Cult Icons Collide: 'RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors’ thrills; returns on Thursday, Aug. 24

‘RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors’

WHO: Fathom Events, RiffTrax.com^® and BBC Worldwide North America
 

WHEN: Thursday, August 17

NEXT: Thursday, August 24; 7:30 p.m. local time      
 

WHERE: Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

The recent high-profile, successful return of Mystery Science Theater 3000 - better known as MST3K – is no surprise. When the original series ended in 1999 after more than a decade of thrilling television audiences, three of the key members of the original groundbreaking series carried on the brash brand of "riffing" (where they humorously comment on movies with well-timed digs and asides that are usually more entertaining than the films themselves) via the developing ability for audiences to stream video and complete downloads at home.

RiffTrax has been so successful, that the celebrated RiffTrax team featuring Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett has been featured in a series of more than two dozen special movie theater screenings .

Most recently, the trio are featured in "RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors" that was shown in movie theaters across North America last night (Aug. 17, 2017), and returns for a repeat performance to movie houses across the continent at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.

From left, Bill Corbett, Michael J. Nelson and
Kevin Murphy behind-the-scenes at the Belcourt
Theater in Nashville, Tennessee on Aug. 17, 2017.

Yours truly was at the screening last night, and this was truly an entertainment experience that is the perfect blend of sci-fi heaven and smart comedy that was established during MST3K's initial run. With the cooperation of BBC, RiffTrax is able to riff throughout a theaterical showing of a special 1983 episode produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the enduring British sci-fi series "Doctor Who." The full-length episode is beloved by fans of the BBC series, but that doesn't mean Nelson, Murphy and Corbett can't get in plenty of their witty commentary in during the screening. In fact, you wouldn't have to be familiar with RiffTrax or Doctor Who to enjoy this experience.

I didn't take detailed notes during the screening; it was dark and I was having far too much fun laughing (and I am thankfully not one of those idiots who turn on their cell phone when I am in a darkened theater...). But any screening where the far-flung likes of "Dark Shadows," "Buddy Holly," the Cleveland Browns' struggles (the team hasn't had a winning season since 2007), Christopher Lee, The Three Stooges, "Downton Abbey" and even Neville Chamberlain fit nicely into the comedic arc is a good reason to catch this in theaters next Thursday (Aug. 24, 2017).

Oh, and arrive early. For the 30 minutes preceeding the film there were funny title cards blending more of the intelligent RiffTrax humor amidst a mixtape featuring songs from not only the RiffTrax cast, but "Weird Al" Yankovic and They Might Be Giants. 

Robert Kinsler

'Doctor Who' to get RiffTrax Live treatment on August 17, with repeated showing on August 24

I know where I'll be on Thursday night, August 17th! I am a long-time fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and the RiffTrax, and I couldn't be more excited by this news. I have caught several of the other screened RiffTrax Live events and they are fantastic...Robert Kinsler

Beloved British Sci-Fi Show Gets the Full RiffTrax Treatment as ‘RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors’ Hits Big

Screens Nationwide for Two Nights This August

 

WHAT: Moviegoers should get ready to “exterminate” their boredom as the men of RiffTrax (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, of MST3K fame) take on one of the most thrilling Doctor Who adventures ever, “The Five Doctors.” Originally released in celebration of the British television series’ 20^th anniversary in 1983, this special feature-length episode is set to get the full riff treatment live in cinemas nationwide with “RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors.”
 

Someone is taking the Doctor's past selves out of time and space, placing them in a vast wilderness – a battle arena with a sinister tower at its center. As the various incarnations of the Doctor join forces, they learn they are in the Death Zone on their home world of Gallifrey, fighting Daleks, Cybermen, Yeti – and a devious Time Lord Traitor who is using the Doctor and his companions to discover the ancient secrets of Rassilon, the first and most powerful ruler of Gallifrey.

 

WHO: Fathom Events, RiffTrax.com^® and BBC Worldwide North America
 

WHEN: Thursday, August 17; 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and tape-delayed to 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT
Thursday, August 24; 7:30 p.m. local time      
 

WHERE: Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Holiday magic coming via Christmas albums, special concerts and movie showings

With the holiday season upon us, there is all kinds of magic happenings...

The Killers * Second Annual Jimmy Kimmel Live (RED) Show * Tuesday, November 22 @ 11:35pm ET/10:35pm CT on ABC

Tune in to Jimmy Kimmel Live!  tonight, November 22 to catch Brandon Flowers and The Killers kicking off the holiday season in the second annual (RED) episode supporting (RED)'s fight against AIDS. The Killers will join Jimmy Kimmel and U2 frontman Bono for a special performance with appearances from Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum, Kristen Bell, Halsey, DJ Khaled and Neil Patrick Harris.

 

To celebrate (RED)'s 10^th anniversary year and a decade of their much-anticipated Christmas singles, The Killers have released Don't Waste Your Wishes, a Christmas album featuring their ten previous Christmas singles and one brand new song, via Island Records. All proceeds from Don't Waste Your Wishes will benefit (RED) - PRESS HERE to purchase. Since 2006, The Killers have donated 11 tracks to (RED), and are the only band to have donated a Christmas track every year for the last decade. This year, they have created a special website hosting the full catalogue of Christmas videos from the past 10 years - PRESS HERE to explore.

New Holiday Playlist Only on

Amazon Music - Acoustic Christmas

 

Featuring Train, Zella Day, Us the Duo, Sara Watkins, Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

and more

Acoustic Christmas is an Amazon Music Original playlist featuring twenty nine original and classic holiday recordings from a wide range of artists like Train, Zella Day, Us the Duo, Sara Watkins, as well as Billy Bragg and Joe Henry -  will be available exclusively for streaming on Amazon Music—both Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music beginning today, November 22.

 

In addition to mainstream artists such as Train and Zella Day, the artist roster for Acoustic Christmas highlights established members of the Americana community, including; Trampled by Turtles, Hayes Carll, and Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins. Emerging artists like Son Little, Keaton Henson, and Little Scream are also featured on this broad and eclectic playlist.

 

Today, Amazon Music shared a live performance of Us the Duo's "Feels Like Christmas."

 

"I feel like there’s always anticipation leading up to Christmas, we’re all just waiting for this special time of year. ‘I Miss You Christmas’ is my way of literally singing praise to my favorite holiday,” said Pat Monahan, lead singer of Train.

 

The song selection for Acoustic Christmas reflects the diverse group of artists involved, including a mix of covers of holiday classics and original compositions. Watkins’ “The Holidays with You” is an upbeat original, while Billy Bragg and Joe Henry delivered a plaintive rendition of the late Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December,” recorded during their recent U.S. tour.

 

“The moment that we were first reached with an invitation to contribute a song to Amazon's holiday playlist, the two of us were en route through an autumnal rain from the big city to the mystic hamlet of Woodstock, NY. Eager to participate and knowing time was short, we pulled guitars from the bay of our small touring bus and almost without second thought heard ourselves join voices as we bounced along, rehearsing as we traveled what proved to be the only choice of song - not only for us as songwriters of the broader folk tradition, but as world citizens desirous of navigating these treacherous times with a nod to both trembling and optimism: Merle Haggard's seminal blue-collar Christmas meditation, ‘If We Make It Through December’” explain Billy Bragg and Joe Henry.

 

Additionally, Escondido’s beautiful version of “Little Drummer Boy” stands alongside newcomer Samuel Larsen’s acoustic-pop take on Brooks & Dunn’s “It Won’t Be Christmas Without You,” Son Little’s “What Child is This?” and American folk pop singers, Us the Duo’s newly-written song “Feels like Christmas”.

 

“This has always been my favorite Christmas song, partly because it uses the melody of Greensleeves-- I think it fits perfectly with the air of mystery suggested in the lyrics.” – Son Little

 

The result is a timeless mix of songs showcasing the best characteristics of both acoustic and holiday music.

 

Acoustic Christmas Track List: 

 

1.     “This Christmas,” Eric Hutchinson

2.     “Feels Like Christmas,” Us The Duo         

3.     “The Holidays with You,” Sara Watkins        

4.     “Birthday Cake For Jesus,” Shinyribs

5.     “My Own Christmas Tree,” Andrew Combs

6.     “Grateful for Christmas,” Hayes Carll

7.     “Christmas Time,” Linda Stonestreet

8.     “Merry Christmas To You,” G. Love

9.     “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Zella Day

10.   “What Child Is This?” Son Little

11.   “Christmas Was Here,” Inara George

12.   “I Miss You, Christmas,” Train

13.   “Christmas at McKinley Pub,” Stone Foxes

14.   “Auld Lang Syne,” Barcelona

15.   “Little Drummer Boy,” Escondido

16.   “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Black Joe Lewis

17.   “If We Make It Through December,” Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

18.   “Christmas In Prison,” Tramped By Turtles

19.   “Taking Down The Tree,” Keaton Henson

20.   “Christmas Street,” Bob Schneider

21.   “Come Home for Christmas,” Echocentrics (feat. Natalia Clavier)  

22.   “Cold Street,” Baskery

23.   “We Were Just Kids Then,” Arum Rae

24.   “It Won't Be Christmas Without You,” Samuel Larsen

25.   “Merry Christmas From the War,” Jillette Johnson           

26.   “Lou and Jessy's Christmas,” Little Scream

27.   “Is It to Bethlehem,” Kacy & Clayton

28.   “I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day,” Anais Mitchell

29.   “One Little Christmas Tree,” Barbarossa           

 

Official music videos for a selection of songs from Acoustic Christmas will be released at a later date.

 

Amazon Music Unlimited is available on all Amazon Music compatible devices including Amazon Echo, Fire devices, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Sonos players and more. Customers who sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited can begin their free 30 day trial today. To find out how to listen, visit www.amazon.com/howtolisten.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

To Perform Private Concert for SiriusXM Listeners

 

"Christmas Rocks" concert to air on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country and Holly channels

 

Brian Setzer Orchestra set to perform concert
for SiriusXM listeners on Nov. 29, 2016.

SiriusXM announced today that iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece The Brian Setzer Orchestra will perform an exclusive invitation-only concert for SiriusXM listeners in New York Cityon Tuesday, November 29. This private concert-to air on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country and Holly channels--is part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra's in-progress 13th annual "Christmas Rocks!" tour, presented by SiriusXM (full itinerary here). In December of last year, The Brian Setzer Orchestra also performed an exclusive invitation-only concert for SiriusXM listeners in New York City.

 

The private performance will feature the 19-piece band performing his unique take on Holiday classics, including songs from their first studio Christmas album in 10 years, 2015's Rockin' Rudolph, (Surfdog Records) plus Setzer's well-known hits from the Stray Cats and his solo career. Setzer recently released (November 4, via Surfdog Records) the Blu-ray/CD Rockabilly Riot: Osaka Rocka! - Live In Japan.

   

The "Christmas Rocks" concert, taking place at The Hard Rock Café in Times Square, will air Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Outlaw Country, channel 60, and through the SiriusXM App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at SiriusXM. Highlights from the concert will air on SiriusXM's Holly, channel 13. For rebroadcast times, please visitwww.siriusxm.com. 

 

After the broadcast, the concert will be available on SiriusXM On Demand for subscribers listening via the SiriusXM app for smartphones and other connected devices or online at http://www.siriusxm.com/streaming.

 

Outlaw Country plays country rebels like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, David Allan Coe, Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams Jr., Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers and Old 97s.

 

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy-award-winner Brian Setzer is a "Musician's Musician" credited with continually taking chances with innovative and daring musical styles, while single-handedly resurrecting two forgotten genres of music (rockabilly in the '80's and swing in the '90's). Along the way, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 18-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist. He is consistently cited as one of the world's greatest living guitarists, and has a best-selling, extensive line of elite Gretsch signature model guitars bearing his name. Brian appeared in the 1987 film, La Bamba, portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. In 2002, Brian earned the privilege of being one of the few musicians to be animated in an episode of "The Simpsons." That same year, Setzer was personally requested to induct Chet Atkins into the 17^th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2014, Setzer received the distinct honor of being asked by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to donate a replica of his original 1959 Gretsch 6120 "Stray Cat" guitar, joining an elite collection of musical instruments at the museum including Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet and John Coltrane's saxophone.

 

 For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com. 

A Double Feature of Holiday RiffTrax events dashes into Cinemas Nationwide with Two Times the Jokes on December 1, 2016 only

 

Joined by Comedy Legend ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic,

the RiffTrax Crew Takes on Two Yuletide Favorites for One Night This December

Next week the gents of RiffTrax (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy & Bill Corbett) are set to bring the festive spirit and twice the laughs with “RiffTrax Holiday Special Double Feature.” This hilarious one night event comes to select U.S. movie theaters on Thursday, December 1^st at 7:00 p.m. and includes “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” a beloved classic from Mystery Science Theater 3000, and “Rifftrax Live: Christmas Shorts-straveganza,” with multiple Grammy Award-winning comedy legend “Weird Al” Yankovic.  Attendees will also view a bonus short, Parade of Aquatic Champions, plus the guys riffing on fan-submitted holiday family photos.

 

Check out the trailer here.

 

Tickets for “RiffTrax Holiday Special Double Feature” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a list of all participating theaters, click here.

Inbox Update: OC Music Awards, RiffTrax Live

Here are a couple of news items that landed in my inbox earlier today. Time to play "catch up"!

OC Music Awards set for March 8, 2014; submissions now open!

2014 Submissions Are Now Open!


2013 is only half done, but it's not too early to begin thinking about the 2014 OC Music Awards. Submissions for the 2014 Showcase Series and genre categories Best Music Video, Best Youth and People’s Choice Award are now open online at ocmusicawards.com. Showcase Series submissions will remain open through October 1, 2013. Best Music Video and Best Youth submissions will be open through December 15, 2013. The People’s Choice Award submissions will remain open through February 15, 2014. Log on to http://ocmusicawards.com to become a part of next year’s exciting Awards season!

OC Music Awards is pleased to announce that the 2014 main Awards celebration will take place at the City National Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, March 8. The 2014 OC Music Awards season will kick off with the Awards annual Showcase Series on Tuesday, January 7. The season will continue with seven Showcases at different venues across the county leading up to the Showcase Series Finals then onto the big night at the Grove.




'RiffTrax Live: Starship Troopers' coming to movie theaters on August 15th

The stars of RiffTrax --Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (best known for the groundbreaking “Mystery Science Theater 3000”)-- are back in select cinemas nationwide in a hilarious never-before-seen take on the king of giant-alien-bug war flicks: “Starship Troopers.” NCM Fathom Events, RiffTrax and IGN Present “RiffTrax Live: Starship Troopers” for one night only on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT (tape delayed). 

 

Join the RiffTrax crew for a hilarious riff on this masterpiece of alien slaughter propaganda. This one-night event will be your only chance to see the guys fire their wisecracking commentary at “Starship Troopers” on the big screen.in yo ur area on Thursday, August 15:

Click here for a full list of participating theaters (subject to change).

News and notes: Muse, Deep Purple, RiffTrax live

Here are a few items to kick off the day on a high note...

"Madness," the debut singe from Muse's new album The 2nd Law is set for release on Aug. 20, 2012. The new track will impact radio around the globe on Monday, and is set to be available the same day via digital retailers.

Muse will release their sixth studio album The 2nd Law on Warner Bros. Records on Tuesday, Oct. 2, and a short film previewing the album is also available and can be viewed at the band's official Web site.


Eagle Records has just announced the release of Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head album on September 25, 2012.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of this landmark album and in recognition of the influence of the band, and of Machine Head in particular. Some of rock music’s biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head.

Re-Machined features specially recorded tracks from Jimmy Barnes & Joe Bonamassa, Black Label Society, Chickenfoot, former Deep Purple Mk III member Glenn Hughes with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, the “supergroup” Kings Of Chaos (featuring Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum), Metallica, Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix and Steve Vai.

There are two wildly differing versions of the album’s most famous track “Smoke On The Water”, one from guitar hero Carlos Santana with vocals by Jacoby Shaddix and one from alternative rockers Flaming Lips, and Metallica have contributed their own special take on “When A Blind Man Cries”, a track recorded at the “Machine Head” sessions but originally released as the B-side to “Never Before”.

Iron Maiden’s “Space Truckin’” cover was actually recorded back in 2006. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson explains, “Initially we didn’t think we’d be able to contribute anything due to our touring commitments. Then we remembered ‘Space Truckin’ which we’d recorded as a single B-side during our A Matter Of Life And Death album session, but never used. However now, thanks to Kevin Shirley’s remixing skills, we’re able to include it on Re-Machined”

TRACK LISTING:


1) Smoke On The Water – Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix

2) Highway Star – Chickenfoot

3) Maybe I’m A Leo – Glenn Hughes & Chad Smith

4) Pictures Of Home – Black Label Society

5) Never Before – Kings Of Chaos (Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum)

6) Smoke On The Water – The Flaming Lips

7) Lazy – Jimmy Barnes with Joe Bonamassa

8) Space Truckin’ – Iron Maiden

9) When A Blind Man Cries – Metallica

10) Highway Star – Glenn Hughes / Steve Vai / Chad Smith

RiffTrax, left to right, Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy and Michael J. Nelson.

I know where I'll be tonight.   The comedians of Mystery Science Theater 3000 are coming back to select movie theaters nationwide, as they take on one of the worst films of all time with RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate on Thursday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT (and tape delayed 7 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. PT). Audiences will enjoy the wise-cracking commentary of Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett of RiffTrax.com, and be treated to the abysmal acting, outdated effects and seemingly endless cat fights featuring The Master’s many girdle-clad wives featured in “Manos.” As an added bonus, fans will also receive a selection of free digital goodies.

Tickets for RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. Hope to see all of you (laughing) there!

RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate in Movie Theaters on August 16

One of the worst movies in the world returns to the theaters for one night only. I will definitely be there, thanks to the involvement of the talented RiffTrax crew...

NCM^® Fathom Events and RiffTrax present “RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate” in theaters for only one night on Thursday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT and tape delayed 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT. Featuring the same comedians from the cult classic “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K), Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett will reunite on the big screen to fire off their wisecracking commentary on the 1966 American horror feature “‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate.” The event will be broadcast LIVE from Nashville to participating movie theaters across the country. Attendees will be treated not only to “Manos’” infamous abysmal acting, outdated effects and seemingly endless cat fights featuring ‘The Master’s’ many girdle-clad wives, but also a selection of free digital goodies.

 

Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 550 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

 

"Revisiting ‘Manos’ again after 19 years will be like running into a dear old friend—a friend who drinks all your beer and hits you up for money,” said Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax creator and former host of the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000.’ “Still, we're thrilled to be able to bring this timeless classic to the big screen. (Don't tell anyone but I seriously love this film.)"

 

Previous successful Fathom and RiffTrax events have included “RiffTrax Live: Jack the Giant Killer” in August 2011, a hilarious riff of the cheesy 1962 fantasy epic featuring giant rubber monsters and a leprechaun in a jar; “RiffTrax Live: House on Haunted Hill” in October 2010, which took on the Vincent Price horror classic just in time for Halloween; “RiffTrax Live: Reefer Madness” in August 2010, parodying the legendary cult classic; “RiffTrax Live: Plan 9 From Outer Space” in August 2009, skewering what is widely considered to be the ‘worst film ever made’; and “RiffTrax Live: Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza” in December 2009, featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic.

 

“Fathom’s live in-theater events with the RiffTrax gang have been tremendously popular with theater audiences,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “With ‘Manos,’ Mike, Kevin and Bill are sure to deliver yet another side-splitting evening of fun, packed with their signature brand of wisecracks.”

 

Infamous for its significant technical deficiencies and continuity flaws, “‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate,” written, directed, produced by and starring Harold P. Warren, is widely believed to be one of the worst films ever made. The plot revolves around a vacationing family who lose their way on a road trip in Texas, and find themselves trapped at a lodge maintained by a polygamous pagan cult. In 1993 “Mystery Science Theater 3000” featured “‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate,” launching the film’s cult status.

 

Tickets for RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.