Robert E. Zucker is publisher of the Entertainment Magazine Online (EMOL.org) web site, launched in 1995. Prior to that, he published several local Tucson, Arizona newspapers from 1978-1994, including Entertainment Magazine (1985), Magazine (1982), Youth Awareness Press (1979), and Youth Alternatives (1978). In the past decade, he has published several books, including "Treasures of the Santa Catalina Mountains," "Entertaining Tucson Across the Decades (V 1-3)," "Kabbalah's Secret Circles," "Twilight of Consciousness," and "Traveling Show." His latest, "Print to Pixels," is in final editing. Through his company BZB Publishing, he has also published books for other local authors.
Artist and LGBTQ Advocate Calliope Wren Presents New Pride Anthem “Her and I”Singer/songwriter, musician, and advocate for the LGBTQ Community Calliope Wren has announced her anthemic new single “Her and I” is now available on all the major music services.
“Her and I”, which in line with its June release, celebrates pride, personal freedom and the journey of individual exploration.”For people who may need a song like this (I know I did when I was exploring my sexuality), it’s about the embracing of something new and different, that just feels right.” – Calliope Wren
As is said of the wren, “for such a small bird, it has a remarkably loud voice”, and Calliope Wren has been stretching those powerful pipes.
Not unlike her ancient ancestral namesake, Calliope (Wren) is “pure eloquence. Her poetry is epic! The ecstatic harmony of her voice makes her the Chief of all Muses”.
AREA’S LARGEST HAUNTED HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL TO OPEN ON LONG ISLAND, SEEKS EMPLOYEES, VENDORS, ATTRACTIONS
Long Island’s Top-Rated Halloween Attraction, Dark Night Halloween World Is Opening Its Doors To Others To Become Long Island’s Largest Halloween Event
Dark Night Halloween World, Long Island’s fastest-growing Haunted pop-up event located in Farmingville, NY at the Bald Hill Amphitheater has announced their plans to create the largest Halloween celebration on Long Island – and they’re seeking to collaborate with new creators, performers, artists, vendors, attractions and more to make it happen.
For more information on Dark Night Halloween World, Aurora Interactive LLC or the Aurora Institute, please visit www.Darkworldeg.com
Tickets for Dark Night Halloween World go on sale this summer via www.DarkNightLI.com
Dark Night Halloween World originally opened in 2021, seeking to provide Long Island with a genuine Haunted Attraction and overall Halloween event with a strong 1980’s and 1990’s theme. Since the debut of this retro themed Halloween show, the event has quickly become Long Island’s fastest growing haunted house alternative. In 2022, Buzzfeed rated Dark Night #15 on their list of America’s Top Haunts for Horror Fans to Visit and for 2023, they seek to expand and collaborate with more artists, creators, and small businesses to create a true Halloween festival.
“During the Halloween season, Long Islanders have their choice of many different Haunted Attractions and Halloween Activities – but more often than not, they can only realistically attend one per year, and it can be hard to choose which one will provide the most Fright and Fun for their dollar. We set out to create a space where they can quench their spooky thirst all in one place. As we expand from a large-scale Haunted Experience into a larger, more inclusive event, we plan to introduce a genuine Halloween festival and work with artists, vendors, attractions and more to make it happen.” Said Aidan P. Finnegan, Co-Owner and Marketing Director of Dark Night Halloween World.
Finnegan, a Kings Park native whose company Dark World Entertainment Group is responsible for producing nationally-recognized Haunted Attractions and Immersive Experiences throughout the East Coast and Midwest, partnered with local event producer Martin Arominski to create this event. Arominski has created many of Long Island’s largest Haunted Events, including the now-defunct Chamber of Horrors NY in Hauppauge, Long Island Fear Fest at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Halls of Terror in Farmingdale, and was the original owner of the popular Blood Manor in New York City. The pair have been working together since Finnegan was a teenager.
“We’re opening the doors for artists, brands, and businesses to create their own opportunities at our event, even other haunted attractions in the area can participate! If you have an attraction of your own, whether that is Axe Throwing or an Escape Room, or you want to promote and sell your wares – Dark Night Halloween World is the place to be.” said Mort Spuccenskrëm, Co-Owner of Dark Night Halloween World.
Dark Night’s “Fright Team” has added tens of thousands of dollars worth of new theme park-grade animatronics, control systems, hollywood-grade masks crafted by L.A. effects artists, custom giant Photo-Ops, and props to their event for this year, as they strive to construct Long Island’s largest Haunted Attraction in addition to the festival aspect. Dark Night’s optional scare-filled offerings will now feature more Haunted Mazes, scare actors, and ‘scare-zones’ than in previous years.
“Even as we expand the event as a whole, we haven’t lost sight of the ‘flesh and bones’ of the event, which are the Haunted Attractions,” adds Finnegan. “So not only will visitors get to experience more Haunted Mazes and Special Effects than anywhere else in the area, but if visitors want a fun Halloween experience with less emphasis on ‘super scary’ – they’ll get that too. We are excited to bring a large event to Long Island that truly offers something scary – or spooky – for everyone.”
Dark Night Halloween World is also owned and created by Montauk, NY based “Alternate Reality” ad agency Aurora Interactive LLC – the marketing & advertising division of the mysterious Aurora Institute who claim to be “a clandestine and duplicitous N.G.O” on their website.
Dark Night Halloween World Brings Artificial Intelligence to Haunted Scream Park on Long Island
Dark Night Halloween World, Long Island’s top-rated and fastest growing Halloween pop-up event located in Farmingville, NY at the Bald Hill Amphitheater has announced that their annual ‘spooktacular’ all-ages haunted experience will be designed and managed by artificial intelligence for the 2023 Halloween Season.
Dark Night Halloween World originally opened in 2021, seeking to provide Long Island with a genuine Haunted Attraction and overall Halloween Event with a strong 1980’s and 1990’s theme. Since the debut of this retro themed Halloween show, the event has quickly become Long Island’s fastest growing haunted house alternative. In 2022, Buzzfeed ranked Dark Night as #15 on their list of America’s Top Haunts for Horror Fans to Visit, and for 2023, the team behind the event are upping their game with artificial intelligence and using it to create, design and manage the entire experience.
“You can do anything with A.I now, and it will only get better from here. The negative effects of it are already being felt by the arts and entertainment communities, so instead of letting it beat us, why not use it as the tool it was intended for?” Said Aidan P. Finnegan, Co-Owner and Marketing Director of Dark Night Halloween World. He cites the current WGA strike in Hollywood and tech experts’ warnings as examples of how this technology can impact creatives in the coming years.
One of the production companies involved with the event, Dark World Entertainment Group, formed by Finnegan, his business partner Martin Arominski, and former founding member W.P. West, is responsible for producing nationally-recognized Haunted Attractions and Immersive Experiences throughout the United States and United Kingdom. Arominski himself has created many of Long Island’s largest Haunted Events, including the now-defunct Chamber of Horrors NY in Hauppauge, Long Island Fear Fest at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Halls of Terror in Farmingdale, and was the original owner of the popular Blood Manor in New York City.. The trio, now a pair, have been working together since Finnegan was a teenager.
“You’re not going to find anything like Dark Night Halloween World anywhere else on Long Island, and we’re striving to stay ahead of the game by using artificial intelligence. This will not only help us create our marketing and advertising, the experience and design of the event… But also to manage and operate it. Between our top-of-the-line security force, our animatronics, and our staff’s decision to be microchipped to be fully integrated into our A.I system, what could go wrong? This is going to scare the pants off Long Island and the world!” said Mort Spuccenskrëm, Co-Owner of Dark Night Halloween World. According to Spuccenskrëm, the event’s owners have enlisted the help of Artificial Intelligence firm Sekonds & Cummings to implement a new AI-reliant protocol. At first, some employees were ‘skeptical’ of the changes, but were quick to change their attitudes after learning of the benefits of AI integration.
Dark Night Halloween World is owned and created by Montauk, NY based “Alternate Reality” ad agency Aurora Interactive LLC – the marketing & advertising division of the mysterious Aurora Institute, who claim to be “a clandestine and duplicitous N.G.O” on their website.
For more information on Dark Night Halloween World, Aurora Interactive LLC or the Aurora Institute, please visit Darkworldeg.com. Tickets for Dark Night Halloween World go on sale this summer via DarkNightLI.com
Taylor Swift has made history once again this week. The vinyl release of folklore: the long pond studio sessions debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200, logging the “The highest chart debut for a Record Store Day Vinyl ever.”
Right now, Taylor Swift occupies three spots in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 (#3 folklore: the long pond studio sessions, #4 Midnights, #10 Lover), joining Whitney Houston as the only female soloist to achieve this milestone.
Moreover, folklore: the long pond studio sessions has emerged as “the first vinyl-only release to land in the Top 10” in the modern era. At the same time, it has earned her the title for “Most #1 Albums” on the Billboard Vinyl Albums Chart. The album also more than doubled the previous highest selling record store day sales record. The previous record was 35k units and folklore: the long pond studio sessions sold 75k.
The album chronicles the first time folklore was performed live during September 2020. Taylor, Aaron Dessner [The National], Jack Antonoff [Bleachers], and Justin Vernon [Bon Iver] played through the album in its entirety during the Long Pond Studio Sessions, and this vinyl presents and preserves this moment eternally. folkore notably stands out as her third LP to win “Album of the Year” at the GRAMMY® Awards.
Get Transported to a Sun-Kissed Paradise, Hit the Beach and Catch the Carefree Vibe
Add some fun and upbeat vibes to your summer playlist with Stacy Gabel’s new single “Great Escape”, the ultimate feel-good track for summertime! Perfect for outdoor adventures, cruising on the water, or just chilling with friends.
With its catchy melody and lively lyrics, “Great Escape” is sure to get you in the mood for warm sunny days spent in the open air, and have you singing along in no time! Don’t miss out on this exciting new release from one of the most promising artists of the year.
Stacy Gabel is an accomplished and award winning performer and singer/songwriter. A graduate of AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC), and a member of SAG/AFTRA, she has appeared in many TV & film roles including “Charmed” and “General Hospital” to name a few.
She has been gaining national and international attention recently, winning several Global Music awards and a Los Angeles Pinnacle Film award for Best Song and making press appearances on PBS, NBC, FOX, Forbes Living Magazine and on various music blogs and podcasts. Her music has topped the Indie European Charts and received many spins on international and US radio stations.
Stacy is also a former TV promo producer/writer at Nickelodeon/MTV Networks in NYC and Los Angeles, and is thrilled to be teaming up with TV/Film Producer Anthony Friedman, a former Nickelodeon colleague, on “Great Escape”.
Snoop Dogg stepped out for the premiere of “Dear Mama,” the new five-part docuseries that explores the powerful bond between the late Tupac Shakur and his mother, the late Afeni Shakur.
“Extra” spoke with Snoop about why he wanted to be a part of the doc. He said, “Well, because it’s involving his mother and his story… His mother was a strong woman. I had a chance to get a relationship with her and to know her, to meet her, to have her be a part of my life, so I’m anxious to see what the story is about, and that relationship is so crucial to the world we live in right now with mother and son.”
Snoop shared how Afeni was an inspiration to him over the years.
He commented, “She was always a special woman, a strong woman, a strong Black woman. She led by example, so just having intimate conversation with her about, you know, what I was doing with my life and how I was trying to better myself and just giving me input on that I was doing the right thing and to continue to do what I was doing, so she was always strong and spiritual and inspirational to me.”
He reflected on what Tupac would be doing today to help change the world. He remarked, “Football leagues, philanthropy work, you know, changing the world, being a politician, being effective, being positive… I think that he would be doing the exact same things I’m doing, times two, because he was way ahead of the game before me, so I’m just doing some of the things that I think that he would be proud of.”
Snoop also dished on what we can expect from his own upcoming biopic, saying his sons won’t play him. He pointed out, “We’re gonna get some actors to play they part, you know what I’m saying? We’re gonna really go for the big swing on this one, you know? My life story… ain’t complete because it’s still happening, but at the same time, I feel like people need to know, you know, my humble beginnings, who I learned it from, who I got it from, and how I became who I am.”
Over the weekend, James Corden was honored at PaleyFest L.A. 2023 as he preps to leave “The Late Late Show.”
“Extra’s” Rachel Lindsay spoke with an “emotional” Corden, who only has 12 shows left!
He said, “For so long, it felt it was a long way away, and then now it’s here.”
James admitted it was a “very, very strange feeling to be so close” to saying goodbye to the show.
Over eight hit seasons, James has had so many memorable moments, from star-packed Carpool Karaokes to Crosswalk Musicals.
Last year, Corden took a ride with Tom Cruise on a fighter jet! He commented, “It would be really hard to top in terms of danger and stunts that we’ve done before.”
Corden told “Extra” he has a few more big surprises planned for the last few shows.
Without saying too much, he teased, “You’ll have to wait and see.”
He added, “We have three ‘Carpools’ between now and then. The last one is gonna be very emotional… I spend the day as a Kardashians assistant, which I think will be fun.”
When asked what he’ll do on the day after his last show, Corden admitted, “I imagine I’ll be quite hung over.”
“That’s my hunch,” James commented. “I think I’ll be looking for some kind of bacon product.”
What will he miss most about the show? Corden answered, “I’ll miss my friends, who I love. I’ll miss them so much… and America. It’s an amazing place.”
Showing his appreciation for the U.S.A., James emphasized, “I love the optimism of the place. I love the notion that a chubby boy from High Wycombe can come here and be accepted in such a way. It’s the most incredible, creative place, and I hope it’s not done with me.”
Jennifer Aniston stunned at the “Murder Mystery 2” premiere in L.A. Tuesday, wearing a silver minidress by Versace.
“Extra’s” Melvin Robert caught up with the star, who opened up about her friendship with co-star Adam, and whether they would ever remake a certain popular ‘70s sitcom.
Melvin also asked Aniston about wanting to join “The White Lotus” Season 3 to avenge the death of Jennifer Coolidge’s character last season!
Chatting about Sandler, Melvin pointed out that Aniston often says their relationship is like siblings, asking who would be the oldest?
Aniston revealed, “Adam. And yet the youngest at the same time. It’s hard to tell.”
Robert added, “I understand you were a mobile pharmacy on the set, taking care of him, making him smoothies. What kind of smoothies were you making him?”
She explained, “Usually Vital Proteins powder, spinach, berries, cacao, couple almonds, a lot of ingredients.”
Jen is looking good at 54, and Melvin asked if Chinese herbs are the secret to her youthful look.
She said, “I don’t know if that’s the secret, but I do love having an arsenal… If you’re getting run down, I’m here at your service.”
“The Morning Show” star is a huge fan of another star, Jennifer Coolidge, and her show, “The White Lotus,” and has even talked about avenging her character’s death.
Is there any chance Aniston would join “The White Lotus”? She said, “I would love to… How do you stop watching and loving Jennifer Coolidge? She’s a gift to all of us.”
She added, “She was on ‘Friends’ way back in the day… We’ve loved her a long time.”
And we love Jen and Adam together and Adam with his other frequent collaborator Drew Barrymore… so could we see the three of them work together?
Mel asked about Drew, Jen and Adam remaking “Three’s Company,” adding, “Suzanne Somers says she’d love for you to play Chrissy.”
Jen asked, “She would?” adding, “Well, if Suzanne says it, come on, gotta do what Suzanne says.”
Genre blending, jamband juggernaut Red Matter presents their debut studio single and live action video for “LIGHT OF THE MOON” – available now on Spotify, Youtube and all the major music and video services.
While performing nearly two hundred fifty shows across the east coast over the past several years, the name Red Matter has become synonymous with explosive success. Ask their legion of adoring followers, or better yet, take in a show on any given night; you’ll find sophisticated songwriting with danceable rhythms – full of rollicking extended jams, musical improvisation, visual stimulation, and all-out aural excitement.With a jamband ethos, appreciation for contemporaries such as Gov’t Mule, Dawes, Goose and Tedeschi Trucks Band, and a nod to the O.G.’s of the genre like Grateful Dead, Phish, Jefferson Airplane and Santana, Red Matterhits all the high notes, fusing elements of rock n roll, blues, americana, and psychedelia creating a truly versatile, eclectic style.
See Red Matter perform live: check the website for tour dates coming soon.
(New York, NY) – Blending artistic creativity and modern technology into smooth instrumental moods*, LE SONIC, the music production duo of Mike Rogers & Gary Lefkowith, present their brand new single and video “RIVERSIDE DRIVE” (featuring Jim Hynes on Trumpet and Scott Kreitzer on Saxophone) available now on Spotify, YouTubeand all the major music services.
Built on a foundation of musical creativity and modern technology, LE SONIC reached the pinnacle of success in 2022 when their first single, “Any Moment” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart! In fact, Le Sonic had two #1 Billboard Records in 2022, with “I’ll Be The One”, and was the #1 Smooth Jazz Group of the Year.
Mike Rogers’ first hit was the groundbreaking record “Groove is in the Heart” by Deeelite“ which sold 6 million copies worldwide. Mike has been behind the board for Sinead O’Connor, Graham Nash, Erasure, The Fat Boys, Randy Brecker, and Omar Hakim.
Gary Lefkowith has promoted records for Elvis, Mick Jagger, and Prince. As an artist, he was a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition. Gary’s band HiFi had a Top 20 record on the CMJ College Music Chartas well as a Top 30 on Billboard’s Top 40 chart with “She’s My Girl”.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gary Rossington, an original member of GRAMMY Hall of Fame Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died on Sunday, March 5th, 2023 at age 71.
Rossington survived the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, as well as backup vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot John Gray.
The legendary group shared this quote on social media: “It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter, and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today. Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty like he always does.
Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie, and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 by Kid Rock, and is known worldwide for their signature hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Simple Man”, “That Smell”, “Gimme Three Steps” and nine-minute southern rock anthem, “Free Bird”.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member and former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle shares heartfelt recollection of his brother of the road:
“Gary’s place in music history is rock solid. He will be missed forever. Fly on fly high, our ‘Free Bird’ brother.”
Other friends and colleagues of Lynyrd Skynyrd have also shared their thoughts on Rossington:
“Gary Rossington had a sound that no other guitar player had. Everyone knows “Free Bird” and his feeling in each note itself helped set Lynyrd Skynyrd apart from all of the other Southern Rock bands. They are still one of my favorite groups to listen to. His sound will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends!” – William Lee Golden / The Oak Ridge Boys
“Our hearts go out to our brothers in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Legendary guitarist Gary Rossington has passed.” – Joe Bonsall / The Oak Ridge Boys
“Gary Rossington’s guitar playing was iconic and defined the band’s sound. My thoughts are with his family and fans. There will never be another like him.” – Johnny Lee
“Heaven is ringing with twin guitars tonight! I was saddened to hear about the passing of Southern rock guitar legend, Gary Rossington. I spent many hours trying to work up his and Steve Gaines’ guitar parts and I’m still trying to get them right. Thank you for the incredible music, Sir! Now fly free.” – Heath Wright / Ricochet
“I wish I had a nickel for every time I was in a club and heard someone in the crowd yell out ” Free Bird” to the band. Forty-nine years later and this southern rock anthem lives on. Gary Rossington will forever be known as the guitarist who gave this song wings. Rock on, Gary, and rock in peace.” – Tim Atwood
“Gary Rossington was one of the greats. His style of guitar playing will forever live on in all of our hearts as soon as we hear songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd. There will never be another like him. May he rest in peace.” – Makenzie Phipps
“Saddened to hear of the passing of legendary guitarist, Gary Rossington. One of the last original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. We’ve all played their songs throughout our lives and they are one of the most iconic bands of all time. Rest easy Gary. Train roll on.” – JD Shelburne
“I’m sorry to hear of Gary Rossington’s passing. His guitar work on “Simple Man” and “Free Bird” will transcend time. His tones paved the path for generations of guitarists. My condolences to his family.” – Levi Riggs
“A very sad loss for southern rock and music in general, Gary Rossington, you will be missed, my friend.” – Joey Canyon / Canyon Star TV
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STREET SURVIVORS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE LYNYRD SKYNYRD PLANE CRASH, recreates the story of the ill-fated flight through the eyes of former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Artimus Pyle(who narrates the film), who not only survived the plane crash that claimed the life of the band’s founder and frontman Ronnie Van Zant amongst others, but who also physically pulled the remaining survivors out of the plane wreckage before staggering towards the nearest farmhouse in rural Louisiana to seek help.
“This film’s story, MY story, is not just about the plane crash but also about my personal relationship with the genius that was Ronnie Van Zant, whom I loved like a brother and still miss to this day,” says Artimus Pyle.
Pyle also contributes original music to the film’s soundtrack.
About Artimus Pyle: Long considered the “wild man” of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle’s powerful and distinctive double bass drumming helped define the legendary Skynyrd sound. Artimus got his first real break at the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam. His first recording lists – Artimus Pyle, percussion. Then with other work for the Marshall Tucker Band, Artimus became known as a powerful session drummer.
Using his connections with Charlie Daniels and Marshall Tucker, both acts that toured often with Skynyrd, Artimus met with Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. The results of that meeting – Saturday Night Special – greatly impressed Ronnie. Artimus’ live debut with the band took place in Jacksonville’s Sgt Pepper’s Club in October 1974. When Bob Burns left the band permanently following Skynyrd’s first European tour in December 1974, Artimus quickly got the nod as Skynyrd’s new drummer.
The years Artimus played with Skynyrd were the years that solidified the legend behind the band. Quickly developing into one of the nation’s top touring draws with a grueling schedule of 300 shows a year, the constant work and touring paid off. By October 1977, Skynyrd’s songs had become radio staples.
