Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Vintage Queen = Shutting Down

I started this blog hoping I could keep it running, but honestly, it's hard work!

That makes me sound extremely lazy, but I'm a full time blogger on my personal blog, Sydney Speaks.

I'll continue to post fashion photography on my personal blog, just to mesh everything in one.

Sorry to my fashion loving friends, hit me back on my other blog, Sydney Speaks.

Thank you for all of your encouraging comments and I hope you'll visit my blog!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Ruben Coming to Paramount

So, as you probably already know, the Idol I’ve been hinting at coming to the Paramount Arts Center is none other than season two winner Ruben Studdard…

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is coming to the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland April 28th. The touring show stars Ruben and Frenchie Davis, who was famously booted from season two.

I’ll have more details on this one later.

By the way, “Misbehavin’” will also be at the Clay Center in Charleston January 7th…

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Welcome to Negril, Jamaica

Negril is an absolutely fascinating city that is located at the very western end of Jamaica. Perhaps it is best known for the longest strip of pure natural beach in the world, which is seven miles long. But in Negril you will also find a secluded pristine beach that is hidden in a little bay, cliffs, caves, Bloody Bay, Booby Cay, among other great things and places in see. Of course, there are many hotels, villas, cottages, guest houses, restaurants, bars, and party spots in Negril. We counted four clothing optional (nude) beaches in Negril: RIU, Couples, Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), and Hedonism II. If you’ve never been to Negril, you’ve been denying yourself one of life’s greatest pleasures. Put it on the agenda to visit. If you’ve been to Negril then you know not to keep Negril waiting.

Here is a photographic tour of Negril. It was a cloudy, windy day and the sea was very upset. But Seymour and Andy were kind enough to take our crew in their glass bottom boat to capture the entire Negril shoreline. Big up Seymour and Andy!

This is Negril from East to West.

It starts at this secluded beach, in a little hidden bay. We named this beach Rude Beach. Oh, if only this beach could talk!
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Then Bloody Bay, where you can find two RIU Hotels, a Couples Hotel, Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), and two or three public beaches. We stopped at one of the RIU hotels and caught some of the water aerobics action.

This RIU Hotel is non-stop party action
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Water aerobics RIU Hotel
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RIU Hotel # 2 Bloody Bay
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Couples Hotel Bloody Bay, Negril
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Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), Bloody Bay, Negril
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Then there is Point Village and Hedonism II (look for separate feature on Hedo II)

Point Village
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Hedonism II (nudism, exhibitionism, and non-stop fun)
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Then Sandals Negril, where the seven-mile beach and the action begin.

Sandals Negril (Negril's seven-mile beach begins here)
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Along the seven-mile beach are hotels, guest houses, houses, bars, restaurants, villas, party spots, among other things. Of course, we shot photographs of people, jetskiiers, boats and other things along the way, to keep things exciting.

Sandals Negril
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Beaches Negril
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The people who own Couples Swept Away owns this own
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Couples Swept Away
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For Real Hotel
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Legends
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Bourbon Beach (great jerk chicken and awesome party spot)
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Errol's Sunset Cafe
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Big Up Rastafari (flag)
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The seven-mile beach ends right here in downtown Negril.
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Downtown Negril leads into the cliffs and caves of West End Negril. Along the Cliffs and Caves of West End Negril are the Blue Cave Castle Hotel, Rockhouse Resort and Restaurant, Banana Resort, Negril Escape, and the world famous Rick’s Café (look for separate feature on Rick’s Café). The show ends at the lighthouse.

Church in Downtown Negril
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Blue Cave Castle Hotel
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Samsara Hotel
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Rockhouse Hotel
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Negril Escape (party spot)
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Banana Shout Resort
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Rick's Cafe (the world-famous Rick's Cafe)
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The Caves (hotel) - Chris Blackwell owns this hotel
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Negril Lighthouse
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This is Negril from West to East

So you just saw the layout of Negril from East to West. Now here it is in reverse order, from West to East.

This time around the photographs show parts of the cliffs and caves, all of the seven mile beach, and ends at Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), in Bloody Bay. There are also photographs of Seymour and Andy, our great boat crew, and, of course, their beautiful glass bottom boat, Reality.

Kids having fun in Negril
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Seymour & Andy, an their glass bottom boat, Reality.
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Special thanks to Seymour, Andy, Conrad and the rest of the Water Sports Team at Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort).

There is absolutely no place in the world like Negril, Jamaica.


Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Green Jamaica

How green is Jamaica? Greeeeener than you think. Yup, Jamaica is not just sand and surf. We are a country of very rich vegetation that stays rich from just-the-right-amount of rainfall. The greenery of Jamaica is a very significant part of its pure natural beauty. When you visit Jamaica, look out for the richness and beauty of its vegetation. Welcome to the green.

Green Jamaica

Green Jamaica Photo Gallery
Photographs best viewed as a slideshow.

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Mystic Mountain - Jamaica's Newest Tourist Attraction

Jamaica’s newest tourist attraction, Mystic Mountain (Rain Forest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain), Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was opened on Saturday July 19, 2008. This new attraction comes to Jamaica courtesy of Rain Forest Aerial Tram, a nature-loving company that already operates four similar outfits in Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Dominica (two in Costa Rica and one each in St. Lucia and Dominica). So Jamaica now has the 5th such world-class operation in the world.

Here are the attractions that they offer, taken directly from their website: Attractions

Bobsled Jamaica
Mystic Mountain 1
Photograph by Dameon Brackett

The park’s signature attraction, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, features a 1000m long gravity-drive through the rainforest on custom designed, high-tech sleds. Accessible via the Sky Lift Explorer, the Bobsled is a thrilling ride through dense tropical landscapes and coastal features on sleds that evoke Jamaica’s Olympic team.

Rainforest Sky Explorer
Mystic Mountain 2
Photograph by Dameon Brackett

Positioned prominently at the park’s entrance is the Rainforest Sky Lift Explorer, a state-of-the-art chairlift that sends you soaring above the treetops up 700 feet to the top of Mystic Mountain. The descent carries you through the heart of the canopy, giving you firsthand glimpses of the wonders of the tropical seaside rainforest the Peak of Mystic Mountain.

Visitors will find the educational Pavilion; an engaging and educational encounter celebrating Jamaica’s rich history, the environment, the country’s colorful heritage and culture, Jamaican maritime prominence, and the long and decorated athletic tradition of the Jamaican people.

Tranopy
This three in one package offers: the Rainforest Sky Lift Explorer, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, and the popular Zip Line. Once the Sky Explorer carries you above the trees to the peak, both the Bobsled and Zip line will send you speeding through the heart of the forest. For fun, safe adventure, this comprehensive package is the best way to experience all of Mystic Mountain Jamaica’s Rainforest wonders.

All tours can be offered in combination with Dunn’s River Falls.

Find out more about this awesome attraction: Mystic Mountain

Jamaica Observer Story: Mystic Mountain

Jamaica Gleaner Story: Mystic Mountain

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Monday, July 21, 2008

This Week...

So as you can see, there is still no Bucky interview. I'm sorry I got everyone's hopes up.

But don't worry. I'm still working on it. I hate to let you guys down...

However, for the rest of this week I will be away from my computer.

I'll see everyone next week...

"Idol" Goes Wii

“American Idol” is preparing to enter the world of Wii…

“Nintendic” is reporting that Konami will release “Karaoke Revolutions Presents: American Encore 2” for the Nintendo Wii this winter.

The game will allow players to stand in front of Randy, Paula and Simon and be judged. According to “Nintendic,” the game’s technology actually recognizes and scores vocal pitch and rhythm. There are 40 news songs from the 70s to today to perform.

Start warming up now…

"Idol" Gets Emmy Love

“American Idol” received four Emmy nominations this week and its host received another…

“Idol” was once again nominated for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program (“The Amazing Race” has won this award every year of its existence.). It was also nominated for Outstanding Picture Editing of Clip Packages for Talk, Performance, Award or a Reality-Competition Program for its David Cook Homecoming clip; Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety, Music Series or a Special for “Idol Gives Back;” and Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special for “IGB” (“Idol” won this award last year.).

And the fabulous Ryan Seacrest was nominated for Outstanding Host of a Reality-Reality Competition Program.

There is buzz that “Idol” has a good chance of beating “Race” this year IF it submits the finale and not “IGB.” Some experts believe that David Cook’s emotional win would be hard to beat…

I say Christian’s big win on “Project Runway” is the real competition…

Getting Fit is Hot, Dawg!


He’s produced some of the biggest names in the business—as he loves to tell us—and now he’s going to help people live healthier…

Randy Jackson’s “Body with Soul: Steady Your Sugar, Cut Your Cholesterol, and Get a Jump on Your Best Health” will hit stores November 18th.

You may recall that Randy has Type II diabetes.

The book will combine his meal plans and his exercise regimens with stories from the music business…

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

JPL Breaks the "Silence"


Tomorrow (July 22nd), Jon Peter Lewis (season three) will release his new album, “Break the Silence” on Cockaroo Ent/Adrenaline Music Group.

The first single, “Break the Silence,” debuted at #40 on the “Radio & Records” Hot A/C Indicator Chart.

JPL’s audition song, Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” is not on the CD, but a recorded version is available as a bonus track on iTunes..

“Silence” is JPL’s second CD. His first was “Stories From Hollywood”…
Photo courtesy of JonPeterLewis.com

Idols Galore at CMA Fest

There will be Idols galore when ABC airs its CMA Music Festival September 8th…

Among those scheduled to perform during the two-hour special, “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” are Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood. Kellie will host the special along with Taylor Swift and Julianne Hough…

The Madness Begins Again...

The “Idol” auditions are now underway, having hit San Francisco and Louisville.

The auditions next move to Phoenix on Friday.

And if any of you out there made the trip to Louisville for the auditions, be sure to let me know how it went. Just post a comment or send an e-mail to hdstaytuned@hotmail.com...

By the way, hopeful contestants are not the only people who will be showing up at audition sites this summer…

“The American Idol Truth Tour,” which is made up of former Fremantle (the “Idol” production company) workers and supporters, will be making the rounds to show what they call Fremantle’s poor treatment of its employees.

According to the “Truth Tour” website, the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement will be looking at complaints by former Fremantle employees…

Friday, July 18, 2008

A Bucky Update

So unfortunately, bad cell service scrapped my interview with Bucky Covington.

But we're trying to work out another time before I leave town, so hopefully I'll still have an interview for you Monday...

Sasha for Bonita Jamaica

Sasha did this little promo for Bonita Jamaica at Grand Lido Negril, the Perfect Resort. Thank you Sasha.



www.BonitaJamaica.com
www.doJAMAICA.blogspot.com
www.BonitaJamaica.blogspot.com
www.Myspace.com/doJAMAICA
www.Myspace.com/BonitaJamaica
www.Youtube.com/doJAMAICAtv

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hear From Bucky on Monday

Tomorrow, I am scheduled to have a brief interview with Bucky Covington about his upcoming appearance at the Gallia County Junior Fair.

I'll be posting my interview on Monday, so Stay Tuned...


Photo provided by Lyric Street Records

Gisele Bundchen posing in ripped Maison Martin Margiela pants on V magazine.

Gisele Bundchen


Brazilian model and girlfriend of NFL quarterback Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, 28, is featured in the Fall 2008 issue of V Magazine. This picture was taken by renowned photographer Mario Testino.

When asking about her skin-baring shots, Gisele said, “Only Mario [Testino] could make me take these pictures…. People are going to say my butt is showing too much in these but this is V Magazine! If you’re going to do something like that, you do it for V.”


more Pictures of Gisele Bundchen


Now, what can you say about her shoot? Its really alluring and sexy!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Celebrity Hair-bots - Bobbed Fashion

Hair fashion has always been one of the most common and distinguished form of fashion aside from clothing. We have seen lots of our favorite celebrities in their different kinds of fashion trends when it comes to hair. Sure thing you did and followed some of these hair styles. Take a look on some of your favorite Hollywood celebrity hair-bots on their bobbed hair.

Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth is basically the word blond come to life, and we love her that way. But all bets were off when we saw her in 21. With a chestnut crop, femme fatale eyeshadow and a snug black dress, she's the glammest casino queen we've seen since Sharon Stone.

Photos: Rex USA, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.


Katie Homes

Katie Holmes has donned a dark banged bob for her role as the young and glamorous Mrs. Tom Cruise... :D

Photos: WireImage.com


Anne Hathaway

People might cry if Anne Hathaway ever chopped her impossibly gorgeous waves, though we're thoroughly enjoying her temporary turn as a bob girl in the secret-agent spoof Get Smart. The shiny, short cut spotlights her amazing body and puts her on par with the sexiest Bond girls (even with silly-man Steve Carell at her side).

Photos: Rex USA, Everett Collection


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Kate Moss on August 2008 Vogue Issue Cover

Kate Moss August 2008 Vogue Issue

Kate Moss is Vogue's August 2008 Cover - Kate Moss will be gracing the cover for Vogue's August 2008 issue in a very gorgeous and mature businesswoman designer clothing. Here's some part of Kate's interview with Vogue:

"I'm a mum. All the time. Every day. I put my daughter to bed."

"I am still acting like a seventeen-year-old, I definitely haven't become middle-aged. I've got a house and a daughter and all that, but I still like to have fun. Even in my business we still have fun."


"I still enjoy modeling, and it inspires me for the other things as well. All that dressing up makes me say, 'What do I want to wear?' and, 'What do I want to do with Topshop?' It all kind of leads into the other things."

"I like making money, but I don't call people up every day to see how much I've made. As long as I have what I need at the time; I mean, I can buy the house that I want. I am not completely money-oriented."

Kate Moss August 2008 Vogue Issue

She's truly an icon. Not just a supermodel.

Archie and Jeff Get "Crazy"

Yesterday, the Idols Live Tour swung into Salt Lake City, Utah—David Archuleta country.

As part of the day, Archie appeared on FOX13 with his dad, Jeff, to discuss the “Idol” experience.

Then, Archie performed “Crazy.” You may remember that he did that song in Hollywood but we didn’t get to see it because of clearance issues and there was talk he wanted to do it in the finals.

But why do it now—especially since Jason is the one who performs it on the tour? Archie’s version is gorgeous, but isn’t that a little upstaging? Why do I think Jeff had something to do with the song choice?

You can see the interview (Try not to roll your eyes too hard.) and the performance here.

Then be sure to let me know what you think.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Did You Pick Pickler?

I'm sorry. You know I can't avoid using that...

If you were at Kellie Pickler's show at the Paramount Friday night, I want to hear from you.

You can post a comment or you can send me an e-mail at hdstaytuned@hotmail.com.

Feel free to send pictures as well...

Caribbean Fashion Week 2008

Caribbean Fashion Week is an annual event that is held in Kingston, Jamaica. Caribbean Fashion Week 2008 was from June 11-16, 2008. View photographs from this awesome event at Revenge Fashion Magazine. Photographs courtesy of Giovanni Powell, Oliver Morrison, and Tyronne Payton.

Caribbean Fashion Week 2008
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Caribbean Fashion Week 2008
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Caribbean Fashion Week 2008
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Caribbean Fashion Week 2008 Photo Gallery - Version 1.0
Caribbean Fashion Week 2008 Photo Gallery - Version 2.0

Caribbean Fashion Week is presented to the world by Pulse Investments Ltd. For more information visit:
Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

The Ace Young Fans: Opening A Can of Worms...

One of my favorite things about this blog is hearing from all of you.

Blogs are a great way for us to communicate our opinions and I welcome all opinions—whether you agree with me or not.

And obviously, comments mean that people are reading what I have to say, and who doesn’t like that, right?

So when the comments started rolling in on my review of Ace Young’s debut CD, I was excited to see them. Until today, when I started reading them all together and I realized that my blog was becoming a part of something I didn’t want to get involved in. Regretfully, I deleted the comments—all 23 of them.

I’m not going to lie to you. That hurt…

It all started innocently enough. I got an anonymous comment that alluded to some personal issues for Ace and asked why he didn’t use more of that in his songwriting. Since I agreed that some of the lyrics of his songs were a little superficial, I didn’t think much of it. The comment didn’t say that the issues were absolutely true, so I figured it would be okay to let it slide. But if I had realized what it would start…

As I suspected, Ace’s fans responded to the comment, but not to defend him. Instead, they responded to attack the commenter, who they believed to know the identity of. According to those comments, the commenter had appeared at a fan event where Ace revealed some of the alleged issues. The comments accused “Anonymous” of putting the private conversations on the Internet to smear Ace and his family.

Then there were the comments saying that “anonymous” was not who everyone suspected and this whole thing had hurt the suspect deeply. Those were followed by comments quoting a MySpace page that “proved” the identity of “Anonymous.” There were also comments making fun of everyone for fighting with each other.

Because I believe in free speech, I posted every single comment. And I admit, I actually thought some of them were funny—especially since instead of attacking the person they should have been (me for trashing Ace’s CD), they were trashing each other. And to people who knew nothing about all this in-fighting, the arguing made them look really stupid.

And let’s face it. I got caught up in the astounding number of comments I was getting…

But then today I read a comment that made me realize that this had to come to an end. Another anonymous poster said that they hoped “Anonymous” brought the police to Ace’s CD release party to protect herself.

The police? That made me go back and read all of the comments at once. And when I realized what I had been sucked into, it made me sick. My blog was being used for Ace fans to wage war against each other.

And that’s when I decided enough was enough and deleted the comments. I can’t keep the Ace fans from fighting on the Internet. There are too many places for them to fight it out. But I can keep them from doing it on my blog.

And to the Ace fans who may be reading this—maybe even Ace himself—I apologize for adding fuel to the fire.

I hope you all will keep the comments coming, whether you agree with me or not. I love to read your thoughts.

But if you have a battle to rage with your fellow “fans,” please stay away…

Friday, July 11, 2008

J-Hud Takes the "Spotlight"

Here's a look at the cover of Jennifer Hudson's debut CD, "Spotlight."




And if you're thinking that something about the picture doesn't look quite right, you're not alone. The Internet buzz is already building.

Hmmm...

"Spotlight" is scheduled to hit stores September 30th...

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Taylor's "Big New Deal"?

Taylor appeared on “Good Day New York” yesterday morning and performed “Beauty School Dropout” from “Grease.”

Taylor said during the interview before his performance that he is recording a new album for—of course—the fall and he also plans to release a DVD. But most intriguing is the “big new deal” Taylor promised to announce soon…

Hmmm…

You can see the interview and performance for yourself here.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Ace Young CD Review: A Little Disappointed


You know that I’m a big fan of Ace Young, so I was looking forward to his debut CD, “Ace Young.”

But after hearing it, I have to say I’m a little disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong. The CD does have its good points. There just aren’t as many as I was hoping for…

The CD kicks off in a great way with “Addicted.” Why more radio stations aren’t playing this one is totally beyond me…

“The Letter” is a moody number with a story (and sound) along the lines of “Billie Jean”…
The new single, “A Hard Hand to Hold,” starts out kind of blah, but it manages to gain some steam toward the end…

“You Redeem Me” is a pretty ballad, but it kind of loses its way toward the end. And in all honesty, it sounds more like David Cook than Ace Young…

“Where Will You Go” is cute and catchy, while “Fast Life” sounds like a copy of an 80s R&B song—just not a really great one…

“Young Money” comes off as cheesy and Ace is trying way too hard to work in the falsetto…
“How You Gonna Spend Your Life” has some pretty sappy lyrics, but I’m a sucker for a sweeping chorus…

“The Girl That Got Away” is cute, but doesn’t have a lot of substance…

“Dirty Mind” has a great beat, but it’s doomed by its silly lyrics…

The Lionel Richie-esque “The Gift” closes the CD out…

Since I’m an Ace fan, I’m still going to buy this one. I just wish it had some stronger songs to set it apart from all the other bubblegum pop that’s already out there…

Plus, just once, I’d like to see one of my Idol guys succeed. I don’t really think this one will make that happen…

“Ace Young” hits stores Tuesday, July 15th. You can listen for yourself here.

Be sure to let me know what you think…
Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group

Jordin and Jesse Team Up

Jordin Sparks is teaming up with Jesse McCartney for a 16-date tour…

“Jesse & Jordin Live” will kickoff August 5th and run through August 30th.

The tour is not hitting anywhere near the Tri-State, however…

Hear the Triple Threat for Yourself


You can now hear the Lyric Street Idol Triple Threat for yourself as AOL is now streaming “Country Sings Disney” online.

You can hear it here.
Be sure to let me know what you think...
Photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records

Mandisa Returns for More "Christmas"

Add Mandisa to the list of Idols releasing a CD in the fall…

“It’s Christmas” is scheduled to be released in October. This will be Mandisa’s second Christmas release after last year’s EP, “Christmas Joy.”

Mandisa’s second album, “Freedom,” is scheduled for release in March…

Celebrity Icons