A Little Off Course - but Relevant Just the Same.

Okay. So I use Entertaining Affairs to post my articles and work to build a portfolio for myself so when I try and acquire a job in the future, I'll have proof I've actually had practice! Lately, as you can tell I've been mainly sticking to music and concert reviews, which is what I want to do. My only issue is that I'm not really getting the experience of interviews and I'm forgetting what I've done in the past, so I decided to change that.

For the past few years or so I've become aware and a big supporter of Skate4Cancer and all it's affiliates. I believe that the foundation and it's owner, the one and only Rob Dyer, is a smart way to reach the younger generations and inform them of all the risks of cancer. Far too often you find teens and kids overlooking the dangers of cancer because they feel that they are too young and therefore they shouldn't have to worry about looking for any suspicious signs. This company is a great way to promote cancer awareness, but as of right now, my respect ends right there.

I have, for the better part of three days now, been trying to contact Rob, and/or anybody else that's involved with the S4C. All I wanted to do was send a few questions. All I wanted to do was ask more about what S4C is all about and how people can participate. All I wanted to do was ask about upcoming projects like the drop-in centre being opened in Toronto, or how Rob's injury is holding up, or even what techniques people can use to detect cancer lumps. I'm not one if those writers who'll ask you what type of underwear you prefer, or your favourite ice cream. That's not the type of writing I was taught to do in school and frankly it's a little childish if you ask me.

I recently read an interview Rob did with Pink Mafia blog that asked questions that were simply...simple. Nothing that would give readers viable information that would help them in the future. That's not what I wanted. All I wanted to do was give a little more light to S4C and their cause because it's something people should hear about. The website I write for on a regular basis has a wide audience that's read all over the world. If it's promoted enough a lot of people can read it and become more aware.

I guess what it really boils down to is the fact that nobody gave me the decency to return any of my messages. The emails on the www.dreamlovecure.com website don't work - I tried all THREE*.  So I tried a message on Facebook, and again no response. Next came Twitter and then finally a video chat which allows fans to ask questions and gain more information. Do you think I got in contact with him there? NO. I've officially given up and I think it's a little disrespectful to fully ignore someone who is trying to help a greater cause. I'm not upset at what the cause is promoting - as clearly stated. I'm upset at the fact that after trying over and over for three days, I get no response and no inkling that anybody even read what I've emailed/posted.

Please. The last time I try and help.


*Now, I've noticed recently that the website got updated, so maybe the emails did as well, but as of right now, I think it's pointless to even try again.


/rant.


(photo courtesy of blurasis, flickr.com)

The Next Justin Bieber?

It seems that Ellen Degeneres has accomplished almost everything she's set herself up for. She's an accomplished comedian and actress, a successful Emmy award-winning daytime talk show host and recently the newest judge to replace Paula Abdul on the ever popular American Idol. Her list is always growing and she's about to add something else to that will top everything else.

Let's Add a Record Label to the List

Degeneres took it one step futher yesterday when she announced she has created her very own record label and has already signed her first artist. The label 'eleveneleven' is Ellen's first adventure into the music industry and has signed Greyson Chance. Chance is a current Youtube sensation who caught the eyes of many when he sang his version of Lady Gaga's infamous "Paparrazi".

Chance is a 12-year-old 6th Grader from Edmond, Oklahoma. Even though he's still in middle school he's already writing and composing his own music and performing with more experience than a lot of musicians out there on the radio today. On his youtube channel you'll find two songs he's written called "Stars" , which is about a husband losing his wife to the stars and "Broken Hearts" which refers to two girls Chance has come across in his short life.

Degeneres was sure that the two girls, who remain unnamed are now sorry for letting him go. "Look what's happening to you know, I bet they're sorry."

Lady Gaga's Surprise Call

While Chance was visiting Ellen's show on May 13, 2010, Degeneres surprised the pre-teen with a phone call from the music Queen herself, Lady Gaga. She was nothing but thrilled that Chance was supporting her music and had this to say about the young talent: "Greyson you're so sweet and so talented and I'm so excited that you covered Paparrazi and everyone loves you so much so keep following your dreams and work really hard and stay away from girls! Be focused!"

Chance's youtube channel views has shot through the roof since the Ellen Producers found his video online and his "Paparrazi" video has since been named one of the most viral videos according to Billboard.
Some say Chance will be the next Justin Bieber. So is Chance fever just around the corner? Only time will tell.

For more of Chance's videos please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is
If you want to see more from his visit with the Ellen Degeneres show check out www.ellen.warnerbros.com

Taryn McElheran

photo courtesy of Greyson Chance's Youtube channel. (It's a screen cap)

(was originally posted on suite101.com)

Concert Review: Faber Drive

Walking up to The Phoenix in downtown Toronto, it's the least likely venue, you as a spectator, would think of as amazing. From the outside it looks like a dingy bar nestled between houses and a family park down the street. But as anyone well knows, looks can be deceiving. The doors open to what reminds you of and old movie theater, complete with a ticket booth and red carpeting. The stage area itself is large and spacious with lots of room for movement - or close encounters.

The vibe from this type of show is always typical and it never fails to change. Teens and their parents filled The Phoenix with anticipation and excitement, waiting for their favorite band to hit the stage. Waiting for the bass to bounce off the walls and the sounds of pop-inspired voices to fill the air. Faber Drive has been in the music scene for more than six years and have accumulated a large fan base across Canada and Toronto is no different. This crowd was electric. It's like when you walk into a room you can feel the air sizzling. And with Faber Drive being who they are, it's hard not to look around and see some familiar, loyal faces mixed in with the new. It's those type of fans bands long for.

First up was Jesse Labelle. With his sweet smile, soulful lyrics and laid back attitude, he definitely set the stage for the night. Even while battling food poisoning, he stoop up on stage and rocked the Toronto crowd. And while most sick musicians would retreat to quieter quarters after their performance, Labelle stood by the merch table and greeted fans. You don't see that very often anymore.

The New Cities added to the buzz with their seemingly never-ending energy. From start to finish (and seen afterward in the 19+ section) they were bouncing off the walls and each other, while feeding off of the crowd's energy. It would have taken a blind man not to see all that was going on.
Singing songs off their debut album "Lost in City Lights", The New Cities sang radio hits like their most recent "Hypertronic Superstar" and "Dead End Countdown", while jamming to other album hits like "Sinking has Never Been so Easy" and "Leaders of the Misled". Their overall performance showed their zest for life and just added to the show.

Faber Drive has had many changes over the past few years, some good, some bad. Lately the good has been standing out and they've been nothing but soaring to the top. The first thing everybody notices is their unity as a group, and as everyone well knows, that starts with friendship. None to many times have you heard stories of bands disintegrating and falling out due to fighting and conflict. These guys are a united front through and through, and it's easy to see.

The "Can't Keep a Secret" tour is the second round of touring for their second album of the same name. Their performance combined a mixture of their first album (including songs like: "Second Chance" and "When I'm With You") with their new hits including "G-get Up and Dance" "Give Him Up" and their most recent radio hit "You and I Tonight". With a mix of songs, it allowed old and new fans alike to join in unison to sing along to the familiar lyrics. There's nothing like listening to hundreds of people sing along to the same song at the same time. It must have given the band and everybody whose ever supported them from the beginning chills. It's a powerful thing to witness.

To top off a class act performance, the band came out to please their audience with an encore. It also allowed them to shed more light on the charity they support, World Vision. In recent months their lead singer Dave Faber and bassist Jeremy Liddle got the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with World Vision and showed a video of their experiences while singing "I'll be There". They couldn't speak enough to get the importance of charities and giving back. Their dedication to World Vision is inspiring.
Overall the night was a huge success to those involved and fans left extremely satisfied. Who knows, the next time they play in Toronto their audience size may just double - again.

Written By: Taryn McElheran
taryn.mcelheran@gmail.com

Published originally on Suite101
Photo courtesy of Taryn McElheran

CD Review: Jesse Labelle - Perfect Accident

Laid-back and mellow are the words that come to mind when listening to "Perfect Accident". The Toronto Ontario native Jesse Labelle isn't a household name as of yet but with his debut album that hit stores April 26th and being on the road constantly, he is sure to break ground very soon.

His boy-next-door good looks and sweet sounding voice is appealing to girls and women of all ages. With the classic pop/folk vibe and solid lyrics, the sound is something that everybody hears on the radio today but with a twist of something just a little bit different. It's almost as if the folksy vibe adds the bit of "different" that people are looking for when searching for new music. Instead of overproduced music numbers that takes away from the vocal prowess, Labelle's album boasts strong acoustic guitar instead and allows the emotion in his voice to be heard to be loud and clear.

With so many musicians trying to make it in the music industry you're bound to hear the same thing time after time. It's to be expected and almost always accepted in the music industry and to those who listen to the music. Labelle's music is the same in so many ways as other artists out there but with something that stands out as well. His music was surprisingly light and refreshing. Even in songs like "Australia" and "Fledgling" have a positive outlook even though they're about heartbreak and longing for something different. Searching for courage to move forward, but at your own pace.

Due to the content of Labelle's songs, the assumption is that the majority of his fans will be in between the ages of 14-25 (with exceptions of course). While some of his lyrics deal with heartbreak and bad times, they are performed in a way that brings out a positive side to things. There are too many songs nowadays that promote bad outcomes. With so many people relying on music as an outlet and a relief from everyday stresses, they need something positive and uplifting that will put a smile on their face and make them believe tomorrow will be another day.

Since before the release of his new album, Labelle has been touring constantly, playing for anybody who was willing to listen. You'll be able to catch currently touring with other Canadian up-and-coming bands Faber Drive and The New Cities . This summer he'll be participating in Much Music's SodaPop Tour with the likes of The New Cities, Danny Fernandes and Hannah Montana's Emily Osment.


Songs like his first single "Perfect Accident", "Don't Leave Now" and "November" are just a few of the tracks that can be heard on the new album, "Perfect Accident". To sample some of the music and for tour dates, visit www.myspace.com/jesselabelle

The CD is available in stores across the country (Canada) as well as on itunes.

Written By: Taryn McElheran
(As posted originally on www.suite101.com)

Photo courtesy of Warner Music Canada (image.net) 

Film Review: The Last Song

Ronnie Miller didn’t want to be there. The last place she envisioned herself for the summer after graduation was spending time with her estranged dad and brother in Georgia. What she really wanted was her freedom and her friends. The unforgettable story of Ronnie and her rollercoaster summer that will forever change the way she views her life and her father. The Last Song, directed by Julie Ann Robinson features Miley Cyrus in a role different from anything she’s ever done before. A coming-of-age story set on the coast of Georgia that will test the limits of growing up, a loss that will forever change everything and a love that could last throughout the time.

While visiting her father, played by Greg Kinnear, for the first time since he left their family she is bitter and angry with what he’s done. Then she meets Will (Liam Hemsworth), a local boy who’s set on winning Ronnie’s affection. Though their meeting was anything but fairytale, after a bout with saving sea turtles, their affection grows for each other and becomes a love story for all. Throughout the course of the summer she experiences her first love, heartache and heartbreak as she comes to term with what’s happening with her world and everybody’s around her.  While dealing with a shop-lifting accusation, and the unwanted company of an outsider, Ronnie and her father become closer and her love for the piano slowly returns.  After an incident at Will’s sister’s wedding, Ronnie finds out something that could change her and Will’s relationship forever. On top of her father becoming ill, Ronnie isn’t sure she’ll be able to forgive him – until she realizes her love for him runs too deep to ignore.

Miley Cyrus surprises a lot of people when it came to her portrayal of Ronnie. Even though popular author Nicholas Sparks originally wrote the novel and the screenplay with Cyrus in mind, there were doubts. Overall, she was able to capture the spirit of Ronnie, a teenager who’s confused and angry with the way her life is going. The emotions were present and prevailing as the audience becomes fully enthralled with the love story she is presenting to her audience. This coming-of-age film allows Cyrus to step out of her Hannah Montana franchise and make her way towards a potentially career orientated film role. 

For Australian actor’s Liam Hemsworth’s debut in a major movie, he did a superb job in bringing the character of Will Blakelee to life. With his Hollywood good looks and small-town appeal in his personality, he has girls of all ages swooning. His character portrayed a guy that anybody could fall in love with – as well as Cyrus herself. Although Greg Kinnear and Bobby Coleman's characters as Steve and Ronnie’s little brother, Jonah, were secondary, they rounded out the film and brought in the humour that had everybody laughing out loud. Jordan’s cute comments and little-kid attitude had the audience wrapped around his finger from the beginning and had them in tears by the end of the film.

The cinematography is always something that I look at, whether it is intentional or not. It’s hard not to notice when scenes are cut short, characters aren’t fully developed and there are unanswered questions. Although the dialog is definitely crucial in films, so is the execution of the camera. Although this is British director Julie Ann Robinson’s first time directing a big time movie, her vision is clear cut and precise. She doesn’t miss a beat as she captures the gorgeous coastal scenes of Georgia, the evolving love between Cyrus and Hemsworth’s characters, as well as the conflict that arises in the end. She is able to capture everything that is important and leave out the stuff that isn’t.

Although this movie is very well done, there are still a few setbacks that must be acknowledged. Viewers may beg to differ, but speaking for those who have read the novel, there were key elements that should have been addressed in the film. For one, the character of the “Reverend” in the novel was a key part of what made Greg Kinnear’s character tick. Their friendship was meaningful and a big part of what made Steve’s character memorable. Another thing that seemed to define the book as well as what kind of person Will was, was when the character Blaze gets into some serious trouble with her ex boyfriend – when Will comes to the rescue, saving her from harm.  The last is the ending. Although not amazingly different, I feel that the impact of the ending in the movie would have made for a more romantic setting!

Overall, the movie is well done and I was definitely more impressed then I thought I would. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure Cyrus would pull off the role as well as she did and there were often times I waited for her to screw up. Although her acting wasn’t pristine, she’s come a far cry from her day’s on Hannah Montana, and it shows. Her transition from teen star to an established adult actress is coming along nicely, and if she keeps picking roles such as The Last Song, she may possibly have a long and healthy career in the film industry. 

I couldn’t help but become caught up in the romance and brought to tears at the end. With the help of a great cast and a great script from Nicholas Sparks, the book was brought to life in more ways than one. Anybody who’s a Nicholas Sparks fan or a fan of Cyrus will fully enjoy the movie and in turn recommend it to every girlfriend they know. A “chick flick” through and through, the movie will have you laughing, bring you to tears and make you want to go home and hug your family.

**** (out of five)

Written by: Taryn McElheran

*(Not worth anything) ** (Possibly rent-worthy) *** (Theatre worthy –at least once) **** (Must see) *****(Must see if your life depended on it)

Evanescence song goes Platinum

“Bring me to Life” from the Grammy Award winning band Evanescence has been certified platinum. The single was released on July 18, 2006 and was from their debut album Fallen on Wind-Up Records.
Released in April 2003, Fallen has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Evanescence received two Grammy Awards that year for Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance for Bring Me to Life.
Amy Lee, the front woman of Evanescence, confirmed recently that Evanescence is going back into the studio to work on their third album with renowned Grammy Award winning producer Steve Lillywhite.
“I can’t explain how excited I am to make this record,” said Amy Lee. “Over the past year and a half these songs have become the center of my life, and I can’t wait to hear what they grow into in the studio. I think our sound is evolving into something that will surprise people, in a very good way. I feel, as always, that growth can be an incredible, limitless thing if you let it. I never want to make the same album twice.”
Their new album is slated for a Fall 2010 release.
Posted by: Taryn McElheran

Photo courtesy of Wind Up Records

100 Monkeys at Tattoo Rock Parlour

March 14, 2010 was the first time I’d ever stepped foot into The Tattoo Rock Parlour on Queen St. West in Toronto. The lighting was low, the music was loud and the crowd was just right. There were no mosh pits, no dirty drugs, and no crazy fans trying to push to get to the front. The overall vibe was cool, laid back and the excitement was through the roof. Every single person in the room was waiting for 100 Monkeys. The band that hails all the way from L.A., who I’m fairly sure hasn’t had any Toronto or Canadian (besides Vancouver) dates since their creation, were the one thing they were all waiting for. The anticipation was high.
And you could feel it.
Now, we all know that 100 Monkeys aren’t exactly mainstream, nor will they really ever be. With their unique sound and stage presence, this is one band that you won’t see win a radio award for most played song.
Nonetheless, they are the most original, unique and inspiring group of musicians I’ve heard in a very long time.
The band consists of five members: Jerad, Jackson Rathbone (yes ladies, he IS the one and only Jasper Hale as seen in the ever popular Twilight), the two Bens (Ben G and Ben J) and finally Uncle Larry. Each of the guys bring a distinctly different personality to the stage but somehow manage to co-mingle and become synchronized as one when it comes to their music. It’s something that can’t be described. I was impressed beyond belief and frankly, once the music started, you forgot who Jackson was and you just heard the music.
I was blown out of the water. Their music on their current CD Grape (Seedless), as well as their former EPs, do not do them justice. Don’t get me wrong, the music on the CDs are fantastic but they have this aura on stage and it’s unbelievably compelling and alluring. Their stage presence is in a league of its own and even when you could see the exhaustion in their eyes, they still carried on as if they had all the energy in the world.
With the set list including Ugly Girl, Gus, Looker, The Monkey Song, Wings On Fire, and Orson Brawl , they played a wide variety of songs that made you want to dance and sway to the music. Ben G has an an incredible voice that’s powerful and magnetic, while Jerad’s suave style gives him that cool edge. Jackson’s personality and voice wouldn’t be considered as normal but all the same it was extremely charming. Ben J is quiet and laid back, but don’t let that fool you and Uncle Larry, who was adopted as the “Monkeys Uncle” was yet another element in this very unique band.
What caught my attention was the fact that they alternated instruments for each song. You would find Ben G playing the lead guitar one song, and next he’d be on bongo and chime duty. Jackson was all over the place playing guitar, bass, drums, keys, and finally the trumpet. There was no end to the talent that seeped out of this group. If counted correctly, by the end of the show there were eight different instruments - yes, eight.
The final thing I’d like to point out about themselves as a group, is their improv skills. At every venue they perform at the band asks the audience what they should sing about, and who should sing it. The topic this time around? Dental floss. Jackson was chosen to sing the blues about dental floss. With not even a minute to spare, he started belting out a song that went on for a good five minutes. I think that anybody who can do improv, and do it well, has talent. To be able to do it in front of an audience, and create music to go along with the words, is pure genius. I think that it was one of the best parts of the night!
Overall, the night was a success. Maybe the success at this year’s CMW showcase will show them how passionate their Canadian fans are and will prompt them to do more shows in the Great White North!
For more information about the Tattoo Rock Parlour or 100 Monkeys please visit the following links:
http://www.tattoorockparlour.com
http://www.100monkeysmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/these100monkeys

For a video of The Dental Floss song please visit my YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK7elYie_cY
Written by: Taryn McElheran Originally posted March 15, 2010 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)

photo courtesy of Taryn McElheran