GUEST BLOGGER: EMMY PEI

The expression “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is an unwritten rule that is followed by many, and understood by all. For Celine Dion, however, some rules are meant to be broken. While tourists were busy gambling their children’s college fund away, and while couples who shared nothing more than a dozen tequila shots were getting hitched in Cupid’s Chapel on Las Vegas Blvd, Celine Dion was busy performing 717 shows to nearly 3 million adoring fans at Caesar’s Palace. And with her upcoming “Taking Chances” tour, she is proving that the new unwritten rule should be “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…unless what happened grossed more than $400 millions dollars, in which case, you bring what happened in Vegas around the world!”

As her status evolved over the years from small town French Canadian singer, to award-winning pop star, to larger than life super-diva, her live shows have developed into events which are nothing short of spectacular. You don’t even have to be a fan of her singing to appreciate the Cirque du Soleil calibre talent swarming her stages and appealing to your senses. World class musicians, dancers, artistic directors, and choreographers have put blood sweat and tears into creating these shows, and with Celine singing her heart out at the front of it all, you can’t help but respect the journey this woman has made from such humble beginnings.

Along with the extra glitter and breathtaking stage sets, people with Celine Dion tickets can expect a little more edge and sexiness during her world tour. Aptly named after her new album, “Taking Chances” reveals a Celine who’s not afraid of risks, of exposing her vulnerability, and of giving her all for the benefit of others. The image of her on her album cover resembles a Calvin Kline ad as she seductively looks out, hair dishevelled and blazer wide open. She’s also hired Emmy-Award winning choreographer and director Jamie King, who’s injected sexiness via incredible dance routines into the tours of superstars like Madonna, Shakira, Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey, just to name a few.

Over the years, Celine Dion brings her voice, her charisma, and her passion for music to every stage she performs on. And while her shows have dramatically increased in glitter, glamour, and gloss, she has and will continue to win fans over by singing from the heart. The main constant in Celine’s career, and the reason why she’s maintained the loyal following she’s earned since day one, is the fact that she sings about what means the most to her in this world: the power of love.

Click here to read more about Celine Dion, watch her videos, buy tickets, and get the tour schedule for “Taking Chances.”

Spring Awakening is one of the best musicals on Broadway. This winner of 8 Tony Awards (including best musical of the year) treats the Musical genre like a High School student treats a Summer vacation. This musical is Wild. I was fortunate enough to attend the opening of Spring Awakening at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle last night. Thank you Julie and also thank you Darnell (aka girl about town)!

The explicit content is not appropriate for little children but it is absolutely vital to the telling of this story. Frankly, if you’re a young adult, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. The story is set in 1891 Germany and as usual, it’s the youth bringing the truth!

The Youth is of course the tour cast members which included Kyle Riabko, Anthony Lee Medina, Julie Benko, Christy Altomare, Lucas Wells, Claire Sparks and Blake Bashoff who along with the rest of the cast delivered a frank social commentary about a society view of Sex, Youth, Religion and Discourse. The entire cast was brilliant. The Truth came from this cast of teens who expressed their vulnerabilities, excitement and utter confusion of the changes that were taking place in their lives! This production was fun and it was funny but it was also very serious about certain things. It’s was a rare insight to the views of an otherwise silent group of people that represent our future. It was awesome!

The soundtrack to this musical was great. There were songs that could easily be on KEXP if they aren’t already. Well written songs with a killer band/orchestra. There was so much to rave about but I will end this by telling you that the stage also took a cutting edge view that clearly pays off. Part of the audience was literally on the stage.

When Spring Awakening hits your town, you should see this!

Links:
Previous Culturemob Blog
Fan Blog

Wild Sweet Orange from Birmingham, Alabama appearing at the Tractor Tavern Sunday Oct 12

They’re on tour supporting their latest CD We Have Cause To Be Uneasy

They appeared on David Letterman a while back and by the miracle of YouTube, we have a clip here

Wild Sweet Orange Upcoming Events

Sun, 10.12.08 -
w/ The Audrye Sessions
Tractor Tavern
Seattle, WA

Tue, 10.14.08 -
w/ The Audrye Sessions
Great American Music Hall
San Francisco, CA

Thu, 10.16.08 -
Hotel Cafe
Los Angeles, CA

Wed, 10.22.08 -
w/ Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s
Bowery Ballroom
New York, NY

Mon, 10.27.08 -
w/ Counting Crows
Wellmont Theatre
Montclair, NJ

Links:

Wild Sweet Orange on Culturemob
Event Link

Singer/songwriter Dar Williams is about to tour the U.S. in support of here latest CD release The Promised Land on Razor and Tie (now available).

Here’s an mp3 and a video for a track called “It’s Alright” for you below.
“It’s Alright” MP3
“It’s Alright” Video

Dar is…

a singer, songwriter, storyteller, mother, environmentalist and so much more. She’s also an absolute delight to see live.

- Fan

She will be in Seattle on the 17th of October at the Moore Theatre. I did a google search of Dar Williams and found this fan site (see below) that I thought was interesting. Her fans are sophisticated and extremely dedicated to their favorite artist.

Let me know what you think.

Links:
Show Details
Dar Williams Site
Dar Williams Fan Site

The winner is…

Oliver Barnes of Federal Way, WA.

Oliver’s story reads:

My girlfriend likes Anberlin. Yes, I admit I don’t even know who they are. I can’t tell you a think about them other than what I read on myspace.com. But I love my girlfriend and I know this would make her day. So I’m am asking you for a pair of tickets to the show to make my girlfriend happy brother.

Well Oliver, I can’t argue with that!
Congrats and enjoy the show my man.

Links:
Anberlin Event Link
Anberlin Blog

SIXX:A.M.’s song “Tomorrow” will be on the new 90210 tonight.

You know that TV show 90210 right?

No, the new one!

Well Nikki Sixx’s band SIXX:A.M. will debut their song “Tomorrow” on the episode tonight.

My friend put it best:

It’s like the ‘90s all over again

Info about SIXX:A.M.: http://blog.culturemob.com/nikki-sixx-sixx-am-tomorrow

Today I interviewed Chadwick Dahlquist who is the musical director for the production of UFO the Puppet Show (a comedy). Watch him here as he explains this great Seattle event. This event starts Thursday Oct 9th at the Theatre Off Jackson (409 7TH Ave S, Seattle). Oops!!! One correction to the video: Chadwick says the show starts October 8th but it actually starts October 9th (Thursday).

Music to this short clip by Chadwick Dahlquist

About the puppet show:

An Epic production of miniature proportions! UFO the Puppet Show will finally draw the veil from the mysteries surrounding the Roswell Incident of 1947. You may think you have the answers but you’ve never had THESE answers!

Note: All nudity is papier-mache derived…material may be disturbing for young audiences.

For more details go to: http://culturemob.com/events/5615026

9 Movies That You Should Look Forward To Seeing

With 109 movies still waiting to be released in 2008, it’s nearly
impossible to see them all within the next 3 months. So for all you
movie addicts out there, we decided to compile a list of 9 movies you
should watch before the year ends.

Max Payne - October 17th

W. - October 17th

Zack and Miri Make a Porno - October 31th

Australia - November 14th

Twilight - November 28th

The Day the Earth Stood Still - December 12th

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - December 19th

The Spirit - December 25th

Revolutionary Road - December 26th

Enjoy!

CultureMob

Evergreen Speedway Demolition Derby and Fireworks Show

Billed as the premier demolition derby of the season, this event did not disappoint and CultureMob was there. Police chase, cars rolling over, rabid fans cheering, school busses in figure 8 races, Racey the mascot, Limo world record jump by the great Mr. Dizzy, burning rubber, boat races and a killer final demolition free for all!

See for yourself:

The Evergreen Speedway is the premier speedway in America.

Kyle (2nd Place in the Junior Division Races) and his dad Steve (not pictured) were my guides on what to look out for. I asked Kyle if he watched Pro racing on TV. He said

This is pro racing!

My bad Kyle. See you next year buddy!

Culturemob Event Link

Yo Seattle! I take it you’ve all heard about the Hip Hop Live! Tour going down this Sunday at the Showbox at the Market

This Sunday???

Did you check out the line up?
Takib Kweli
David Banner
Little Brother
B.O.B.

I’m getting emails from promoters, record label owners and radio personalities asking me if I’m going to be there. That’s when I figured I should tell you all about it. The only person that hasn’t called me about it is Johnny Depp!

Flow.tv presents the 2008 Hip Hop Live! Tour featuring headliners Talib Kweli and David Banner, backed by the ten-piece Rhythm Roots All-Stars. Also apperaing on select dates will be Little Brother, and B.O.B.

Where: Showbox at the Market

Price: $30 advance; $35 day of show

When: 8:00pm Sun 10.05.08

Event Link:
http://culturemob.com/events/161884-hip-hop-live-tour-wa-seattle-downtown-98101-showbox-at-the-market