Jack Johnson News

Time to fist pump! MTV and Universal Republic Records will give music fans the ultimate summer playlist when the Jersey Shore Soundtrack is released on Tuesday, July 20th. Inspired by the breakout hit series, the album will include original tracks from some of today's hottest artists. The first single off the album is 'I Like It' from Enrique Iglesias featuring Pitbull. Other artists featured on the soundtrack are, Lil Jon, LMFAO, Taio Cruz and Akon.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) presents the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) will present the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) present the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem, featuring a book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley. Langston in Harlem began previews on Friday, April 9. The opening is set for Thursday, April 15, 2010 and will initially run through May 2, 2010.

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) announces the following concerts going on sale this week. STG is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, Washington.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) will present the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem, featuring a book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley. Langston in Harlem will begin previews on Friday, April 9; opening on Thursday, April 15, 2010 and will initially run through May 2, 2010.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) will present the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem, featuring a book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley. Langston in Harlem will begin previews on Friday, April 9; opening on Thursday, April 15, 2010 and will initially run through May 2, 2010.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) will present the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem, featuring a book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley. Langston in Harlem will begin previews on Friday, April 9; opening on Thursday, April 15, 2010 and will initially run through May 2, 2010.

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) announces the following concerts going on sale this week. STG is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, Washington.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Artistic Director, Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director) will present the World Premiere of the musical Langston in Harlem, featuring a book by Langston Hughes, Walter Marks and Kent Gash, with music by Walter Marks, lyrics by Langston Hughes and directed by Kent Gash, with musical direction by Barry Levitt and choreography by Byron Easley. Langston in Harlem will begin previews on Friday, April 9; opening on Thursday, April 15, 2010 and will initially run through May 2, 2010.

A Holiday Show for the Whole Family! Don't miss this awesome, collaborative holiday extravaganza including music, dance and skits and featuring Santa Claus!

A Holiday Show for the Whole Family! Don't miss this awesome, collaborative holiday extravaganza including music, dance and skits and featuring Santa Claus!

A Holiday Show for the Whole Family! Don't miss this awesome, collaborative holiday extravaganza including music, dance and skits and featuring Santa Claus!

Michael Martinez is proud to present An Evening of Music and Comedy V at Don't Tell Mama. This showcase and variety show will feature singer/songwriter Matt Hurd, singer/songwriter Paige Nichols, singer Maria Noe, and standup comic and singer Danielle Trzcinski. Comedian / actor Robert Brehm will be the special guest host. Producer Michael Martinez has previously presented showcases at Don't Tell Mama and several other New York City clubs. These showcases highlight emerging stars in comedy, music, and musical theater. Showtime is 7:00 pm, door opens at 6:30pm. Admission is $15.00, plus a two drink minimum. For reservations call Don't Tell Mama at 212-757-0788. Based just outside of NYC on Long Island, Matt Hurd writes and performs his catchy acoustic pop tunes about everything from love to loss. With strong influences from classic icons like Van Morrison and Paul Simon all the way to contemporary artists ranging from the likes of John Mayer to Kanye West, Matt's sound and style has been compared to the music of Jack Johnson and Matt Nathanson. He has a charming stage presence rooted in a strong performance and a subtle wit, which helps fans of all kinds of music enjoy listening to him. Although young, Matt has the charisma and appeal of a seasoned performer. Recently, Matt has played at a variety of NYC venues and also appeared as a guest on the Joey Reynolds Show. www.myspace.com/matthurdmusic Maria Noe (marianoe.com) is a junior at Bowling Green State University studying music and business. Maria has most recently performed a cabaret featuring Maury Yeston's songcycle December Songs. Past shows include Crazy For You, Me & My Girl, How To Succeed..., Carousel, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, as well as productions affiliated with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and American Entertainment Productions.

Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.

Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.

Michael Martinez is proud to present An Evening of Music and Comedy V at Don't Tell Mama. This showcase and variety show will feature singer/songwriter Matt Hurd, singer/songwriter Paige Nichols, singer Maria Noe, and standup comic and singer Danielle Trzcinski. Comedian / actor Robert Brehm will be the special guest host. Producer Michael Martinez has previously presented showcases at Don't Tell Mama and several other New York City clubs. These showcases highlight emerging stars in comedy, music, and musical theater. Showtime is 7:00 pm, door opens at 6:30pm. Admission is $15.00, plus a two drink minimum. For reservations call Don't Tell Mama at 212-757-0788. Based just outside of NYC on Long Island, Matt Hurd writes and performs his catchy acoustic pop tunes about everything from love to loss. With strong influences from classic icons like Van Morrison and Paul Simon all the way to contemporary artists ranging from the likes of John Mayer to Kanye West, Matt's sound and style has been compared to the music of Jack Johnson and Matt Nathanson. He has a charming stage presence rooted in a strong performance and a subtle wit, which helps fans of all kinds of music enjoy listening to him. Although young, Matt has the charisma and appeal of a seasoned performer. Recently, Matt has played at a variety of NYC venues and also appeared as a guest on the Joey Reynolds Show. www.myspace.com/matthurdmusic Maria Noe (marianoe.com) is a junior at Bowling Green State University studying music and business. Maria has most recently performed a cabaret featuring Maury Yeston's songcycle December Songs. Past shows include Crazy For You, Me & My Girl, How To Succeed..., Carousel, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, as well as productions affiliated with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and American Entertainment Productions.

The Highline Ballroom has made the following additions and revisions to its upcoming lineup of performers.

August: Osage County, which recently celebrated it's 300th performance on August 14, 2008 is adding a new star to the mix for 5 days only. The New York Times reports that 2 time Tony-winner (Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century), John Cullum will step in to play the role of Beverly Weston from September 16 to September 21 while Michael McGwire is on vacation.