Gregg Martinez Unleashes The Soul Of The Bayou This Spring

Posted on February 29, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Louisiana Red Hot Records

This spring, veteran vocalist Gregg Martinez will release his latest full-length album.

Soul of the Bayou, Martinez’s eleventh full-length studio offering, will be released Friday, April 15^th via Louisiana Red Hot Records. The album boasts a variety of topics and sounds throughout the course of its ten-song body including: The funky soul-driven ‘I Can’t Stan The Rain,’ and ‘If You Want Me To Stay,’ and the much more reserved and emotional ‘Who’s Loving You’ and ‘You’ve Got To Hurt Before You Heal’ just to name a handful of songs. There is also a cover of legendary tenor Johnny Adams’ ‘I Wish I’d Never Loved You At All’ included in the album’s body. The album’s complete song list is noted below.

Soul of the Bayou Song List

I Can’t Stand The Rain
Who’s Lovin’ You
Remember You Used To Love Me
I Wish I’d Never Loved You At All
That Old Wind
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
If You Want Me To Stay
If I Had Any Pride Left At All
Mac Daddy
You’ve Got To Hurt Before You Heal

Martinez is currently touring in support of Soul of the Bayou ahead of its upcoming release. He will be live at the Rock N Bowl in New Orleans, LA this Wednesday, March 2^nd before heading to Broussard, LA this Friday, March 4^th. Martinez’s current tour schedule also includes a performance at the annual New Orleans Jazz Fest on Sunday, May 1^st in New Orleans, LA. Martinez’s current tour schedule is listed below.

Gregg Martinez Live:

Wednesday, March 2 Rock N Bowl New Orleans, LA

Friday, March 4 Le Triomphe/solo Broussard, LA

Saturday, March 5 Mojo’s at Evangeline Downs Opelousas, LA

Wednesday, March 9 Bocat’s at Cypress Bayou Casino Charenton, LA

Saturday, March 19 VFW Orange, TX

Tuesday, March 29 Loco’s at Cypress Bayou Casino Charenton, LA

Sunday, April 3 2:30pm Cypress Sawmill Festival Patterson, LA

Friday, April 22 7:00pm Étouffée Festival Arnaudville, LA

Saturday, April 23 3:00pm Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum Biloxi, MS

Sunday, May 1 12:00pm New Orleans Jazz Fest New Orleans, LA

Friday, May 13 6:00pm Music & Market Opelousas, LA

Friday, July 15 10:00pm Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Gonzales, LA

More information on Soul of the Bayou is available online now along with all of Gregg Martinez’s latest headlines at:

Website: http://www.greggmartinez.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gregg-Martinez-the-Delta-Kings-102850673086400/?fref=ts

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Yanni To Release New Live Recording This Summer

Posted on February 29, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Portrait/Sony Music Masterworks

World renowned musical icon Yanni will release his latest live recording this summer.

Yanni: The Dream Concert Live From The Great Pyramids of Egypt will be released this Friday, June 3rd. The concert will be available in stores and online on CD/DVD combo pack and standalone Blu-ray platform. It will be released via Portrait/Sony Masterworks and will be available for Pre-order this Friday, March 4^th. It will air on PBS stations nationwide this Saturday, March 5^th ahead of its worldwide release. Audiences can check local listings for the program’s airtime on their PBS affiliate at http://www.pbs.org/.

From the Acropolis to China’s Forbidden City to India’s Taj Mahal and points all around the world Yanni has spent decades spreading his music to the masses around the world. Now in his latest live recording Yanni performs live from another one of the original seven wonders of the world in the form of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Originally filmed in November 2015, the concert was recorded in 4K state-of-the-art high definition audio and video. It features a set list that spans Yanni’s decades-long career and also includes never-before performed songs and new arrangements of his classic hits. Yanni discussed his love for Egypt and the Great Pyramids as a reason for recording and releasing this concert as well as the manner in which the event was captured. “It has long been a dream of mine to perform at the Great Pyramids of Egypt, or as I like to call it, ‘The Heart of Civilization!!’ he said of his desire to perform at the Pyramids of Giza. He also noted Egypt’s rich culture and its people as inspiration for his performance saying, “I am really grateful that this dream has now been fulfilled. During my visit and performances in Egypt I experienced and fell in love with the beautiful culture, joyous and welcoming spirit, warmth and overwhelming generosity of its people.” In regards to the concert’s recording he noted its exclusivity saying, “This was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable event and it has been immortalized in a stunning 4K video production with the best 5.1 surround audio that I have ever made in my life. It will forever be etched in my mind and in my heart.”

Yanni is currently touring in support of his latest album Sensuous Chill, which was released earlier this year via Portrait Records. Audiences can view his current tour schedule online now at http://www.yanni.com/tour. More information on Yanni: The Dream Concert Live From The Great Pyramids of Egypt is available online now along with all of Yanni’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.yanni.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialYanni

Twitter: http://twitter.com/yanni

PBS Announces Release Date For New Episode Of Nature

Posted on February 29, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

PBS and PBS Distribution have announced they will release another new episode of PBS’ hit wildlife series Nature next month.

Nature: Moose – Life of a Twig Eater will be released Tuesday, March 22^nd. The hour-long program will be available exclusively on DVD and will retail for MSRP of $24.99. It follows cameraman and naturalist Hugo Kitching as he spends a year in the wilderness with moose populations. He does so in order to try and uncover the source of an uncommonly high mortality rate among juvenile moose. His time is spent largely in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. Along with his work following a young mother moose and its calf, the program also covers work being done in Grand Portage, MN where the moose population has declined by some sixty-four percent since 1990. Viewers will see researchers capture young calves just long enough to collect blood samples and put tracking collars on them so as to get answers about their population decline. Current results have shown that brainworm and winter ticks are two of the leading causes behind the decline. There are other causes that are discussed at more length in the program. Audiences can view a trailer for this episode of Nature online now via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlQbZni5Mww.

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

Nature: Moose – Life of a Twig Eater will be released Tuesday, March 22^nd. It will retail for MSRP of $24.99 but can be ordered at a discounted price of $19.99 via PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=87689536&cp=&kw=nature+moose++life+of+a+twig+eater&origkw=Nature%3A+Moose+%C3%82%C2%96+Life+of+a+Twig+Eater+&sr=1. More information on this and other episodes of Nature is available online now at:

Website: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PBSNature

5FDP Premieres ‘My Nemesis’ Video

Posted on February 29, 2016 by philspicks

Five Finger Death Punch has released its latest video. And it is one of that audiences will not forget.

Courtesy: Prospect Park Records

Five Finger Death Punch has teamed up with Vevo to debut the video for its latest single ‘My Nemesis.’ The song is taken from the band’s latest album Got Your Six.

The video follows two teenagers in two very different situations who are ultimately brought together after leaving their homes. The pair eventually ends up separating at the video’s end. But their journeys are the most gripping part of the video’s story. Their stories are meant to illustrate the difficult situations that so many people face every day. Directed by Nick Peterson the video depicts imagery that some audiences might find unsettling. While that is the intent in the video viewer discretion is still advised. It is not the first time that Peterson has teamed up with 5FDP. Peterson also directed the band’s videos for ‘Wrong Side of Heaven’ and ‘Coming Down.’ Audiences can view the video for ‘My Nemesis’ online now via Vevo at http://www.vevo.com/watch/US5Z51500662?syndicationid=bb8a16ab-1279-4f17-969b-1dba5eb60eda&shortlink=j171aL&country=US.

Courtesy: Vevo/Prospect Park Records

In conjunction with the video’s premiere, 5FDP is encouraging fans to share their own “Nemesis” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by completing the phrase #MyNemesis is _________ and I will #OVERCOME. Fans can share their nemesis by searching the hashtags #MyNemesis and #OVERCOME. The band is encouraging fans to share their own stories with one another and with the band as a means to build strength and a sense of community among its fans. Fans can go online now to see all of the current fan responses and are encouraged to share their own stories.

Five Finger Death Punch will hit the road this spring in support of Got Your Six beginning April 15^th in Perth, Australia. The band will also join Shinedown for a handful of co-headlining dates on its upcoming tour. There will also be dates with Black Sabbath, early in the band’s schedule. Ticketing an VIP info for the tour is available online now via the band’s official website at http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com. The band’s full upcoming tour schedule is noted below.

Courtesy: Concrete Marketing

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – Upcoming Tour Dates

April 15th – Perth, AU– Perth Arena (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 17th – Adelaide, AU – Adelaide Entertainment Center (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 19th – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 20th – Melbourne, AU – Melbourne Festival Hall

April 22nd – Sydney, AU – Sydney Big Top, Luna park

April 23rd – Sydney, AU – Sydney Allphones Arena (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 25th – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Center (w/ Black Sabbath)

April 30th – Ft. Myers, FL – Fort Rock Festival

May 1st – Jacksonville, FL – Welcome To Rockville

May 3rd – Evansville, IN – Ford Center (co-headlining w/Shinedown)

May 4th – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena (co-headlining w/Shinedown)

May 6th- Virginia Beach, VA– WNOR Lunatic Luau Festival

May 7th – Charlotte, NC – Carolina Rebellion Festival

May 9th – Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Arena (co-headlining w/Shinedown)

May 20th – Schaghticoke, NY – Rock’N Derby Festival

May 20th – May 22nd – Columbus, OH – Rock On The Range Festival

May 27th – May 29th – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma Festival

June 18th – Burlington, IA – Burlington Steamboat Days

June 30th – Seinajoki, FI – Provinssi Rock Fest

July 2nd – Norrkoping, SE – Bravalla Festival

July 3rd – Lobnitz, DE – With Full Force Festival

July 4th – Hradec Kralove, CZ – Rock For People

July 6th – Vienna, AT – Two Days A Week

July 7th – Poznan, PL – Jarocin Festival

July 9th – Kvinesdal, NO– Norway Rock Festival

July 14th – Oshkosh, WI – Rock USA Festival

July 16th – Cadott, WI – Rockfest Festival

July 17th – Chicago, IL – Chicago Rock Festival

August 6th – 7th – Montreal, Canada – Heavy Montreal

August 8th – Jackson, MI – Jackson County Fairgrounds

More information on Five Finger Death Punch is available online now along with information on Got Your Six, the band’s upcoming tour and more at:

Website: http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fivefingerdeathpunch

Twitter: http://twitter.com/5FDP

Academy Award-Winner “Room” Available Now In Stores And Online

Posted on February 29, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Lionsgate

The envelopes have all been opened, the statues handed out, and the champagne poured. Now that Hollywood’s biggest night has come and gone yet again audiences will be waiting for all of the winning movies to come home. One of those movies, Room, is available now.

Lionsgate has announced that its Academy Award ®–winning movie is available now on DVD + Digital combo pack and Blu-ray + Digital HD combo pack. Lead actress Brie Larson won the Oscar for Actress In A Lead Role for her portrayal of the movie’s lead character Ma at this year’s Oscars. She also took home the Golden Globe in the same category for her role in the drama. The movie follows Larson and her young co-star Jacob Tremblay (The Smurfs 2) as they attempt to escape their captivity in a 10-by-10 foot room. This comes only as Jack (Tremblay) becomes more aware of the situation in which he and his mother are stuck. The outcome of the pair’s efforts reveals its own gripping story.

Along with its central presentation Room’s home release also features a number of bonus features including but not limited to: commentary, making of featurette, and behind the scenes featurette. The complete list of the movie’s bonus features is noted below.

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary with Director Lenny Abrahamson, Cinematographer Danny Cohen, Editor Nathan Nugent, and Production Designer Ethan Tobman
“Making Room” Featurette
“11×11” Featurette
“RecreatingRoom” Featurette

Room is available now on DVD + Digital combo pack and Blu-ray + Digital HD combo pack. Audiences can view a trailer for the movie online now via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACPt_8RYp4s&feature=youtu.be.

Courtesy: Lionsgate

More information on Room is available now online at:

Website: http://www.roomthemovie.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RoomTheMovie

Twitter: http://twitter.com/roomthemovie

More information on Room and other titles from Lionsgate is available online now at:

Website: http://www.lionsgate.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lionsgate

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lionsgatemovies

Cook’s Country: Season 8 Is Another Delectable Dish Of A Season For Foodies And Cooks Alike

Posted on February 28, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

Late last year American’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country host Christopher Kimball abruptly left the long-running cooking shows after contract talks apparently broke down. Kimball’s departure came as quite a shock to the shows’ loyal fan bases. His departure from the shows left both of their fates in limbo. And now news has come out that the wait for new episodes won’t end anytime soon. As a matter of fact, it looks like fans of the hit cooking shows will have to wait until sometime in 2017 to find out what the next step will be for both programs. Though, word has it that the shows’ new host (or potentially hosts god forbid) will be announced soon. Regardless, audiences will have a long wait before they see the outcome of those decisions as new episodes won’t air until at least some time in 2017. Thankfully PBS and PBS Distribution have given fans something to be happy about while they wait. PBS and PBS Distribution released the eighth season of Cook’s Country late last year not long after Kimball announced his departure from the series. Being that whole seasons are recorded at a time, one can only hope that Season 8 won’t be the last with Kimball at the helm and that at least a ninth season will be released with everyone’s favorite celebrity cook. Even if it is, then it can be said of Season 8 that it is yet another delectable dish of a season for cooks of all kinds. This is proven primarily through its primary cooking segments. Once again, the dishes and Kimball’s cooks are the real stars, not Kimball. He remains more the emcee of sorts. The educational content that has made them so enjoyable is there, too. It’s just the tip of the iceberg that makes this season so enjoyable for audiences. The taste tests and product test segments that are tied into each episode are just as important to the season’s presentation as the show’s main cooking segments. That is because they present their own serious, educational content as the cooking segments once again. The overall structure of each episode rounds out the season’s most important elements. This includes the transitions between the segments. Whether it is for the cooking segments, the taste tests, or even for the product testing segments, all three segments play their own important part in the whole of Cook’s Country: Season 8. Altogether, they make for one more season of Cook’s Country that any seasoned foodie or freshman cook will enjoy.

The eighth season of PBS’ hit cooking series Cook’s Country is yet another season that both the most *ahem* seasoned (bad pun fully intended) cook and even the most novice will enjoy. The main reason for this is the same reason that the series has been so successful over the course of its past seven seasons—its central cooking segments. Just as with the series’ previous seasons Kimball maintains more of an emcee position in the show than the center. That is something that he had done throughout the course of the show’s previous seven seasons. He allowed his fellow cooks and their featured dishes to be the stars of the show, stepping in only to present the show’s educational content before and during each segment. In regards to that content, audiences will once again be just as impressed with that aspect. Audiences learn in the episode featuring Latin Fried Chicken that allegedly the practice of deep-frying food actually started in Africa. And in learning how to make Dakota Peach Kuchen (koo-ken), which is essentially a special kind of coffee cake (that looks really tasty by the way) that it originated in Europe. There is also an interesting revelation about Chow Mein in the season finale episode that most frozen and restaurant-made Chow Mein is not genuine Chow Mein. Even this critic was amazed to learn a very important aspect of making home-made sweet potato pie in this season. It turns out that home-made sweet potato pie will have a little bit of “jiggle” in the middle when it is done. That just means that it is time to let it set once it’s done cooking. It’s good to know that for the next time this critic (or anyone else out there) sets out to make their own home-made sweet potato pie. It’s just one more way in which the educational content presented through this season makes it yet another mouth-watering must have for cooks of all kinds. Of course it is just one part of the cooking segments that make them so enjoyable. The dishes themselves should not be ignored in their own importance.

The educational content presented within each of Season 8’s episodes is in itself more than enough reason for audiences to watch this season now that it’s available on DVD. Its inclusion is just one part of what has made the series such a hit over the course of its past seven seasons and has set it so clearly apart from the forgettable fare offered on Food Network and other channels. The dishes themselves are just as important as the educational content that is presented along with each dish. Being that spring and summer are just around the corner, this season offers lots of dishes that are perfect for anyone anxious to light up those grills. They include but are not limited to: Smoked Bourbon Chicken, Barbecue Burnt Ends, Grilled Salmon Steaks with Lemon-Caper Sauce, and Grill Roasted Peppers. For those busy families, the Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, easy weeknight dish and is worlds better than that frozen stuff or the restaurant-made stuff. For those relaxing weekend mornings, the Dakota Peach Kuchen is a great dish alongside a cup of coffee. And as the weather warms up there are going to be plenty of church luncheons and other get-togethers. For those events, the Smoky Potato Salad is a nice twist on a classic side dish. The Muffin Tin doughnuts are a great treat for any family with kids in the house especially on those weekend mornings. Whether one picks that recipe or any of the others featured throughout this season of Cook’s Country it can be said of this season that it presents plenty of dishes for every night of the week and for cooks of any kind for that matter. Together with the educational content presented in each episode, it can be said that the noted content and the dishes themselves combine to make Cook’s Country: Season 8 yet another delectable dish of a season for cooks of all kinds.

The dishes that are presented throughout the eighth season of Cook’s Country are in themselves more than enough reason for foodies and cooks alike to order this season. That is thanks to the presentation of the dishes themselves and the educational content that comes along with each dish. Of course it should be noted that also as with the series’ previous seasons each of the presented dishes each comes with its own printable recipe as a bonus for audiences. Of course all of that aside, it is not the only reason that this season of Cook’s Country is so enjoyable. The taste test segments and product testing segments are just as important to this season as the primary cooking segments. Audiences will be pleased to see that the taste test segments feature both familiar products and some with which they might not be so familiar throughout the season. The more familiar products include but are not limited to: Frozen pizza, store-bought lemonade, and grapefruit juice just to name a few. And that is just in the season’s first disc. Disc Two features taste tests of frozen dinner rolls, corn tortillas, and even something as simple as bread crumbs (croutons). The less familiar items tested include peach jam and green salsa. Audiences that watch these segments might find themselves at which products prove to be the winners and losers. One of the biggest surprises was the winner in the test of different grapefruit juices. And the process used to test the corn tortillas was interesting. They apparently didn’t just taste the tortillas. It is noted that the tortillas were used with enchiladas as part of the taste test here. Again the ultimate winner is interesting in its own right especially when comparing it to the other featured products in said test. There is just as much surprise in the tests for the frozen pizza and store-bought lemonade. Regardless of which segments audiences themselves pick as the season’s best it can be said of each segment that there is something, again, for everybody. They aren’t just some snooty foodie taste tests. They are tests of products with which most audiences are familiar. Just as with the featured dishes they serve to make this season that much more relatable to viewers and in turn that much more enjoyable.

The taste test segments that are incorporated into this season of Cook’s Country are wonderful seasoning (yes, another intentional and horrible pun) for this standout series. As much as they do to once again enhance the series it would be unfair to not note the equipment tests that are included throughout the season. There is a test of various slow cookers, which results in quite the eye-opening revelation for anyone that is a fan of this cooking method. For all the grillers there is a test of different spatulas that will interest those cooks. There is even a test of various dish detergents that yields its own interesting results. The manner in which the detergents were tested is just as interesting as the results. These are just some of the products that are presented this season. There are also tests of tortilla holders, and fittingly single-serve coffee makers. Audiences will laugh as Kimball reveals that even despite America’s infatuation with these products he still prefers drip coffee versus the more high-priced stuff. No surprise that Keurig was the winner with its Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker. It is not exactly the cheapest price wise. But it won largely on its water reservoir. Getting back on track, the equipment that is tested this season and the products tasted add even more flavor (yes, that terrible pun was intended, too) to the season’s run. Together with the featured dishes all three elements make the eighth season of Cook’s Country even more mouth-watering for foodies and cooks alike. They still are not the only remaining elements that are worth noting in examining this season of Cook’s Country. The overall presentation of each episode is just as important as the previously noted elements.

The dishes that are featured throughout the eighth season of Cook’s Country are in themselves plenty of reason for fans of this long-running series to purchase this season. The product and equipment tests that are included in each episode partner with the cooking segments to make each segment enjoyable in its own right. While all three elements go a long way toward making Season 8 enjoyable they are not the season’s only notable elements. The overall presentation of each episode rounds out Season 8’s presentation. Once again each episode is expertly segmented. The transitions that are used to note time passage in cooking times are smooth and gentle versus the rather abrupt transitions used by so many other cooking shows. They also present beautiful countryside scenes to boot. The transitions between the main cooking segments and testing segments are just as smooth. Sometimes Kimball makes a direct note of the transitions while in other moments the transitions are not as direct. Even in the less direct transitions those behind the cameras made sure to make them as fluid as possible thus maintaining viewers’ engagement. Those transitions from one segment to the next and back makes the overall presentation of each episode solid, ensuring that audiences will be left wanting more, their mouths watering by each episode’s finale. That is the proverbial cherry on top of this delectable dish of a season from Cook’s Country. It rounds out the season’s presentation and together shows once more why Cook’s Country: Season 8 is a must have for any foodie and even for cooks of all kinds.

Cook’s Country: Season 8 presents plenty of reason for foodies and cooks alike to purchase this collection of episodes. Its primary cooking segments are accessible for cooks of all kinds. It isn’t one of those elitist style shows that are all too commonplace on other networks. It also presents educational content that makes each cooking segment all the more interesting and accessible for audiences. The taste test and equipment tests are just as important because they present equipment, foods, and drinks with which average audiences are familiar. The overall presentation of each episode within Season 8 rounds out the season’s presentation. That is because the transitions within the segments ensure viewers will remain engaged from beginning to end. Though, the dishes and tests that are included do plenty to do that. Each element is important in its own right to the season’s presentation. Altogether they make Season 8 yet another delectable dish of a season for foodies and cooks of all kinds. Cook’s Country: Season 8 is available now on DVD. It can be ordered direct via PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=71368656&cp=&sr=1&kw=cooks+country&origkw=Cook%27s+Country&parentPage=search. More information on this and other seasons of Cook’s Country is available online along with information on Cook’s Country magazine at:

Website: http://www.cookscountry.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CooksCountry

Twitter: http://twitter.com/testkitchen

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Phil’s Picks’ New Contest Is A “Very Important” Giveaway

Posted on February 26, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Ashton-MagnusonMedia

The Blaze ‘N’ Glory Festival is returning this summer. And in honor of the festival’s return Phil’s Picks is giving one person the chance to see the festival for free.

On Saturday, June 4th the Blaze ‘N’ Glory Festival will return for its second year. It will be held at the San Manuel Amphitheater Festival Grounds. The festival features some of the biggest names in hip-hop and rap today as well as some of the biggest names in the underground. This year’s festival features veteran rapper Nas as well as Atmosphere, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, and a number of others. In honor of the festival’s return Phil’s Picks is giving away to one lucky person a pair of VIP passes to the one-day festival. For those that might not already know, the VIP passes include:

VIP admission ticket to BLAZE N GLORY

— Designated Fast Pass Entry Lane into Venue

— BLAZE N GLORY VIP Commemorative Laminate

— Exclusive BLAZE N GLORY 2016 Poster

— Access into KUSH VIP Lounge, which includes:

— Complimentary select beer (21 & over while supplies last)

— Complimentary ROCKSTAR water in lounge (while supplies last)

— Complimentary snacks & candy in lounge (while supplies last)

— Complimentary games in lounge, including corn hole

— Private Restrooms in VIP Lounge

— Comfortable areas to sit and relax

— Dedicated Cash Bar in VIP Lounge

— Exclusive Food truck available for purchase in lounge

The VIP Package does NOT include access to the VIP Viewing Platform. That is included in the KUSH Early Bird VIP Packages. Early Bird VIP passes are retailing at $149 each. Prices for the VIP Packages will soon increase to $169 each. Thanks to Phil’s Picks one lucky person will be able to get a pair of these passes—that’s a total value of nearly $300 before tax and fees for Early Bird passes and nearly $340 for regular-priced VIP passes before tax and fees—for himself/herself and a friend or family member for free. It should be noted that these passes do not include the cost of airfare or lodging. Should the lucky winner be attending from out of state, said winner will have to handle travel and lodging costs himself/herself. These passes are only for VIP access to the festival. The passes will be given away on Friday, May 6th. Anyone interested in getting their name in for this drawing can enter their name NOW. All a person has to do in order to enter is reply to this article saying they want to be entered for a chance at these passes. Anyone interested in being entered in the drawing for these VIP passes to the Blaze ‘N’ Glory Festival can write on the Phil’s Picks Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/philspicks, noting that they want to be entered for a chance at them or just send a message at the Phil’s Picks Face book page saying they want to be entered. It’s that easy. Again, the winner of the passes will be announced on Friday, May 6th. More information on the Blaze ‘N’ Glory Festival is available online now at:

Website: http://www.blazenglory.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blazengloryfest

Twitter: http://twitter.com/blazengloryfest

Goosebumps Suffers From Scripting Issues But Is Still Spooky Fun

Posted on February 26, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment/Columbia Pictures

Prequels, sequels, and remakes. It seems that there is no end in sight to Hollywood’s trend of churning out prequels, sequels, and remakes. Even the biopics and “based on actual events” flicks that were once so prevalent have largely taken a back seat to all of the prequels, sequels, and remakes out there and on the way. That is not to say that they are nonexistent. But they are not as prevalent right now as the aforementioned offerings from Hollywood’s major studios. So whenever a movie that is not a prequel, sequel, or remake hits theaters it is a reason to celebrate. However in the case of Columbia Pictures’ adaptation of author R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books and FOX Kids TV series there was not as much reason to celebrate as one might hope. That remains the case now that the movie has been released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms. The movie is a fun turn-off-your brain flick that fans of Stine’s Goosebumps franchise will enjoy. It is also a nice escape from the endless stream of prequels, sequels, and remakes being churned out by Hollywood’s major studios. But it is anything but perfect. It has its flaws. They are mainly in the story’s writing. That will be discussed shortly. Its flaws aside, it still has enough positives to make it a breath of fresh air at a time when Hollywood is polluting theaters and store shelves with its endless ocean of prequels, sequels, and remakes if only a small breath.

Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s new take on author R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps franchise is a breath of fresh air in a seemingly endless ocean of prequels, sequels, and remakes that is drowning audiences and theaters figuratively speaking. That is thanks in large part to the movie’s writing. The writing team of Darren Lemke, Scott Alexander, and Larry Karaszewski crafted a story that does something few if any other literary-based movies do. It takes Stine’s beloved family friendly horror stories and their characters, and uses them for a story that really is a tribute to Stine and his legacy in the literary world. This is important to note first because so many other movies based on books just take said books and essentially re-imagines them. On another level it doesn’t go the comic book to screen route either. So many movies based on comic books just throw a bunch of different story arcs together from different issues to make one story. Lemke and his partners don’t go that route either. It just uses Stine’s characters and stories as the basis for a story that pays tribute to said characters and stories in its own original tale. It is a story that sees Stine (played here by Jack Black—Shallow Hal, School of Rock, Kung-Fu Panda Trilogy) having to work with his “daughter” (hint: she isn’t really his daughter. That is all that will be revealed here in terms of that) and two local boys in order to get his literary monsters back in their books. The thing is that the search for the escaped monsters is caused by one of the two boys—Zach (Dylan Minnette—R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, Scandal, Lost). This is where things with the writing become a little bit dicey.

The overall approach taken to Goosebumps by its trio of writers is in itself a major positive to this take on R.L. Stine’s beloved literary franchise. As positive as the trio’s approach proves to be for the movie’s presentation the script in whole suffers from having so many hands in the proverbial pot. Having so many hands in the pot led the script to develop some noticeable plot issues beginning with the story’s setup. If not for Zach and his friend Champ (who is randomly introduced only minutes ahead of the key scene) sneaking into Stine’s house in search of Stine’s “daughter” Hannah (Odeya Rush – The Odd Life of Timothy Green, The Giver, We Are What We Are) then the monsters might never have gotten free. That is because the whole chain of events was set off by Zach. And it wasn’t accidental either. If not for his impulsive behavior (brought on largely by teenage hormones) then the hunt for Stine’s monsters never would have happened. In other words Zach and company end up having to solve a problem that was caused by Zach in the first place. Sound familiar? Disney and Marvel studios used a similar plotline for its recent blockbuster sequel The Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Avengers had to stop a megalo-maniacal robot created by one of their own in that movie. I.E. they had to clean up a mess ultimately created by one of their own. Many of the classic creature features that were so popular in the 1950s and 60s also ended up centering on the American military having to stop giant mutant monsters that they created through their nuclear testing. Of course the military never told the populace that they caused the problem along the way. The Avengers 2 was very similar in this fashion and so was Goosebumps. Stine and company never make it known that Zach essentially caused the problem. So it goes without saying that Goosebumps’ core plot is anything but original. What’s more, as with those older movies, there is a giant, gaping plot hole in that the only ones that know the cause of the conflict are the ones that caused the conflict in the first place. Why are they the only ones that know? This has always been a sorely overlooked issue with monster movies. And it needs to be addressed by writers, studio heads, critics, and audiences alike. It is just one of the problems that weighs down this monster movie, too. There is also an issue in character introduction/development that must be addressed within the movie’s script.

The major issue with Goosebumps’ story is its setup. It is a setup that presents an age-old plot hole which reaches all the way back to the creature features of the 1950s and 60s. It’s just one of the problems that weighs down this script. Another major problem with this movie’s script lies in the introduction of Zach’s friend Champ (Ryan Lee – Super 8, This Is 40, Trophy Wife). Zach is randomly introduced in a school assembly scene about a quarter of the way through the movie. This comes after Zach had told his mother Gale (played by Amy Ryan – Birdman, Gone Baby Gone, Escape Plan) that he didn’t want anyone knowing that he was the new kid at the school where Gale was the new vice principal. Now if he didn’t want anyone knowing he was the new kid, how did Champ know at the assembly that Zach was the new kid? There was no background offered on this within the context of the movie’s script or in any bonus material. That makes this very much a problematic plot hole especially being that the two just happen to get along and cause the very problem which sets up the movie’s central story line. Again, it is just one more of so many problems presented in the movie’s script. There is one more problem—a dual-part problem—that must be addressed. That problem lies in the relationship between Zach and Hannah.

The central story line behind Goosebumps’ and the random introduction of Champ into the story are in themselves a couple of very problematic issues with the movie’s script. They are not the only issues that the movie’s script presents either. The relationship between Zach and Hannah is one more problem that must be addressed. That is because it actually presents three major issues that cannot be overlooked. The first problem lies in the pair’s relationship. The high school, puppy-love scenario is anything but original in the horror movie genre. The boy next door falling for the girl next door, who is herself in grave danger is one of the most overly used story elements in the world of horror movies. In other words, it is yet another unoriginal aspect thrown into the movie. Moving forward in the script, the story’s final scene presents its own problem. The scene in question won’t be revealed for the sake of those that have yet to see the movie. But needless to say it plays back into a statement made by Hannah earlier in the movie in regards to her revelation about her identity. Considering the revelation and that final scene it essentially negates everything that had developed between the pair. This includes the related issue of Zach even searching for Hannah early on when he thought something had happened to her. Since she was obviously in the house when he and Champ went looking for her, how could she have not heard them in the basement in the first place? Why did it take Zach and Champ getting into Stine’s study for her to find them? One would think that this would have been addressed before script went to screen. If she had stopped them early on they might have never made it to Stine’s study and in turn caused the problem that led to the movie’s central story. It all comes full circle. And being all tied together, all of the noted issues with the movie’s scripting show why three heads are not better than two and for that matter that two heads are not better than one. Luckily for viewers, for all of the script’s problems those problems don’t make Goosebumps entirely unwatchable. The movie’s special effects department does its part to make the movie watchable as do some of the cast members.

There are a number of problems with Goosebumps in regards to its script, as noted. As a matter of fact there are even more problems than just the trio that are listed here. For all of the problems posed by the movie’s script, they are not enough to make the movie a total loss. There actually are some positives other than just the writers’ overall approach to the movie. Another of those positives is the work of the movie’s special effects department. The special effects department is to be applauded for its work in bringing to life Stine’s monsters. From Slappy the dummy to the abominable snowman to the giant praying mantis and the evil gnomes every one of the monsters resurrected for this movie look outstanding. It is obvious that they are computer generated. But even in being computer generated those behind their creation went to painstaking efforts to make them not look like just another bunch of computer generated creatures. To a certain point their design throws back to the monsters of the old creature features from the 1950s and 60s. This is especially the case with the blob and the mantis. It is obvious not just in their design but in how they move, too. Little elements like that make them all the more believable and enjoyable to watch as they wreak havoc on the town. Being so believable makes them all the more enjoyable to watch, yet again exhibiting why the work of the movie’s special effects department proves to be so important to Goosebumps’ presentation. It is not the last notable positive involved in this movie. The cast’s work in front of the camera is just as notable as that of the special effects department.

The approach taken to Goosebumps in regards to its overall story and the work of the movie’s special effects department are both key to the movie’s presentation. While both elements are important in their own right to the movie’s presentation they are not the only notable positives. The work of the cast is just as notable as the movie’s other positives. This is especially the case with Jack Black. Black is billed as the movie’s lead. But in watching the movie he is in reality more of a supporting character even playing the famed children’s horror author. The lead roles belong to his younger counterparts. Black shows throughout that he understands this and never tries to take over any of the scenes, opting instead to let his younger cohorts have their time in the spotlight. What’s more audiences will note that the buffoonery for which he is commonly known is nearly nonexistent in his portrayal of Stine. That is not to say that he doesn’t have a few moments in which that side of him comes out. But even when they do they are few and far between. Rather Black takes his experience and centers it in a way that gives his humor a drier, more focused presentation. For those that have ever seen the real life R.L. Stine interview, this means that Black’s portrayal of Stine is pretty close even with his occasional moments of goofiness. On a related note Ryan Scott Lee is just as entertaining as Champ. In all honesty it could be argued that he actually outshines Minnette with his portrayal of the high-strung and somewhat neurotic Champ. One can’t help but laugh as he pleads with Minnette about going into Stine’s basement versus being Zach’s lookout. He easily could have hammed it up in this moment. But instead he nailed the moment. And when he saves the girl from the werewolf later in the movie his momentary hesitance, while small, shows great character growth. For that he is to be applauded just as much. Of course Minnette is entertaining in his own right as he plays the hormonally challenged Zach. Audiences won’t be able to help but laugh at his portrayal at least somewhat because of the number of male leads that have been so much like Zach in other horror movies. Minnette never overdoes it in his portrayal. But he does just enough to make it clear that he is poking some fun at those male characters. His work is just one more way in which the work of Goosebumps’ cast proves to be just as important to the movie as that of the movie’s special effects department and its writers for their overall approach to the story. Even with the number of problems with the movie’s script the overall approach to the story still sits as a key element to the movie’s presentation. And together with the work of those both in front of and behind the camera the movie proves in whole to be good, spooky fun for the whole family.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Columbia Pictures’ new Goosebumps feature is an interesting new take of R.L. Stine’s literary franchise. That is because it presents an approach unlike most other movies based on literary works. Yes, it presents a number of problems in its scripting. But luckily those problems, while glaring, are not enough to make the movie completely unwatchable. That is because the work of the movie’s cast and its special effects makes up for the script’s various problems. In the end the movie proves that while it might have flopped at the box office (it hemorrhaged money right from the get go in terms of ticket sales, and only got worse from there) it is still a movie that anyone familiar with the Goosebumps franchise will agree is good, spooky fun that is worth at least one watch if no more. It is available now in stores and online on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.

Crossing Rubicon’s Debut LP Is No Less Than Everything That Rock Purists Want

Posted on February 25, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Pavement Entertainment

Earlier this month up-and-coming hard rock act Crossing Rubicon released its debut full-length studio recording No Less Than Everything. The Connecticut-based band’s twelve-song, fifty-five minute record boasts a fitting title. That is because it is everything that makes rock great today. Over the course of its near hour-long run time the album mixes elements of classic 80s hard rock (versus 80s hair metal) with more modern hard rock elements for a record that is set to make Crossing Rubicon potentially one of the next big names in the mainstream rock realm.

Crossing Rubicon is set to potentially become one of the next big names in the mainstream rock realm today. Of course that is given it receives the right support from audiences and rock radio programmers across the country. The album’s lead single ‘Unhinged’ is one example of what makes this album worth the support. It is exemplified through both the song’s musical arrangement and its lyrical content. The song’s musical arrangement clearly displays the band’s mix of 80s hard rock influences thanks to guitarists Zach Lambert and Jesse Near. What’s really interesting about the duo’s approach to the song is that its mix of classic and modern hard rock is nearly seamless in its approach. Rather the duo blurs the line between the two elements for a sound that will entertain fans of both worlds. Even the chorus has that vibe of classic hard rock chorus chants as the band sings, “I become unhinged/I break away from these chains/Like a tiger from his cage now/I’ve become unhinged/Let the demons come over/I’ve lost all control now.” Lambert and Near’s dual guitar approach adds even more to that vibe. The song’s lyrical content adds even more impact as front man Scott Anarchy sings, “I can’t find/The means to find a whisper/To the voices all control over me/You realize/There’s no turning back now/Your oppression’s brought Pandora’s release.” Later in the song Anarchy and company ask, “Am I the monster you created before turning and noting that “I am the monster you created.” The message being delivered is obvious especially thanks to the message that precedes the song in which Anarchy notes the power of music in life. The message is one of a person having been pushed to the edge and become unhinged. That is because said person had no outlet to prevent the drastic actions. The message is in itself a powerful statement. The song’s musical arrangement makes it even harder hitting. That is because of the power in the arrangement. Both elements together make this song a clear example of why Crossing Rubicon’s debut album deserves support from listeners and radio programmers alike. Audiences can hear the song for themselves online now via the band’s official website at http://www.crossingrubiconband.com. It is just one example of what makes the album worth the chance, too. ‘Who’s Gonna Save You’ is another example of what makes Rubicon Cross’ debut album worth the chance.

‘Unhinged’ is a clear example in its own right as to why No Less Than Everything deserves a chance both by radio programmers and audiences in general. The mix of the song’s musical arrangement and its thought-inspiring lyrical content proves this. It’s just one example of what makes this record worth hearing at least once. ‘Who’s Gonna Save You’ is another example of what makes this record worth hearing. Whereas ‘Unhinged’ mixes the band’s older and more modern influences the latter is more of a directly modern composition. That is made clear through Lambert and Near’s slower and heavier crunching guitar lines. Drummer Brandi Hood’s adds to that sound thanks to her pummeling, consistent time keeping. The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note here as the song’s musical arrangement. Anarchy really gets listeners thinking here as he sings from a first-person perspective of someone that has some real disgust for a certain unnamed party. He sings, “You came here to let it go/I am your life’s abomination/You insult me/Who do you think you are/You regret me/This is all your fault.” He and his band mates go on to sing in the song’s chorus, “I am/the face you can’t forget/I am/Your false messiah/Turn off the light/Salvation’s not far away/I am/The beast inside your heart/I am/The last temptation/Who’s gonna save you/Who’s gonna save you now.” It is a rather sharp statement. And considering the line in which he and his band mates state, “I am the beast inside your heart” one can only wonder if the figure that is speaking is not physical but perhaps mental. Perhaps this is a person struggling with himself or herself. That being the case the song’s lyrical content becomes even harder hitting and thought-provoking. That content coupled with the song’s musical content makes the song in whole one more example of the album’s depth, which in turn makes the album in whole worth hearing at least once. It is still not the only remaining example of what makes No Less Than Everything worth hearing. ‘Bittersweet’ is one more example of what makes this record worth hearing.

‘Unhinged’ and ‘Who’s Gonna Save You’ are both clear examples of what makes Crossing Rubicon’s debut album a good start for the band and worth hearing at least once. They are hardly the only songs worth noting in regards to noting the album’s strengths, though. ‘Bittersweet Day’ is yet another example of what makes the album a good start for the band. Whereas ‘Unhinged’ displays the band’s classic and modern hard rock influences and ‘Who’s Gonna Save You’ stays more on the modern rock side, ‘Bittersweet Day’ tends to stay more on the side of classic hard rock. The band wastes no time with this song. It launches right into the composition with Lambert and Near once again leading the way alongside Anarchy. [Brandi] Hood and bassist Jeanne Sagan establish the song’s foundation with a solid driving tempo and harmony respectively. In regards to the song’s lyrical content the song’s chorus seems to speak the loudest. Anarchy and company sing in the song’s chorus, “It’s alright/I’m okay/I’m not tryin’ to make it better/It’s a long road I must take/To end this bittersweet day.” The bittersweet day in question is illustrated by so much negativity surrounding the song’s main subject. Said subject seems to come across as saying that he/she knows the road isn’t easy but it is one that must be taken rather than avoided. How many people out there would rather avoid those difficult proverbial roads than face them and deal with all of the negativity in life? That seems to be what Anarchy and company are discussing here. Their subject knows that the easy way isn’t the way. That is of course just this critic’s own interpretation of these lyrics. They could, as always, be completely off. Hopefully they aren’t. Regardless, that Anarchy and company could craft such a deep lyrical song shows yet again the album’s overall depth in regards to its lyrical content. The song’s musical content partners with that lyrical content to make for one more solid addition to Crossing Rubicon’s debut full-length effort and why this album in whole is worth hearing at least once by any rock purist audience or otherwise. If course it still is not the last remaining example of what makes this album worth hearing. Any of the nine remaining songs not noted here could just as easily be cited in that argument. Keeping that in mind, the album in whole proves to be a solid first full effort from Crossing Rubicon and one that any rock purist should hear at least once.

Crossing Rubicon’s debut album No Less Than Everything is a record that every rock purist should hear at least once. This includes both general audiences and mainstream rock radio programmers. The reason being that the band has presented a dozen tracks in this record that seamlessly mix the band’s classic hard rock influences and its modern hard rock influences. The album’s overall lyrical content makes the album just as interesting as each song’s lyrical theme is sure to leave listeners talking long after the record has ended. The combination of both elements together make No Less Than Everything no less than everything that rock purists should hope for in a rock record. It is available now in stores and online. More information on No Less Than Everything is available along with more information on the band, its tour dates, news and more at:

Website: http://www.crossingrubiconband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrossingRubiconRocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RubiconCT

PBS To Release Two New Episodes Of NOVA Next Month

Posted on February 25, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

Next month PBS will release two new episodes of its hit science-based series NOVA on DVD. First up is an episode that takes audiences back in time to Earth’s earliest days in another new episode of NOVA. Later in the month NOVA: Mystery Beneath The Ice will be released. It, too will be released on DVD.

PBS and PBS Distribution will release NOVA: Life’s Rocky Start on Tuesday, March 8^th. The program follows mineralogist Robert Hazen as he goes globe-hopping in a journey to uncover how Earth’s rocks and its earliest microbes worked together to form Earth in its infancy. Hazen goes from an ancient Moroccan market all the way down to the Australia Outback in his search for answers in the roughly hour-long presentation. As his journey progresses so does the story of Earth’s co-evolution” from its infancy up to modern day.

NOVA: Life’s Rocky Start will be released Tuesday, March 8^th. It will retail for MSRP of $24.99. It can be pre-ordered online at a discounted price of $19.99 via PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=85850026&cp=&kw=nova+lifes+rocky+start&origkw=nova+life%27s+rocky+start&sr=1. Audiences can see a trailer for this episode online now via NOVA’s official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pjsrj3-40U/.

Courtesy: PBS/PBS DIstribution

Later in the month, on March 22^nd, PBS Distribution will release another new episode of NOVA in the form of NOVA: Mystery Beneath The Ice. This episode of NOVA examines the impact of climate change on krill. Krill are a key component of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. However their numbers have been disturbingly decreasing in recent years. One theory for the decline in krill population is that their body clocks, which are tied in to changing Antarctic ice pack, has been thrown off due to climate change. That change in their body clocks, it is theorized, is leading to less numbers of krill reproducing, thus decreasing their numbers.

Audiences go along with researchers aboard the Polarstern, a state-of-the-art research vessel, into the Antarctic as they search for answers beneath the waters of the region. They search for ice caves beneath the surface that protect juvenile krill in the winter as part of their efforts and examine how the changing seasons coupled with climate change impact krill populations. Audiences can view a trailer for this episode online now via NOVA’s official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdNO-kzmCwk.

NOVA: Mystery Beneath The Ice will be released Tuesday, March 22^nd. It will retail for MSRP of $24.99. It can be ordered at a discounted price of $19.99 online via PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=85850036&cp=&kw=mystery+beneath+the+ice&origkw=mystery+beneath+the+ice&sr=1. More information on these episodes of NOVA and others is available online now at:

Website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NOVAonline

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Monthly Archives: February 2016

Gregg Martinez Unleashes The Soul Of The Bayou This Spring

Yanni To Release New Live Recording This Summer

PBS Announces Release Date For New Episode Of Nature

5FDP Premieres ‘My Nemesis’ Video

Academy Award-Winner “Room” Available Now In Stores And Online

Cook’s Country: Season 8 Is Another Delectable Dish Of A Season For Foodies And Cooks Alike

Phil’s Picks’ New Contest Is A “Very Important” Giveaway

Goosebumps Suffers From Scripting Issues But Is Still Spooky Fun

Crossing Rubicon’s Debut LP Is No Less Than Everything That Rock Purists Want

PBS To Release Two New Episodes Of NOVA Next Month