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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil at United Center 7/20 & 21 Only!




This Friday, the uber talented, world class performers of Cirque du Soleil will be at United Center once again, with a much different show than Dralion, Quidam or Ovo.    Get your tickets now for this unique experience.   Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour is here for TWO SHOWS ONLY--July 20th and 21st at 8pm.




 Fun Facts:


  • This is currently the largest arena tour in the world (including all major pop/rock acts), traveling with 35 trucks
  • The show has 63 performers including musicians, dancers, acrobats and specialty artists
  • Chicago will be the tour’s 67th city
  • Over 1 million people have seen the show
  • Over 35 of Michael Jackson’s songs are used throughout the show (including full numbers, transitions, intros, etc.)




All Photos: Olivier Samson Arcand

Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour


Chicago Specifics

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil, written and directed by Jamie King will perform in Chicago on July 20 and 21, 2012. In partnership with the Estate of Michael Jackson, this once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production will use Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture.
Tickets are available at cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson and Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets range from $50 to $250 each (taxes and fees may apply).


A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael's creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson's artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael's creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.
THE IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael's inspirational Giving Tree-the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael's inner world are unlocked-his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.


Purchase Tickets:

Tickets are available at the United Center Box Office, Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com.
Ticket Prices:
VIP Floor: $250
Floor: $175
100 Level: $125, $175
200 Level: $125, $175
300 Level: $50, $80, $125




For complete ticket information including lost, stolen, or counterfeit tickets and mobile device ticketing, please refer to United Center's Guest Relations A to Z Guide.
Group Sales:

Please contact a Group Sales Representative at (312) 455-7469 for groups of 12 or more. 






Michael's Image



The projections – In Michael’s image
The video projections in THE IMMORTAL World Tour not only act as storytelling devices, they play a key role in making Michael’s presence palpable. Projection Designer Olivier Goulet integrated video content such as footage of Michael’s performances and real-time projections of the performances on stage.






Show Overview

Written and Directed by Jamie King

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World TourTM is a once-in- a-lifetime electrifying production that combines Michael Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. The show is written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today, and features more than 60 international dancers, musicians and acrobats.

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

THE IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspiration and the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked—his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.

The underpinnings of THE IMMORTAL World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics— the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will perform in North America through fall 2012 and then move to Europe. Click here for the show's main site.






The Scenes

Transposed in the theatrical and acrobatic language of Cirque du Soleil, Michael Jackson’s music and his messages have taken on a life of their own.

Childhood
In front of the gilded gates of Neverland, the Mime awakens the bronze statues that inhabit this magical place.

Wanna Be Starting Something
In a wild, high-powered number, dancers and acrobats in tribal costumes climb, jump and flip around the stage.

Fanatics Medley
In front of the Neverland gates, the Fanatics take part in a friendly competition as they lipsync and perform to the sounds of a Jackson 5 medley, which finally allows their passage into Neverland.

Dancing Machine
In a scene that evokes an ironworks factory, a group of welders fly and swing on motorized cables. They perform on various “dancing machines,” paying tribute to different dance styles.

Ben
A tableau that celebrates Michael’s love of animals.

This Place Hotel
Suspended in the air, artists perform a sensual aerial tango as if they were in an anti-gravity nightclub.

Smooth Criminal
Fleet of foot, dancers perform a choreography that showcases Michael Jackson’s iconic moves, including his famous leaning motion.






Dangerous
Surrounded by gangsters, a female acrobat performs a “dangerous” pole-dancing act.

Mime
Suddenly inhabited by Michael Jackson’s spirit, the Mime is completely transformed and infused with Michael’s talents as he performs a funky beatbox number.


Human Nature
While a 3D version of the Neverland logo (Michael as a boy sitting on the crescent moon) is suspended above the stage, artists representing the constellations wearing multicolored LED costumes swoop, soar and float in the air.


Scary Story – Is It Scary
Like a mind-bending storyteller, a contortionist comes out of a giant Book of Tales. As beautiful as she is strange, she turns the pages in the most unusual positions.


Bats – Threatened
Suspended upside down at first, artists wearing striking winged bat costumes perform a dramatic choreography.



Thriller
This scene re-imagines Michael Jackson’s original choreography for Thriller and showcases his iconic moves. Acrobats and dancers dressed as mummies perform among coffins and tombstones in a cavalcade of jumps, leaps and bounds.



Swans – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
Appearing as a black and a white swan, two artists emerge from a lake to perform a graceful straps duo. An aerial ballet of strength and emotions.




Beat It
Embodied and manipulated by the Fanatics, Michael Jackson’s signature accessories – his famous glove and penny loafers – are brought to life. In the final moments of the scene, an electric guitar and an electric cello engage in a rock-infused duel on center-stage.



Jam
Inspired by the video Michael Jackson made with basketball superstar Michael Jordan, artists play with basketballs and perform a hip-hop- inspired choreography.



Earth Song
In a menacing atmosphere, the Mime dances with Mother Earth.




Scream
Acrobats execute a perfectly synchronized tumbling act, flinging themselves in the air and bellyflopping onto the stage as Ninja-style aerial dancers suspended above interact with the Japanimation- inspired sequences projected on the screens. The scene evokes the destruction of the world: the tree is ablaze and the planet is in peril.




They Don’t Care About Us
In a reenactment of the number that was designed for the THIS IS IT concert tour, artists dressed like soldiers wearing robot suits with LED breastplates line up to perform a powerful choreography in unison.



Will You Be There / I’ll Be There
As the soldiers’ breastplates begin to glow, artists descend from within the audience onto the stage holding red glowing hearts in a scene that evokes rebirth.

Mega Mix – Can You Feel It/Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough/Billie Jean/Black or White
This sequence is a fusion of music, dance and acrobatics. During Can You Feel It acrobats execute a Swiss rings act moving from stage to sky. This scene segues into a riveting dance number on Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough. Michael’s famed choreographic style is showcased once more during the Billie Jean sequence; his silhouette is revealed by the dancers’ LED costumes. In Black or White, performers manipulate flags in a tribute to the nations and dance styles of the world, including African, Spanish, Thai and Georgian dances.

Man In the Mirror
The show’s finale culminates with the song Man in the Mirror – a song Michael often chose to end his concerts – in a celebration of the legacy of an immortal.



Bristol Renaissance Faire Braced for Steampunk Invasion This Weekend





Polish your goggles and grab your gears.   It's time for the annual Steampunk weekend at Ren Faire July 21 & 22!   Check out ChiIL Mama's coverage from last year's Steampunk Invasion by clicking the link right here.
Steampunk Weekend 2011-Photo Filled Recap




Klaxton

Steampunk Invasion - July 21 and 22, 2012
Where do steam, gears and inventions ahead of their time fit in to the
Renaissance? Just ask any apprentice of Leonardo DaVinci and you’ll see
how the consummate Renaissance man paved the way for this
outside-the-box invasion.


Green Fairy


Absinthe Cocktail Bar (July 21 & 22)
Explore the delicious art of sublimation with six exclusive Absinthe cocktails
this weekend only. The bar will be moving to shadier grounds this
year. Stay tuned for the final location!


Steampunk

Steampunk Promenade Contest - Saturday July 21, 2012 - Globe Stage - 5:30pm
All the aetherometers point to a glorious stroll this Saturday. Polish
your combobulator pistol and tighten your high-altitude airship
goggles. Whether you're the legionnaire, the engineer or the clockwork
servant, we're looking for the best man, woman and couple to win prizes
in gold coin.  Cheerio!


Rooster

The "Fantasy Facial Hair" Contest - Sunday July 22, 2012 - Globe Stage - 5:30pm
You are not too lazy to shave. You are preparing for Bristol's manliest
competition to date. Bristol invites men (and ladies!) everywhere to
join us for our fantasy facial hair competition to win prizes, the
adoration of the women and the envy of the men.


How to Enter:
It is FREE to enter the competition. Come to the Globe Stage
at 5:30pm. Entrants will be invited on stage by category. Each entrant will
have a brief moment to take center stage and showcase their "hair". A
winner will be chosen from each category by our panel of judges. All 6
champions will receive a prize worthy of their dedication to the contest.
Rules: You may only enter one category.
Categories:
Best Fake (This is the only category where
synthetic hair is accepted. All other categories are for naturally grown facial
hair.)
Best Shaped / Waxed
Vividly Colored
Ultimate Adorned
Full Beard Freestyle (aka Beard Topiaries)
International Historical (see graphic below for qualifying styles)

Historical Styles


Check out Steampunk Chicago right here, for more steampunk events, fashion, music, books, film and fun!!   Here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows we've thoroughly enjoyed shooting a ton of photos and videos at steampunk shows like steampunk burlesque extravaganza, Carnivale Delirium at Reggie's Rock Club here.   




Check out these photos from Steampunk Thursdays that ran briefly at Elate and have now turned into a jazz night.

We've still got lots more to come.   Check back here like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often, for more steampunkery fun. 
  

DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR LANDS IN CHICAGO 7/25!


Astrid (Sarah McCreanor) Flying 
production photos by Lisa Tomasetti


Dragons and Drama and Dreamworks...oh my

High-Flying, Fire-Breathing Dragons Take Flight on Worldwide Tour
on the Heels of Smash Hit Run in Australia & New Zealand
United Center, Chicago, July 25-29, 2012
Tickets on Sale Now
______________________________________________________________
ChiIL Mama is sooo stoked for opening night, next Wednesday!!   Our family can not wait to see the giant, fire breathing dragons interacting with live action martial arts, aerial arts and acrobatics.   Dragons and Vikings are two of our favorite subjects and our whole family LOVES the movie version of How to Train Your Dragon.   I think I'm even more excited about it than the kids are.


Don't miss this one.   ChiIL Mama's readers can get a special 25% discount with the code MOM!   *25% off on select weekday show seats (includes Friday nights) available for ALL shows nationwide with the promo code MOM.


As most of you know, my 9 & 11 year olds have trained in circus arts for two years with CircEsteem and are on the pre-team, so aerial acts and circus arts are of particular interest to our family.   My son is training in trapeze and silks and my daughter has taken both those classes and spanish web, lyra, and Chinese pole too!   


We see a lot of circus shows, but when you add in Vikings and mythical creatures this is sure to be an experience unlike any other.




How To Train Your Dragon, Nadder and Viking




This summer, Chicago audiences will experience the magic of Viking warriors and fire-breathing dragons that soar through arena skies in DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR. The smash hit show from Australia and New Zealand will delight audiences at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, for five days only, July 25-29, 2012. To bring the beloved 3D-animated movie How to Train Your Dragon to life, DreamWorks Animation – the studio behind other modern classics including MadagascarShrek and Kung Fu Panda – enlisted Global Creatures, the masterminds behind the international phenomenon Walking with Dinosaurs. The result is a breathtaking live action experience in which 23 dragons (some with wingspans of up to 46 feet), Viking warriors and world-class circus artists and acrobats, perform against a state-of-the-art, wall-to-floor immersive projection measuring more than 20,000 square feet.

The high-tech, high-energy spectacular breaks every rule of theatrical entertainment to fully immerse audiences into the show in ways that have not been attempted before. Barely contained within the arena, DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR  utilizes the full venue, maximizing every dimension of the performance space to transport audiences into a mythical world of fire-breathing dragons that float underwater and soar and bank overhead at great speeds. The state-of-the-art animatronic technology and large-scale cinematic projections interact seamlessly with the live actors, who bring DreamWorks Animation’s heartwarming story to life through theatrical storytelling, martial arts and acrobatics.


Hiccup (Rarmian Newton) and Toothless Flying



"The creativity, technology and sheer size of this show is unprecedented and we are thrilled to serve as hosts here at the United Center," said Vince Amatuzzi, Director of Marketing, United Center. "Children and adults alike will marvel at the magnitude of the experience and won't soon forget it."

DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR will appear at the United Center on Wednesday, July 25 at 7:00 PM; Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 PM; Friday, July 27 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, July 28 at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Sunday, July 29 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM with free parking at official United Center parking lots for all performances.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $26.50 plus applicable facility fees and service charges.  They may be purchased through Ticketmaster or by going to www.unitedcenter.comA limited number of special premium Dragon Hot Seats, VIP and family packages are available.

A remarkable sneak peek of DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR aired May 11 on the TODAY Show. 

For more information on DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR, please visit  www.dreamworksdragonslive.com.






ABOUT HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR was created by DreamWorks Animation, producers of the Academy Award®-nominated film, How to Train Your Dragon, which grossed approximately $500 million at the worldwide box office and opened as the #1 film in more than 30 countries, and Global Creatures, the masterminds behind the international phenomenon Walking with Dinosaurs, the #1-grossing world tour of 2010. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR’s worldwide tour is exclusively promoted by S2BN Entertainment and delivers some of the most ambitious theatrical technology to ever tour the arena.

The live production rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and heartfelt laughter into an original captivating story set in the mythical world of Vikings and wild dragons.  Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, it centers on Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers.  Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. The story presents a vision so grand in scale that only DreamWorks Animation and Global Creatures could bring How to Train Your Dragon to life in front of a live audience.

“In our film, audiences around the world were transported to the mythical world of Vikings and dragons… and now, we are excited to immerse them in a one-of-a-kind live event in HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “The innovative team at Global Creatures and the creative storytellers at DreamWorks Animation have done an inspired job in every imaginable way to present this story on an unprecedented scale that will take global audiences to unforgettable new heights. We are happy to be working with Michael Cohl and his team at S2BN Entertainment to promote and take this show around the world.”

Global Creatures Chief Executive Officer Carmen Pavlovic added, “With DreamWorks we have forged a relationship with one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. The collaboration fuses our own world-class technology with the vision and dedication of a company renowned for its cutting-edge creativity and storytelling skill. We are excited to expand the boundaries of public expectation by creating a show that combines dynamic creatures, world class performers and incredible staging to not only thrill and intrigue, but to engage audiences on an emotional level as well.”

Michael Cohl is the founder and chairman of S2BN Entertainment, global promoter for HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR, and serves as lead producer of the Broadway’s smash hit Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Cohl commented, “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR is the next logical step for me after Spider-Man: to be back in arenas where I’ve always been, and where the most exciting things happen. We are thrilled to be setting a new gold standard for live family entertainment while utilizing the full scope and scale of the arena floor and fly space. The show delivers cutting-edge production values which tell an incredible story and create an unforgettable and magical experience. This show will mesmerize children and parents alike.”
“A visual and technical work of mind-boggling proportions.” – Australian Stage
Sponsored by HP, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR is brought to life through state-of-the-art technology unlike anything ever seen before in a live event experience.  Through DreamWorks Animation’s ongoing strategic relationship with HP, HP technology is part of the digital backbone for the production, providing family audiences across the globe with the most captivating live entertainment possible.

“Nothing less than sensational.” – Aussietheater.com

Young Hollywood actor Riley Miner, an accomplished dancer and musical theater performer, will play the lead role of Hiccup.  Joining Miner to share the role of Hiccup is Rarmian Newton, who won a Helpmann Award for his performance in the Australian production of Billy Elliot The Musical (2008). American stunt performer Gemma Nguyen, a third degree Black Belt and six-time world champion in Tae Kwon Do, plays Astrid.  Sharing the role of Astrid is 19-year-old Queenslander Sarah McCreanor who has starred in her own comedic productions and performed in a range of musicals and comedy shows.  Stalwart Australian actor Robert Morgan plays Stoick, Hiccup’s father and the rough and ready old-school chieftain of the brawny Viking tribe.  American Will Watkins, an accomplished fencer, will star as Gobber; French Kung Fu champion and stuntman Godefroy Ryckewaert plays Snotlout and Texan hip-hop dancer and rapper Dexter Mayfield will play Fishlegs. Australian hip-hop and break-dancer Virackhaly Ngeth has been cast as Ruffnut and Sydney break-dancer Frace Luke Mercado, a founding member of SKB (Street Kulture Breakers), as Tuffnut.

The cast of performers is assisted by an international technical team who has collectively created many of the world’s most memorable spectacles.  The team is led by award-winning director Nigel Jamieson, who won the 2011 Helpmann Award as Best Director for his production of Opera Australia’s La Fanciulla del West, as well as production designer Peter England and costume / projection designer Dan Potra.  The dragons themselves are created by Sonny Tilders and his team at The Creature Technology Company, whose work includes Walking With Dinosaurs – the Arena Spectacular.  The cast of 23 dragons pays homage to all of the favorites from the DreamWorks Animation film, including the single largest animatronic creature ever made by The Creature Technology Company. The stunning score features compositions from Icelandic singer-songwriter Jonsi from Sigur Ros and Oscar-nominated British film composer John Powell, who created the original score for the feature film.

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world.  DreamWorks Animation is the largest animation studio in the world and has released 23 animated feature films, which have enjoyed both critical and commercial successes. These include the franchise properties of ShrekMadagascarKung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. DreamWorks Animation became the first studio to produce all of its feature films in 3D and in 2010 became the first Company to release three CG feature films in 3D in a single year.  The Company has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. DreamWorks Theatricals was established by DreamWorks Animation in 2007 to develop and produce live stage and arena show productions inspired by the Company’s franchise properties. Current productions in development – including How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular and Kung Fu Panda Arena Spectacular– are one-of-a-kind, global tours and immersive entertainment experiences for the whole family. DreamWorks Theatricals productions are guided by much of the creative leadership team that develops the studio’s award-winning feature films.





Making of the dragons 4 - Gronckle




GLOBAL CREATURES
Global Creatures is an international entertainment group that develops new and exciting theatrical productions to take to audiences around the world.  The animatronics arm, The Creature Technology Company, invents and deploys the latest in animatronic design.  Their hugely successful production Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC TV series, represents a new entertainment genre all on its own.  The production is a spectacle of unprecedented size and quality, which captivates young and old alike.  The Walking with Dinosaurs tour was the number-one tour worldwide in 2010.  Global Creatures has announced King Kong – Live on Stage, which will be produced in cooperation with the estate of “Kong” creator Merian C. Cooper.  Global Creatures and Bazmark (the multimedia company founded and owned by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin) has announced a partnership to produce a stage musical adaptation of the first movie of Baz Luhrmann’s groundbreaking Red Curtain Trilogy, Strictly Ballroom.

S2BN ENTERTAINMENT
S2BN is an entertainment company specializing in the production of family oriented shows for theaters and arenas.  Currently, S2BN has three successful shows in operation: the record-breaking smash hit Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway; Rock of Ages now in its fourth year on Broadway, recently opened in London, touring throughout North America and on June 1, 2012 a major Warner Bros. Picture Release; and thirdly, Fuerza Bruta, also in its fifth year in New York and touring throughout the world.  For 30+ years S2BN’s leadership has been a dominant and innovative force in the international concert touring industry, working in exclusive partnerships with renowned, global artists such as The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, U2 and Pink Floyd among many others.  In that time they have also created and/or promoted a wide range of unique family entertainment attractions in tennis, figure skating, motorsports, boxing and wrestling as well as theater, opera and symphony.

RZO DRAGON PRODUCTIONS
The RZO Companies group was formed on July 1, 1988 through the merger of Sound Advice, Inc. and Joseph Rascoff & Company, Inc. by their principals William Zysblat and Joseph Rascoff, respectively. For more than 25 years, RZO and its predecessor organizations have been actively involved in the music business as tour producers and full-service business managers. RZO has represented such illustrious music artists as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Sting, U2, The Police, Luis Miguel, Patti LaBelle, David Byrne and many others.  The Company also represents personalities such as Carson Daly and Iman, along with the Estates of John Lennon and Ira and George Gershwin.

About the United Center
The United Center is a state-of-the-art, 960,000 square-foot multi-use entertainment facility that has welcomed more than 40 million fans since opening in 1994. Home of the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League and the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association, the United Center hosts more than 200 events each year, including the best musical performers, sporting events, family shows and special events in the industry. A commitment to superior service makes the United Center one of the top venues in the world.  For more information, visit United Center's main site here.









Astrid (Sarah McCreanor) and Hiccup (Rarmian Newton), photo credit Lisa Tomasetti

THE COMPANY BAND Pros and Cons EP Available for Pre-Order


THE COMPANY BAND Pros and Cons EP Available for Pre-Order 

Pros & Cons EP Available July 31st via Weathermaker Music

ChiIL Live Shows just caught up with lead singer, Neil Fallon from Clutch, for a video interview at The Vogue in Indianapolis.   We'll be publishing that in the near future, so check back early and often.   Fallon is also the vocalist for The Company Band and Weathermaker Music is Clutch's own label.
Since THE COMPANY BAND first got together in 2006, the group has solely existed through semi-annual corporate retreats. These meetings developed into an organization of odd fellows featuring vocalist Neil Fallon from Clutch, drummer Jess Margera from CKY, guitarist / vocalist Jim Rota from Fireball Ministry, bassist Brad Davis from Fu Manchu and guitarist Dave Bone. Since the beginning, the group has rarely surfaced to show their hand. In 2007 it was the Sign Here, Here and Here EP. In 2009 it was The Company Band album along with the It's A Confusing World / Not Fragile single. And after a recent retreat at a beach house in Venice, the group have a new five song EP ready entitled Pros & Cons.  Pros & Cons will be released July 31st via Weathermaker Music.

Starting today both the CD and vinyl editions of the Pros & Cons EP are available for pre-order at THE COMPANY BAND's Official Store HERE.  The collector's edition vinyl is limited to 1,000 individually numbered pieces with one side featuring etched artwork.  Pre-order your copy now as these are sure to sell out fast.

An EPK has been released, which gives fans further insight into the band and the upcoming Pros & Cons EP.  Check it out HERE and delve deeper into who THE COMPANY BAND are and what they stand for.

The first single from the EP entitled "House of Capricorn" received its exclusive premiere via Antiquiet.com.  Check out the song and read a little insight on the track from frontman Neil Fallon HERE.

Not many have known the origins of THE COMPANY BAND until Jess Margera finally opened up about its inception. "I crossed paths with Jim on tour and knew we should open up shop immediately. Do some instrumentals that could be valuable in the placement market. Then he suggested getting Bone involved. It's then when we laid down our original presentation that we took to Neil. We hoped he could be a guest speaker on one of the tracks but it fortunately turned out that he wanted a permanent seat. Brad Davis came seamlessly into the fold later as he was already a compatriot with several of the members, musically and socially."

With everyone's bands creating such a difficult schedule, how do they make it all happen? "I don't want to say we pay great attention to astrology, but..." said Neil Fallon trailing off.  "On this one, I chose the spot for the retreat in Venice. A great location will not only bring the people out, but it will also bring the best out of the people." And when THE COMPANY BAND do get together, it's an occasion not to be missed. The group can be seen performing limited live demonstrations toward the end of July.  Dates are listed below.

Pros & Cons EP Tracklisting:
1)    House of Capricorn

2)    Black Light Fever

3)    Kill Screen

4)    Loc Nar

5)    El Dorado


THE COMPANY BAND Live:
7/26: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts - TICKETS

7/27: Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus - TICKETS

7/28: Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall - TICKETS


For More Info Visit:

http://www.facebook.com/thecompanyband
http://www.myspace.com/thecoband
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Company_Band
http://thecompanyband.bandcamp.com/
http://weathermakermusic.com/ 

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