The incredible Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a rock orchestra founded by Paul O’Neill, Robert Kinkel, and Jon Oliva in 1996. O’Neill had managed and produced rock bands including Aerosmith, Humble Pie and Scorpions, later writing for and producing Savatage, where he began working with Kinkel and Oliva.

The roots of TSO are found in Savatage, a traditional heavy metal band that gradually progressed into an operatic metal act. Savatage’s rock operas, starting with STREETS, began the experimentation with what would become TSO culminating on the track “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24” from DEAD WINTER DEAD. This track was a minor hit for the struggling band, and demonstrated that there might be an audience for the symphonic metal approach to holiday themes.

The concept for a band playing Christmas carols in a rock opera style was not received warmly by the industry, but quickly proved a success with adults as well as young people.

In the recording studio, Trans-Siberian Orchestra uses a full 60+ piece orchestra and a choir. Trans-Siberian Orchestra released their debut album Christmas Eve and Other Stories in 1996, and it remains their best-selling album. Their 1998 release The Christmas Attic was similarly a concept album with a Christmas theme.

In 2000, they released their first (and to date only) non-Christmas album, Beethoven’s Last Night. Beethoven’s Last Night is a concept album about Ludwig van Beethoven’s last night on earth, during which he meets Mephistopheles.

In 2001, TSO released The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, followed by The Lost Christmas Eve in 2004. Also in 2004, the band released a box set titled, The Christmas Trilogy. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is currently working on a new release, Night Castle.

Once when asked what Trans-Siberian Orchestra was about, Paul O’Neill replied, “It’s about creating great art. When asked to define what great art was, Paul said, “The purpose of art is to create an emotional response in the person that is exposed to that art. And there are three categories of art; bad art, good art and great art. Bad art will elicit no emotional response in the person that is exposed to it, i.e.; a song you hear in an elevator and it does nothing to you, a picture on a wall that gives you the same emotional response as if the wall had been blank, a movie that chews up time. Good art will make you feel an emotion that you have felt before; you see a picture of a forest and you remember the last time you went fishing with your dad, you hear a song about love and you remember the last time you were in love. Great art will make you feel an emotion you have never felt before; seeing the pieta, the world famous sculpture by Michelangelo, can cause someone to feel the pain of losing a child even if they’ve never had one. And when you’re trying for these emotions the easiest one to trigger is anger.”

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s main web site is http://www.trans-siberian.com
The group recently launched a new “Fan Club” web site http://www.trans-siberianexpress.com to visit.

Seeing Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert is a must. Their shows are an amazing array of lights, lasers and music. First timers will never forget the moving experience. Loyal concert returners will remember why they keep coming back for more TSO, year after year.

Women in Art is a creative video developed by Philip Scott Johnson. Philip is a very talented digital artist from St. Louis, Missouri.

This incredible Women in Art video is form of morphing animation as this video montage showcases famous women in art through the years.

This video by Philip Scott Johnson is a wonderful journey through the ages of art, displaying the ever changing look of famous females.

Another popular video is titled, Women in Film.

To learn more about Philip Scott Johnson and see more of his incredible videos, go to his MySpace page.

Luke Ford, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

They say “All Good Things Must Come to an End.”  Well if it relates to the recent dream wedding between celebrity Kim Kardashian and her NBA husband, Kris Humphries, then something had to give.

It’s just been announced that the two-plus month old wedding is nothing but a passing dream between Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.

After 72 short days, TV star Kim Kardashian has officially filed for divorce.

There had been several rumors soon after the celebrity wedding that was witnessed by millions on the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” TV show, that the love couple was having a tough go at this marriage gig.

31 year old Kim Kardashian was quoted, “After careful consideration, I have decided to end my marriage. I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best.”

The reason given for the divorce filing was “irreconcilable differences.”

Kris Humphries is a New Jersey Nets basketball player, but is a man without a team as he became an unrestricted free agent earlier this year.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil

Canadian company Cirque du Soleil, is well known around the world as a “must see show.” Cirque du Soleil describes itself as a “dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment.”

In Las Vegas alone, there are seven different Cirque du Soleil productions running, including O at Bellagio, KÀ at the MGM Grand, and Mystere at Treasure Island.

Alegría by Cirque du Soleil is touring the U.S. and Canada, and was first created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the entertainment company. Alegria began its initial run in 1994 and was one of Cirque du Soleil’s popular “Big Top Tour” shows.

Alegria toured with its own tent and entertained smaller audiences of around 2,500 people. Then in 2009, Alegria morphed into a format better fitted for larger arenas. Now playing in bigger venues, Alegria can be seen by many more people.

Alegria can be described as a journey set to music. The show leads its audience to a strange, yet magical world that allows us to briefly forget all of our day to day problems.

Alegria is Spanish for “jubilation” or “joy.” That in a nutshell, describes both the show and its set. The set is a playground for the various performers including clowns, gymnasts and acrobats.

There are Gothic arches, various slides and staircases, along with large yet subtle glowing lanterns. Side ramps allow the characters easy access to the main stage area, along with a way to gracefully leave as their act ends.

The show’s cast includes 55 very talented artists, who represent 17 different nationalities.

The show includes an assortment of stunning acrobatics, trapeze performances, and aerial high bars. There’s a variety of clown acts plus other performers who demonstrate flaming knife dancers, a contortionist act, a Russian Bars act, and array of synchronized choreography.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil

The opening act is by a woman dressed in all white who truly mesmerizes the audience. She performs on a trapeze and you can at times hear a pin drop as she makes incredible moves. Other times the audience gasps in unison with her every release, as she moves high above the arena floor.

As two wide strips of floor are slid away, it unveils long trampolines. Next is a non-stop series of tumbling runs and an aerial assault as the gymnast performers use the trampolines to catapult themselves into amazing front and back flips, twists and turns, and high-flying somersaults.

Alegria uses its talented clowns to bring both humor, as well as story telling techniques to the show. One moving scene involves a clown who leaves a train station after a short interaction with a new found love. His performance continues as the seasons pass, then winter arrives.

A blizzard hits. A large turbine fan whips up strong winds across the stage as the clown shivers. Thousands of small pieces of paper, representing snow, begin to blow across the stage and into the audience … as they now become one with the performance.

The music performed by a live band, is both lively but haunting. The musical score is all original and created specifically for each act. You’ll hear a mix of musical styles that include jazz, rock ’n roll, and even traditional accordion circus music.

The White Singer has an incredible voice and acts as the show’s storyteller. The talented performer sings in several languages including Spanish and French. She brings out a multitude of expressions and a variety of emotions in her beautiful singing.

Alegria is visually stunning and provides a variety of performances that touch all of us in some way. The show uses a perfect combination of music, sound and lighting, plus brilliant costumes and theatrics that when brought together, deliver a memorable theatrical show.

It was clearly a beautifully presented show, with breathtaking acrobatics, humorous clowns, enjoyable music, and a combination of both power and poetry.

“Art Of Drums” Collections by SceneFour

Have you ever wondered how to convey music onto an artist’s canvas? The Los Angeles creativity house SceneFour has.

The “Art Of Drums” is a historic collection of fine art, lead by SceneFour in collaboration with ten of the world’s greatest drummers.

The flagship “Art Of Drums” collection features former Guns ‘N Roses/Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum, introduces a groundbreaking method of capturing music on canvas. The premier was revealed Friday exclusively atwww.mattsorumart.com

The method used to create this beautiful piece of art was by using lighted drumsticks. The drummer plays on a drumkit set to a series of light triggers before a camera set at 30-second exposure. Through this approach, each drumbeat and movement is captured, resulting in a completely unique visual representation of each performance.

Additional drum art collection releases are planned by a who’s-who of the world’s ten best drummers. A long list of famous drummers were considered but a final top 10 dream list was created by SceneFour.

Rick Allen of Def Leppard, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Frankie “Kash” Waddy of Parliament/Funkadelic and six other mystery drummers are each creating individual collections of 100 epic-sized canvases to be released every other month for 20 months.

Each drummer will release ten different pieces, each of which will be presented in ten one-of-a-kind drafts, all numbered and signed.

The Art of Drums is the brainchild of famed art house SceneFour, the team behind collaborative artwork with The RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Bootsy Collins, TLC, Hieroglyphics, Fishbone, Helmet and George Lynch.

SceneFour Creative Director Cory Danziger was quoted, “This is something different than what people are used to seeing. It’s a new medium. It’s not acrylic or oil, it’s light and color and sound captured. The rhythm is on display for you to see.”

Courtesy of Fête

No matter whether you are planning that perfect wedding, family gathering, private party, corporate event or other special occasion. There is much work involved in making your event a memorable one. Planning is a crucial element behind any successful luxury event.

Based in New York, Fête was founded in 2002 and is a full-service, luxury event planning and design production firm that was founded by husband and wife team of Jung Lee and Josh Brooks. This talented firm manages and designs a variety of high caliber social, corporate and non-profit events across the globe.

Jung Lee is a celebrated event innovator and the highly praised author of Fete. Jung’s 360-degree approach to events and aversion to gimmicks are anything but ordinary. Her success has earned her the stellar reputation of a true out-of-the-box thinker and definitely made her one of the most sought-after wedding and event producers in the U.S. and worldwide.

Courtesy of Fête

Lee entered the crowded event planning industry because she felt strongly that events all felt so similar and could become much more interesting. She has a fresh and creative approach to event planning. The incredible results speak for themselves. Fête’s events are not just visually stunning, but acclaimed for being both personal and truly reflective of the host.

We had the privilege to interview Jung Lee and get her thoughts on her career and the success of her company, Fête.

– First of all, how would you each describe yourself?
I am very passionate about all things relating to lifestyle, particularly all aspects of design. I love starting from scratch, creating concepts and then executing and orchestrating them into these phenomenal event experiences. Creating unique, one-of-a-kind experiences for my clients, and then hearing that we have surpassed even their highest expectations, is incredibly gratifying for me and my team.

Courtesy of Fête

Lee Jung currently lives in New York with her husband Josh Brooks and two children. Josh has had a very successful career in the world of both finance and general management as an investment banker in Madrid and New York. In addition, Josh was a member of management teams behind top technology companies and his skills are a great asset to Fête.

What is your goal to be different and better than other event planners?
I am very focused on my clients and the events we do for them; I don’t know how other planners work. We are in the service business, and I am so grateful to have the most talented, dedicated, hardworking staff who really go all out to ensure that our clients are well taken care of. We consider ourselves to be “the architect” for the event. We create and layout the blueprint, which is the foundation, and build from there. We make sure every element is carefully considered and that it is impactful. This includes the environment, the visuals, food, drinks, music, wait staff attire and service…. we are constantly injecting fresh energy and surprises throughout our event, so there are always unveilings happening.
I entered the event industry because I was finding that from a guest’s perspective, events felt very bland. It reminded me of the hotel industry in the 1980s, before Ian Schraeger injected energy and freshness into what became known as a “boutique” hotel. I saw that events needed the same kind of fresh thinking. That is where my focus is. Now I am fortunate to create what I think are the most interesting, exciting and innovative events anyone will find.

Every event has a purpose to achieve. The primary objective of an event planner is to define the objective of an event and then exceed the client’s expectation.

Courtesy of Fête

– How do you decide on the theme of a particular event?
I generally don’t really create “themes” unless asked to. I develop an event’s creative vision by trying to capture something that relates back to the host – my client. Initially, I spend time with my client learning their passions, likes, dislikes, things people associate with them. We talk about design, food, drinks, travel, etc…whatever it is that they get excited about. These conversations provide me with the basis of the creative direction. This way, the event has soul and can really be customized for each client.

The Fête philosophy is that great parties do not happen by themselves, and that there’s a true art to entertaining. Lee and Brooks search far and wide for their inspiration, tap into clients’ sensibilities, and weave subtle, meaningful moments throughout any project.

– What do you consider your most rewarding event to date & why?
Each event is rewarding in a unique way – it can be a challenging event that really pushes my abilities. Or the emotional tie to the client can make it very meaningful. Fortunately, I have the privilege to design for many high-profile individuals. I get excited when I create an event that really blows these people away. Surpassing their highest expectations is rewarding. My aim is to raise the bar in this industry, constantly and consistently.

Courtesy of Fête

The design of a Fête event is always top-tier and unique, filled with unexpected details and a sense of adventure and discovery. There’s a profound synergy between the numerous event elements, and each has a definite purpose. Their in-house team creates and executes flawless visual feats, which work in harmony with incredible food, service, and music. Most importantly, each event is masterfully orchestrated to build its energy and create dynamism within the environment.

– What short-term and long-term goals and objectives have you established for your company?
Short-term, we’re growing our team and capabilities to continue to support client all over the US and globally. This year, we have already produced events in South Korea and Italy and Mexico. Long-term, we want to expand our business via a line of entertaining products.

For additional information about Fête and all their luxury event services, please call (212)725-7268 or visit www.feteny.com

Singer, songwriter and famous pop artist Lady Gaga was born March 28, 1986 in New York. Her real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.

Lady Gaga’s debut album titled “The Fame” featured a string of hit singles including “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” and “Paparazzi.”

“The Fame” album has has won numerous music industry awards. Both the album and its songs were nominated for a total of six different Grammy Awards, including in the Album of the Year category.

“The Fame” won the Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album. IN addition, the hit single “Poker Face” won Best Dance Recording.

Lady GaGa is truly a glitz and glamor media queen. Her concert shows sell out all over the world and Lady GaGa is just as well known for her unconventional sense of fashion, strutting on stage wearing stunning and colorful outfits.

Lady GaGa’s second album was named “The Fame Monster” and includes the following hits – “Bad Romance,” “Alejandro” and “Telephone.”

Earlier this year, Lady GaGa’s The Fame Monster album received three Grammys, including Female Pop Vocal Performance (“Bad Romance”), Pop Vocal Album and Short Form Music Video (“Bad Romance”).

At the 2010 VMAs (Video Music Awards), she won eight total awards, including “Video of the Year.”

Combined, the first two hit albums from Lady Gaga – “The Fame” and “The Fame Monster” – have sold more than 15 million copies.

The third album to be released by Lady GaGa on May 23 is titled, “Born This Way.”

The first release is also named “Born this Way.” This anthem song describes confronting one’s inner demons and loving the wrong man for all the wrong reasons.

Lady GaGa recently swung through the West Coast for her famed Monster Ball tour. Her fans come out in droves, decked out in bizarre outfits ranging from chic to the outrageous. Her fans are thoroughly thrilled to be able to see their idol perform live.

The Monster Ball concert had the ideal combination of her hit singles plus songs from her upcoming album “Born this Way.” The little monsters didn’t go away disappointed as the concert was start to finish mayhem and first-class production.

When Lady GaGa first appeared on stage, the crowd went absolutely crazy as a remixed intro version “Dance in the Dark,” starting playing. Then when a silhouette of Lady Gaga appeared, the excitement level ramped up and the concert was on!

Whether you are a Lady GaGa fan or not, you have to admire her as a performer. She grips the crowd and never lets go. She sends a message throughout the show for her “little monsters” to embrace their own destinies and follow their dreams.

Lady GaGa’s upbringing was also full of challenges so speaking from first-hand experiences, she communicates an uplifting request – be proud of who you are and don’t let others drag you down.

Lady GaGa is also a dominant force in the social media world. She holds the #1 spot on Twitter with more than eight million followers and has a staggering, greater than 28 million “likes” on Facebook.

“Home Alone” House for Sale – starring Macaulay Culkin

One of the most popular comedy movies of all time was 1990 classic “Home Alone”, starring a young Macaulay Culkin, who played eight-year-old Kevin McCallister.

Kevin was accidentally left at home while his family leaves for their Christmas vacation … without him.

If you would like to own the iconic home from ‘Home Alone’ movie, it is now up for sale for $2.4 million.

This incredible home is located in the beautiful town of Winnetka, Illinois – a Chicago suburb. The 4,250 square foot, three-story home looks just as picturesque today as it did for the 1990 theatrical release of the film.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

Las Vegas is currently presenting seven different Cirque du Soleil productions, including KÀ the MGM Grand, O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Zumanity at New York-New York, The Beatles Love at the Mirage, Criss Angel Believe, and the new Viva Elvis at the Aria Resort & Casino.

KÀ is definitely one of the must-see Cirque shows in Las Vegas, and likely the most elaborate and spectacular theatrical presentation you will ever see, anywhere!

The KA story is a simple, but riveting one. It tells the trials of a prince and princess and how their idyllic kingdom is attacked by the ruthless forces of another, rival empire.

Cirque du Soleil has been presenting amazing shows in Las Vegas for several decades. KA is special, Ka is mesmerizing, KA is a once in a life-time experience.

Cirque du Soleil’s KA opened its successful run in February of 2005. It’s been reported that cost of the massive construction project at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino ran about $220 million.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

The theater is massive and holds 1,950 seats, all offering terrific views of the gigantic stage. The seats are very comfortable and equipped with surround sound speakers so you can enjoy all the show’s music and sounds.

KA delivers an intense display of breathtaking acrobatics, blended with unbelievable theater stage mechanics. What makes KA stand out from other shows, is the unique stage. It’s a living stage, with two giant platforms in addition to five smaller ones.

These movable platforms provide the appearance of floating. As the centerpiece of the show, everything else literally revolves around it.

KA is an Asian-inspired production and the storyline of KA follows the lives of imperial twins who were separated in their youth. The two then begin a journey of discovery.

Along the way, the twins have to survive violent ocean storms, battling an array of evil enemies and amazing creatures.

A strong trait of any Cirque show, is how blending of unbelievable choreography with compelling music. But the true star of the show is the stage.

It’s quite amazing how the set changes occur seamlessly, particularly since it’s so massive in size. One moment it’s a warship or rotating beach, then a warrior hut, or an incredible horizontal wall where the actors engage in an acrobatic battle that defies words.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

There are several stunning scenes. Early in the show, a floating stage appears covered in sand. A human-sized crab and turtle arise to begin playing and dancing. As the scene ends, the Sand Cliff Deck slowly tilts forward. You then realize that sand starts to fall off the edge. The audience is entranced as the sand accelerates until every grain is gone and the stage ends up completely vertical!

The battle on the vertical stage (above) was another highlight. The actors engage in a nail-biting fight, maneuvering on climbing pegs. Not only does the stage go fully vertical but is also rotates. The chase ensues as both combatants and creatures fly all around the revolving platform, banging into each other like a pinball machine, then falling off the edge into oblivion.

But my favorite scene was The Wheel of Death in the Slave Cage (below). I wasn’t alone, as the crowd ooh’d and ahh’d in unison. It’s comprised of five performers and two separate sets of circular cages, which rotate on a common axle. In an incredible moment, one of the performers climbs out and on top of one of the rotating cages. To our amazement, he begins jumping rope as it spins around at a fast rate. What a sight!

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

The entire stage production is so innovative and authentic. The attention to detail, acrobatic performers, Capoeira dance, the incredible costumes, martial arts, gymnasts and puppets, heart pounding music, symbolic use of fire …. all overwhelm your senses.

But together, they make KA a truly memorable show.

For additional information, please call (877) 264-1844, (702) 796-9999, or go to www.cirquedusoleil.com

Hugh Hefner – Playboy Mansion

The incredible Playboy Mansion is a cultural icon and has long been associated with Hugh Hefner and his Playboy empire.

Now you can get the chance to visit the famed Playboy Mansion yourself!

It’s a great way to have fun, party and network with others, Playboy Mansion style.

Proceeds from the 2011 Summer Solstice Charity Benefit will help an amazing charity called Rescue Humanity Foundation. Last year’s event raised a whopping $35,000.

The 2011 Summer Solstice Charity Benefith will include an exotic car show held right on the front lawn of the Playboy Mansion.

Attendees will also enjoy seeing sexy models in a lingerie fashion show, and receive guided tours of the mansion grounds by Playboy playmates.

There will also be on-stage body painting, a live silent auction, a celebrity poker tournament with prizes and a model beauty lounge with over 250 gorgeous models from around the world.

The event is proud to have Rachel Sterling, Kea Ho and Sarah Stage be this year’s Celebrity Model Hosts.

WHEN: Saturday, July 23, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Playboy Mansion
10236 Charing Cross Road
Los Angeles, California (United States)
COST: $1000
RSVP: http://bit.ly/PlayboySummerSolstice

For additional information about the charity foundation, please visit www.rescuehumanity.com

Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Legendary Hollywood movie star Elizabeth Taylor has died at the age of 79. In the hospital, Liz was surrounded by her four children: Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.

Elizabeth Taylor was hospitalized six weeks ago, diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born to American parents in London, England, on February 27, 1932.

Liz Taylor quickly grew from a beautiful young girl to become one of the silver screen’s most successful leading ladies. In addition to being an incredible actress, Elizabeth Taylor was also one one of the world’s most famous movie stars.

In 1942, Elizabeth at the age of only 10 years old, starred in her first film – There’s One Born Every Minute.

As a twelve-year-old in 1944, Elizabeth Taylor played the role of Velvet Brown,who was a young English girl in love with a horse, in National Velvet.

Liz Taylor, was a two-time Academy Award-winning actress who starred in many hit movies.

In 1955 Liz appeared in the hit Giant with James Dean. Sadly Dean never saw the movie after tragically dying himself in a car accident.

In 1958 Elizabeth starred as Maggie Pollitt in popular movie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

After numerous Academy Award nomination, Elizabeth Taylor finally was given an Oscar in 1960 for her magnificent performance in BUtterfield 8. Taylor played the role of  Gloria Wandrous who was a c

Starred in the epic film Cleopatra in 1963, Elizabeth Taylor was part of one of the most expensive productions made up to that point. For her role as Cleopatra, Taylor received a staggering $1,000,000.

As Elizabeth Taylor movie career waned, she became an advocate for helping those in need and made generous contributions to AIDS research.

Taylor’s involvement in AIDS started when her long-time friend, Rock Hudson died in 1985.

In 1991, Liz launched the popular perfume “White Diamonds, which eventually became the most successful celebrity fragrance of all time.

Elizabeth Taylor was also known for her multiple marriages. She acknowledged the challenge she had in relationships and it was partly due to eccentric behavior.

Taylor was married 8 time to seven different men including: Conrad “Nicky” Hilton, Eddie Fisher, John Warner, Larry Fortensky, Michael Todd, Michael Wilding and of course Richard Burton.

The passing of Elizabeth Taylor leaves an emptiness in Hollywood and with her millions of movie fans. Liz was known for her elegance and stunning beauty, especially her piercing violet eyes.