Mica Roberts raises awareness of domestic violence
Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Mica Roberts, a native of Locust Grove, is partnering with Verizon Wireless to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Roberts, a protege of Oklahoma country star Toby Keith, released her debut single, “Things a Mama Don’t Know” earlier this year. The emotional song and video, which feature Keith, deal with the topic of domestic violence.
Roberts will appear at Verizon stores in Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., on the June 20 and 21 stops, respectively, of Keith’s Ford Trucks-sponsored Biggest & Baddest Tour.
Verizon will establish used cell phone collection points at the shows for its HopeLine program, which donates proceeds from the sale of refurbished phones to help domestic violence victims.
At each store appearance, Roberts will perform a few songs, present a check from Verizon to a local shelter, and a winner will be selected to receive tickets and backstage meet-and-greet passes for that evening’s show.
“Domestic violence is a form of abuse felt by women of all walks of life across the country that often remains unspoken or kept secret,” Roberts said in a news release. “I believe in the strong principles behind Verizon Wireless’ pledge to fight domestic violence and look forward to contributing to the company’s efforts to bring more attention to this national epidemic.”
Roberts has been singing with Keith’s Easy Money Band since 2003, and he produced her debut album on his label, Show Dog Nashville.
If “Things a Mama Don’t Know” is any indication, Roberts is definitely another talented Oklahoman to watch. Check out the video, courtesy AOL Video:
-BAM
Toby, other Okies among top-earning country artists
Oklahoman Toby Keith tops the list of Top-Earning Country Music Stars compiled by Forbes.com.
Trio Rascal Flatts, which includes Joe Don Rooney of Picher, and duo Brooks & Dunn, which includes Tulsan Ronnie Dunn, ranks No. 2 and No. 5, respectively.
Keith, who was born in Clinton, raised in Moore and lives in Norman, took in $48 million in earnings over the last year. The Forbes.com analysis credited his financial success to his “strong personal brand” (including his “bulletproof persona” and patriotic anthems), his robust Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant chain, his Ford endorsement deal and his ownership of his record label, Show Dog Nashville. In addition, his 2007 tour grossed more than $34 million, the fourth-highest gross of any country tour last year.
At No. 2 on the list, Rascal Flatts pulled in $40 million. The group’s tour was among the 10 top earners of 2007, and the band has a youthful fanbase and strong pop-country crossover appeal.
Venerable duo Brooks & Dunn, who has amassed legions of loyal fans, raked in $20 million in earnings to land in the No. 5 spot. Dunn and Kix Brooks are known for touring frequently and spent much of the last year on road, including teaming with Alan Jackson (No. 9 on the list) for a tour that grossed more than $14 million.
Here is the complete list from Forbes.com:
1. Toby Keith, $48 million.
2. Rascal Flatts, $40 million.
3. Tim McGraw, $23 million.
4. Kenny Chesney, $22 million.
5. Brooks & Dunn, $20 million.
6. Brad Paisley, $16 million.
7. (tie) Faith Hill, $12 million.
7. (tie) Keith Urban, $12 million.
8. George Strait, $11 million.
9. Alan Jackson, $10 million.
In compiling the list, Forbes took into account artists’ concert grosses, merchandise revenue, album sales and endorsement and licensing income, according to the story. The figures represent estimates of gross earnings in the last 12 months.
The story’s analysis credits country artists’ extensive touring (which has replaced album sales as the chief source of revenue for musical artists over the past few years), humble personalities and loyal fans for helping them amass wealth and success. The story also notes that the digital download revolution and threat of piracy hasn’t affected country music as much as other genres; core country music fans are still willing to buy CDs rather than insisting on MP3s.
You can read the complete Forbes.com list and analysis and see a photo slideshow of the top 10 artists by clicking here.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on May 29
Today’s featured event:
If you want to hear classic rocker Steve Miller perform live, you don’t need to “Fly Like an Eagle” or take a “Jet Airliner.” (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
“The Joker” will make his annual stop in Oklahoma City at 7:30 p.m. today at the Zoo Amphitheater, 2101 NE 50th Street.
Special guest Joe Cocker will open the show.
For more information, go to www.zooamp.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
‘Valkyrie’ may go to war with German film
IMDB is reporting that the historical thriller “Valkyrie,” directed by Bryan Singer (“X-Men,” “The Usual Suspects”) and starring Tom Cruise, might have competition from a German film on the same subject.
Based on true events, “Valkyrie” centers on a World War II plot by German military leaders to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The plot was code-named “Valkyrie.”
The Weinstein Co. has acquired the rights for the German film “Operation Valkyrie,” which won the German Television Award in 2004 for the best movie made for German TV, IMDB reports.
According to IMDB, the German film was originally titled “Stauffenberg,” for the name of the Nazi colonel who led the assassination plot. That’s the role Cruise plays in his version for MGM and United Artists.
“Valkyrie” made entertainment news last month when MGM and UA decided to move the film’s release date for the third time. It was originally scheduled for June 27 release, then shifted to a height-of-awards-season October date and finally pushed into a new Feb. 13, 2009, slot. (Sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day date movie for some history-buff couples I know.)
Rumors have swirled around the movie, with much of the speculation centering on Cruise’s German accent.
Since I think the subject matter is fascinating, I look forward to seeing both versions. Always room for more good history movies in my opinion.
-BAM
Racy “Witchblade” teaser poster revealed
OK, guys, don’t say I never do anything for you.
I read over at Matt Price’s blog Nerdage that the new teaser poster for the movie “The Witchblade” is on view now, so I decided to check it out, since I have an interest in comics and movies with strong female leads.
You can see the poster at www.witchblade2009.com. It is basically a back shot of the movie’s superheroine (presumably Sara Pezzini) in the nude, except for the Witchblade gauntlet, of course.
Based on the Top Cow comic book series, “The Witchblade” follows a tough female detective who fights crime using the gauntlet, which is a powerful and mystical weapon.
The film adaptation is in pre-production and set for 2009 release.
-BAM
Disney admits error with “Caspian” release date
Disney CEO Robert Iger said today that the company’s new family film, “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” is underperforming because it was released as part of the ultra-competitive May movie lineup, according to HollywoodReporter.com.
The studio’s first film based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy books, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” made $744.8 million worldwide as a 2005 Christmas release. The holiday season has often proven a plum time for family-friendly fantasy films.
In fact, Disney originally planned to release “Prince Caspian” around Christmas 2007, but moved it because the family-oriented “The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep” was opening over the ’07 holidays.
As “The Hollywood Reporter” points out, Disney probably made the move out of deference to Walden Media, its production partner on “Narnia,” which also was the production company behind “Water Horse,” which Sony distributed. The Loch Ness tale “The Water Horse” earned $102.6 million worldwide at the box office.
Iger said “Prince Caspian” is a better movie than “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” but has been overlooked at the cinemaplex. The sequel was released May 16, less than two weeks after “Iron Man” and less than a week before “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” The Indy sequel reported a particularly large take from families over Memorial Day weekend.
“Prince Caspian” has grossed $151 million worldwide so far, including $23 million last weekend.
The franchise’s third installment, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” is currently set for a May 7, 2010, opening. Hopefully, Disney will get itself a Christmas gift and turn the film into a holiday outing.
-BAM
3 Doors Down tops charts for second time
Rockers 3 Doors Down topped the Billboard 200 chart this week for the second time with their fourth studio album.
The Mississippi band’s new disc, “3 Doors Down,” was released last Tuesday and debuted at No. 1. The group’s multi-platinum 2005 album “Seventeen Days” also debuted at No. 1.
In addition, the band clinched the No. 1 spot on the Top Current Rock Albums and the Current Alternative charts with the self-titled disc, according to a news release.
The new single, “It’s Not My Time,” is moving toward the Top 5 on radio rock charts, making it one of the fastest-moving rock hits in the history of the active rock radio format, according to the release.
In July, 3 Doors Down will embark on a U.S. summer tour with Staind and Oklahoma City rockers Hinder.
I’ll have a review of “3 Doors Down” on Friday in The Oklahoman, NewsOK.com and here on BAM’s Blog.
-BAM
Blake and Buble can duet
From left, Peter Cetera, Michael Bublé and Blake Shelton at Friday’s “David Foster and Friends” tribute concert.
Oklahoma singer Blake Shelton was the only country artist to participate in a historic one-night-only concert honoring renowned music producer David Foster, according to a news release.
“David Foster and Friends” took place Friday at the Event Center at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The tribute show featured several well-known performers, including Andrea Bocelli, Babyface, Michael Bublé, Peter Cetera, Josh Groban, Kenny G., Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Boz Scaggs and more.
Shelton, who was born in Ada and lives in Tishomingo, performed Foster’s first hit, “Wildflower.” He and Buble also sang a duet of “Home.” Shelton’s cover of the song, which Buble wrote, is No. 8 this week on the country charts and is featured on his new release “Pure BS Deluxe Edition.” ”Home” also was a hit for Buble on the crooner’s 2005 album “It’s Time.”
-BAM
David Cook returning to TV
On Thursday, new “American Idol” David Cook of Tulsa and runner-up David Archuleta will be making the rounds on the morning TV shows in New York City.
The Davids will perform live Thursday morning on NBC’s “Today” show, according to the program’s Web site. The outdoor concert will be part of the show’s Toyota Concert Series on Rockefeller Plaza. (KFOR-4 is the Oklahoma City NBC affiliate.)
The Davids then will head down to CBS’ “Early Show” Plaza at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue on Thursday morning for another outdoor concert.
According to a news release, Cook will perform Thursday morning and his concert will be aired Friday morning on the “Early Show.” (KWTV-9 is the local CBS station.)
Archuleta’s performance will air Thursday morning on the “Early Show,” according to the program’s Web site.
Cook, 25, emerged the seventh season winner of “American Idol” last week, beating Archuleta, 17, of Murray, Utah, by 12 million votes. A record 97.5 million votes were cast to determine reality TV singing contest’s winner.
A rock singer/guitarist, Cook was raised in Blue Springs, Mo., and relocated to Tulsa a couple of years ago to pursue a music career with popular band the Midwest Kings.
It will be great to see the Davids, particularly Cook, perform again without all the “Idol” pressure and hoopla.
Plus, it will be interesting to see if Cookie has any revelations to make on his morning TV appearances. He revealed Tuesday on “Live with Regis and Kelly” that he had gone out on a date with former “Idol” contestant Kimberly Caldwell. He said he met Caldwell through the singing contest, according to the Associated Press.
-BAM
Wednesday Video Spotlight: Lots o’ robots
Every week, I receive the “Hot Off YouTube” e-newsletter in my inbox. This week’s “Videos to Know” segment of the newsletter has a robot theme.
Here are a couple of my favorites. To find more robot-theme videos, check out this post on the YouTube blog.
The featured robot video with the highest WOW factor: This approximately three-minute clip of a Honda ASIMO robot conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. With the opaque helmets and the relatively smooth movements, these things remind me of itty-bitty astronauts gliding around in low gravity.
The spotlight video with the biggest fun factor: The music video to the song “Heck No! (I’ll Never Listen to Techno)” by Oakland, Calif., New Wave/rock band Maldroid. This video chronicles an invasion of colorful, electronic music-loving robots in stop-motion animation rendered on a Lite-Brite. It is awesome to behold, and the song is pretty catchy, too.
Of course, no robot-related entry at this time would be complete without a reference to what is undoubtedly the impetus behind the current craze for all beings cute and mechanical: the anticipated Disney/Pixar animated film “Wall-E.” The movie opens June 27, and here’s the latest trailer for it. This preview gives a good look not only at the adorable title character but at his sleek love interest, Eve.
Plus, since I rarely miss such a wide-open opportunity to champion Oklahoma City’s The Flaming Lips, here’s the video to “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part 1.” It doesn’t actually feature any images of robots of any hue, but it does have a frighteningly out-of-context Easter bunny. Plus, the “evil-natured robots” are critical to this classic Lips song, even if they don’t get so much as a cameo in the video.
-BAM
