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Surprises For Concertgoers

I n August 2024, Aerosmith announced they were retiring from touring, due to Steven Tyler 's vocal injury. However, the band will return to the stage for a two-night concert celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 29 and November 1. An impressive range of guest artists will join the musicians. Among them are Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns 'N Roses; Heart; Billy Idol ; drummers Kenny Aronoff and Chad Smith; Run DMC ; the Black Crowes; Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez; Andrew Watt ; and Train 's Pat Monahan .  Surprise appearances are anticipated, and a portion of the proceeds are to benefit Tyler's charity, Janie's Fund, which assists girls who have been abused or neglected. Visit California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends   for tickets. Another major gig is to take place in Nashville on the seventh of November. That's when Bernie Taupin makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, not to mention his first public musical perfor...

The Art of 'Rocky'

Rocky is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of of events. Besides enjoying the movie's rerelease next month, folks will be able to purchase collectibles like a popcorn bucket depicting Rocky Balboa climbing the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Speaking of the museum, one of their recent exhibits was inspired by Rocky . Rising Up offered work made from antiquity to the present, spotlighting stories about Philadelphia's boxing legends,  immigrant neighborhoods, and the fight for the future of public spaces. And on November 13, nearly 45 years after its original unveiling in 1982, the Rocky statue is being rededicated at its new permanent installation site at the top of the art museum steps.  This will be followed by a temporary installation. At the end of November--dates are still tentative--for one week only, the statue will sport a one-of-a-kind knitted boxing ensemble, created by over 60 local knitters and textile artists. The project will feature b...

Paul Reubens' Art And Archives

  Paul Reubens --AKA Pee-wee Herman --began his career at the Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. So it's appropriate that Julien's Auctions will present  Paul Reubens' Big Auction    live at the venue at the end of the month.  Bids will be accepted online too, and lots include a piece of art the performer made, using his own handprint as well as ''food'' (made of clay and other materials) from Pee-wee's Playhouse .  This TV show inspired a fan to create a replica of the Clocky character. It will be auctioned off on the 28th of October, as will posters from the ''Big Adventure'' movie and items from the star's personal collection, such as high school ephemera; bow ties and tiki shirts; a group of salt shakers (ranging from the Village People to a squirrel); and an assortment of seahorses, made of glass. ceramic, and plastic.  Highlights from the auction will be displayed at the Groundlings Theatre from October 14-28. This will b...

Stormy Weather

This weekend's Nor'easter has led to a lot of cancellations. Among them are two of Ed-Sheeran 's concerts. The singer was to play last night and this evening at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.  Many more entertainers had been set to play Oceans-Calling in Ocean City, Maryland . The entire three-day festival (September 25-27), was scrapped. The line-up included Ludacris , the Goo Goo Dolls, Hootie & the Blowfish, My Morning Jacket, Everlast, Shaggy, Liz Phair, Hanson , and the Dave Matthews Band .  Last night, AC/DC was not able to bring their Power Up tour to East  Rutherford, New Jersey. The MetLife-Stadium concert has been postponed. The new date is the second of October. Doors open at 5:30 for the 7 p.m. performance. 

Mattel's Musical Salutes

Ever hear of the Kenbassadors ? The collection began last year when Mattel decided to focus on men who have made a huge cultural impact (much like Ken , who is now 65).  LeBron James was first. The latest Signature Kenbassador doll is Lenny Kravitz . Lenny is being honored for his career as a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, actor and designer. So is his Blue Electric Light tour. Another performer was recognized by Mattel during the summer. The  Barbie Signature Miley Cyrus doll celebrates Miley's work as a musician and actress, as well as her advocacy for self-expression.  Miley, who grew up playing with Barbie dolls, said she appreciates the attention to details ''down to the shape of the shoe, leather jacket, the belt, hair dimension, and sunglasses.'' Visit https://creations. mattel.com/products/lebron- james-barbie-kenbassadors- doll-hrm33 to check them out. 

Banana Art

Studio Trikken is a Swedish-based graphic design studio run by John Schulisch and Johan Elmehag . They are also developing their own projects, special collaborations, and creative outlets. That includes a new book which Johan told the Art and Music Guide about. AAMG: Banana Art Book  would also make a good exhibit, especially with over 100 artworks to choose from. JE: We are looking into that, but nothing is set yet.  AAMG: Who are some of the book's contributors? JE: The artists come from all over the world! There's a wide range, from art students to renowned design studios. We aimed for a variety in style, technique, and type of participant. At the same time, we looked for people whose approach brought us joy. There's a certain playfulness to the work, a sense of ease and creative freedom.   AAMG: What are some of the most unusual creations? Was the actual fruit used in any of them?  JE: One participant drew 100 bananas, using a banana peel in the process ...

Remembering Bob Mackie

On September 14, Bob Mackie died. The 87-year-old, whose clothes were seen on concert stages as well as TV productions, was remembered by a slew of celebrities. Among them was Elton John , who considered the designer's costumes to be works of art. Cher and Goldie Hawn called Mackie a ''sweet prince'' and Carol Burnett believed  her friend to be a genius, adding on social media that ''sadness doesn't come close to how I feel.''  Brooke Shields said she appreciated the beauty Bob brought into the world, while Sabrina Carpenter wrote she felt lucky to have met him.  Bob, who was also known for designing collectible Barbies for Mattel , was the subject of a book and movie.  In 2024, a documentary, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion , was released. Three years earlier, a book called The-Art-of-Bob-Mackie , was published.