring nostalgic holiday cheer to the most wonderful time of the year.
The SmashUp video ecard is set in an old-fashioned living room decorated for the holidays and begins by transporting viewers into the 1977 world of “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” televised holiday special. Using archival footage as well as Artificial intelligence, the king of Christmas appears on the television wishing viewers a heartwarming greeting, which can be personalized with more than 1,000 names. The card includes footage of Bing leaning on the piano delivering his iconic performance of “White Christmas,” and closes with another personalized holiday greeting shown on the television screen.
“Bing Crosby, with his unique, velvety smooth voice, is not only one of the most iconic performers of all time, but he is truly synonymous with Christmas. Being able to help carry on his legacy and bring to life the spirit of the holidays in a new way is an honor and is nothing short of magical,” said Rob Matousek, Executive Director, Direct to Consumer Business at American Greetings. “As we learned from his family, Bing was also a champion of innovation, always using the latest technologies and techniques to bring his music to his fans, which makes this modern-day digital greeting card collaboration even more special.”
In addition to the personalized SmashUp video ecard, the Bing Crosby holiday collection also includes five Christmas Creatacard greetings featuring nostalgic, festive designs and offering messages of joy, peace, merriment, and, of course, a white Christmas. The cards feature classic holiday images of Bing Crosby, and users can choose to include clips from five of his iconic recordings, including “Let It Snow!,” “O, Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Joy to the World,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and “Silver Bells.” The cards can also be customized with photos or video, a personalized message, digital envelope liner, and matching stamps.
“As a family, we love what American Greetings has done: bring dad into homes everywhere, helping people start their holidays in the very best of ways. Merry Christmas!” said Mary Crosby, daughter of Bing Crosby.
SmashUps and Creatacard greetings are available on www.americangreetings.com, www.bluemountain.com, and on the American Greetings and Blue Mountain ecard apps for iPhone and Android. They can be shared via email, text, or on social media. Users can sign up for a monthly, yearly, or two-year American Greetings account to have the ability to send an unlimited number of SmashUps™ and Creatacards™—as well as all American Greetings digital offerings—over the course of their membership period. Membership costs range from $6.99-$39.99, depending on the length of membership. For the latest news from SmashUps™ and Creatacard™, follow @americangreetingsdigital on Instagram and @americangreetingsdigital on Facebook.
American Greetings is a global leader in the large and enduring Celebrations marketplace. The company helps people celebrate holidays, each other, and all of life’s special moments, in-person and online, guided by a mission to “make the world a more thoughtful and caring place every single day.” American Greetings offers products wherever and however people wish to purchase them – online, in-store, or curbside pickup. Celebrations happen throughout the year, driven by traditional holidays, key milestone moments such as weddings, baby showers and graduations, as well as recurring everyday events such as birthdays and anniversaries. The company’s brands include American Greetings, Papyrus, Recycled Paper Greetings, Paper Rebel, Carlton Cards, Today and Always, DesignWare party goods, and Plus Mark gift wrap and boxed cards. Its digital business unit, AG Interactive, is a leading provider of digital greetings and premium Celebrations content through proprietary technology platforms and apps. Our popular digital brands include American Greetings, Blue Mountain, Jacquie Lawson, SmashUps™, Pics & Wishes™, and Creatacard™. For more information, visit corporate.americangreetings.com and follow us @AmericanGreetings on Facebook and @amgreetings on Instagram.
Bing Crosby was the 20th century’s greatest multi-media star — acclaimed in the worlds of recording, radio and motion pictures and honored by all three on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was the most recorded voice in history. Bing recorded 41 #1 hits, including “White Christmas” – a best-seller for five decades. At the time of his passing in 1977, Bing Crosby was still the best-selling recording star of all time, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. He won the 1944 Oscar for Best Actor in Going My Way.
Spotify Presents Cey Adams, Departure: 40 Years of Art and Design during MIAMI ART WEEK at The Art of Hip Hop
Art of Hip Hop is honored to host Cey Adams, Departure: 40 Years of Art and Design, a career-defining retrospective exhibition celebrating the artistic contributions of visionary artist Cey Adams, presented by Spotify. The exhibition will be on display from December 4, 2024, through March 1, 2025, open to the public for the first time on December 4, 2024 at 12PM with a media preview on December 3, 2024. During Art Week, guests of the exhibit can expect to kick back in the Spotify Artists Lounge from December 4 – 6th on the Art of Hip Hop’s shared patio space with Museum of Graffiti, where there will be live music, limited edition drops, and the opportunity to design their own Spotify playlists using the new ‘Create Cover Art’ feature.
Adams’ show features more than 60 works across multiple mediums, including photography archives, mixed media collages, paintings, textiles, fashion, street art, and contemporary fine art. These pieces present a visual timeline of Adams’ artistic journey, spanning themes such as pop culture, race, gender relations, and community.
The exhibition also includes a wall installation of more than 50 iconic album covers that Adams created for major Hip Hop artists such as Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, The Notorious B.I.G., DMX, and Jay-Z. The entire retrospective however doesn’t just highlight the work from Adams’ role as founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings but rather takes you on a journey from when the artist started as a young tagger on the streets of New York City in the 1970s to his current studio practice of masterfully created mixed media collages.
“Graffiti and Hip-Hop have the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds,” said Adams. “This retrospective is a celebration of how these art forms have shaped global culture.”
Adams’ ability to blend street art with commercial design is evident in his long-standing collaborations with global brands. The exhibition highlights projects with Levi’s and Mattel Creations. Notable pieces include a custom chain-stitch embroidered denim trucker jacket created with Levi’s Eureka Innovation Lab, paying homage to Adams’ graffiti days of painting on vintage Levi’s apparel. Another standout is a 5-foot sculpture of the Hot Wheels logo, created in partnership with Mattel Creations, which draws on brand archives from the 1960s and 1970s.
“We are thrilled to bring Cey Adams’ extraordinary career to life in this retrospective at Art of Hip Hop,” said Alan Ket, cofounder and curator of Art of Hip Hop. “His contribution to Hip Hop’s visual language and his cross-disciplinary work in art and design make this exhibition essential viewing for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art and culture.”
Cey Adams, a native of New York City, emerged from the downtown graffiti scene alongside iconic artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. As Def Jam’s founding Creative Director, Adams created visual identities and album covers for Hip Hop’s biggest stars. His work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, and more. He has also authored several works, including DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop and Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years.
Art of Hip Hop is a premier gallery located in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood district, dedicated to exploring the intersection of graffiti, street art, and Hip Hop culture. Through its exhibitions, events, and educational programs, the gallery serves as a cultural hub, fostering dialogue and creativity at the crossroads of urban art and contemporary culture.
Barry Manilow Confirms Lifetime Residency at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is thrilled to announce that its Founder and Executive Chairman, David Siegel, has extended an unprecedented offer of a Lifetime Residency to legendary performer and current resident performing artist Barry Manilow. Adding this special honor to a storied career within Las Vegas and around the world, Manilow has accepted this extraordinary honor, further cementing his enduring legacy at the iconic International Theater.
Barry Manilow’s unmatched tenure at the International Theater, reached a new milestone earlier this year when he surpassed Elvis Presley’s record of 636 performances at the venue. The announcement of a Lifetime Residency comes as Manilow is set to perform his highly anticipated Holiday Shows at Westgate on December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14, 2024, featuring timeless hits and festive favorites. Fans can also look forward to his return in 2025 for newly announced concert dates.
“Barry Manilow is a generational artist and a dear friend,” said Westgate Founder & Executive Chairman David Siegel. “Over the years, we have built a personal and professional relationship that is truly special, and I am honored to offer Barry the opportunity to perform at Westgate for a lifetime.”
“It’s been an incredible journey performing at the International Theater,” said the multiple award-winning artist, Barry Manilow. “David Siegel and the Westgate team have been like family to me, and I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to call Westgate home for the rest of my career.”
Barry Manilow’s Holiday Show promises to bring his signature blend of music and festive spirit to Las Vegas this December, making it a must-see event for fans during the holiday season. Tickets are also on sale now for his 2025 performances, offering more opportunities to experience his timeless music live.
For more information or to purchase tickets to Barry Manilow’s upcoming shows, visit Westgate Resorts – Barry Manilow.
Liza Minnelli’s Memoir Optioned for Television Adaptation by Magnolia Hill Productions and Warner Bros. Television
Magnolia Hill Productions is proud to announce that it has optioned the iconic singer, actress, and performer Liza Minnelli’s forthcoming memoir for television adaptation through Warner Bros. Television. The project is the result of over 15 years of deeply personal recorded conversations between Minnelli and her long-term creative partner Michael Feinstein, a Grammy and Emmy nominee, Tony Award recipient, and the world’s leading authority on the Great American Songbook. The multi-platinum recording artist joins in this historically significant book about the greatest entertainment family of the 20th and now 21st centuries. Feinstein will highlight Minnelli’s most important contributions to the global entertainment lexicon. The audio edition will include bonus content with never-before-released material. This memoir will be a candid review of Minnelli’s life, both professionally and, more importantly, personally — with a unique, revealing focus on the impact of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) on Minnelli’s life. SUD, according to the World Health Organization and United Nations, impacts hundreds of millions of lives internationally. Investigative journalists and best-selling authors Josh Getlin and Heidi Evans, who is a Pulitzer Prize winner, are collaborators on the autobiography, which is being published by Grand Central Publishing.
Liza’s life story will be produced by Magnolia Hill Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Magnolia Hill was founded by Liza’s former William Morris agent and award-winning producer Sam Haskell.
Minnelli, who has captivated audiences for decades with her unforgettable performances in films such as Cabaret and Arthur, is excited to share her remarkable and mostly untold story of her life and career through the lens of the upcoming adaptation. The memoir, which will explore her journey as an artist, her triumphs and struggles, and her unique perspective on Hollywood history, is one of the most anticipated Hollywood stories ever told. Liza Minnelli stands alone as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in entertainment history, and her eagerly anticipated memoir promises to capture her vibrant and irreverent voice. From her childhood in the spotlight as the daughter of iconic actress and performer Judy Garland and legendary film director Vincente Minnelli to her breakout successes in Cabaret and Liza with a Z, and through her turbulent marriages, tragic miscarriages and hidden struggles with Substance Use Disorder, the memoir and project offer an intimate look at the star we cherish. It reveals the raw and triumphant experiences that have solidified her status as one of the most compelling performers ever in entertainment history.
“I am beyond excited to work with Sam Haskell of Magnolia Hill Productions and Warner Bros. Television on bringing my story to life in this special way,” Minnelli said. “Sam has been a dear friend and an invaluable part of my professional life, and I couldn’t think of a more fitting collaborator for this incredibly personal project. I can’t wait to share my story with the world. I would not trust this story with anyone besides Sam. My belief was always ‘Tell it when I’m gone!’ SUD isn’t about willpower or strength. It is about the wiring of our brains…it is about how genetics impact our lives and the lives of those we love…and it is now time to remove shame and stigma. I’m grateful to experience longevity by working on recovery every day of my life.”
Sam Haskell, known for his visionary work as a talent agent and entertainment producer, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Liza’s story is one of the most extraordinary, inspiring, and unforgettable in entertainment history,” said Haskell. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring her incredible life to the screen, and I am thrilled to continue our long-standing friendship through this collaboration.”
Singer-Songwriter KAT GOLDMAN Teams Up with 81-Year-Old JOEL CLAENER for Heartwarming Holiday Tune “New Orleans Christmas Day”
There are plenty of Christmas standards heard throughout the holiday season, but few would have the backstory that a song co-written by Toronto singer-songwriter Kat Goldman and senior citizen Joel Claener has. The result is “New Orleans Christmas Day,” a soothing Yuletide number packing plenty of musical accents that makes you think of “The Big Easy.”
Goldman says the song’s origins date back to her establishing her own business entitled Songwriting For Seniors and posting a sign at a nearby natural foods store. In 2023 an 81-year-old gentleman, Claener, phoned Goldman and eagerly explained an idea he had for a Christmas song set in the Southern U.S. Claener told Goldman he’d call her back, but the call came a year later at the beginning of summer 2024.
“He’s very mysterious to me,” Goldman says. “He’s a ventriloquist, a mentalist, a magician, and he goes to judo classes twice a week. He’s really a character. He brought me very basic lyrics but it was written out in verses. There were no rhymes. It was a story about a guy who goes to his friend’s house in New Orleans for a Christmas party and has a wild, amazing fun time. He wanted it to be a Dixieland jazz type vibe.”
“New Orleans Christmas Day” features the sound of sleigh bells before the vocalist (who will remain anonymous) sings behind an arrangement that resembles some fine blend of Dr. John and The Band with horns, piano, keyboards, and a gentle, uplifting back beat. Some fine guitar work is added in the bridge before the song’s conclusion ends as gently as it started. Lyrically, the song speaks to the universal festive nature of the season.
A friend of mine from New Orleans
Invited me over with his friends and family
I’ll never forget that special day
The food was fine and so was the wine
The presents were opened we were having a good time
On that great, great New Orleans Christmas Day
After some debate regarding the original song title, the name was adjusted to “New Orleans Christmas Day.” Goldman also altered some lyrics and wrote her own melody for it. “It’s a homegrown original song,” she says.
As Kat Goldman has been working more closely with seniors through her Songwriting For Seniors program, she’s witnessed firsthand the therapeutic effect that songwriting can have on her students. “It’s a way for them to put their feelings and memories into lyrics and melodies, and it’s incredibly satisfying,” she shares. While Goldman initially pursued music professionally, completing a three-year Expressive Arts Therapies Program in Toronto, she decided not to become a therapist after graduating. Instead, she found fulfillment in helping seniors shape their emotions into songs. This therapeutic process played a key role in the creation of “New Orleans Christmas Day,” capturing the warmth and charm of a Southern holiday celebration.
“New Orleans Christmas Day,” produced by Derek Downham, was an interesting experience for both Claener and Goldman. It’s something she describes as “fun” after previously having little success in a co-writing environment. “I learn how to be patient,” she says. “And I learn how to teach from working with seniors. I learn a lot from them. Joel’s got a wealth of knowledge about the kind of music he likes, such as Roy Orbison and Marty Robbins. Joel is the ideas man. I shape the song.”
Now with “New Orleans Christmas Day,” fans will have another timeless Christmas tune to add to their playlists. But will the songwriting tandem strike gold again? “He wants to write an Easter song, and he’s got a Hanukkah song called ‘Hanukkah New York,” Goldman says.
Folk Singer Carla Muller Spreads Holiday Cheer with Yuletide Album ‘Snow Came Falling’
Christmas is often a time of getting gifts, wrapping gifts, visiting friends, and preparing rather large meals. It’s a busy time when one should be relaxing, watching the snow fall as loved ones enjoy the warmth of a fireplace, candles, and the company of each other. And listening to gentle, soothing songs that evoke memories of simpler times. That feeling is felt throughout the hauntingly brilliant Snow Came Falling, a Christmas album by Woolwich, Ontario-based folksinger Carla Muller. It’s an album inspired by her father and family and epitomizes Christmas at its essence.
“I wanted to make a Christmas album for my dad, with some of his favorite songs on it,” Muller says regarding Snow Came Falling’s origins. “And I did, although it was only really a demo album. It had some of the songs we still sing together every Christmas Eve, as a family. A few years passed, and I wrote ‘Snow Came Falling’ for my daughter Charlotte. In the time since, I’ve written a few more, and this collection of songs has seven original songs I have written with three talented songwriters: (the late) Sean Cunnington, Mark Lalama, and Jason Fowler.”
Snow Came Falling, produced primarily by Muller and Julian Decorte (who was also the mixing and sound engineer), is a gorgeous, gentle, soothing 12-track effort showcasing Muller’s comforting, cozy vocals often backed by sparse but special acoustic instrumentation on well-crafted nuggets such as “Go And Find Him” and the timeless “Huron Carol.”
A handful of selections are performed in German and German and English including the dazzling, hymnal-leaning “Weißt du Wieviel Sternlein Stehen / Heaven’s Sky” which features a children’s choir. The German portion is a song Muller’s father sang to her and her siblings growing up, while the latter half was a lullaby Muller wrote recalling how her father, a leader of the Sunday school choir at her church, taught his children to sing. Muller used a six-member children’s choir led by choir director Quisha Knight to “capture the needed enthusiasm” for the track.
Perhaps the most inventive offering is “Leise, Rieselt Der Schnee (“Softly Falls The Snow”) which features “a Hawaiian guitar, steel drums and a key change in a chorus of aahs” which is a rarity for the German Christmas classic.
Equally impressive is “Snow Came Falling,” a previously released single Muller says came from getting to and from Guelph General Hospital before and after giving birth to her daughter Charlotte during a heavy snowstorm. The roots-folk flavoring is highlighted again by Muller’s lovely approach and arrangements that are uplifting but not busy in terms of instrumentation. And the tender, moving “I Can Hear The Bells,” penned by Muller and Cunnington, is a stellar reminder that not everyone has someone to be with this time of year.
“It wound up taking three years to make, as I just couldn’t get the sound right,” Muller says of “I Can Hear The Bells.” “I myself have found comfort in the words years after the loss of my friend (Cunnington died from Covid in 2020) and only a few short weeks after losing my sister this October. It’s about faith, that things will be all right again. That life goes on. And to remind us that there will always be Christmas.”
Snow Came Falling, mastered by David Travers-Smith, was recorded at Toronto’s Canterbury Music Company and released through M.I.C. Productions. Aside from Muller who provided lead vocals, backing vocals, piano and co-arranged songs, other core musicians on the album include Jason Fowler (acoustic guitar, backing vocals, co-producer on the opening “Once Upon A Christmas Eve” and “Sirens Of The Snow”), Mark Lalama (piano, keyboards, accordion and co-producer on “Go And Find Him” and “Chasing A Star”), Rob Piltch (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Ross MacIntyre (bass, upright bass) and Gary Craig (drums, percussion).
Additional musicians and arrangers on Snow Came Falling include arranger Scott Metcalfe, cellist Kevin Fox, pianist Robbie Grunwald, violinists Drew Jurecka and Jessica Deutsch, backing vocalists Melanie Conly and Jason Fowler, woodwind musician Ernie Tollar, steel drums percussionist Joy Lapps and percussionist Davide Direnzo.
Snow Came Falling is the latest release from Muller who grew up in Waterloo, Ontario, and was surrounded by music from her family and grandparents. Muller has released some beautiful singles in recent years, including “Christmas At Home,” “Another Morning After” and “The Last Two Years.” She has also previously released Christmas-related singles with partial or all proceeds going to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. She has also been hard at work on “The In-Between Project,” writing and creating material with some of the best musicians from the Toronto and Niagara regions, which would consist of over 90 original songs.
Now with a warm, heartfelt, and soothing Christmas album in Snow Came Falling, Carla Muller can know this collection of blissful originals and standards effortlessly touches the soul at the most wonderful time of the year.
