SUMMERTIME JAMS!!!!!

     I was sitting here thinking to myself how its been at least 3 years since I've been to a concert. It was in November 2008 and went and saw the great Tina Turner!! Wow, what a show!! That is one experience I will never forget, but as of lately, I've been craving some more action. I decided to look at whats coming to Orlando this summer and boy was I blown away!! Orlando will be booming this summer with all kind of acts from across different genres heading to rock Orlando! I'm sure you'll be able to find the show for you!!

     The most recent tour coming up is the one and only sultry Sade with special guest John Legend. This is a tour that I'm really excited about. A little too calm and toned down for my taste but if you're into the groovy melodies of Sade or the sophisticated soul of John Legend, this is a show for you! They will be rocking the house on July 17 at the Amway Center

     Another exciting show that may thrill you is pop icon Britney Spears! She will be joined on the stage by the #1 female rapper in country, Nicki Minaj on July 20. This show is sure to be a good one. Whether your coming to see Nicki Minaj's over-the-top antics, or to see the over-medicated Britney Spears try and get through another performance, then this one is definitely for you.

If you were a teeny-bopper in the 90's then this one is gonna blow you away. Not only are the 90's icons New Kids on the Block coming to Orlando on July 22, but they are joined by pop sensation The Backstreet Boys!! I personally wont be going to see this one (simply because I'm not a woman) but if you were into the pop craze of the 90's that brought us stars such as N*SYNC, Britney Spears, and Christina, then this is a double whammy for you!!

For all my Latin music fans out there, you wont be left out this summer because "Mr. J-Lo" himself will be in the house. Thats right, none other than Marc Anthony will be hitting the stage at the Amway Center on September 18. Sure to be a good one!

If none of these shows tickle your fancy and you just wanna hear some good down home country, then have no fear, Sugarland is here! (Well, they'll be here on October 20, but you get the point) For someone who is NOT a fan of Country music at all, I must say that I actually like Sugarland. I know they had more than one song that stuck in my head for a while, and the lead singer looks like she would be fun to watch live.

For all my party people who just wanna dance and "fist pump" the night away then get ready because The Euphoria Tour with Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull will be blazing Orlando on October 21. So grab your shades and glow sticks cause I got a feeling this one is gonna be crazy!!!

Country fans also have another option this fall because Josh Groban brings his show to Orlando on October 29. I know many women will be flocking to go see this one. He is sure to rock the house!


WOW, Orlando will most definitely be rocking out this summer!! I know I'll be going to at least one of these shows, but there are so many to choose from!!! This is gonna be a tough one!! If you are interested in knowing what else is coming to Orlando or to purchase tickets for one of these shows then head on over to Ticketmaster by clicking here.

See ya there!!

Full Sail ESPN College Gameday Shoot

Today at Full Sail University, ESPN held a College Gameday Shoot. It was a pretty nice event. Here are a few pics from today.

Apparently there were a few wacky events that conspired before my arrival....Heres one of them!!

The NEW Business Plan....

Que in the choir!!! The clouds have finally parted and the sun is shining bright once again with my future business plans! The past 3 months I have been extensively researching what I thought was an excellent idea. The original plan was to start up a cable company that has a somewhat "a la carte" system. With this system customers could choose which channel they wanted in their cable packages. If you only watch ten channels, the you should only have to pay for ten channels, right? The idea seemed unsurmountable, and I was completely sold on this idea....until I found out that it JUST WONT WORK!! According to all of my previous research, this idea is far from new. In fact, for the past 15 years, many have been trying to get this "idea" to work, only to get shut down time and time again by the FCC.

So, with that being said, in order for me to really get a grasp of this business plan, if I was gonna change it, I needed to do it now! So the wheels in my head slowly started to turn...and turn...and turn. And then it hit me!! As an aspiring artist, I thought to myself, "what if there was a place where up-and-coming artist could hone there skills and showcase their work?" The first thing that popped in my head was the now deceased historical club CBGB. So many artist were born there. Yes, of course this has been done before, but I think I have a bit of an edge. You know what that edge is? Location, Location, Location!!!

Here at Full Sail, there is a PLETHORA of unsurfaced talent. So many students have dreams and ideas that they may like to express outside of a classroom setting or a "classroom style" studio. This venue would serve as a launching pad for so many artist. Recording Arts students in particular, may want to showcase their new tracks to an audience. They could book a night at my club, and have somewhat of a listening party. Do you and your struggling band need a place to rehearse? Come on down to _______. Umm, okay so I haven't figured out a name yet. To be honest I really haven't fully figured out this plan. This idea though, is a starting point. The wheels in my head have begun to turn once again!! Hallelujah!!

You can tell the choir to sit down now.

The Entertainment Cut-back

     Have you ever noticed that your favorite television shows are airing seasons that are becoming shorter and shorter? For example, I usually expect to enjoy 22 episodes per season of The Office, whereas now, networks have slimmed that down to 15. If you're not really a tv kind of person then consider this; remember when albums were released that had at least 16+ songs on it, whereas now you'd be lucky to squeeze out even 12 songs from your favorite artist? This is a problem that I have noticed for a couple years now. Are these companies simply cutting out the crap, or can they not afford it?

     I find it almost sad that audiences have to wait almost a year for a season to air, only for the season to wrap up 2 months later. A perfect example of that would be The Game. This was a show that originally aired on the CW network. It was a mediocre show that was eventually cancelled. By the power of the viewers it was resurrected under BET network. From the month of September until its air date of January 11, BET advertised this show heavily. When it aired, it became BET's highest ranking show in history, only for the season finale to be over by March. A lot of people, including myself felt cheated that we had to wait that long only for a snippet of a season.

     Well the problem here is that these production companies simply cant afford to bring you the entertainment that they used to. With cuts being made left and right from every angle, it is more economical for a company to cut back on their expenses, even if it does bring them in revenue. With that being said, networks only purchase one season at a time with less episodes. One of my favorite shows Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been renewed for a 6th season, and FX only ordered 13 episodes. THIRTEEN?? Thats it?? If you look at it from a viewer stand point, its a rip-off. However, from the network's point of view, it is a more economical move.


From the music standpoint, I personally prefer ten great songs on an album versus eight "ok" songs and five "filler" songs that shouldnt even be on an album. With that being said, I personally agree with the record label cutbacks. As a person who still buys albums, (why do I feel like the stone age when I say that?) there is nothing I hate worse than buying an album, only to like about 3 out of 12 songs on it. With less people buying albums, record labels are starting to realize that you cant sell us crap and tell us its apple pie. Well, not me anyway.

The Recording Institute Association of America (The Who, What & When)

     We were asked in class to do our next blog on a specific professional association that is related to our field. Of course, by now you all should know (in case you haven't picked this fact up from my previous post) that music is my number one passion. So, naturally the industry that I chose to talk about is The Recording Institute Association of America, also known as the RIAA. The RIAA a trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. They are the reason you have a cd case or ipod or any other form of musicThe members of this association are record labels that make up the fabric of the America's music industry. Currently, the RIAA is responsible for 85% of all recorded music in the United States. When an artist releases an album and its goes gold or platinum etc., it is the Recording Institute Association of America that actually certifies a recording to that status.


     Currently, its CEO is Mitch Bainwol. The RIAA's members include such record labels as Virgin, Elektra, Columbia, Sony & Capitol Records. The Board of Directors of the RIAA currently consist of 20 members. This association has thrived on the hearts and wallets of American's. The Association is almost single handedly responsible for the favorite songs of all Americans for the past 60 years. It seems like it would be more than that, to be quite honest. 


Sounds pretty cool right? Well, not so fast my friend. Unfortunately, in order to become a member. You have to be a record label. This association does not offer membership on an associate or individual basis. That sucks right. I know pretty soon, I may not be able to become a member, but they will be certifying my records. Platinum, Platinum, and more multi-platinum.!!!

If you'd like to take a look for yourself, click here

David Byrne: TED Profile

I was recently inspired by this speech/demonstration done by David Byrne. He is a musician, author, filmmaker, curator, urban designer, and humanist. He was once the lead singer and musical leader of the Talking Heads, whom I love. This is also the reason I chose this person.

He leads off by discussing his days with the Talking Heads in CBGB. I was pleased to discover the sound dynamics of that room. I always wondered why punk music, particularly the punk acts from this era had that loud, grungy, lightly distorted sound. He made it clear why. I now know that the sound and sound structure of a room and can give a song or a sound a certain feeling and creates a certain atmosphere.

One thing that liked about his speech from the beginning was his use of humor and wit. He conveys all of the four major attributes a good speaker should have.

I found his speech very insightful. I must admit that I was expecting him to talk about the various stages of his very successful music career and how he has managed to explore various avenues of the arts, but I did enjoy this speech and now I fully understand that sound acoustics are extremely important. It was very interesting to discover how the evolution of sound quality is almost directly correlated to the evolution of music as whole. From the clear empty rooms that Bach and Mozart used compose to the hi-fi sound of the disco techs. I especially liked how he referred to the modern automobile as a venue in itself, and how hip-hop music of today with all the bass and 808's are perfectly tailored for you to "bump" in your car.

The speech was excellent for me. As an aspiring performer, I now know the importance of good sound dynamics and how it affects a song or sound. I now understand why artist fly all over the world to record in various studios. It is not just to get away, its for the quality of sound. Excellent storytelling!

Take a look for yourself Here

2011 GRAMMY AWARDS....WHAT A NIGHT!!

     This Sunday was the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. In my previous post, I discussed who would be performing at what is coined "Music's Biggest Night". I must say I was well-pleased with the performances.....All of them. Okay, so lets get to it!

     Kicking off the night was a stirring tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin. Partaking in this tribute was gospel-great Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, and Florence of Florence and The Machine. I'm not surprised by the first three, but Martina and Florence took me by surprise. Following her tragic Superbowl performance last week, Christina bounced back with this one, out-singing all of her peers. including Jennifer Hudson!! Not to be ingored however, was Florence. She really showed off her pipes in this performance!! It was an excellent way to open the show.

     There werent many awards given out that evening. Instead they decided to give us a full blown concert...And what a concert it was!
     The next performance (and the one we were all waiting for) was GAGA!!! Judging from her previous performances which included breaking glass and blood and goth, I must admit I was a little disappointed with Lady G's performance. She seemed off with the choreography and the singing was only OK. To put it in so many words, I've seen better!

     Following this debacle was yet another. Miranda Lambert took the stage to perform some song. Now, dont get me wrong, I dont hate country music, but that performance was just B-O-R-I-N-G!! I really dont even remember it. They could have swapped her out for Adele who's currently #1 in 17 COUNTRIES!!! Now thats a performance I would have liked to see!!

     Lenny Kravitz took the stage to introduce Muse who really livened things up with with their hard-rocking song "Uprising". They are starting to become one of my favorites, along with a few other names

     Up next was one of the highlights of the night. Nominees Bruno Mars, Janelle Monae, and B.O.B. all took the stage for a collaborative performance. This was most definitely one of the most entertaining performances of the night. Bruno and B.O.B. kicked off the set with an acoustic version of "Nothing on You" with Janelle singing beautiful background vocals. After that Bruno took the stage and gave a bluesy rendition of "Grenade" which was a crowd pleaser. And the came Janelle. Singing her hit song "Cold War" she took the crowd by storm dancing and sliding across the stage. She even did a stage dive. (Now when's the last time you've seen that at the Grammy's). Definitely one of the best performances of the night!

     Up next was everyones favorite haircut...Thats right, the Bieb!!! Justin Bieber took the stage, much to the delight of all teenage girls across America. He started off with a tribute to Usher (weird) Then proceeded to perform "Baby" and "Never Say Never". He was soon joined onstage by Jaden Smith as they both "fought off ninjas" in a tribute to Smiths latest movie "Karate Kid". And just when you thought it was over "Daddy's Home". Usher took the stage to perform his massive hit "OMG" before being joined onstage by his son Beiber. That outfit he had on reminded me of Bobby Brown circa 1990 (He is practically wearing the same thing in his "Every Little Step I Take" video) Also, another great performance!

     The next performance was that of newcomers Mumford & Sons, who performed their hit "The Cave" before being joined onstage by the Avett Brothers (not familiar) and also the legendary Bob Dylan. Mumfords performance was GREAT, the other two, not so much. But it was entertaining, considering this being my first time witnessing Bob Dylan on stage.

What I didnt understand was that completely lackluster "tribute" to Teddy Pendergrass  done by Lady Antebellum. They sung exactly ONE LINE of his song before going into "Need You Now", which they won an award for afterward. The performance was good. I love the song, but it was kind of low-energy...but then again, what can you expect from Country music (I'm just saying, not stepping on any toes)

Up next was yet another highlight of the night. The eccentric Cee-Lo Green took the stage by storm performing his smash hit "F*** You". Not only was the song good, but he performed it in a space-age-George-Clinton-meets-Big-Bird outfit that was a feast (or a sore) to the eyes. He was joined on stage by muppet like puppets that looked like throwback Fraggle Rock characters. It was incredible!! Somehow, the theme of that song and the theme of that performance seemed to fit just right. And if that wasnt enough for you, joining him on stage was the lovely Gwenyth Paltrow. Now THAT was something I didnt expect at all....excellent performance

Cee-Lo was followed by Katy Perry who performed "Teenage Dream" and "Firework". Great performance...nothing really spectacular. She arrived on stage from a swing and her extra long dress served as a screen for the projector. Thats about it.

     Perry was followed by Rihanna and Eminem...and then Rihanna and Drake. Its not often that an artist gets to perform twice on the Grammys. Rihanna is definitely hot stuff right now.....but those performances....Umm. Now dont get me wrong, she had Drake to help her out for a minute but when its just her....its a sight to see, not a sound to hear.

I was a bit disappointed with The Rolling Stones frontman's performance. This is supposedly Mick Jagger's first ever Grammy performance (That is a hard fact to swallow, I still find it hard to believe) I was expecting to get some "satisfaction" out of this performance, yet somehow I found myself yawning! I dont think its Mick getting older, I think it was the material he was singing. Solomon Burke is a soul singer, so if you're gonna do a tribute, the performer should be a soul singer, right? Not the case here. I love the Stones and I love Mick Jagger....but I did not like this performance....at all.

This just about sums up the highlights of "music's biggest night". I can honestly see why Sunday had the highest ratings in 11 years. All in all, it was an amazing show! To see full performances click here