Are you planning a luau? A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment. The decor is filled with bright colors. Whether it is for a child's birthday or an adult celebration, I have it covered with all of these inspiring ideas! You do not have to spend a lot of money when there are so many ways to make it yourself. Food, decor, even a pinata can be found below. Just click the link.
Anyone who loves music also needs to experience the joys of live music, so you should definitely start doing this if it’s something you haven’t really embraced in life thus far. But when you're new to attending gigs, it can be a bit daunting and you probably don’t know what to expect.
You want every gig experience to be a positive one, but that takes planning and a good strategy. Don’t just dive into live music without planning things out first of all. This music lover’s guide to good gigging experiences will help you to get it right when you start tasting live music for the first time.
Stay Up to Date With Tours and Announcements
Social media is definitely your friend when it comes to staying up to date with tours and announcements. They get thrown out there all the time so you need to make a concerted effort to stay up to date with them if you want to attend certain shows by certain artists. Follow them on the main social media platforms so that you never miss a beat. It’s a good idea to also follow the accounts of local venues so you don’t miss their latest announcements either.
Make Lists of When Tickets Go on Sale
These days, many of the big performing artists in the world of music will have their tours and shows sell out in a matter of seconds. That’s why you should be careful to know when tickets go on sale and when you can first buy them. Failing to do that will most likely lead to disappointment when the shows sell out and you’re left without a ticket.
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Know Where to Buy Tickets From When They’re Released
These days, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to buying gig tickets. There are dozens of sites that sell tickets, and you can usually buy them directly from venues or artist websites as well. Even if you can’t, you will find links that take you to the right places where you can purchase tickets. Then there are sites like TicketOffices that resell tickets. These are ideal for people looking for tickets they missed out on when they were first released.
Get Your Position Early if You’re Standing
Gigs can be busy and if you want to get best the stage and see the act up close, you’re going to need to get your position as early as possible. Of course, that’s not a big problem if you’re going to be seating but if this is a standing gig, you want to get a good spot. It might even be worth getting to the gig early and queuing up outside the venue if you want to be right at the front.
Charge Your Phone Before Leaving the House
You should never attend a gig without a properly charged phone. It’s one of those rookie mistakes that can really come back to bite you if you’re not careful. What if you need to contact someone or want to find a friend who you got separated from during the gig? Dealing with those kinds of situations is easy if you have your phone with you. But it’s harder when the battery is dead!
Prioritise Your Comfort
You definitely need to give some thought to how you’re going to dress for the gigs you attend. Nothing is more important than your own comfort so this should be what you prioritise when you get ready. You need to be able to move freely, and take particular care when choosing footwear because the wrong shoes can rub your feet and make the entire evening very uncomfortable. On top of that, be sure to pack light because you don’t want to be weighed down.
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Don’t be Afraid to Go Alone
Many people hate the idea of attending gigs alone but it’s one of those things that’s never as bad as you imagine it to be before you try it for yourself. There will be plenty of other like minded people at the even and there’s nothing stopping you from socialising with them. You might even make some new friends along the way, so embrace your status as a solo gig-goer if you don’t know anyone with similar music tastes.
If you love music, you simply must take advantage of the local live music scene in your local area. Nothing is better than seeing your favourite artists performing live in front of you as you feel the floor shake. It’s one of the most exhilarating things you’ll experience, so enjoy it!
In my recent travels to Savannah, Georgia I had the privilege of listening to the music of Thomas Claxton, a performer who is garnering attention in major cities across the United States. Thomas is a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist based in Savannah. I attended a concert featuring Funk-Rock pioneers, Mother's Finest, and Thomas Claxton and his band, The Myth, kicked off the show.
Talk about blown away by some great talent! Check out this rock classic , "Come Sail Away", that Thomas and The Myth performed at the show in November 2017 at The Stage On Bay.
Now you can hear why I was so impressed. As a student, Thomas studied classical music throughout his school years and was classically trained as a tenor by Mr. Jack Mullis and Dr. Lauren Ringwall. He played his first live performance at a coffee shop called, “Savannah Joe’s”, in the Savannah Mall when he was 17 years old and was performing at various live music venues and clubs throughout his high school years. Since that time, he has performed at every style of venue ranging from coffee shops and clubs, to theaters and multi-thousand seat arenas including, The Amway in Orlando and the Amalie Arena, (St. Pete Times Forum), in Tampa and others. He is a multi award-winning artist, including 7 nominations and 3 wins (Best Alternative Artist, Best Rock Artist, and Best Rock Recording) in the 2017 international, Indie Music Channel Awards that took place in Hollywood, CA at the world-famous venue, “The Troubadour”.
He has played in numerous major cities including: New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Nashville, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and many more. He has performed with numerous world-renowned performers including: Chuck Negron (lead vocalist for Three Dog Night), Mario Cipollina (Grammy Award-winning bassist and founding member of Huey Lewis and The News), Michael Hampton (Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and member of Parliament-Funkadelic), Nicko McBrain (drummer for Iron Maiden), and others. Thomas Claxton has opened shows for well-known performers including: Mother’s Finest, Stephen Pearcy (lead vocalist for RATT), Mili Matijevic (lead vocalist for Steelheart), and Jasin Todd (member of Shinedown and Fuel).
Now, that's a rock and roll resume'! Having released two albums already, this talented vocalist is currently eyeing the release of his THIRD, which hits the market in January of 2018. You can get your hands on his newest album, "Age of Propaganda", by pre-ordering here! Listen to his single from the album, Maybe I'm Crazy, and you will hear what could soon be a recognized name in rock and roll. I highly suggest you buy this new album, as I am sure this will rocket his career and you can say, I told you so!
Aside from Thomas, “Age Of Propaganda” album features many world-class performers including: Paul Cooper (drums), Craig Johansen (guitar), Rodney Smith (bass), Mark Vaquer (drums), Michael Amico (bass), Tony Sarno (guitar), Phil Hilborne (guitar), Wayne Livingston (guitar), Mario Cipollina (bass), Michael Hampton ( ambient acoustic guitar), and Eric Frampton (keyboards).
Thomas currently performs solo, as part of the Acoustic-Rock Duo “Thomas & April” with award-winning vocalist / songwriter April Henry, and with his 5 piece band “Thomas Claxton and The Myth”.
If you get the opportunity to see him perform live, do it. He does not disappoint and puts everything he is into his performances. Here is a video of Thomas Claxton and April Henry, “Closer To Fine”:
He is endorsed by an impressive list of music brands:
Lewitt Audio
Klotz Cables
Gator Cases
Taylor Guitars
64 Audio
Triad-Orbit Advanced Stands
G7th The Capo Company
His tour sponsors are:
Tate Law Group (Savannah, GA)
Bass Central (Orlando, FL)
The Antebellum of Savannah (novel by Greg Bonner)
Seeing Thomas Claxton perform, you will see a talent like no other. Buy tickets to see him perform live, buy his album, or check out any of the venues he regularly performs for around the country. Check out the website, “LIKE" and follow him on social media: Facebook,Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Please feel free to leave any questions or comments for Thomas and he will respond.
All photographs and videos are property of Thomas Claxton and are used with permission.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Lionsgate. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
I am a huge fan of Madea. This Halloween make sure you check out BooTwo! A Madea Halloween. Madea is always so much fun. This is a family movie or a date night movie. No matter who you take with you, GO SEE IT! Madea and the gang are back for this hilarious sequel. Madea, Bam and Hattie venture to a haunted campground and the group must literally run for their lives when monsters, goblins and the bogeyman are unleashed. PG-13 For sexual references, drug content, language and some horror images. Official Site:http://www.Boo.movie
Netflix is now the world’s most popular TV and entertainment streaming service, and it’s not hard to see why. It doesn’t matter what you’re into, there’s going to be something in its expansive library that takes your fancy. The amazing thing about Netflix is the size of its enormous repository, and the fact that it is constantly growing, with new shows and documentaries added practically every day. Suffice to say, it’s better than regular TV.
Many people like the fact that Netflix offers flexibility. For years, the regular broadcasting TV networks have been telling us that we have to watch TV programs at certain times of day, whether that’s convenient for us or not. But now that’s all changed, thanks to the fact that with Netflix, you’re able to watch what you want when you want.
There are some problems, however, with Netflix that might be getting in the way of your enjoyment. Here’s why you’re not getting the most out of your Netflix account and what to do about it.
You’re Not Using Sleep Features
We all know that the main reason people buy Netflix is because, after a hard week at work, all they want to do is flop in front of the TV and watch episodes of their favorite drama back to back. Usually, they fall asleep in the process, but Netflix carries on regardless meaning lots of annoying rewinding when they finally come round.
But according to Digital Spy, there are now Netflix-integrated socks which detect whether or not the wearer has fallen asleep. The socks work by detecting movement. If the wearer is moving in a way that is consistent with being asleep (like not moving much at all), the socks send a signal to the TV and on comes a warning light. If the user doesn’t respond, then the stream is paused and the user can pick up where they left off when they wake up.
According to Secure Thoughts, Netflix has been cracking down on people using VPNs to access their services. But, as the site points out, there are ways to continue using the service, even if you’re accessing it from a virtual private network. All it requires is a little research on your part, and you’ll soon be watching your favorite series once more.
You’re Not Randomising Content
Netflix, like Youtube, has a lot of choice. There are literally thousands of dramas, movies, and documentaries to choose from. Sometimes, it can all get a little bit overwhelming, and many people just stick to the content they know.
But to really enjoy Netflix, you’ve got to break out of your viewing rut and try watching something new - and different. The great thing about Netflix is that you never really know what hidden gems you’ll discover on the network since it has so much to offer. The AllFix Google Chrome extension adds a randomize button to your browser, allowing you to get more randomized content in your Netflix feed.
If you love pumpkin spice, NOW is the time to get your Captain Morgan Jack O' Blast and make these delicious drinks!
Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast is the first pumpkin spiced rum to ever hit shelves, as a blend of Caribbean rum and everyone’s favorite fall flavors - including fresh pumpkin, cinnamon and other autumnal spices. Whether you’re preparing for your Halloween party or carving Jack-O-Lantern’s with friends, Jack-O’Blast is the perfect way to toast to the pumpkin holiday. Happy National Pumpkin Day! Enjoy!
Orange Pumpkin Smash
·1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast
·2 oz. orange juice
·2 oz. club soda
DIRECTIONS: Combine Jack-O’Blast and orange juice in a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with club soda and enjoy.
Jack-O’Lager
·1 oz. Jack-O’Blast shot
·4 oz. Lager
DIRECTIONS: Drop shot of Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast in a glass of lager beer and enjoy.
Blasted Brew
·.5 oz. Jack-O’Blast
·.5 oz. Cannon Blast
DIRECTIONS: Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a shot glass.
Please drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive.
Fall is in the air! ahhh We know what that means. All things pumpkin. This spiked hot chocolate is sure to satisfy your pumpkin craving. Make a large batch so all your friends can enjoy.
This recipe makes two (2) servings
Ingredients:
1 oz. Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast Spiced Rum (each mug)
1 oz. Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Irish Cream (each mug)
2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
4 1/2 tbsps Dark Chocolate syrup
Marshmallows
Directions:
In a medium sauce pot over low heat, add two (2) cups of heavy cream and four (4) tablespoons of dark chocolate syrup, stir ingredients until the heavy cream is a rich chocolate brown.
Remove the pot from the heat source and divide the hot chocolate into two mugs.
Add one (1) ounce Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Irish cream, and one (1) ounce of Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast Spiced Rum into each mug of hot chocolate.
Top each mug with three (3) medium size marshmallows, then torch marshmallows using a baker's Crème brûlée torch, or place the mugs onto a cookie sheet and brown the marshmallows in the oven using the broil setting.
Everyone loves the classics. At least, everyone pretends to love the classics for fear of appearing uncultured. If you devote a lot of time to seeming to be a cultural maven, you'll even know the little bits of info that trip others up. Did you know, for example, that Peter Pan wasn't written as a good guy? Do you refer to Romeo and Juliet as a great romance, despite the fact they both die completely unnecessarily?
The classics are fine and have their place. They are classics for a reason, of course. The entire works of Shakespeare and the music of Beethoven were edgy and new once. They have stood the test of time and thus became classics. But now, they're the past. Unless we come up with some new classics, cultural historians will just look back on this decade as being when all the greats died. How depressing would that be?
So there's a lot to be said for getting out there and seeing what's new before it becomes huge. Seeing something different, that pushes boundaries, is essential so that art forms can move forward. Whether it's visual art, music or drama, there's something to be said for the classics. But step outside the comfort zone, and you'll find there are great works being made today, too.
Music: Go See An Unsigned Band
Image from Flickr
Do you recall the first time you heard your favorite group or singer? For many of us, we came to them late, hearing their third or fourth album, or a single from it on the radio. We then went back through their back catalog and realized: "Yeah, I love this new stuff. But the debut album is life-changing!".
How exciting would it be to get in on the ground floor with a band like that? Unsigned bands play all the time, all over the place. And by going to see them you may hear some uninspired dirge - but you also might see the new Beatles before they become huge.
Drama: Not Everything Worth Seeing Is On Broadway
Image from Wikipedia
Broadway is the home of the big stage show with plays, musicals and more selling out nightly. Many people now appearing in Hollywood blockbusters have come from those stages. Many more make a great living appearing on those stages. But before a show hits the big theaters, it often has to prove its mettle in smaller houses. Sometimes, even with established stars. Buying Off-Broadway tickets is a chance to see something innovative before the creators lose control of it.
Movies: The Independent Scene Holds Real Wonders
Think of your favorite actor, and all the great films you've seen them in. These days, they make one or two films a year. Back when they were new, they often had to make at least twice that to earn a living. And so they have long, long filmographies.
Image from Wikipedia
Many of those movies never got to the big multiplexes, and were instead arthouse classics. If there is a small independent cinema near you, go and see something today. Ideally, you won't have heard of any of the actors in it. If you like that film, keep an eye out for the stars in other movies - you'll have a chance to see some excellent films.
