#WhatsHappening for December 27, 2017

Happy hump day, homeys. Hope you're all enjoying this last week of the year.

Speaking of, don't forget to join us for the last ever Saturday Night Karaoke of 2017- this weekend at the Iron Horse Tavern in historic downtown Norcross.

After announcing the cancellation of her European tour due to strained vocals, Shakira has announced new dates for her El Dorado world tour.

"I wanted to write one more letter to express my gratitude to all of you for the immeasurable love and support that you have sent me these past few weeks. Thankfully, I am so relieved and happy to share with you that I will be getting back on the road in June 2018 with my El Dorado World Tour in Europe, and the US, with Latin America dates to be announced soon."

MTV Unplugged co-creator Jim Burns died Tuesday after being struck by a cab near his home in New York City.

Burns, who suffered from vision problems, was walking with his seeing-eye dog in Manhattan when he was injured. Police told the AP that the driver remained on the scene and the accident would likely not result in charges.

A spokesperson for MTV said the network "was deeply saddened to learn of Jim Burns' passing. As co-creator of the beloved Unplugged franchise, his groundbreaking work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."

After criticism by activists encouraging boycotts of the country, Lorde has announced that she has cancelled her concert that was scheduled for June 5th in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The announcement, made on the singer's social media accounts, reads:

"hey guys, so about this israel show – i’ve received an overwhelming number of messages & letters and have had a lot of discussions with people holding many views, and i think the right decision at this time is to cancel the show. i pride myself on being an informed young citizen, and i had done a lot of reading and sought a lot of opinions before deciding to book a show in tel aviv, but I’m not too proud to admit i didn’t make the right call on this one. tel aviv, it’s been a dream of mine to visit this beautiful part of the world for many years, and i’m truly sorry to reverse my commitment to come play for you. i hope one day we can all dance. L x"

Israeli culture minister Miri Regev responded that he hoped the singer would "be a 'pure heroine,' like the title of your first album, be a heroine of pure culture, free from any foreign – and ridiculous – political considerations."

The Creative Community for Peace released a statement signed by several dozen musicians and music industry executives saying, "Artists should never become beholden to the political views of a small but loud minority. … Lorde became the target of that wrath, and we’re deeply disappointed that rather than rebuff the boycott movement and follow in the footsteps of Radiohead, Nick Cave, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and many other artists who have chosen to build #BridgesNotBoycotts, she canceled her show."

Despite cancelling the Israel show, two Russian cities remain on the singer's schedule- despite the country's anti-LGBT "Gay Propaganda Law."

Birthdays today include: Matt Slocum of Sixpence None The Richer (45); Karla Bonoff (65); David Knopfler of Dire Straits (66); Terry Bozzio of Missing Persons (67); Larry Byrom of Steppenwolf (69); Mick Jones of Foreigner (73); Pete Quaife of The Kinks (74); and Mike Pinder of Moody Blues (76). #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for December 24, 2017

Hey, hi, howdy kids. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend. Merry Christmas.

I gotta be honest with you- we had a much better turnout for Saturday Night Karaoke last night than I expected, what with it being Christmas weekend and all- especially when the place was kind of a ghost town at 10 when we kicked off.

Anyway, thanks- and we hope to see you all again soon.

Despite last year's much ridiculed audio "malfunction," Mariah Carey will be performing again for this year's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

In a statement released along with the announcement of Carey's appearance, the singer and Dick Clark Productions said they agreed "that last year didn't go exactly as planned and we are thrilled to move forward together to provide America with an incredible night of music and celebration..."

I'm not sure how having a screeching harpy provides viewers with "an incredible night" blah, blah, blah- but, whatever.

The next time you're in Dayton, Ohio, make sure you stop by the Funk Music Hall of Fame and Exhibition Center.

The museum is in the process of receiving its final approvals from the city and is taking reservations for private tours and events- with a grand opening expected in either January or February. And admission is just $5.

The city- once referred to as the Land of Funk- was home to the Ohio Players, Zapp, Faze-O, Heatwave, Sun, Slave and Lakeside.

Bob Marley and The Wailers' Legend: The Best Of… sits at number 170 on the Billboard Albums Chart this week- it's 500th (nonconsecutive) week there. It's nonconsecutive because- from 1991 until 2009- catalog titles weren't eligible for chart inclusion for some reason known only to the idiots who made up the restriction.

Legend remains the album with the second most weeks on the list, behind Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (with 934). 

Lady Gaga confirmed on Twitter earlier this week that she'd be doing a Las Vegas residency beginning next December. 

Her post said "The rumours are true! I will have my own residency at MGM’s Park Theater. Get ready for a brand new show! It’s been my lifelong dream to be a Las Vegas girl, I’m so overjoyed!"

Variety reports the run will begin with 74 dates, but could extend to more, with the singer earning over $1 million per show.

Gaga will share the theater's 2018 concert calendar with Bruno Mars and Cher, among others.

Birthdays today include: Ricky Martin (46); Neil Turbin of Anthrax (53); Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs (54); Ian Burden of Human League (60). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for December 21, 2017

Hey, hi, howdy kids. Hope you're all having a good week.

Don't forget to join us this week for all the fun of Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern in Historic Downtown Norcross.

Naughty or nice- we don't judge.

Never having seen the original, I have to wonder- did we really need a Jumanji remake?

The UCLA School of Law and Vicky Cornell have joined together to create a Chris Cornell Scholarship in honor of the  late Soundgarden and Audioslave singer, who died earlier this year.

Cornell's widow says the scholarship will honor her late husband's "eternal commitment to justice," while UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said the scholarship "honors an influential musical artist who cared about human rights and enables others the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world."

Vicky Cornell went on to say "my husband and I agreed that given the opportunity of education, people have the power to change the world. UCLA School of Law is an institution known for its academic excellence and we are proud the Chris Cornell Scholarship will provide funding for future students and future leaders of the world under the leadership of Dean Mnookin and Chancellor Block."

Britney Spears has joined the lineup for this year's edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018, performing from her residency stage in the Axis at Planet Hollywood as in Las Vegas.

Camila Cabello, Nick Jonas, and Sugarland will perform live in Times Square, while Kane Brown, BTS, Kelly Clarkson, Fitz & The Tantrums, Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth, and Portugal. The Man will play the Los Angeles show. For the Central Time Zone countdown, Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon will be performing in New Orleans.

Birthdays today include: Brett Scallions of Fuel (46); Gabrielle Glaser of Luscious Jackson (52); and Betty Wright (64). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for December 18, 2017

Good Monday evening, kids. Hope you all had a good weekend. I'm still fighting the damned sinus crud- which is trying to make it's way into my chest. Then again, that's how I know the holidays are coming, even without a calendar.

Tickets for Time and Time Again: A Celebration of Pat DiNizio sold out within minutes of going on sale this morning. 

The show be held at the Basie Performing Arts Academy on January 13th, and benefit the Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship at the school.

The show, hosted by Steven Van Zandt, had been scheduled before DiNizio's death last week- with the Smithereens as one of the headliners.

"I was set to host this Smithereens and Patty Smyth and Scandal show as part of Citi’s Underground Garage at the Basie series," Van Zandt said. "With the sudden, tragic passing of Pat DiNizio, I think it’s appropriate that we take this moment to pay tribute to him. I will be honored to sing a few of his songs with the band, and I’m asking any friends of mine if they can make themselves available for a song or two.  We’ll see who’s around and announce them shortly."

Jazz vocalist Keely Smith, one-time musical partner and wife of Louis Prima, died over the weekend at her home in Palm Springs.

Smith began performing with Prima's band when she was a teenager, and married him in 1953. Together, they won a Grammy in 1959 for That Old Black Magic, and had three records hit the Billboard pop charts.

Smith was 89.

Two-hundred-twenty million dollars. That's how much Star Wars: The Last Jedi made at the box office over the weekend.

Fox's latest foray into live television, A Christmas Story Live was the lowest rated and least watched of all of the recent efforts in the live musical genre, averaging just a 1.5 rating in Nielsen's overnight rating- though that number did show a 25% improvement over Fox’s typical Sunday night.

Personally, I wouldn't have watched it if you'd stapled my eyes open and sewed me to a chair.

I can't be the only person on the planet who just figured it was only a matter of time before Gene Simmons was accused of sexual assault, can I?

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the names of the 70 songs in contention for nominations in the best original song category. Voting members of the Academy’s music branch will be asked to vote, in order of preference, for up to five picks. The five songs with the most votes will then go out as nominees for general voting.

Final nominations will be announced on Tuesday, January 23.

The list of selections, in alphabetical order by film:

U.N.I (You And I) from And the Winner Isn’t

Love And Lies from Band Aid

If I Dare from Battle of the Sexes

Evermore and How Does A Moment Last Forever from Beauty and the Beast

Now Or Never from Bloodline: Now or Never

She from Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

Your Hand I Will Never Let It Go from The Book of Henry

Buddy’s Business from Brawl in Cell Block 99

The Crown Sleeps from The Breadwinner

World Gone Mad from Bright

Mystery Of Love and Visions Of Gideon from Call Me by Your Name

Captain Underpants Theme Song from Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Ride and Run That Race from Cars 3

Tell Me How Long from Chasing Coral

Broken Wings from City of Ghosts

Remember Me from Coco

Prayers For This World from Cries from Syria

There’s Something Special from Despicable Me 3

It Ain’t Fair from Detroit

A Little Change In The Weather from Downsizing

Stars In My Eyes (Theme From Drawing Home) from Drawing Home

All In My Head; Dying For Ya and Green from Elizabeth Blue

Can’t Hold Out On Love from Father Figures

Home from Ferdinand

I Don’t Wanna Live Forever from Fifty Shades Darker

You Shouldn’t Look At Me That Way from Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

This Is How You Walk On from Gifted

Summer Storm from The Glass Castle

The Pure And The Damned from Good Time

This Is Me from The Greatest Showman

The Hero from The Hero

How Shall A Sparrow Fly from Hostiles

Just Getting Started from If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast

Truth To Power from An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

Next Stop, The Stars from Kepler’s Dream

The Devil & The Huntsman from King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Have You Ever Wondered; I’ll Be Gone and We’ll Party All Night from Lake of Fire

Friends Are Family from The Lego Batman Movie

Found My Place from The Lego Ninjago Movie

Stand Up For Something from Marshall

Rain from Mary and the Witch’s Flower

Myron/Byron from The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

Longing For Summer from Moomins and the Winter Wonderland

Mighty River from Mudbound

Never Forget from Murder on the Orient Express

Hold The Light from Only the Brave

PBNJ and Tuff Love (Finale) from Patti Cake$

Lost Souls from The Pirates of Somalia

How A Heart Unbreaks from Pitch Perfect 3

The Promise from The Promise

Kaadanayum Kaalchilambe and Maanathe Maarikurumbe from Pulimurugan

Stubborn Angel from Same Kind of Different as Me

Dancing Through The Wreckage from Served Like a Girl

Keep Your Eyes On Me from The Shack

On The Music Goes from Slipaway

The Star from The Star

Jump from Step

Tickling Giants from Tickling Giants

Fly Away from Trafficked

Speak To Me from Voice from the Stone

Walk On Faith from Year by the Sea

Birthdays today include: Christina Aguilera (37); Sia (42); DJ Lethal of Limp Bizkit (45); DMX (47); Elliot Easton of The Cars (64); and Keith Richards of Rolling Stones (895 or 74, depending on what you believe). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Hey kids. Happy Hump Day.

I can't be the only one who's done no shopping at all, can I? Thank goodness for Amazon Prime.

Don't forget to join us for all the fun of Saturday Night Karaoke, coming up this weekend at the Iron Horse Tavern.

Smithereens' singer Pat DiNizio died yesterday. 

The band announced his death on their web site. No cause of death was given, but health problems plagued him in recent years. In 2015 he lost use of his right arm following a pair of falls and the band had canceled three tour dates earlier this year after he injured his back and neck. Rescheduled dates were coming in January.

DiNizio was 62.

U2's Songs of Experience set has kicked Taylor Swift’s Reputation from the top of the Billboard album charts- giving them their eighth chart-topper. 

The only other bands in history have had more chart topping albums are The Beatles, with 19, and The Rolling Stones with nine. U2 also gained the distinction of becoming the only in chart history to have reached the top spot in four successive decades- in the ’80s with The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum, in the ’90s with Achtung Baby, Zooropa, , and Pop, in the 2000s with How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and No Line on the Horizon, and the 2010s with this release.

FYI- Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson, and Barbra Streisand also have had #1 albums in each of the past four decades as solo artists, and Babs has them all beat with chart-topping albums in each of the past six decades. 

The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled some of subjects of their 2018 stamp program, with Lena Horne, John Lennon and Sally Ride tapped to appear on Forever stamps next year.

The 2018 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was announced today. They are:

- Dire Straits

- The Moody Blues

- The Cars

- Bon Jovi

- Nina Simone

- Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Birthdays today include: Taylor Swift (28); Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 (42); Berton Averre of The Knack (63); and Randy Owen of Alabama (68). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for December 10, 2017

I've been wrong before.

Hey kids. Hope everyone in the area managed to survive the snow over the weekend. I have to tell you- there was a lot more of it than I expected. Then again, I get so sick of the Panicky-Pete weather forecasters that I pretty much tune out whatever they say- and believe even less of it.

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler was in Douglasville this week to help open up Janie's House for abused and neglected girls at Youth Villages' Inner Harbour campus.

Tyler said he knew he wanted to help young women who had been abused back when he wrote Janie's Got A Gun.

Tyler met with residents and toured the facility after the ceremony. He told CNN it's hard for him to grasp what many of them have been through.

"You can see in their faces and hear in their voices how broken they are," he said. He added that his own stay in a rehab facility introduced him to many women who were there partly because of struggles resulting from abuse.

"While I was in (rehab), I found out most of women in there were battered and beaten and abused verbally and sexually in huge numbers," he said. "It was like seven out of 10, eight out of 10."

Tyler started Janie's Fund in 2015 to help at-risk girls, partnering with Youth Villages. He said he has high hopes for the residents.

Tech Crunch is reporting that Apple and Shazam will sign a deal tomorrow that will give the pretentious label rights to the music-identifying app. 

The deal is worth somewhere between $400 million and $1 billion.

A Minnesota judge has approved a deal for a documentary about the life of Prince.

The project was championed by Spotify’s Troy Carter- who serves as an advisor to Comerica Bank, the estate's personal representative, Comerica Bank & Trust- and won approval despite objections from the heirs.

In a court filing Friday, the judge wrote that Carter should have creative input and a degree of control over the project to protect the estate’s interests, finding the court would "be remiss in its fiduciary responsibility if it did not approve the transaction as presented."

I'll watch it.

One thing I'm not digging about the weather is the way my head is hurting. 

Alice Cooper has been cast as King Herod in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live! 

"Alice Cooper, whose theatricality is the stuff of legend, is the perfect rock star to play Herod in our live production," said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment. "Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote a showstopping musical number for Herod, and we all look forward to the ‘King of Shock Rock’ taking on the King of Judea. As the casting for Superstar ramps up, we can feel the excitement building for this brand new concert experience of what has long been considered the original rock musical."

The show will air on Easter Sunday, April 1.

Birthdays today include: Meg White of The White Stripes (43); Scot Alexander of Dishwalla (46); Timothy Christian Riley of Tony! Toni! Tone! (51); Joseph Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. (52); and Ralph Tavares of Tavares (69). #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for December 4, 2017

Hey kids- how goes? I hope you've all been well why I've been slacking off.

If you missed Saturday Night Karaoke last weekend, you missed a great time- so don't forget to join us this week for another round of karaoke shenanigans.

Bohemian Rhapsody, the oft-delayed Freddie Mercury biopic, is on hold again after Fox halted production and fired director Bryan Singer.

The studio's short, but direct, statement today says "Bryan Singer is no longer the director of Bohemian Rhapsody."

Singer was let go under the "pay-or-play" provision in his deal because of a pattern of behavior.

Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Singer failed to return to set after the Thanksgiving holiday break. A rep for Singer told the BBC that the director's absence was due to "a personal health matter concerning Bryan and his family" while "unidentified sources" told the magazine that producers of the film- along with star Rami Malek- had "grown tired of Singer's behavior," which is said to include showing up late to the set, along with other absences.

It's unclear when filming will resume, or who the director will be. 

Lady Gaga spent her Sunday afternoon in Houston helping make repairs at a home that had been damaged by Hurricane Harvey. 

Before the #JoanneWorldTourHouston tonight me and @btwfoundation teamed up with @teamrubicon to do some demolition due to water damage and mold remediation in Pamela’s house from Hurricane Harvey. We want to help make #HoustonStrong. And we love Pamela! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yWhfkrCPn4

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) December 4, 2017

Gaga then spent her evening entertaining a sold out crowd in the city.

New Stone Temple Pilots' singer Jeff Gutt says he's "going back to the gym with my personal trainer" ahead of the band's upcoming tour that kicks off next March.

The band has a new album in the works for the spring, as well, but no release date or title has been announced- even though their first single with Gutt, Meadow, has already been released.

Guitarist Dean DeLeo said "if there wasn't new music I don't know that we'd really have a leg to stand on, but we're sitting on 14 new songs right now. We wanted to have that ability to create new music and to go on and make more records and more music that we can just pile into the STP canon."

He also says the new album "is very STP. It goes from acoustic-based, beautiful things to really hard-hitting, heavy moments. We just have that ability to not be in one place, musically. So this record is just like any other STP record in that regard."

Birthdays today include: Dionne Farris (49); Andy Hess of Black Crowes (51); Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge (55); Bob Griffin of the BoDeans (58); Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd (66); Southside Johnny Lyon of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (69); Chris Hillman of The Byrds (72); Bob Mosley of Moby Grape (75); and Freddy Cannon (80). #MusicalBirthdays