Dave Koz Releases Spectacular 'Summer Horns'; Begins Summer Tour!

 

 

Dave Koz can get ready to add a ninth Grammy nomination to distinguished career in the entertainment industry. His new album Summer Horns is simply spectacular. Along with Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair and Richard Ellitot, the Koz has created a CD that knocks it out of the ballpark!

Imagine four sax players jamming with excellent music and having the time of their lives and you have the excitement of this new album. Hands down I love Got To Have You In My Life where the four really let lose and have a ball. Their version of Take Five is classic smooth jazz at its best as is their version of I Got You. Then there is God Bless the Child which is just beautiful and perfect. The vocal on 'Child' is haunting.

The four hit the road this week to start their summer tour. Check out the tour schedule here.

If the CD is any indication, the tour will be a night of fun, laughter, reflection and damn good music. Don't miss it.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR........Lance Bass

 

 

 

When you anyone first meets Lance Bass you sense his Mississippi upbringing immediately. He has an earned reputation in the tough entertainment industry as an extremely kind, well-mannered and charming man. With startling bright eyes and a charismatic smile, he wins anyone over almost immediately.

What that grace and thoughtfulness hides is one of the most broadly talented young persons in the entertainment industry. Along with his good manners comes enormous courage and a life lived on the edge. It is easier to list the accomplishments he has not achieved at the age of thirty-four than it is to list his amazing diverse array of achievements.

Lance Bass has a resume that would put anyone else in his age group, actually in any age group, to shame. The talented young man has been part of the largest pop group of his generation, a New York Times best-selling author, a documentary film maker, a successful actor, radio personality, in Hairspray on Broadway and, yes, even an astronaut! That is just for openers.

Of course, it is impossible not to talk about Lance Bass without first going to *NSYNC. The group sold over fifty million records in just seven years. Their second album No Strings Attached sold a million records in one day, over two million in the first week and became one of the best selling albums of all time! The group received eight Grammy nominations.

His other great passion is Space. In 2002, Bass started training to be a Cosmonaut. Lance even had heart surgery to correct an cardiac arrhythmia so he could qualify for the space flight. Lance was sponsored for a documentary and participated in intensive and exhaustive training for a flight to leave into outer space on Soyuz TMA-1 at the end of October. The flight was to fly to the International Space Station and return to land in Kazakhstan. Both NASA and Russian Space Program certified him for space travel after he completed his rigorous training. Because everyone feared he would die in space and it would be bad for business for the sponsors, his funding was cut off.

Bass came out of the closet in 2006 on the cover of PEOPLE Magazine making him one of the most prominent people in the music industry to come out. He joined the ranks of people like Elton John, Melissa Etheridge and George Michael. Since coming out he has been extremely supportive of the community in raising fund, serving as a spokesman for different events/groups and generously lending his name.

 

Over the last decade he has appeared in films, television, hosted a nationwide radio show, directed and produced a documentary on being gay in Mississippi and graced the stage on Broadway. In many ways, given his desire to take chances and embrace life on the edge, Lance's journey so far seems like just a warm-up for more success and adventures.

Lance Bass was born in Laurel, Mississippi and grew up in the small town of Clinton. He is in a relationship with an extremely talented young artist, Michael. Bass has a passion for animals and wildlife.

Here are "Five Questions For .....Lance Bass"

1. When with *NSYNC, how great was the fear of being 'outed' in the beginning? What kind of personal effect did living with such fear have on you?

I have known I was gay for as long as I can remember. The fear of being outed while in *NSYNC was huge. I feared it everyday. I thought the guys would figure it out because of the girls I wouldn't take home or my mannerisms. It was stressful and it in turn made me shy and introverted. I never wanted to get really close to anyone in fear of them finding out. I had many acquaintances, but no true friends.

2. You have an intense interest in space and even went to Russia to train to be part of a space flight for several months. Do you still hope to journey into space in the future? Do you believe there is life out there?

I always dream of making a flight to space. I put too much heart and energy into my certification. I think it would be very arrogant to think we are the only beings in the universe.

 3. What has been your greatest joy in coming out? Have we reached the place where there is no reason for entertainers to stay in the closet anymore?

My greatest joy in coming out is being able to live my life openly and honestly. With every entertainer that lives their lives honestly bring us closer and closer in helping bridge the gap for gay acceptance in the industry. There is a limited amount of jobs in this industry for gays. The majority of the jobs go to straight people in tv, film and music to appease Middle America. I don't think our industry is homophobic, but we have to keep Middle America happy as they are a HUGE group that watches TV and movies and listen to music.

4. Putting aside your current journey, what would have been your second choice for a career path outside of entertainment?

Definitely becoming an Astronaut. That has been my dream since I was a kid.

5. What is the most embarrassing or funny incident that happen to you while you were with *NSYNC?

Where do I begin? When we went to Germany--in the early *NSYNC days, the stage manager said to us, "Go! Go!" So I ran out on stage and realized that it wasn't our music and another act was mid-performance. I was so embarrassed and had to run back.

History on Film: Jazz Great Louis Armstrong's Funeral (1971)

 

 

 

On July 9, one of the greatest jazz kings of all time - Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong was buried in New York City. The famous jazz trumpeter and singer was one of the greats. 'Satchmo' was one of the first African-Americans to cross over into the white charts. Even today his gravelly voice and trumpet playing is immediately recognized by jazz fans.

Armstrong grandparents were slaves and he was born into a very poor family in New Orleans. His first gigs outside the jut joints of New Orleans was playing on the riverboats on the Mississippi. He joined Joe 'King' Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.

Over time he became a favorite of Bing Crosby who seriously aided his career. Johnny Carson was also a huge fan of his playing. He version of Hello Dolly was one of his biggest hits. But he is also known for such hits as It's A Wonderful World, When The Saints Go Marching In, Dream A Little Dream of Me, Mack the Knife and Rambling Rose.

'Satchmo' was the first jazz musician to appear on the cover of TIME Magazine. He won a Grammy Award for his Hello Dolly and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Armstrong died of a heart attack on July 6, 1971. Peggy Lee sang The Lords Prayer at his funeral. Al Hibbler sang Nobody Knows The Troubles I Have Seen.

The honorary pallbearers were Governor Rockefeller, Mayor Lindsay, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, Harry James, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Earl Wilson, Alan King, Johnny Carson, David Frost, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett and Bobby Hackett.

Judith Light, Billy Porter And Michael Urie Big Drama Desk Award Winners!

 

 

 

The Drama Desk Awards are the last big stop before the Tony Awards. They are yet one more indicated of who are the front-runners for the Tony Awards. Long time favorites of the LGBT community won awards last night.

Judith Light won for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for The Assembled Parties.. Billy Porter won for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for Kinky Boots. Michael Urie won Outstanding Solo Performance for his incredible performance in Buyer and Celler. Urie even beat icon Bette Midler for the award!

Here are some of the major winners in the Drama Desk Awards:

Outstanding Play: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Outstanding Musical: Matida

Outstanding Revival of a Play: Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf

Outstanding Revival of a Musical: Pippin

Outstanding Actor in a Play: Tracy Letts (Virginia Woolf)

Outstanding Actress in a Play: Cicely Tyson (Trip to Bountiful)

Outstanding Actor in a Musical: Billy Porter (Kinky Boots)

Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Laura Osnes (Cinderella)

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play: Richard Kind (The Big Knife)

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play: Judith Light (The Assembled Parties)

Outstanding Featured Actor in Musical: Bertie Carvel (Matilda)

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical: Andrea Martin (Pippin)

Outstanding Director of a Play: Pam MacKinnon (Virginia Woolf)

Outstanding Director of a Musical: Diane Paulus (Pippin)

Outstanding Solo Performance: Michael Urie (Buyer and Celler)

SEE ALL THE REST OF THE AWARDS HERE>>>>>

VIDEO: Denmark's 'Only Teardrops' Wins Eurovision 2013

 

 

Emmelie De Forest won Eurovision 2013 for Denmark with her version of 'Only Teardrops'. Europe goes nuts each year for this contest between nations. Here is the winner!

What Happen To "What's Their Name' From American Idol?"

 

 

Last night American Idol crowned Candice Glover as the 12th American Idol. Glover has the best opportunity in years to break out of the pack and become a major star. It has been a long time since we have seen such an incredible diva and fine, fine singer on the aging show.

Of course, the winners of American Idol are littered with people who have not been able to turn their winning moment into the big time. How many of you even remember last year's winner - Phillip Phillips? Taylor Hicks became a Republican and has been dropped by his label. Can anyone tell me the where we can find winner Lee DeWyze (photograph above)?

How about some of the runner-up's? Do the names Blake Lewis, Justin Guarini, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice or Lauren Alaina ring a bell.

The jury is still out (but not looking good) on the long term careers of Jordan Sparks, Scotty McCreery, Chris Allen and David Cook.

Here are the top five contestants who have managed to go from American Idol to being major stars.

1. Carrie Underwood:

The first country-western singer on American Idol has become one of the nations major country-western stars. Her albums and singles shoot to the top of not only country charts but also pop. She has won 6 Grammy's, 16 Billboard Music Awards, 7 American Music Awards and 10 Country Music Awards. In addition, she has won a Golden Globe award for "Best Song". She has sold 30 million singles and over 15 million albums. She was named "Country Music Artist of the Decade" by Billboard.

2. Jennifer Hudson:

Without question Jennifer Hudson has score become a super star. She has starred in film, stage and concert stage. Hudson has won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA Award, Actor Guild's Award and NAACP Image Award. On film, she starred in Dreamgirls. Hudson was nominated for 4 Grammy's and won 1.  She is highly respected in the entertainment industry.

 

3. Kelly Clarkson:

She is one of America's favorite pop singers. She also has won 3 Grammy's out of 9 nominations. She sang for the President at last year's Inauguration which is always an honored position for major stars. Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and 40 million singles. She has had 11 singles that have sold over a million copies.

4. Daughty:

Chris Daughty has taken his loss on American Idol and created a major rock band called Daughty. Their first album sold 4 million records. All three of his albums have sold over a million copies. He has had 5 number one hit singles. His digital tracks have sold over12 million copies! They have been nominated for 4 Grammy Awards.

5. Adam Lambert:

A man who can sing almost anything emerged as the first 'glam rocker' in the best tradition of David Bowie from American Idol. Also Lambert became the 'first out gay man' to find success from show. His first album sold two million copies and his singles have sold five million around the world. Lambert has been nominated for 7 Billboard Music Awards, 1 Grammy Award and numerous others. While he has not sold as many records as the others he is a major star.

Five Questions For.............Spencer Day

 

 

Over the last decade, Spencer Day has emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic jazz and pop singers. With his crooner voice, the singer and songwriter has seduced audience after audience with his sexy good looks and charismatic stage presence. To make life just perfect, Spencer Day has been 'out' and proud.

The journey to being one of the nation's hottest upcoming young singers and out was not an easy one.

Spencer was born to a Mormon family in Utah in 1978. His young years were formed by a somewhat turbulent family life which ended in his parents getting divorced. After his father left, he headed to a small town in Arizona to live with this grandparents. To make ends meet, Spencer pumped gas at the local station.

Growing up he taught himself music and was a fixture in the isolated community at piano bars and retirement homes.

His appearance on Star Search in 2002-2203 set into motion what has become a stellar career. Day's first two albums, 'Introducing Spencer Day' and 'Movie of Your Life' were self produced and promoted.

His third album, 'Vagabond', was produced by Concord Jazz and was a hit on the jazz charts. His single 'Til You Come To Me' reached number three on those charts. Day's last album 'Mystery of You' is more autobiographical and also has become a hit.

Day has opened for k.d. Lang and Rufus Wainwright. He has performed at Joe's Pub, Monterey Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Dave Koz Tour, Craig Ferguson Show and Tanglewood Jazz Festival.

The singer/ songwriter has a huge fan base and pours his joy and heartaches into his lyrics.

Here are 'Five Questions For....Spencer Day'"

1. You grew up Mormon. How was the coming out process for you with your family? -

I think it was a more gradual continuation for me than some people. I find a lot of Mormons generally try to avoid any "unpleasant" conversations so I think a lot was implied before anything was out rightly said. I still feel a distance and am definitely kept at arms length from some of my extended family but my mom and my siblings have been wonderful. My mom actually asked me if I was gay when I was 21. I nodded and she cried and just said, "I love you no matter what. I just want you to be happy and don't want you to get sick". I think in the world she was coming from, that was really about all she had heard about gay men. Thankfully, we both know more now and we have both grown together. She is still Mormon but a big supporter and advocate, as well as being my biggest cheerleader.

2. You have stated that Rufus Wainwright and k.d. Lang gave you advice on coming out and your art. Share with us this important advice. -

More than what they have said (and they have said a lot about the matter) it is the example they have set that really inspired me. I figure, if they can be brave enough to take a chance and live authentically, regardless of whether or not it will "hurt" their career, why shouldn't I? I know my art will be better the more I am true to myself. My good friend Dave Koz has also been very inspirational in this regard. So many people have paved the way for me to be where I am and now it is up to my contemporaries and I to carry on that torch further.

3. You album "The Answer' pays homage to Roy Orbison and the 1960's seem to have influence your music, why is that? -

As a melancholy kid who was always daydreaming, I found myself drawn to any music that was lush and iconic and allowed me to escape into another world. I guess the era's sonic landscape and approach to music making simply makes me happy. I know KD Lang is very inspired by Roy and that era as well. After my last breakup I kept playing Roy Orbison on repeat. There is such an unapologetic drama to it all. I just love it!

4. Where do you want to take your music and composing now? What are your next big projects?

I'm actually working on a one man show as well as a Broadway Musical. Writing for the stage is really one of my biggest dreams and I'm thrilled I'm getting to do it more and more. At the same time, I'm already working on my next record which will focus more on humanity and the crossroads we find ourselves at, politically and spiritually speaking. I'm also planning on completing an album of covers from some of my favorite composers including some songs I never felt free enough to sing before.

5. What is the most funny or embarrassing thing ever to happen to you on stage?

Oh wow. Well there are so many! Well, it's hard to think of just one but I suppose the time I was playing in Indonesia is a pretty good one. I am always trying to learn a little bit of the language wherever I go and try to make the effort whenever I can. However, sometimes that can backfire. We had just taken the stage and I meant to say "Hello Jarkarta! I am so happy to be here with you.", and ended up saying something to the effect of, "Jakarta. Hey! You have a nice anus!". Something like that. I could tell by their reaction that I hadn't said it right. Everybody laughed but nobody left so they must have known I meant well. I laughed too. If you aren't mortified and can lovingly laugh at yourself, then your audience can too.

VIDEO: Britain's Got Talent 72 Year Old Kelly Fox Shocks With Dirty Blues Song 'Kiss My Ass'!!!

 

 

A grand motherly 72 year old Kelly Fox came onstage to sing dressed as an elderly version of Cher. Simon rolled his eyes and you could hear the restlessness in the audience. Kelly shocked everyone with a dirty blues song called 'Kiss My Ass' that rocked the house.

Candice Glover Knocks It Out Of The Ballpark On American Idol

 

 

Thanks to Towleroad.com for alerting us to one of the finest performances that has ever happened on American Idol. Candice Glover sings "Somewhere" from West Side Story. The song is a favorite of some many people you really have to be spectacular to gain attention with it. Candice not only gain our attention she blew us away. A star is born!

Candice Glover 3rd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol... by HumanSlinky

VIDEO: Classic Song With Studs Terkel, Pete Seeger and Judy Collins!

 

 

Always felt that 'This Is Your Land' should be America's National Anthem! Had to share this classic with you. Studs Terkel does the introduction and then Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie and Fred Hellerman. Enjoy!