Kathy Strain - Page 14

Ramin Karimloo continues to amaze and astound fans around the world. His talents are far beyond the musicals he is best known for. Ramin is embarking on a new U.S. city tour this week to include cities such as Hollywood, California, Austin, Texas and New York City, What's the tour called? Broadway to Bluegrass. And with a title like that, you know there will be a great diversity of music and talent. In addition to the tour dates, Ramin will be honored to perform the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium on May 18th and Baltimore's Camden Yards on May 19th.

There was a rare show in Austin on Monday at the Cactus Cafe. Some of the members of the cast of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET came and entertained an intimate crowd with songs from the famous show. John Michael Presney (Carl Perkins), Cody Slaughter (Elvis Presley), David Elkins (Johnny Cash), Austin Cook (Jerry Lee Lewis) and Scott Moreau (Sam Phillips) came and spent time answering questions and singing songs for an enthusiastic crowd. It was memorable for everyone.

Coming to the Woodlawn Theatre from April 5-May 5 is The Producers. San Antonio legend Vivienne Elborne directs this uproarious comedy starring Greg Hinojosa (Woodlawn's Artistic Director) as down-and-out producer Max Bialystock, Walter Songer as Max's timid accountant Leo Bloom and Paige Blend as Ulla, the Swedish bombshell that Bialystock and Bloom hire as their receptionist. Most recently, Hinojosa appeared in Neil Simon's romantic comedy 'Chapter 2' produced in Woodlawn Theatre's Black Box and directed by Mrs. Elborne. The 'Bloom' to Hinojosa's 'Bialystock', Walter Songer returns to the Woodlawn stage after being featured as Malcolm McGregor in 'The Full Monty'. And Paige Blend was most recently seen in The Playhouse's world premiere of 'Roads Courageous'.

April is Autism Awareness Month and the Cast of the 25th Anniversary Production of LES MISERABLES Shows Their Support.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock 'n' roll band for one unforgettable night.

Cody Ray Slaughter has been tagged as one of the most talented, young Elvis Tribute Artist's in the country. Born and raised in Harrison, Arkansas, gateway to the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Cody Slaughter began entertaining at the young age of 13. A true Southern boy, Cody's true passion for Elvis' music and memory has directed his career path.

I was a middle child. My brother's older and autistic; and then my younger sister. So being a middle child I sang to get my parents' attention. I old hop up on the table and sing Ricky Martin 'Shake Your Bonbons.' It was sort of a call out and I loved singing. I wasn't even good. I was just loud. After September 11 was when I started writing songs. I changed for me the direction of what I wanted to do with the songs and the world I wanted them to live in. I was 13. Then I started gigging when I was 14 or 15. I would go and play my set and have to leave immediately because I was under 21. I didn't really start touring full-time until I dropped out of Berklee College of Music that's when I was like, 'Well, I need to do this for real. ' I think one of the things I'm lucky to have is the sheer lack of a back- up plan. So when things weren't working, it wasn't about doing something else to supplement it, it was about making it work. And it's been working so far.

King Arthur, Arthur Rowan from SPAMALOT

A Fragile Tomorrow is a new and upcoming band that has won the hearts of many. Three are brothers and one is like a btother too. They all work together on and off the road to make great music and entertain their audiences all over the United States.

Willie Nile has been in the rock and roll business for over 45 years and shows no signs of slowing down. With numerous record releases and tours all over the world, Willie is a legend in the music business and is proud to claim members of The Who as some of his best friends in the world.

As you walk around at the Austin Convention Center, you see so many people laughing and having a great time. You walk past people who are budding musicians hoping for a chance to make it in the world or music. You can't help but wonder if you may have been standing in line behind the next Dave Grohl, or Stevie Nicks.

As SXSW continued yesterday, and so did the entertainment and music. There were some great panels and individual talks that gave people in attendance hope and answers to the questions they have about the music industry. Check out photos from the day's performances below!

As the week continues at SXSW, Dave Grohl, best known for being in the Foo Fighters and Nirvana spoke to the audience with excitement and enthusiasm. There were many moments where Grohl reminiced about his youth and what led him to where he is today. He spoke of the highlights of looking for a place to fit in and to enjoy the music he loved so much. He spoke of his days with Nirvana and the magic that happened between the group as they practiced for hours and hours and hours in an old barn. And he spoke of how he lost a large part of himself when Kurt Cobain died. He said he didn't even want to listen to the radio anymore. But, as he picked up the pieces, he began to try new things and created the Foo Fighters playing all the instruments, recording all the voices and sharing the tapes with a few people. He called it his healing time. But, that is where the Foo Fighters were born and he carried on.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) week continues with so many more experiences and opportunities awaiting music aficionados. As you walk about the Austin Convention Center, you are struck by the variety of people participating in this enormous event. There are people of all ages, ethnicities and personalities. There are families with small children, grown up children with their parents and friends hanging out together. It's as electric as the music being played all over Austin this week.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) events continued and there are many events for everyone. Attending some of the panels helps musicians to get a better understanding of how the music industry works and where it is headed in the future. Musicians can be seen walking all over the Austin Convention Center and they seemed to have a certain kind of enthusiasm as they try to soak it all in. A particular highlight of the day included an interview with director, musician screenwriter and producer, Rob Zombie who shared with everyone the making of his latest film, 'The Lords of Salem.'

Every year, thousands of people come to Austin, Texas to attend South by Southwest (SXSW).

Most people think that being in an award winning show like LES MISERABLES would be filled with glamor and excitement. But if you ask cast members from the current 25th Anniversary Tour, sometimes it can be pretty boring. What do you do when you are waiting backstage for your turn onstage? The LES MIS SHAKE of course. Andrew Varela (who currently plays Javert) put his fellow cast members to task to create this unique little video. Check it out below!

Phillip Phillips grew up in Georgia and enjoyed spending time with his family. Everyone in his family loved singing and Phillip started to take an interest in music after hearing his siblings sing. When he auditioned for American Idol, he was sure that they were going to give him terrible feedback. But, instead, he became the 11th Season winner of American Idol. I recently had the chance to interview Phillip while he was touring with Matchbox Twenty. As he shared his experiences, it was easy to see why America fell in love with Phillip and his unique style of music.

The 2013/2014 National Tour of the new musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, will make its San Antonio premiere for eight performances, May 7-12 at the Majestic Theatre as part of the Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio series. Individual tickets for THE ADDAMS FAMILY go on sale at 10 a.m., today, February 8.

Bryan Fenkart is currently touring with MEMPHIS and playing the role of Huey. He loves playing the role and can relate to his character in many ways. Bryan shared with Broadway World some of his experiences and how he is living his dream.