Six-time Grammy Award–winning composer Terence Blanchard Sat April 29, Allentown Symphony Hall
Six-time Grammy Award–winning composer Terence Blanchard brings his first opera to the Met after his Fire Shut Up in My Bones made history in the 2021–22 season. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green is the young boxer Emile Griffith, who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and bass-baritone Eric Owens portrays Griffith’s older self, haunted by the ghosts of his past. Soprano Latonia Moore is Emelda Griffith, the boxer’s estranged mother, and mezzo- soprano Stephanie Blythe is the bar owner Kathy Hagan. Yannick Nézet-Séguin returns to the podium to conduct Blanchard’s second Met premiere. Director James Robinson oversees staging, whose productions of Fire Shut Up in My Bones and Porgy and Bess brought down the house. Camille A. Brown, whose choreography electrified audiences in Fire and Porgy, also returns.
Tix and more info here: https://www.millersymphonyhall.org/calendar/event/1052/?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Terence+Blanchard%27s+Champion
MET PREMIERE
Librettist: Michael Cristofer
Production: James Robinson
Set Designer: Allen Moyer
Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell
Lighting Designer: Donald Holder
Projection Designer: Greg Emetaz
Choreographer: Camille A. Brown
Six-time Grammy Award–winning composer Terence Blanchard Sat April 29, Allentown Symphony Hall
Tix and more info here: https://www.millersymphonyhall.org/calendar/event/1052/?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Terence+Blanchard%27s+Champion
Have bees done enough? Their role in making Plant-based Honey
Traditionally bees have a massive role in producing honey. So, removing their support seems unrealistic, or does it? And sure, scientists can try to explain it. But can someone explain it in simple terms, in a way that a curious foodie could understand it?
Let’s find out in an exclusive interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko.
From a science point of view, how are you creating plant-based honey products?
The process has to start with philosophy. When people think about science, engineering and process, what comes to their mind is what’s the science? What’s the engineering behind that? What’s the process of making something?
But I would argue that every process, every science starts with a philosophy in the first place. So for us, our philosophy was there’s honey made by the bees in the market, the real ones, that product quality-wise is amazing, but has negative baggage in terms of how it’s made. Next to that, there’s fake honey. There’s basically adulterated honey that’s made by people taking fraudulent activities and blending a little bit of real honey and a lot of rice syrup.
That’s done outside of the US by people trying not to get caught. The third group are vegan honey alternatives, made out of tapioca, dates, maple, pure sugar. These products are just not honey. Trying to impersonate honey, but it’s not honey. It’s a legit product. It’s in the market. People can buy it.
What was missing is the fourth group, which is the category that we pioneered.
Honey, the product that has the composition of real honey but that doesn’t have any rice syrups, nothing that doesn’t belong to honey. But, it’s not made by the bees and therefore by default is vegan and plant-based. So that was the category that we started, and we didn’t start it only for vegans. Obviously vegans are our early adopters. They love what we’re doing. I’m vegan myself. But I want this to be an inclusive company and brand, and therefore we launched this for everybody. For everybody who likes delicious and nutritious foods. By choosing this you’re basically voting for those little creatures to survive on this planet.
You asked me about the process.
You wanna make honey only from something that in nature that touches bees and honey, it’s very strict. Our team studied a lot of different honeys, the different anatomy of the bees, the science behind honey production. Bees land on a flower, they suck up nectar. And there’s a couple of things in a bee’s anatomy. We came up with this proprietary process where we interact with the plants, we take different parts of the plants.
What’s really exciting and cool is we can take the whole plant, break it into different ingredients, and take parts of the plant that maybe bees don’t have access to, like its roots. So we take different ingredients from different plants. We have more than 30 different plants in our product that we launched and we created this process that is basically mixing all those ingredients in a food facility in a regular culinary approach, and basically create a product that looks, tastes, and behaves like honey.
Is your honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
This is the product from a direct to consumer collaboration. We just launched with three Michelin star, Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
Lehigh Foodies want to know, what does Plant-based Honey Pair Well With?
You keep reading about plant-based honey. The environmental story, the nutrition. But how does it taste? What can you pair it with? Let’s find out in an exclusive interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko.
You said you are a foodie. What are some incredible food pairings that you recommend with this honey?
When I like to talk about food, I always like to join food and beverage.
What does Plant-based Honey Pair Well With?
I’ll start with beverages first. I think this honey is perfect for mocktails and cocktails. It gives just enough of sweetness that someone is looking for in their alcoholic cocktail or non-alcoholic cocktail.
Will Plant-based Honey pair well With baklava
In terms of food, I would split it into savory and sweet. Sweet applications are my favorite, I just have a sweet tooth. My favorite dessert is Baklava because it comes from the part of the world where I come from. My wife, who’s a home chef, [used our honey to make] baklava and it was amazing.
We did an amazing collaboration with an upscale Italian plant-based restaurant in San Francisco Baia. They created this amazing, vegan panna cotta with our honey on top. It was culinary mastery developed by Chef Joshua Yap, who started working with Chef Matthew Kenny, who is also a well-known, plant-based chef.
Will plant-based honey pair well with a burger
In terms of savory applications, that opens a whole new world of opportunities. How we interact with stuff like pizza and honey, burgers and honey. Obviously honey and vinaigrette and olive oil, used as a dressing for salads, honey mustard, just name it.
What’s next for Mellody? What are the next steps out there for you?
Getting into as many restaurants as possible in this country. People are inquiring about the standalone product [separate from the speciality box] get it very soon at Eleven Madison Home.
Working on getting this product to as many people as possible, and just to invite everybody to participate in this mission of creating the sustainable future of honey.
I’m just excited about every tiny step in this journey until melody becomes the word for honey.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Is the honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
Lehigh Valley: Curious about Plant-Based Honey Taste? Mellody’s Darko Mandich reveals the Surprise.
Lehigh foodies are earning a reputation for being adventurous and curious. Ready to try plant-based honey? But what does it actually taste like?
People might worry there’s a “laboratory” flavor? Has it lost its texture? Vibrancy? Is there a “diet” feel to it?
Exclusive Interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko for nearly an hour.
Let’s talk about the honey. What’s the taste profile?
There are three aspects of products that people care about. Number one by far is taste. Number two is price, and number three is nutrition.
In terms of the taste, what we’re really after is the best tasting honeys that are made by bees.
The taste has to match rare honeys that you would find in parts of Europe; France, Italy. Very high quality Acacia honey, specifically.
If we talk about New Zealand, Australia, that’s Manuka honey; and we’re matching that.
So no compromise there.
Moving to the price, I grew up in poverty and I really want to make sure that everybody has access to this product at some point. But it’ll take us some time. So right now it’s premium quality, but it’s also premium price.
In terms of nutrition, we wanna do better than honey coming from bees. How? First and foremost, honey made by the bees contains a certain bacteria that’s called Clostridium. With our product, without the bees [there’s no Clostridium] bacteria.
I’m really proud to say that our product is allergen free; and that for people with allergies to honey and pollen, this is gonna be neutral.
Finally in terms of super ingredients or superfoods, our honey has more than what’s usually found in some of the honey types made by the bees.
The sugar profile is the same, the calorie content is the same, but the twist is there’s a little bit more of certain powerful active compounds that come from the plants.
That’s absolutely incredible. It’s enhanced honey. Is there a better word?
I like to call it a plant-based honey. And that category of plant-based honey is already elevated to the level of being enhanced compared to bee-made honey.
I’m really happy that Melody is starting this category. We are the world’s first plant-based honey.
There’s exactly one same sentence that we get to hear across 5,000 people that were involved in tasting this before it hit the market.
That sentence is: It’s honey.
People taste it, they’re amazed with it, and they say, “Oh my God, it’s honey.”
There are certain plant-based products that have their heart in best place in terms of mission and impact, but are just not delivering on [flavor] expectations. We just want to make sure that people across different categories of nutrition say that this is honey and that they love it.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Is the honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
Best Movie Theater in the Country? Geek Culture Host Chris Gore Reveals his Fave – “Attack of the Doc” available April 24
Attack of the Show! was unique, way ahead of its time and was a milestone that had a huge impact on geek culture. Available for streaming and more as of April 24, 2023.
This deep dive documentary features pop icons including Wil Wheaton, John Cena, Joel McHale, Peter Jackson, Kumail Nanjiani, Whitney Cummings, Danny Pudi, and many more!
“Attack of the Doc!” is written, directed & produced by Chris Gore.
Best Movie Theater in the Country? Geek Culture Host Chris Gore Reveals his Fave – “Attack of the Doc” available April 24
Let’s be honest, movie lovers take their movie theater experience very seriously.
Today I sat down with Chris Gore, the writer / director / producer of “Attack of the Doc!” to talk about where the best movie theater in th country is and what makes it so good.
You’ve been to thousands of movie theaters. Do you have a favorite movie theater in the United States?
I go to the movies minimum once a week, if not two or three times. And the movie theaters, it’s my church. I go to worship at the movies.
100%. It’s the Cinerama Dome, which was formerly the ArcLight. The ArcLight Cinemas was sort of [special]. You paid more for tickets, but the audience there, no one would think of looking at their phone during a movie or everyone’s on airplane mode.
It’s that movie theater chain which closed due to the Pandemic. It’s closed forever. The Cinerama Dome is my favorite movie theater in America. It’s a beautiful experience, old style theater.
It was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. I didn’t even have to say anything to my friends if a big movie was opening. We all got tickets to the 7:00 PM Thursday Show at The Dome, and they would sell out like that [snaps finger]. It’s heartbreaking to me that that movie theater has closed. Quentin Tarantino’s very much a supporter of the theatrical cinema experience. He owns the new Beverly Cinema on Beverly Boulevard, where they show film prints, not digital film prints.
Cinerama Dome; my understanding is it’s sort of caught up in some legal [issues]. It’s going to reopen someday. I will be there on day one. It looks like a giant golf ball landed on Sunset Boulevard. It’s just sitting there, this domed theater, and it’s this huge complex with a lot of movie theaters in it.
“Attack of the Doc!” is written, directed & produced by Chris Gore, produced & edited by Bobby Schwartz, co-produced by Walter Areas, with additional co-editing by Anthony Ray Bench and Phillip H. Eubanks, and with an original score composed by Austin Smith. This deep dive documentary features pop icons including Wil Wheaton, John Cena, Joel McHale, Peter Jackson, Kumail Nanjiani, Whitney Cummings, Danny Pudi, Eric Andre, Jerry Stiller, Joe Rogan, Jimmy Fallen, Kel Mitchell, Anne Meara, Stan Lee, Sara Jean Underwood, Carrie Keagan, Riley Steele, Tom Green, Anthony Daniels, Michael Winslow, Joey Kern, Joan Rivers, Chris Hardwick, Robert Kirkman, Greg Nicotero, Jessica Chobot, Tony Hawk, and Alison Haislip, among others as we search for the truth.
“Attack of the Show! was unique, way ahead of its time and was a milestone that had a huge impact on geek culture. Its core audience is one of the most coveted around the globe. I think viewers of the original show will be down for learning the history of the network and the show which helped usher in the age of nerd culture. Frankly, G4TV and Attack of the Show! are responsible for making it cool to be a nerd,” states Gore. “And at the end of the day, I hope the documentary entertains fans and reminds them of a time when a TV show could be dangerous and provide some laughs without fear of being canceled. Everyone who worked on the documentary is a super fan, so this movie was made by fans for fans.”
Attack of the Doc! Synopsis
Before the rise of big tech, social media and Marvel movies, Attack of the Show! chronicled nerd culture’s unlikely acceptance as mainstream. G4TV’s flagship show launched the careers of hosts Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira and was beloved by fans – a unique celebration of geek culture before it was cool. Diving into colossal cream pies, wearing fat suits for comedy and putting internet servers where the sun don’t shine – anything could happen on an episode of Attack of the Show! It’s been years since the show went off the air and one question has lingered: what really happened to G4TV and Attack of the Show? Enter Attack Of The Doc! — the new film written and directed by Chris Gore, promises to answer one of pop culture’s longest running mysteries.
Attack of the Doc available April 24 and watch the trailerhere.
Follow the documentary and its journey available on Video on Demand and TVOD/Digital platforms on April 24th, 2023, which is the 21st Anniversary of the launch of G4TV.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, an open-air lifestyle shopping center in Center Valley, Pennsylvania (www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com), invites the community to a fun-filled event welcoming the Easter Bunny as he returns to the center on March 25th.
During this family-friendly event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on The Patio, guests will enjoy games, bubbles, a live DJ and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself.
Well-behaved leashed or crated pets are also welcome
This event is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required, though RSVPs are encouraged through the center’s Facebook page.
In the event of rain, this event will take place at the same time on March 26th.
Following the Bunny Palooza event, Barnes & Noble will host a special story and craft time on March 25th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., also free of charge and open to the public.
After the Easter Bunny’s return on the morning of March 25th, families are invited to take professional keepsake photos with the famous Peter Cottontail inside the center’s beautiful stone gazebo in Town Square (near Starbucks) on select dates between March 25th and April 8th (dates and times vary; check the center’s website or Facebook page for details).
Well-behaved leashed or crated pets are also welcome to take a photo with the Easter Bunny on the same dates.
Dan’s Camera City will be on hand to capture each special moment with professional photos. While a reservation is not required and walk-up visits will be accommodated on a space-available basis, to reduce wait times, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Photo packages range from $27 to $49. To see the Easter Bunny’s availability, click here, and to reserve a photo session, visit http://bit.ly/3JqoqQv.
For downloadable photos of Bunny Palooza or the Easter Bunny’s beautiful set in the center’s stone gazebo, visit http://bit.ly/3HkxYds.
WHEN: Bunny Palooza: Saturday, March 25th: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Rain Date: March 26th) Visit Facebook to RSVP.
Easter Photos: Dates and Times Vary
Saturday, March 25th: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, April 1st and 2nd: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 6th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, April 7th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 8th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visit http://bit.ly/3JqoqQv for photo reservations. No selfies or personal photography permitted.
The Lehigh Valley’s premier outdoor lifestyle center, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, features a unique blend of more than 50 national retailers, one-of-a-kind boutiques, top-notch eateries and entertainment destinations all located in a beautiful, mountainside setting. The center’s Main Street has a small-town feel complete with water fountains, fire pits, gathering areas, a stone gazebo, a grand platform event stage, and a Town Square surrounded by amphitheater-style seating.
At The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, guests will enjoy the ambiance, convenience and unparalleled collection of dining, retail and entertainment options.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
Bunny Palooza: The Patio
Easter Bunny Photos: Town Square Gazebo (Near Starbucks)
2845 Center Valley Parkway
Center Valley, PA 18034 www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com
Slatington Kicks Off the Holiday Season with tree lighting, Santa and Mrs Clause, your family’s favorite Frozen characters and more in Greater Northern Lehigh.
The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is gearing up for a memorable 2022 holiday season with their annual tree lighting ceremony in Slatington, PA.
The event will take place on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM and is free and open to the public.
Slatington Tree Lighting 2022
Prior to the event from 4:00-5:00 PM, attendees are encouraged to stop by the Slatington Library for stories with Mrs. Claus, before heading down to the festivities at Veterans Memorial Park (509 Main Street, Slatington), which kick off from 5-7 PM.
The event will feature festive holiday performances from Rhythm and Sole Dance Studio, as well as complimentary hot chocolate and hotdogs for participants and a Candy Cane Hunt.
Food will be available for purchase from Why Not Burgerz, and crafters, artisans and local businesses will host a vendor market to provide an opportunity for holiday shopping. Frozen’s Elsa & Olaf will make an appearance, as well as Santa Claus himself (arriving at 6:30 PM to light the tree).
Slatington Kicks Off the Holiday Season with tree lighting
“This is a time-honored tradition in Northern Lehigh”
said Kylie Adams-Weiss,
…Assistant Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce…
“…After being distanced in 2020 and coming back in person in 2021, we’re looking to be fully back and enjoying holiday festivities together as a community in 2022.”
Slatington Kicks Off the Holiday Season with tree lighting
In addition to the Tree Lighting festivities, the event will also host a food drive that will benefit the Northern Lehigh Food Bank.
“The holidays remind us that the spirit of giving is alive and well,
and the Chamber likes to ensure that we are helping others in the community,”
said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower
Executive Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re hoping that by giving back to those in need, we can keep the holiday spirit thriving in Northern Lehigh.”
Opportunities to take pictures with Santa will be available for those in attendance once the tree is lit.
A Very Darren Crissmas comes to Bethlehem’s WindCreek on December 17 just in time for the holidays.
Award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter Darren Criss is best known for his TV work on Glee and American Crime Story, his stage work Hedwig and the Angry Inch and American Buffalo with Laurence Fishburne and Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell.
This December he performs a night full of songs from his recent holiday album, A Very Darren Crissmas.
Music ranging from big band Christmas classics to novelty tunes to modern-day folk-pop ballads.
A Very Darren Crissmas comes to Bethlehem’s WindCreek on December 17
Criss’s Very Darren Crissmas album showcases his variety of artistry and delivers both thrillingly unpredictable moments and a timeless sense of Christmas magic.
Multi-Platinum Rock Legends Foreigner Plays Bethlehem PA’s Wind Creek on Sat Nov 12
With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million.
Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Long, Long Way From Home” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” FOREIGNERstill rocks the charts more than 40 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success. Audio and video streams of FOREIGNER’s hits are over15 million per week.
With more Top 10 songs than Journey and as many as Fleetwood Mac, FOREIGNER also features strongly in every category in Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time” listing. At times, the band’s weekly catalog sales have eclipsed those of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Aerosmith and most of their Classic Rock peers (Source: Nielsen SoundScan). FOREIGNER‘s catalog sales were recently celebrated in Business Insider as hitting the Top 40 among the Best Selling Music Artists of All Time.
Founded in 1976, FOREIGNER‘s debut album produced the hits “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice” and “Long, Long Way From Home.” The album Double Vision followed, as did a string of hits including “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Waiting For A Girl Like You.” Those songs helped give FOREIGNER‘snext album, 4, its impressive run at #1 on the Billboard chart. At the zenith of 80’s sound, FOREIGNER‘s fifth album, Agent Provocateur, gave the world the incredible #1 global hit,” I Want To Know What Love Is.” This musical milestone followed the record-breaking song “Waiting For A Girl Like You.”
FOREIGNER‘s founder is Songwriters Hall of Fame member Mick Jones. A visionary maestro whose stylistic songwriting, indelible guitar hooks and multi-layered talents continue to escalate FOREIGNER‘s influence and guide the band to new horizons.
Jones reformed the band after a 2002 hiatus and selected lead singer Kelly Hansen to help write an inspired new chapter in the history of FOREIGNER. One ofrock’s greatest showmen, Hansen is among the most respected, consummate professionals in rock and roll. With a 40-year career that spans almost every area of music, from the role of lead vocalist to producing and engineering, Hansen has led FOREIGNER into the digital age while inspiring a whole new generation of fans.
FOREIGNER’s lineup also includes noted Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, guitarist Bruce Watson, Chris Frazier on drums and guitarist Luis Carlos Maldonado.An unprecedented new level of energy led the group to a re-emergence of astounding music that speaks to FOREIGNER‘s enduring popularity.
With renewed vitality and direction, FOREIGNER hit the Billboard charts again with the 2005 release of their live Greatest Hits album, Extended Versions.Can’t Slow Down followed in 2009 and entered the Billboard chart in the Top 30, driven by two Top 20 radio singles, “In Pieces” and “When It Comes To Love.” To follow was the release of the band’s three-disc set, Feels Like The First Time, which included an acoustic CD with an intimate and unique re-interpretation of many FOREIGNER classics, studio re-records by the new lineup and a live performance DVD showcasing the group’s exceptional live energy.
FOREIGNER’s music experienced another surge in popularity in recent years thanks to usage in primetime television, major motion pictures, video games, advertising, and digital content. Films such as Rock of Ages, Bad Moms, Angry Birds, Magic Mike, Pitch Perfect,Good Boys and The Eternals, and television shows Orange Is The New Black, Stranger Things, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Tacoma FD have all strongly featured Foreigner’s songs. Advertisers including Toyota, Google, Molson, and Ford have turned to FOREIGNER’s music to engage their fans.
In May 2014, Atlantic Records Chairman Craig Kallman presented the band with RIAA gold and platinum digital awards for six FOREIGNER songs. These awards signify 500,000 and 1,000,000 downloads of FOREIGNERhits. That is more individual awards than any other heritage rock band, and an illustration of FOREIGNER’sresonance in the digital era.
In recent years, FOREIGNER has headlined several Live Nation tours, rocking across the country and the world with contemporaries and friends. In 2014, FOREIGNER headlined The Soundtrack of Summer US amphitheatre tour with Styx and Don Felder. A hits compilation album of the same name was released to coincide with the tour and immediately hit the Billboard Top 200 chart. In 2015, FOREIGNER joined Kid Rock on his “Cheap Date: First Kiss Tour.”
In October 2016,FOREIGNERhit a major milestone when the band performed for the very first time at New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall with a sold-out acoustic show. The concert highlighted the band’s ongoing relationship with the GRAMMY Museum’s initiative to promote music education in our nation’s schools. It included an a cappella contest among New York high schools who competed for a $5,000 prize donated by the band.
The year also brought the release of FOREIGNER‘s first ever live acoustic album In Concert: Unplugged, recorded at aonce-in-a-lifetime private concert hosted by Edsel B. Ford II at the Ford Motor Company Conference & Event Center in Detroit, MI. The band’s royalties were donated to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the album is available exclusively via Amazon.
The year 2017 marked the celebration of FOREIGNER‘s 40th anniversary. The Warner Music Group released a double CD set “40,” which includes 40 songs recorded between 1977 and 2017. The album spent several weeks on the Billboard Top 200 chart and it features two tracks recorded especially for this release, “Give My Life For Love” and a new version of “I Don’t Want To Live Without You.” The album spent nine weeks in the Billboard Top 200 chart. The US anniversary headline tour played 40 shows across the United States where the band was supported by Cheap Trick and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience.
In April 2018, FOREIGNER topped the Billboard Classic Album Charts for the first time with FOREIGNER WITH THE 21ST CENTURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS, a live recording of FOREIGNER’s first-ever orchestral shows in Lucerne, Switzerland. The band went on to headline orchestral shows in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand throughout the year including sold-out appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall and the iconic Sydney Opera House. In the summer of 2018, FOREIGNER starred in a thirty city Live Nation US summer tour with Whitesnake and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening in support.
The excitement continued in 2019 with the premiere of Juke Box Hero, the Musical in Canada. Following a series of sold-out workshops in Alberta and Calgary, the musical premiered in Toronto in February and a Broadway run is on the horizon.
The November 2019 release of Double Vision: Then & Now is a DVD/CD package that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic album. It features a stunning reunion concert that brings together the current and original band members playing all the hits at the top of their game.
2020 kicked off with a three-day run at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra in mid January. Another highlight was a sold out January/February residency at The Venetian, Las Vegas. The Covid-19 nightmare forced the band to postpone almost a hundred shows all over the world including a sold out show with Whitesnake at the 18,000 seat London 02 Arena.
The Covid impact on the live concert business continued through much of 2021, although by careful observation of health protocols, Foreigner was able to execute a limited, but highly successful touring schedule breaking box office records in many markets. Following spectacular shows at LA’s Greek Theater and the Santa Barbara Bowl, the band embarked on a run of theater and major casino dates and other special events. These included appearances at Detroit’s Fox Theatre and the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City. Another highlight was an appearance at the Annual Gala of the American Turkish Society, which celebrated the life of Mick Jones’ and Foreigner’s guiding light at Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun. The year culminatedwith FOREIGNER’S appearance at the spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
2022 commences with a two-week residency at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas and includes the rescheduled co-headline UK tour with Whitesnake and solo headline shows across Europe. More touring details will be released in the very near future.
On Halloween weekend Oct 28-29, Lehigh Valley’s Haunted Poconos Park unleashes fun for all ages, with a slew of events from kid-friendly trick or treating to genuine thrills, even sit down dinner and a dance party.
And you’re invited!
Poconos Park is popular for its central location in North East Pennsylvania, with easy drives from NYC, Philly and the Lehigh Valley.
This time of year the road trip is gorgeous. But as you get closer, your view turns from romantic Autumn to haunted destination.
You drive deep into the dark woods, fog creeps around your car, moonlight pierces through the trees, howling wind makes screachy scratching sounds.
Just then, you expect Leatherface to run out sparking up his chainsaw – and the party hasn’t even started yet.
All of the festivities take place within walking distance at the newly-acquired Pocono Park, a huge indoor / outdoor destination that hosts concerts, theater shows, corporate events, weddings and private gatherings.
This weekend it’s transformed into a Halloween Haven.
Pocono Park manages to create Halloween for everyone, from you littlest goblin who wants candy, laughs, and no scares to the group of friends who want scares and thrills. Every Halloween and horror lover has a spot here.
For Halloween, event company From The Roots has taken over and promises thrills, smiles and memories for you, your friend and your family.
John M. Oakes, From The Roots
John M. Oakes who runs From The Roots , loves putting on a show and delights in every twist and turn from ultra scary, to the cutest moments.
Earlier this week, we got a preview tour of the most popular attraction – Playhouse of Horror.
It’s a fast-moving, screams around every corner, standing – crawling – jump fest. Pro tip: Go through it next to your friend who screams the most — it’ll +10 the whole experience for ya. The Playhouse is fun, fast-paced, well-designed and has the mark of any good maze, when it’s done you’re high-fiving your friends and wanting to get right back in line to go again.
But that’s not all. Oakes has a banquet planned and an 80’s throwback Dance Party.
Check out each event listed below
KID’S TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL
4 – 7 P.M.— (Children Ages 12 & Under):
Prior to sunset, children will be sent along a fright-free, wooded trail to gather candy treats, participate in interactive games, and meet a host of kid-friendly characters—with plenty of photo opportunity stations for parents along the way.
Cost is $5 per child with an accompanying adult.
PLAYHOUSE OF HORROR
6 – 10 P.M.— (Ages 13+):
Beginning at twilight, our “braver” and older guests can explore the more eerie dwellings of an authentic haunted house. Meet POCONOS PARK’s playful specters, murderous villains, and Goghoulish monsters. Take in our wonderful macabre displays and get a few jump-scares along the way. (Note: ONLY those in line before 10 P.M. will be admitted. Children aged 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult)
Early Bird Cost is $19.99 plus fees, Week Of Cost is $24.99 plus fees, and Day Of Cost is $29.99 plus fees. Grab a Skip The Line admission for only $39.99.
BLACK LAGOON BANQUET
5 – 8 P.M.—(All Ages):
Say “Bone-Appetit!” as we serve no tricks, just treats, at this otherworldly upscale dinner buffet. Enjoy delicious culinary treats and only the finest, delightful “spirits” curated especially for you by Event Hospitality Solutions. This family-friendly dinner will be served with paired wine from Blue Ridge Winery and distinguished ghostly guests. Tickets are LIMITED at $59.99 per guest (plus fees) and include “skip the line” admission to the Playhouse of Horror, access to the buffet, and one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink per person.(Note: Additional alcoholic beverages cost extra.)
“SCREAM! AT THE LAKE” 90’s Throwback Dance Party
Friday, Oct. 28, 9 P.M. – 1.A.M. (21+):
Calling all ghosts and ghouls to scream with delight as we turn off the lights and on the 90s tunes! Join us down at the Lake House to enjoy some scary libations at the Bloody Bar and graze on some skull candy (aka yummy bar food). Dress to kill, as we’ll be giving away prizes for the most spine-chilling, the most scandalous, and the most striking costumes! (Must show valid ID to enter)Tickets are LIMITED at $49.99 per guest (plus fees), and includes “skip the line” admission to the Playhouse of Horror.
“CURSED CAMPGROUND” Electronic Music Dance Party
Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 P.M. – 1.A.M. (21+):
After you’ve had your pants scared off inside the Playhouse of Horror, join the crowd at the Cursed Campground at the Lake House! If you dare to venture through the cursed trails of this abandoned summer camp, you will reach the most electrifying dance party in the Poconos!
Costumes are encouraged, as prizes will be given away for various spooky categories. (Must show valid ID to enter) Tickets are LIMITED at $49.99 per guest and include “skip the line” admission to the Playhouse of Horror.
