David Bryan on Playbill Radio

Guests next week on Playbill Radio's Center Stage are Joe DiPietro and David Bryan who are all over Broadway and Off-Broadway this spring, most notably in the new musical Toxic Avenger, which just won the Outer Critics Circle Award as Outstanding New Off-Broadway musical.

They introduce songs from Toxic Avenger's newly released cast album. Bryan will also sing the show's love ballad live in the studio: "Hot Toxic Love."

Each week's new "Center Stage" show debuts at 7 PM ET Tuesday, with repeats scheduled for (all times ET) 2 AM Wednesday, May 20; 11 PM Wednesday, May 20; 2 PM Thursday, May 21; 11 AM Saturday, May 23; and 4 PM Sunday, May 24.

According to the website, selected shows are available as podcasts afterwards. Hope this is one of them!

~ Hath

DARK STREETS Hits the Streets this June

The dark, sexy, jazzy musical starring Gabriel Mann and Bijou Philips will hit the streets June 30th, 2009. The DVD will feature music from Solomon Burke, Natalie Cole, Etta James, Dr. John, Aaron Nevile, Bijou Philips, Richie Sambora, and Toledo. Extra features will include commentary with Director Rachel Samuels, Gabriel Mann and Toledo Diamond, and deleted and alternate scenes

The DVD will sell for $24.99

For a listen to the tracks that Richie is on, click here:


~ Hath

iHome iP1 Packs a Bongiovi Punch

The new iP1 dock from iHome, which kicks off a new "Studio Series" for the manufacturer, and features "Bongiovi Digital Power Station processing" to bump up the quality. Tony Bongiovi, audio engineer and cousin to Jon Bon Jovi, developed the DPS technology to improve sound in "compromised" environments like cars (it's currently used by JVC in car stereos), planes and low-quality speakers, and is specifically tuned for its output device.

The upshot is that the iP1 brings volume and clarity to the low and high end of the audio, especially in older recordings that haven't already been compressed to high heaven, where details and oomph would be absent given the limited hardware.

Sure, the result isn't an "accurate" picture of what was recorded -- you still need studio monitors to do that -- but it makes most things sound "good" without adding the ruination of many digital audio enhancement techniques.

The dock itself packs a 100 watt amp, two 4-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters. The included remote can handle custom EQ in addition to switching Bongiovi on and off, and there's also component video out and full iPhone support. It should be hitting stores in the middle of July for about $299.


~ Hath

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Toxie CD Signing

So, a cyber-pal, frequent commenter, devotee (and Chickie's and Pete's survivor) Chris (aka RUTPOP) had the opportunity to go to the CD signing on Tuesday night.

She had a fantastic time, and her review of the night (along with some pictures) are proudly on display at T's Place, one of my favorite hangouts.

This picture is a crop of the one that Chris posted on Twitter :)




There are several pictures up on Toxie's site:



Even Rocco was there to (rightly) accept his own accolades:

>

Chris also posted a portion of the Q&A, and a couple of YouTubes of David singing at the signing.

You Tore My Heart Out



It's A Brand New Day In New Jersey






~ Hath

Richie at Midnight Mission on May 11

Don't know how I missed this (thanks, DeeDee!)




The Midnight Mission presented this year's Golden Heart Award to the Honorable Jan Perry, member of the Los Angeles City Council, on Monday, May 11th at the impeccable Beverly Hills Hotel.

Norman Harris of Norman's Rare Guitars received the Spirit of the Golden Heart Award that same evening presented by legendary rocker, Richie Sambora.

Both Perry and Harris have worked tirelessly throughout the course of their relationships with The Midnight Mission to bring awareness to and battle homelessness with the primary objective of making Los Angeles a better place for all of its citizens.


BTW, in 2007, he did a benefit for the Midnight Mission. He was funny and sounded great. You can listen here:



~ Hath

Richie and Ava take in Game 5

...of the NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles last night. There are a few pics; one looks like Ava posed for it, but these are more candid.

In case you're wondering, Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 26 points to help the Lakers demolish the Rockets 118-78 to take a 3-2 lead in the series.


She is such a beautiful little girl, looking more and more like her mother every time I see a pic of her. They look like they're having a great time.

I have to say, in my opinion, there's nothing quite as sexy as a man enjoying time with his kids.


~ Hath

Penguins Love Bon Jovi

OK, so we (Mr. Hath and I) were watching Penguins of Madagascar, because they make me laugh like a little kid. He pauses the feed (gotta love digital cable lol) and he says "That's it. No more Penguins in this house." lol

See? The love for this band is trans-species!

~ Hath

September 11th Always Remember Benefit

Jon Bon Jovi, the acclaimed American rock legend, songwriter, actor and philanthropist will perform at the Voices of September 11th (VOICES) second annual Always Remember Benefit, to be held at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City on June 8, 2009. According to the organization, his performance will follow President Bill Clinton’s remarks. All proceeds from the event will benefit VOICES’ 9/11 Living Memorial Project, a digital archive documenting the lives lost and the stories of those who survived.

“We are honored and grateful that Jon Bon Jovi is adding his voice to our cause, as his inspirational music mirrors the resiliency of our nation in the days following 9/11. His artistry and tireless philanthropy defy all boundaries and convey a global message of unity and shared humanity. Bon Jovi’s performance will capture the spirit of renewal and hope that VOICES is conveying through its 9/11 Living Memorial Project,” said Mary Fetchet, founding director.

Self-reliance, optimism and community are key concepts Jon Bon Jovi refers to, not just in his music, but also when articulating his desire to aid Americans. Shortly after 9/11, Bon Jovi comforted family and friends who lost loved ones by performing “Livin’ on a Prayer” at the Tribute to Heroes concert.

“Every American remembers where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001,” says Jon Bon Jovi, “On September 12, we promised to never forget. I’m proud to continue to lend my voice in the support of this event to build a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives.”

(read the full article on Island Records' site)

~ Hath

Bon Jovi’s Foundation Assists Phoenix Pass

HomeAid Atlanta has received some big help with their project in Rockdale - Phoenix Pass. Jon Bon Jovi’s Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation has given the project a grant to help get it underway. HomeAid could not be more excited that such a famous charitable organization would get involved with one of their local projects. It helps to illustrate just how important all of HomeAid’s projects are, and what an impact they have on the homeless population.

Phoenix Pass will serve as an Emergency Relief shelter for Rockdale County. The groundbreaking of Phase I should be happening any day now. Phase I of Phoenix Pass includes the addition of 42 beds in Conyers for homeless families. HomeAid is happy to have Manor Homes and Horizon Home Builders as the Builder Captains for phase 1. Together they will be constructing one apartment building, which consists of eight units, and the Lighthouse Community Center.


And they just keep giving and giving...

~ Hath


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Woman In Love

I have a women's quote of the day calendar, and today it says:

A woman in love can't be reasonable -- or she probably wouldn't be in love.
-- Mae West

That immediately made me flash to this song:




You know there ain't no woman like a woman in love
Ain't nothing she can't rise above
She can part the water when the seas get rough
But there ain't no woman like a woman in love

Ain't it the truth?

And it doesn't have to be a woman in love with her significant other. What flashed for me here is the love a woman has for her child(ren). There's nothing a mother wouldn't do for her child. She'd do more than part the waters; she'd make a freaking waterfall. She'd go to the ends of the Earth to make her child happy, and fight to the death to protect that child.

I'm sure that's NOT what they're singing about, but it's what resonated with me. Maybe it's because we've had our own trials and medical issues with the Hathlet, and damned if it didn't bring out the Mama Bear in me. But this song always makes me think about the fierce protectiveness I feel for the Hathlet, even though that's not what the lyrics say.

Anyone else have a song out there in Joviland that has meaning to them different from the song's actual meaning?

~ Hath

Rumors Abound...

... or maybe I'm just starting them :P

But, it seems that Jon's hob-knobbing with the pols this weekend was raising a few eyebrows. He attended an After-After party hosted by Michael Feldman, CAA Agent Michael Kives and Philippe Reines on Saturday night, where he drank Gray Goose vodka and chatted up white house speech writer John Lovett.

From all reports, he made the rounds of key Democratic movers and shakers on that night. Given his apparent fascination with politics and political figures, one can't help but wonder if Mr. B. is considering throwing his hat into the political ring once he's decided he's done making music.

Don't shake your head at me. At some point in his life, Jonny's gonna say "enough already", and he's got to do SOMETHING with all his free time *snicker...free time...snicker* so why not politics?

Alright, I'm sitting here shaking my head as I'm writing this. I just can't see enough people taking him "seriously" as a political persona. Sure he has influential contacts all over the world, and is a philanthropic wonder. But he's still "Jon Bon Jovi -- that long-haired rocker dude from New Jersey".

Hmmmm... would Richie run for Lieutenant Governor? Would the Dynamic Duo Ticket really win the vote?

That being said, I guess he would pretty much guarantee full turnout at the polls...every "state of the state" address Gov. B gave would pummel the ratings. Of course, any and every public speaking engagement would be crashed by screaming fans -- not really the image you want for your Governor, is it? Although, being from Massachusetts, I shouldn't speak ill of any state's choice of Governor....

Jon certainly has the charisma and ego to pull off a career in politics if that's what he wants to do. But he's got to consider this: he thinks the paparazzi is bad? Wait until the committees dig into his past, his family's past, his friends' past.... Politics is a nasty business. Everyone wants to win, and they'll play dirty to do it.

Can Jon play dirty enough?

I'll leave you with this thought, that a friend shared with me.

Surely, having seen politics "up close and personal" -- from the top down, no less -- Jon realizes he can do SO much more to impact the world as a private citizen/philanthropist than he could do if he got into the political arena.

I think she's dead on. Jon does so much. And as he said at the Can Do Awards ceremony, one person CAN make a difference. He already does make a difference in the world. He wouldn't be able to do so much once he was bound by the red-tape of bureaucracy.

~ Hath

Jovi to Play Halftime?

The National Ledger is reporting that the band has been asked by NFL officials to perform at the Superbowl XLIV Halftime Show in 2010.

They also report that there has been no official response yet from Bon Jovi.

Whew! Wouldn't that be a hoot?

So, SuperBowl halftime is 30 minutes. Figure 10 minutes split between start and finish to do the setup/breakdown, leaving 20 minutes to perform. At an average of 4 minutes per song, that gives you five songs -- tops.

What are your five songs?

I think they all have to be rockers; no ballads, please. And for GOD'S sake, if they do Bad Medicine, no Shout. Please. PLEASE. Just... Say... No...

My five songs, in no particular order...

Wanted Can't have a Jovi show without it. Well, I guess technically you can (as evidenced by the glaring omit for the Unplugged 2007 set -- though there were reasons there, as I'm sure everyone knows by now) but you shouldn't.

One Wild Night IMO a song they don't do nearly enough of.

Runaway Really, did you think I'd leave this one off?

Damned I love this song. My favorite opening riff of any Jovi tune. I've seen the YTs on this, and it's amazing.

Unbreakable Absolutely a great song, and appropriate for the Superbowl if Jonny's Giants are playing... (ugh, can't believe I just said that)

Note I purposefully left off Who Says and Captain Crash. I'm all set with those. Some of you will clamor for Prayer or It's My Life or Bad Medicine.... yes, those are great songs, KEY songs in their catalog. They have SO much more to offer, though...

How 'bout you? What are your 5 songs?

~ Hath

Jon Bon's Guitar on Display?

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

To celebrate, the casino will open a new display featuring five guitars that belonged to legendary musicians: Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, Eddie Van Halen, Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen. The Hard Rock Cafe will also have a Jimi Hendrix guitar on display for the next month, as well as memorabilia from the bands Black Sabbath and Queen.

The display is supposed to open today.

I couldn't find any pictures of the guitars that were being displayed; anyone else? I'm curious as to which one Jon donated.

And as an aside, the article I read said the legendary musician whose guitar was on display was "Bon Jovi". I assumed they meant Jon, but I have to wonder; is Jon really more of a legendary guitarist than Richie? Not to ding Jon, but even my Jonny-girl friends think Richie's a more accomplished, more amazing guitarist. Perhaps the article was referring to a guitar Richie was donating? Anyone in that area willing to do a little recon?

~ Hath

Jon Bon Goes To Washington

I know I've been absent this weekend; well hell, it was Mother's Day, and since I'm one of those, I had some family things to attend to. BUT that doesn't mean I was slacking off on my Jovial duties. Nuh-uh. Not me.

See, I had spies in Washington. Shhhhh.... Don't read that out loud for Pete's sake. A friend of mine was lucky enough to be semi-close to the "unloading zone" at NerdProm this weekend and sent me a report. Even better, she had a friend who was at the dinner.

This is my friend's account (edited to remove any of her defining information lol):

I’ve only seen the two of them together in person once before, and I gotta admit...I swooned just a little at how gentlemanly Jon is with his lovely bride. Just the way he so gently took her hand, the sweet little way they smiled at each other (kinda like “You ready? Okay, here we go!”), how he put his hand on the small of her back and rubbed just a little as they walked into the hotel...well, we girls all just gave one big collective sigh.

You probably already know there are pics up on Getty and WireImage – they do NO justice to either JBJ or Dot. That dress was just stunning, and JBJ was so, so dashing. Damn, that man can really ROCK a tux! (Tho’ I still prefer the shirt unbuttoned down to there…who doesn’t?) There should be a photo gallery up soon on the WHCD website.

This is the friend-of-a-friend's report:

DC pols & wonks were basically falling all over themselves all night to get to 3 people – Sting, JBJ, and Ashton Kutcher. Jon & Dot were at a table with David Axelrod (Obama advisor) & wife, Meghan McCain, and the Stephanopoli (George and Ali Wentworth). Apparently Jon spent most of the night engaged in very serious-looking conversation with Axelrod and several other pols; kinda stayed away from the "Hollywood Gang". He appeared to really enjoy the Obama speech, but Wanda’s, not as much. Then, when the dinner was over he and Dot were up and off like they were launched out of their chairs. Either they really had to pee or were making a run for the towncar to try to beat traffic to the VF party.

Here are some photos:



~ Hath