DreamWorks Animation and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Team Up with the National Association for Music Education to Award Five Arts Grants to High Schools Nationwide DreamWorks Animation and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today a $50,000 donation to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), a non-profit organization whose mission is to support school music and arts programs. In celebration of the soon to be released Blu-ray and DVD of the Tony Award® winning production of Shrek the Musical, the donation will be used to create five $10,000 grants to help save music and arts programs in schools. Schools are invited to enter starting today to receive a grant for their school music program at www.ShrekDay.com. All entries must be received by October 31, 2013 and following a random drawing, five schools will be announced as winners on November 4, 2013. “Music is an essential part of every student’s educational experience; it teaches cooperation, collaboration, creativity, and communication. It is important to support school music programs so children can enjoy the lifelong benefits of music study,” said Michael A. Butera, executive director, National Association for Music Education and Give a Note Foundation. “Shrek the Musical tells a story of love, friendship and finding your true self. The fact that the story is enhanced by music demonstrates the true power of musical expression. We’re very grateful to DreamWorks Animation and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for their support and generosity.” “We are proud that our live theater experience can give back to the educational community through this grant program,” said Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer at DreamWorks Animation who also served as the producer of the Broadway show. “Full of high energy and fun, Shrek The Musical is a great introduction for kids to experience the magic of live theatre. The Shrek franchise continues to entertain audiences in a number of different ways.” For more information, including official rules, visit www.ShrekDay.com. SHREK THE MUSICAL arrives on Blu-ray and DVD October 15, 2013.  About DreamWorks Animation DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 27 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, and The Croods. About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world. About The National Association for Music Education National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 70,000 members, the organization is the voice of music education in the United States. In 2011, NAfME established the Give a Note Foundation to bring together business leaders and everyone who cares about music education to work to establish and grow music education programs for underserved students across the United States. |
Thursday, October 17, 2013
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S SHREK THE MUSICAL BRINGS OGRE-SIZED HEART AND SOUL TO HELP SAVE SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAMS
Shrek The Musical Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD out now!
Disclosure: Thanks to Dreamworks and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for providing us with a review copy. All opinions are our own.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore Shrek. The great green ogre and his wife are the stars of a series of fairy tales that finally don't feature a skinny, blond, narcoleptic princess awaiting rescue. Princess Fiona kicks booty, and is a fabulous role model.
If you've never checked out the original book by William Steig, we highly recommend it. The book is even quirkier and cooler than the animated movies (which we also love), and we completely dig the Broadway musical adaptation!
Now the equation goes one step further with a Blu-Ray/DVD movie... of the play... of the book...
This one's a keeper! Now out on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
Steig is an excellent children's author and illustrator and this is the perfect candidate for playing the "same/different game". We love to check out the original books when we go see book based movies and theatre and then compare and contrast the different versions of the tale with the "same/different game".
Last night Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, special guests and Broadway stars from Shrek The Musical walked the green carpet in NYC at The Hudson Bond for the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy launch event.
In attendance were Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl) and the stars of Shrek The Musical, including Sutton Foster (Fiona), Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad), John Tartaglia (Pinocchio), Daniel Breaker (Donkey), Marissa O'Donnell (Teen Fiona), Leah Greenhaus (Young Fiona, Flower Girl) and many others!
Featuring a fantastic score of 17 all-new songs, Shrek The Musical was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and stars an amazing celebrated cast. The film was shot live on Broadway with 10 cameras and directed by Michael Warren. Now you can bring the magic of Broadway to your home and get the best seat in the house with Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD out now!
Here at ChiIL Mama, we had a chance to give away 4 packs of tickets for our readers and review Shrek the Musical by the Broadway Touring Company and then again by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, earlier this year. Shrek the Musical is a pure joy to experience and fun for all ages. Now you can take it home with you to enjoy over and over at your convenience!
6 Steps To Bring The Magic Of Broadway To Your Own Living Room
Experience The Magic Of Shrek The Musical On Blu-ray and DVD, Available Now!
With the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD release of Shrek The Musical releasing this week, fairy-tale fans and musical theatergoers alike can now experience the Grammy-nominated stage production in the comfort of one’s own home! Featuring a fantastic score of 17 brand new songs, Shrek The Musical was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and features an all-star cast.
Here are 6 simple steps to emulate the magic of Broadway in your own living room:
Step One - Sight
No digital interpretation of the stage would be complete without a state-of-the-art projector that can produce an image of up to 150 inches. If a projector is too costly, a 40 inch television or larger will suffice to give the home audience the optimum visual experience.
Step Two – Sound
No ultimate living room entertainment set-up would be complete without a crisp surround sound system. With the ear being stimulated from 4 angles, the illusion of being immersed in a theatre can be achieved.
Step Three – Tickets Please
Why not design your own tickets to your show? Guests will have to show their tickets before entering the living room for example. German Shepherds dressed in tuxedos make excellent ushers too.
Step Four - Wow it’s Green in Here
With a simple purchase of green crepe paper attached to a range of living room light sources, a green filtered glow will engulf the room to create a wonderfully Shrek-like ambience.
Step Five - ‘Curtain Call Ladies and Gentlemen!’
The anticipation of waiting for the famous theatrical curtains to trickle away is no doubt one of the fundamental experiences of going to the theatre. With a curtain rail, fabric and some sticky tape, your living room will mirror the Gershwin’s famous curtain call in no time.
Step Five: Intermission:
Why not engage in a 15-minute interval? Prepare a refreshing beverage for the adults and load up on the ice cream for the kids. Don’t forget those little wooden spoons for the upmost authenticity.
Step Six: Applause:
Don’t forget to clap along with the audience when something particularly amusing or impressive arises on screen. Booing and hissing at the respective villains may also prove effective. Please note, please do not throw your shows or any object at the screen for fear of damaging your precious TV set. Although all these tips may make you believe that you are in the theater, it’s not real remember.
We are sure you’ll love watching your favorite animated characters come to life like magic, and now you’re ready to experience it at home! Pick up the Blu-ray for your family to enjoy today!
Get To Know The Shrek Bunch
The Cast Of The Animated Franchise Comes To Life On Stage and Blu-ray, This Week!
The loved and laughable DreamWorks animation Shrek is brought to life in Shrek The Musical and enjoyed by fans and families of the Broadway stage. Now you can bring the excitement to your living room when you pick up the musical on Blu-ray and DVD. What better way to celebrate the release than a brief introduction to the stage cast of your favorite animated movie. Read down to find out who among them was a Bunhead, a Julliard graduate, and will be starring in a Shakespeare Classic this season. Meet the Shrek bunch!
Bryan D’arcy James – Bryan plays the role of our beloved ogre Shrek. While he’s sure to win you over in his green role he’s definitely not new to the stage. Mr. Darcy will be star opposite Ethan Hawke in the Lincoln Center Theatre production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The talented artist is also notable on the screen too, most recently for his role as Frank Houston on NBC’s Broadway themed drama ‘Smash’. You’re probably wondering if he sings too, and he does, his solo debut album is From Christmas Eve to Christmas Morn.
Sutton Foster - Princess Fiona is brought to life by the beautiful Sutton Foster. The multi talented artist (actor, singer, and dancer) is best known for her role in the fan favorite ABC Family series ‘Bunheads’, for which she earned a Critic’s Choice Television Awards nomination. Using her beautiful voice, Sutton has performed at venues across the country performing in concerts such as Funny Girl, They’re playing out songs, Chess, and many more. Like her fellow cast mate, she also works on solo album projects, releasing two albums, Wish and An Evening with Sutton Foster – Live at the Café Carlye.
Christopher Sieber - Every story needs a villain and none is more villainous than Lord Farquaad, played by Christopher Sieber. His performance as the miniature maniacal royal is sure to make your living room erupt with laughter and boo’s. Chris’ talent has also been enjoyed in various Broadway productions, such as Pipin, Spamalot, Beauty and The Beast, Into the Woods, and much more. He most recently debut his solo concert “Minnesota Boy Does Well: Tales from Back and Center Stage.” Fans of the Olsen twins may also remember him from the ABC comedy Two Of A Kind, in which he played the girls’ father.
Daniel Breaker- The character enjoyed equally by parents and their kids is Shrek’s smart tongued sidekick, Donkey. As the liveliest character of the musical, Daniel Breaker brings sass, smarts, and laughter to the stage. The Julliard Scholl Graduate has starred in several Tony and award winning productions such as Passing Strange, Cymbeline, and more. Off screen he has appeared in top titles such as Limitless opposite Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper, the Spike Lee-directed project entitled Redhook Summer and Passing Strange.
John Tartaglia - What do Pinocchio, The Magic Mirror, Dragon Puppeteer all have in common? They are all John Tartaglia. The talented Tartaglia is best known for producing, creating, and starring in the 8-time Emmy nominated children’s show “Johnny and the Sprites”. Additionally, he received a Tony Award Nomination for his role in the Tony-Award winning musical Avenue Q, in which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod. Most exciting of all his credits may be his 12-year stint on Sesame Street, making him one of the youngest puppeteers to ever perform on the historic show.
We are sure you’ll love watching your favorite animated characters come to life like magic, and now you know the people that are behind that magic! Pick up the Blu-ray for your family to enjoy today!
Disclosure: Thanks to Dreamworks and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. for providing us with a review copy. All opinions are our own.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
RED FANG: 'Whales and Leeches' Full Album Streaming #metal
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013
TMBG Once in a lifetime New York City and Los Angeles FIRST ALBUM SHOWS!
From Don't Let's Start to Rhythm Section Want Ad,
The Pink Album in its full glory.
We have THREE SHOWS PLANNED:
The big LA Royce Hall show is Sat. Oct. 26 http://bit.ly/13giDjd
The big NYC-Terminal 5 Sat. Nov. 2 http://bit.ly/15nwnaW
…and NOW the day before that there is a
FREE CONCERT in CONNECTICUT!
A dress rehearsal at Mohegan Sun!
In Uncasville, CT on Friday November 1st
we're playing our annual audience appreciation show
and it is
FREE!
Will we have some kind of little something for everyone--
we hope so!
More Tour Dates!
CHARLOTTE Tuesday October 15 http://bit.ly/18r9YQI
KNOXVILLE Wednesday October 16 http://bit.ly/16qJixC
ATHENS Thursday October 17 http://bit.ly/1emzrLM
JACKSONVILLE Friday October 18 http://bit.ly/133CH9N
ORLANDO Saturday October 19 headlining Nerdapalooza Fest http://nerdapalooza.org/
PENSACOLA, FL Sunday October 20 http://bit.ly/11nUX9D
AUSTIN Tuesday October 22 http://bit.ly/172SRUT
ALBUQUERQUE Thursday October 24 http://bit.ly/10G5ZIr
PHOENIX Friday October 25 http://bit.ly/15giMED
LOS ANGELES Saturday October 26 8pm SPECIAL FIRST ALBUM SHOW http://bit.ly/13giDjd
LOS ANGELES Saturday October 26 2pm for families http://bit.ly/118v0PF
SANTA CRUZ Sunday October 27 http://tktwb.tw/1avAyVC
Monday, October 7, 2013
INCOMING: This Tuesday Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg With Andrew W. K. on Vocals at Double Door (21+) #OriginalPhotos
Chi, IL live shows on our radar. We've shot Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg at AAA Social Club as part of Riot Fest and last year at Bottom Lounge.
Note the venue change to Double Door and come on out this Tuesday. Tickets purchased for Metro will be honored.
Tuesday Double Door Show Details
Note the venue change to Double Door and come on out this Tuesday. Tickets purchased for Metro will be honored.
Now they're back with Andrew W. K. on vocals.
Tuesday Double Door Show Details
AM Productions and Double Door Present
Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg with Andrew W.K. on Vocals
FIGO, Porn and Chicken
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Doors: 7:30 pm / Show: 8:30 pm
$25.00
*NOTE CHICAGO VENUE CHANGE FROM METRO TO DOUBLE DOOR
*NOTE CHICAGO VENUE CHANGE FROM METRO TO DOUBLE DOOR
This event is 21 and over
Tickets purchased for the Metro will be honored.
Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg with Andrew W.K. on Vocals
Andrew W.K. will be joining Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg as the lead singer for their 2013 world tour. The punk drumming icon and his band will be fronted by the king of partying for a high-octane performance of more than THIRTY of Marky's classic fan-favorite songs! These will include songs that took him from the halcyon stage of CBGB's to touring around the world. From the celluloid halls of Rock 'n Roll High School to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Ramone's career has taken him far and wide, earning him a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an MTV Lifetime Achievement Award, and immortalizing his handprints on the Hollywood Rock Walk.
Speaking on how he chose Andrew W.K. as his singer, Ramone said, "I first met Andrew through a mutual friend and he told me about his party philosophy, which has also always been my exact take on life. We went into the rehearsal studio and it just clicked. We had so much fun that we wanted to invite everyone to the party. I've said before and I will say it again, these songs are too good not to be played live!!!"
W.K. echoed Ramone's sentiment, saying, "When Marky Ramone asks you to be his singer, you don't even think about it. It's an automatic, YES. I was intimidated by the magnitude of the opportunity – freaked out and overwhelmed – but I was also completely determined and focused – it's something I had to do. Even just the first rehearsal felt like an odyssey, but that's how you can tell the experience is changing your life. I've never had a more rewarding, humbling, orchallenging invitation than this, and I'm serving the gods via this incredible sound Marky and his band created. There's never been better rock 'n' roll music made than this, and I will give everything I have to do it justice."
The historic pairing will kick-off their world tour in New York City on May 3rd, 2013 at Andrew's very own venue, Santos Party House, in downtown Manhattan.
Currently, Marky Ramone hosts his own weekly satellite radio show "Punk Rock Blitzkrieg," which is broadcast nationally via Sirius/XM Faction. He has also entered the culinary realm with the release of his highly successful Marinara Pasta Sauce, based on his Great Grandfather's recipe. Marky Ramone's Marinara Pasta Sauce has wowed such mainstream media outlets as the Wall Street Journal, Food Network Magazine and the New York Post. The sauce is even served and sold at world renowned chef Daniel Boulud's New York City restaurant, DBGB Kitchen & Bar.
Andrew W.K. has been a constant figure in national media ever since his 2000 debut, and in recent years he's been spreading his message of positive partying and high-energy entertainment with even greater intensity. His singular ability to straddle both mainstream media and fringe culture has made him an instantly recognizable modern pop icon. An example of his lasting influence is the recent 10th Anniversary Deluxe release of his landmark debut album, I Get Wet, the world tour of which sold out dates across the U.S., Europe, Australia and Japan. Most recently, Energizer Personal Care announced Andrew W.K. as the face of Playtex's new product, Fresh + Sexy Wipes. Andrew continues to surprise, confound, and engage his audience with an expanding array of energetic and enthusiastic entertainment.
FIGO
It's been a crazy ride for New York's FIGO. The band, which doubles their live electronic punk rock carnage with a strictly bangers DJ and remix crew, has rocked crowds across North America, Europe, and Asia, touring relentlessly on the local club circuit to sharing stages with the likes of The Crystal Method, Ladytron, Cut Copy, The Faint, Skrillex, The Presets, 2ManyDJs, Eric Prydz, and several others. They've crushed major music festivals along the way, including Identity, Summerburst, Detour, Amsterjam, I Love This City, Camp Bisco, South By Southwest, and more.
After releasing their first single, "PLAZA," via Calcium Records with remixes from EDM heavyweights Tommie Sunshine and Stephen Cole, followed by their own remixes of Justice, Ladytron, and A Place To Bury Strangers, FIGO's debut EP, Put It All On Black, was released independently in 2012. The release has received critically – acclaimed reviews and nods from RCRDLBL, FILTER Magazine, The New York Post, NME Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, URB Magazine, and many others, with comparisons to anyone from The Misfits and Iggy & The Stooges, to Nitzer Ebb, Soulwax, and Kasabian. Keeping true to their signature electro-punk vs. dance sound, FIGO has since collaborated with and remixed artists as diverse as K'Naan, The Boxer Rebellion, and NERVO, for labels such as AM Octone, Astralwerks, and Mute.
In a recent collaboration, FIGO hooked up with Doc Nasty to take on dancefloor dracula Drop The Lime's stupid-funky cover of Bruce Springsteen's "State Trooper", out now as an official remix on Ultra Records. In signature FIGO style, the flip-script of Drop The Lime's dark and gritty cut takes grimy punk riffs spun with bits of electro-house and reverb, and voila, you've got raw dance-core in all its crunchy, bass-battered glory. FIGO shows no sign of slowing down in 2013: in addition to their Ultra Records release, this October they'll be packing up their musical mayhem and traversing the U.S. on a full live tour supporting legendary punk-rocker Marky Ramone with notorious party-rocker Andrew W.K.
Porn and Chicken
A Party. DJs. Music Makers. Trouble Makers. A Lifestyle.
Venue Information:
Double Door
1572 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL, 60622
THE TOSSERS PREMIERE “USA” MUSIC VIDEO (10/7)
Chicago’s Irish pride and joy, THE TOSSERS, have teamed up with ARTISTDirect to premiere the music video for “USA”, an anthemic track from their current album, The Emerald City. “USA” follows vocalist Tony Duggins through the neighborhoods and streets of Chicago, includes current and past performances, and visits some of the band’s haunts. Paying homage to their country, heritage, hometown, and loved ones, THE TOSSERS never forget where they came from.
Watch the music video for “USA” here.
Watch the music video for “USA” here.
Beginning October 8th, THE TOSSERS will travel across the US for a headlining tour, playing their favorites from each of their albums, including The Emerald City. Don’t miss your chance to experience Chicago’s finest – see a full list of tour dates here.
http://www.victoryrecords.com/thetossers
http://www.thetossers.com/
“Emerald City” Music Video
“USA” Music Video
Tour Dates:
10/8 – St Louis, MO @ Fubar
10/9 – Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
10/10 – Tulsa, OK @ The Vanguard
10/11 – Dallas, TX @ Prophet Bar
10/12 – San Antonio, TX @ Limelight
10/13 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
10/14 – New Orleans, LA @ Howlin’ Wolf
10/15 – Birmingham, AL @ The Nick
10/16 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/17 – Nashville, TN @ The End
10/18 – Newport, KY @ The Thompson House
http://www.thetossers.com/
“Emerald City” Music Video
“USA” Music Video
Tour Dates:
10/8 – St Louis, MO @ Fubar
10/9 – Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
10/10 – Tulsa, OK @ The Vanguard
10/11 – Dallas, TX @ Prophet Bar
10/12 – San Antonio, TX @ Limelight
10/13 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
10/14 – New Orleans, LA @ Howlin’ Wolf
10/15 – Birmingham, AL @ The Nick
10/16 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/17 – Nashville, TN @ The End
10/18 – Newport, KY @ The Thompson House
10/19 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
10/20 – Champaign, IL @ High Dive
10/20 – Champaign, IL @ High Dive
INCOMING: LIL' ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS TO PERFORM IN CHICAGO!
"Full of fire, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials hit the floor running and accelerate from there.
High-octane, expressive, fiercely articulated, harrowing intensity, raucous slide." --Living Blues
Alligator recording artists Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, touring in support of their latest Alligator CD, JUMP START, will perform in Chicago on November 8, November 9, November 29 and November 30, 2013. Mixing smoking slide guitar boogies and raw-boned Chicago shuffles with the deepest slow-burners, Lil' Ed Williams and his rip-roaring Blues Imperials -- bassist James "Pookie" Young, guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton -- deliver gloriously riotous, rollicking and intensely emotional blues. Currently celebrating 25 history-making years together, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials ply their musical talents with skills that have been honed to a razor's edge. Recently, they were awarded the 2013 Living Blues Critics' and Readers' Awards for Best Live Performer. The band won that same distinction in the 2012 and 2011 Living Blues Critics' Poll. The group won the coveted 2009
Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year, the same honor they received in 2007. Concert information is as follows:
Date: Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, 2013
Venue: B.L.U.E.S.
Address: 2519 North Halsted Street
City: Chicago, IL
Phone: 773-528-1012
Showtime: 9:30pm
Ticket price: TBA
Website: www.chicagobluesbar.com
Date: Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30, 2013
Venue: Rosa's Lounge
Address: 3420 West Armitage Avenue
City: Chicago, IL
Phone: 773-342-0452
Showtimes: 9:30pm (Friday, November 29) / 10:00pm (Saturday, November 30)
Ticket price: $12 advance / $15 day of show
Website: www.rosaslounge.com
The band's wildly energetic and seriously soulful new CD JUMP START is jam-packed with Lil' Ed's incendiary slide playing and rough, passionate singing, as the ragged-but-right Blues Imperials cook like mad alongside him. Produced by Williams and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, it is a tour-de-force of untamed slide guitar, rock solid rhythms, heartrending ballads and authentic deep blues vocals. Williams wrote or co-wrote 13 of the album's 14 songs, which all overflow with the band's full throttle drive and serious sense of fun. JUMP START reveals a band firing on all cylinders and ready to spread the genuine houserockin' fever to their biggest audience yet. "It's all blues, really," says Lil' Ed. "Some of it will make you dance, some will ease your soul."
Lil' Ed boasts a direct bloodline to blues history -- his uncle and musical mentor was the great Chicago slide guitarist, songwriter and recording artist J.B. Hutto. Live, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials simply can't be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe-walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. Garrett's risk-taking rhythm guitar work and Littleton's conversational, old school drumming perfectly complement Lil' Ed's and Pookie's rambunctious playing.
Adding to the legend is Ed's storybook rise, taking him from working in a car wash to entertaining thousands of fans all over the world. He's made multiple appearances on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and has brought his music to fans from Japan to Poland. According to The Chicago Tribune, "Williams represents one of the few remaining authentic links to pure Chicago blues."
Now, with JUMP START, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will continue bringing their seriously inspired and wildly fun Chicago blues to "Ed Heads" new and old, wherever they may be. After almost a quarter century together, Lil' Ed, Pookie, Mike and Kelly have played thousands of gigs, logged tens of thousands of miles and have no plans to slow down anytime soon. According to Littleton, "The journey has been amazing. We melded right away and have kept growing." Garrett agrees, saying, "It's a perfect fit. And we keep getting better." Young adds, "We are way stronger now, and we're still having fun. My dreams have all come true."
"Long ago," recalls Lil' Ed, "Uncle J.B. told me, 'When you get the right guys in your band, you'll know.' When Mike and then Kelly joined up with me and Pookie, we just clicked. I knew. We are a family," says Lil' Ed, summing it all up. "And families stay together."
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