Leonard Nimoy to lend voice to “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
Leonard Nimoy (AP file photo)
Well, it was pretty much guaranteed that the upcoming movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” would be better than its odious predecessor, “Revenge of the Fallen.” After all, it couldn’t get much worse, right?
Now, improvement seems a sure bet: “Star Trek” legend Leonard Nimoy has joined the threequel as the voice of Sentinel Prime, according to EW.com.
Sentinel Prime is the predecessor of the heroic Optimus Prime. His wrecked body is seen in the teaser trailer, as the Apollo 11 astronauts find it crash-landed on the moon in 1969. After being brought to Earth, he takes the form of a fire engine in the movie’s huge climactic battle through Chicago.
According to EW.com, Nimoy has previous experience with Hasbro’s “robots in disguise”: He provided the voice of Galvatron in 1986′s animated “The Transformers: The Movie.”
The 3-D Transformers: Dark of the Moon opens in theaters July 1.
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“CHAOS” debuts Friday night on CBS
Tulsa-born and bred actor Tim Blake Nelson will star in the new TV series “CHAOS,” premiering at 7 p.m. Friday on CBS (KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City).
“CHAOS” is a comedic drama about a group of rogue CIA spies in the Clandestine Administration and Oversight Services (CHAOS) who combat threats to national security amidst bureaucratic gridlock, rampant incompetence and political infighting. The team tackles high-risk foreign intelligence missions using manipulation, deception and wit to succeed.
Here’s the series synopsis:
Rick Martinez (Freddy Rodriguez) was dismayed when his dream job as a spy was eliminated on his first day; however, CIA Deputy Director H.J. Higgins (Kurtwood Smith), a calculating mastermind and the head of CHAOS, recognizes Rick’s unique skill set and places him as an unwitting mole inside the department. Martinez joins the team under Michael Dorset (Eric Close), a psychologist-turned-CIA operative and a tactical genius motivated by pure paranoia.
Working with Dorset is Scottish-born Billy Collins (James Murray), decommissioned from the British Secret Service and deported from the United Kingdom, and Casey Malick (Tim Blake Nelson), a 12-year veteran of the agency with an understated demeanor and the ability to transform into a “human weapon.” While Martinez’s instincts about who he can trust are constantly tested, he seems to have a worthy confidante in the new deputy director, Adele Ferrer (Christina Cole), who appears to have his best interests at heart. Or, should he rely on officer Fay Carson (Carmen Ejogo), an alluring agent and an expert at deciphering people’s “tells”?
Attacking each assignment with unparalleled confidence and gusto, these operatives perform covert operations, exert political influence and eradicate all manner of evil – and that’s just to survive the morning staff meeting.
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Pixar says “Monsters Inc.” sequel is actually prequel
Disney/Pixar will send the lovable “scarers” from “Monsters Inc.” back to school in the follow-up film, which will be a prequel instead of a sequel.
The studio announced this week that long-awaited next film in the franchise will go back to the main monsters’ days as college students, according to EW.com. John Goodman and Billy Crystal will return to give the Sully and Mike their distinctive voices.
“Monsters University” is set for late 2012 release, reports EW.com.
In 2001′s “Monsters Inc.,” big blue beastie Sully (Goodman) and his green one-eyed best pal Mike (Crystal) were working in the titular scream factory, scaring human kids to generate power for the whole monster world, when their lives were shaken up by the arrival of a wayward human child.
“The film is a prequel that tells you a little bit about how (Mike and Sully) first met, attending Monsters University,” Dave Hollis, Disney’s executive vice president of worldwide distribution,told theater owners gathered in Las Vegas this for their annual CinemaCon convention, according to EW.
“Obviously everybody knows at this point Mike and Sully are amazing friends — the best of friends — but as it turns out, in this story, that wasn’t always the case. From the moment they met at university, they could not stand each other. This story takes you through the ups and downs, and how they overcame their own differences.”
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Toby Keith “Locked & Loaded Tour” dates announced
The 2010 “American Ride Tour” ranked as one of Pollstar’s top outings of the year, bringing more than a million fans to venues across the continent to see Toby Keith. The Oklahoma-based singer, songwriter and 2011 Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year nominee has been drawing those kinds of crowds for a decade now, and with Keith’s “Locked & Loaded Tour,” presented by Ford F-Series, he’ll do it again.
Keith’s place as one of music’s marquee entertainers is reflected in the eight nominations and two wins he’s received in the ACM’s most prestigious category since the turn of the millenium 2000, 2001, 2002 (won), 2003 (won), 2004, 2005, 2009, 2011. Keith was also up for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at this month’s Grammys for “Cryin’ For Me,” his tribute to the late Wayman Tisdale. And on this latest outing, his long association with presenting sponsor Ford F-Series continues. His “Locked & Loaded Tour” begins June 30 in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Capitol Nashville recording artist Eric Church is the special guest.
More than 30 dates are already confirmed with a total of 44 US cities being scheduled, including stops in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and West Palm Beach, Fla. Keith typically only plays top markets, which leaves out his home state; however, he did play a one-off show last year at Thackerville’s WinStar World Casino, where one of his I Love This Bar & Grill chain restaurants is located.
In addition to his U.S. dates, 12 cities in Europe will be added to the itinerary, marking Ketih’s first return to the area to perform since his 2009 sold-out “World’s Toughest Tour.” Once again the Hellraiser Super Saver ticket will be offered to ensure that there is a great seat for every budget.
The Norman resident, his band and crew are preparing their critically acclaimed show that will feature nearly 1,000 square feet of video screens, a giant “T” shaped ramp that will house the “Club T” party pit, and an extravagant pyrotechnics display, all spiced with fresh sounds from Keith’s current album “Bullets in the Gun.”
The latest single from the album, “Somewhere Else,” is Keith’s favorite track on the album and playing at radio now. On March 15, he released “10,” a compilation of his biggest music video hits on DVD. And though a formal announcement has yet to be made, Keith’s annual spring United Service Organization tour will also likely make an appearance on his 2011 itinerary.
On Jan. 29, he returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage eight years after his first and only performance there.
Most recently, his songs have surpassed 70 million airplay spins according to performing rights organization BMI. For a songwriter/artist, there may be no greater marker of success. And the Oklahoma native has often said that the accumulated airplay of hits he’s written for himself is the most significant measurable achievement of his career.
In fact, few self-contained artists in the history of the recording industry can boast as consistent and long-tenured a run on the charts as Keith.
“Bullets in the Gun” debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 upon its October 2010 launch, rolling Keith into his 18th-straight year with a chart-topping album and/or single.
Capitol Nashville’s Eric Church was just named ACM’s Top New Solo Vocalist and is nominated for Top New Artist. He has produced hits including “Smoke A Little Smoke,” “Hell On The Heart” and “Love Your Love The Most,” from his critically acclaimed sophomore album “Carolina.” Described by Rolling Stone as possessing “old-school songwriting craftsmanship,” Church wrote or co-wrote every song. He recently graced the cover of Billboard and had his songwriting featured in People Country. Church is known for rowdy, energy-packed performances the Washington Post called “one of the most spirited live shows in country music.”
See the list of “Locked & Loaded Tour” dates after the break.
Miranda Lambert, Chace Crawford, Celine Dion to present on ACM Awards
Miranda Lambert
Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Chace Crawford, Celine Dion and The Judds are scheduled to present on the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, to be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. Sunday on the CBS Television Network. The ceremony, which honors country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists, will be co-hosted by Lambert’s fiance and fellow Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton and Chockie’s favorite daughter, Reba McEntire.
Lambert leads this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards with seven nominations, including Female Vocalist and her first-ever nomination for Entertainer of the Year.
In addition, Lambert was nominated for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” and received two nominations for Video of the Year for “Only Prettier” and “The House That Built Me.” She is nominated for Vocal Event of the Year with Sheryl Crow and Loretta Lynn for “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Lambert is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year.
Lambert will follow up with her busy night at the ACM Awards with an April 7 performance at the University of Oklahoma’s Lloyd Noble Center. Tickets and information: (800) 456-4668 (GoOU), www.lloydnoblecenter.com or www.soonersports.com/tickets/concerts.html.
Bryan, Crawford, Dion, The Judds and Lambert join previously announced presenters Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Nancy O’Dell, Bethany Hamilton, Julianne Hough, AnnaSophia Robb, Ryan Seacrest and Chris Young. In addition, former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn, Checotah native Carrie Underwood, Reba, Blake Shelton, Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans, Martina McBride and Zac Brown Band with James Taylor as well as Entertainer of the Year nominees Lambert, Norman resident Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban have been announced as performers.
Luke Bryan, the reigning 2010 ACM New Artist and New Solo Vocalist, released his sophomore album, Doin’ My Thing, on Capitol Records Nashville in October 2009, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The gold-certified album includes three consecutive No. 1 singles, “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” Bryan just released a new single, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” from his forth-coming album due out later this summer and is slated to open on the Tim McGraw “Emotional Traffic Tour” kicking off April 8.
Chace Crawford currently stars in the CW hit drama, “Gossip Girl.” The talented young actor recently wrapped production on Bruce Beresford’s film, “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding,” in which he will star opposite Catherine Keener and Jane Fonda.
Celine Dion is an international pop superstar who has sold more than 200 million albums and has garnered numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards. Early last year, Celine announced her three-year residency and return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, the world-renowned venue where she was the first to grace its stage. When her first show, A New Day…, opened on March 25, 2003, it went on to not only become one of the most successful shows in Las Vegas, but also redefined the entertainment industry. Celine would become the first artist at the height of her career to stop touring and invite fans to come to her.
By the time the show closed on December 15, 2007, more than three million fans spanning six continents and 138 countries had seen the show. Celine’s brand-new show, which opened March 15, has already received widespread critical acclaim from the world’s foremost media and entertainment outlets, and is selling out faster than her previous five-year engagement.
The Judds are the ACM’s most award-winning female duo, having won Vocal Duo of the Year seven years in a row, from 1984 through 1990, and Song of the Year in 1984 for “Why Not Me.” Kentucky natives, The Judds are one of the most successful country music duos of all time, amassing 14 No. 1 hits and more than 60 industry awards. After launching their career with RCA Records in 1984, The Judds sold 20 million albums in just six short years. By 1989, The Judds were one of the top-grossing and most popular touring acts in America. At the height of their career, Naomi Judd announced she would have to retire from the music business due to health complications. Then, last year, Wynonna and Naomi reunited for their final tour, The Last Encore. The Judds invited cameras from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) to join them behind the scenes and on separate buses as they prepared for their first tour together in 10 years. “The Judds” documentary series two-hour premiere debuts on Sunday, April 10 on OWN.
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Video: “Passages” exhibit of rare biblical artifacts premiering at OKC Museum of Art in May
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Some 200 business, government, academic and religious leaders gathered this evening at the Vatican Embassy (Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See) as Hobby Lobby President Steve Green announced a worldwide traveling exhibition launching from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art May 16–Oct. 16.
Chris Casteel covered this evening’s announcement in Washington, D.C., for The Oklahoman, and interviewed Green for one of these NewsOK videos. To read Chris’ report, click here.
In the other video, NewsOK host Angi Bruss talks to OKC Museum of Art President and CEO Glen Gentele and Green Collection Director Scott Carroll about the collection and “Passages.”
In this year marking the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, an unusual collaboration between one of America’s top family retailers, scholars worldwide and religious leaders from across the spectrum has emerged to explore, share and pioneer discoveries around the world’s most-translated, best-selling book.
“What better time than now to explore and experience this Book that has altered history, shaped cultures, inspired minds and changed lives?” said Green in a news release.
“Passages” is the nonsectarian exhibition of a portion of The Green Collection, one of the world’s newest and largest private collections of rare biblical texts and artifacts. The exhibition will travel first to the Green family’s hometown of Oklahoma City for its worldwide premiere at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, followed by a tour of cities and locations to be announced including a portion of the collection heading to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City in October.
“The opportunity to present such a vast and important collection of biblical artifacts is exceptional,” said Gentele, in the release. “The exhibition provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests to engage with these rare materials at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.”
“Passages’” 14,000-square-foot, interactive, nonsectarian, worldwide traveling exhibition will enable visitors to see, touch, feel and experience the dramatic and surprising story of thousands of years of Bible history. Included in the exhibition is one of the earliest pieces of Genesis, along with the Codex Climaci Rescriptus, one of the earliest-surviving, near-complete Bibles, and the most extensive early biblical texts in Jesus’ household language of Palestinian Aramaic.
“The Bible didn’t come from Mount Sinai to Moses and end up in a Red Roof Inn desk drawer,” said Carroll, who holds a Ph.D. in ancient studies, in the release. “There was a process and Passages tells the dramatic story of that process.”
For more information, go to www.ExplorePassages.com.
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BREAKING: “Passages” exhibit of rare biblical manuscripts, artifacts to make world premiere at OKC Museum of Art
Included in the "Passages" exhibition is the Codex Climaci Rescriptus, late 4-9c This palimpsest manuscript on vellum in Christian Palestinian Aramaic, Greek and Syriac serves as an extremely valuable, early witness to the Greek Bible and to the Bible in the household dialect of Jesus, likely copied from a source that dates within a few generations of his life.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Some 200 business, government, academic and religious leaders gathered this evening at the Vatican Embassy (Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See) as Hobby Lobby President Steve Green announced a worldwide traveling exhibition launching from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art May 16–Oct. 16.
Chris Casteel covered this evening’s announcement in Washington, D.C., for The Oklahoman. To read his report, click here.
In this year marking the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, an unusual collaboration between one of America’s top family retailers, scholars worldwide and religious leaders from across the spectrum has emerged to explore, share and pioneer discoveries around the world’s most-translated, best-selling book.
“What better time than now to explore and experience this Book that has altered history, shaped cultures, inspired minds and changed lives?” said Green in a news release.
“Passages” is the nonsectarian exhibition of a portion of The Green Collection, one of the world’s newest and largest private collections of rare biblical texts and artifacts. The exhibition will travel first to the Green family’s hometown of Oklahoma City for its worldwide premiere at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, followed by a tour of cities and locations to be announced including a portion of the collection heading to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City in October.
“The opportunity to present such a vast and important collection of biblical artifacts is exceptional,” said Glen Gentele, president and CEO, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, in the release. “The exhibition provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests to engage with these rare materials at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.”
Former Oklahoma Senator Don Nickles, Rep. James Lankford (R) of Oklahoma, Dr. David Whitlock, president of Oklahoma Baptist University, and representatives from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art attended the public preview in Washington, D.C.
“Passages’” 14,000-square-foot, interactive, nonsectarian, worldwide traveling exhibition will enable visitors to see, touch, feel and experience the dramatic and surprising story of thousands of years of Bible history. Included in the exhibition is one of the earliest pieces of Genesis, along with the Codex Climaci Rescriptus, one of the earliest-surviving, near-complete Bibles, and the most extensive early biblical texts in Jesus’ household language of Palestinian Aramaic.
“The Bible didn’t come from Mount Sinai to Moses and end up in a Red Roof Inn desk drawer,” said Collection Director Scott Carroll, who holds a Ph.D. in ancient studies, in the release. “There was a process and Passages tells the dramatic story of that process.”
“Passages” paves the way for a permanent, soon-to-be-selected site where visitors can interact, not only with The Green Collection, but also with visiting exhibits around the Bible. The permanent home will also house a research arm—the Green Scholars Initiative—which brings together the world’s best and brightest minds to pioneer groundbreaking biblical discoveries through research and technology.
“The Green Collection provides casual visitors and scholars alike a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go behind the scenes of the most influential work that humankind has ever labored to capture, preserve, translate and study,” continued Carroll.
The Green Collection is named for the Green family, founders and leaders of Hobby Lobby, the world’s largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer. The massive collection that has “set dealers buzzing,” according to The New York Times (June 11, 2010), was assembled at an aggressive pace beginning in November 2009. The speed was enabled by the work of Collection Director and Ancient/Medieval Manuscript Specialist Dr. Scott Carroll and the Green family’s desire to make the story of the Bible accessible to people of all interests, as well as to scholars worldwide.
After the world premiere in Oklahoma City, “Passages” will be on display:
- October 2011
St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City—A portion of Passages focusing on the Catholic contribution to the King James Bible, in this 400th anniversary year of the most-published, best-selling translation, will be on display.
- Winter 2011
New York (TBA)
Some items of The Green Collection are also presently on exhibition at museums and specialty libraries in the United States and across Europe, including Baylor University and Kent State University.
For more information on Passages, go to www.ExplorePassages.com.
About The Green Collection:
Among the newest and largest private collections of rare biblical texts and artifacts in the world, The Green Collection is a compilation of more than 30,000 biblical antiquities. Named for the Green family, founders and leaders of national retailer Hobby Lobby, the collection features one of the world’s earliest surviving Bibles─Codex Climaci Rescriptus. Hobby Lobby President Steve Green oversees the expansion and outreach of the collection and will serve as chairman of the board for the eventual museum. Dr. Scott Carroll, a scholar of ancient and medieval manuscripts, serves as the director of The Green Collection. The Green Scholar’s Initiative (GreenScholarsInitiative.org), the research arm of the collection, brings together the world’s best and brightest scholars to pioneer groundbreaking research on biblical texts and artifacts.
About Oklahoma City Museum of Art:
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art serves more than 135,000 visitors annually from all fifty states and over thirty foreign countries and presents exhibitions drawn from throughout the world. The Museum’s collection covers a period of five centuries with highlights in European and American art of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and a growing collection of contemporary art as well as a comprehensive collection of glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. The Museum boasts the region’s premiere repertoire cinema, which presents the finest international, independent, and classic films. Amenities include the Museum School, which offers classes for students of all ages as well as art camps for children; a library; Museum Store, a roof terrace, and the Museum Cafe, a full-service restaurant, offering lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, a full bar and catering services. For more information, g to www.OKCMOA.com.
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Red Bull Gypsy Cafe red dirt music celebration planned for April in Stillwater
Cody Canada (Associated Press file photo)
STILLWATER – The Red Bull Gypsy Cafe, a celebration of red dirt music, is planned for April 14-15 in the birthplace of red dirt.
More than 30 red dirt singer-songwriters representing nearly three decades of this musical movement are expected to participate. Among those expected to play the event: Cody Canada, Stoney LaRue, Mike McClure, Steve Rice, Randy Crouch, Tom Skinner, Red Dirt Rangers, Greg Jacobs, Don Morris, John Parker Milsap, Bill Erickson, Monica Taylor, Bob Wiles, Kevin & Dustin Welch, Larry Spears, Susan Herndon, Jimmy LaFave, Travis Kidd, Gene Collier, Bo Phillips, Joe Mack, Chris Bell, Sam Naifeh, Jake Moffat, Randy Pease, Chuck Dunlap, Rick Reily and Joe Baxter.
Red Bull Gypsy Café will gather some of the genre’s greatest talent, both then and now, at the birthplace of red dirt music —Stillwater, according to a news release.
Throughout the two-day celebration, artists are set to gather to share the story of the movement at The Farm, the historic location west of town where many of these musicians played as they were coming up. The event’s name, Gypsy Café, pays homage to the site at The Farm where jam sessions arose over the years.
Day two of the event – April 15 – brings the music to the public in the form of a small festival. Venues on and near Stillwater’s Strip will host the artists playing acoustic-style sets in pairs. Headliners will be staggered by venue on the hour to allow fans to catch their favorite artists.
All proceeds of the festival will be used to help establish the Red Dirt Relief Fund, a nonprofit organization founded and administrated by red dirt musicians in Stillwater to offer assistance to musicians in times of need.
According to the release, 200 festival passes that will allow access to all four venues will be sold for $20 ($15 with an Oklahoma State University student ID) in advance online at www.protix.com and through their partner outlets. Individual venue tickets will also be available for $8 at www.protix.com, their partner outlets and at the door. Service fees may apply.
The Red Bull Gypsy Cafe will be playing live music from 8 p.m. April 15-1 a.m. April 16 at The College Bar, Stonewall Tavern, Eskimo Joe’s and Outlaws. Check out the April 15 schedule after the break.
To see the event’s Facebook page, click here.
Brad Paisley’s new album to include Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton duets
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood
Brad Paisley has recorded duets with Checotah native Carrie Underwood and Ada native Blake Shelton for his upcoming album, “This Is Country Music,” according to CMT.com.
Underwood is featured on “Remind Me,” written by Paisley, Chris DuBois and Kelley Lovelace.
They previously recorded “Oh Love” together in 2007, earning a Grammy nomination for best country collaboration with vocals. The song appeared on Paisley’s “5th Gear” album.
We know that Paisley and Underwood are still a good pairing from their co-hosting duties on the Country Music Association Awards, so it will be great to hear them sing together again.
Blake Shelton (AP file)
Shelton sings on “Don’t Drink the Water,” written by Paisley and Tim Owens. Both Blake and Brad have a wickedly funny sense of humor, and with a title like “Don’t Drink the Water,” I’m thinking this could be a hilarious party song.
Actor-director Clint Eastwood has a small spoken role and also whistles on “Eastwood,” a Western-styled instrumental that also features a spoken introduction by Paisley’s sons, Huck and Jasper, according to CMT.com.
Also, Sheryl Crow, Marty Stuart and Carl Jackson make guest appearances on “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” a traditional gospel song.
And Paisley’s collaborative attitude can be heard on “Old Alabama,” the current single from the album, includes performances by the three founding members of legendary vocal group Alabama: Randy Owen, Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry. In just three weeks, “Old Alabama” has already climbed to No. 18 on Billboard’s country songs chart, according to CMT.com.
“This Is Country Music” is scheduled for May 24 release.
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Randy Travis marks 25th anniversary with duets with Carrie Underwood and more
Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood (Associated Press file photo)
Country music star Randy Travis is celebrating 25 years of making music with a duets album.
Checotah native Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson and Don Henley are joining Travis on “Anniversary Celebration,” due out June 7.
The 16-track album will feature new songs as well as remakes of Travis hits, according to the Associated Press.
No word yet on whether Travis and Underwood are recording a new collaboration or whether the album will include their duet of his 1988 smash “I Told You So.” Their duet version of “I Told You So” was a hit and won them the Grammy for best country collaboration with vocals in 2010.
Travis has one of the most distinctive voices in country music. With his deep, rich baritone, he led a wave of new traditionalists in the genre in the early 1980s. According to the AP, he is among the format’s most awarded stars, with seven Grammys, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards and five Country Music Association Awards. He also has his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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