Posts Tagged ‘John Mayer’

Mark your calendars for November 3, because Alicia Keys will be hosting her bi-annual Blackball at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City! With amazing live performances, surprise guests and more, the charity gala promises to be one positively special night!

The Blackball is an incredible event that Keys throws twice a year, in both London as well as New York City. This year’s event in the Big Apple is being described as “an explosion of music, soul, philanthropy and art to benefit children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India,” and all monies raised will go towards Keys’ charity Keep a Child Alive.

Keep a Child Alive started in Kenya in 2002, and what started as a small charity quickly expanded to quite a bit more. Today the non-profit organization provides anti-retroviral drugs for over 4000 children and family members, provides and cares for over 250,000 people, financially supports three orphanages, and has several major clinic sites in expansion.

Since 2004 Alicia Keys has organized and run the Blackball as a night to bring attention to the AIDS epidemic in Africa and India, and to help raise funds for all of Keep a Child Alive’s endeavors. Previous performers at the event include Keys herself, as well as Justin Timberlake, David Bowie, Bono, Kasabian (one of my personal favorite bands from the UK), John Mayer and a whole lot more.

This year, the Blackball in New York will definitely be another incredible show. To date, the event has raised over $13 million for Keep a Child Alive, and has been responsible for saving countless lives. Don’t miss out on the event of the season, buy your tickets today!

All of us here at Positively Celebrity are in awe of the beautiful Miss Keys for all of her incredible talent and even more incredible dedication to help children in need! To find out more about the Blackball at Hammerstein Ballroom please visit http://keepachildalive.org/the-black-ball/2011-ny/ and to purchase a ticket or reserve a tabl,e please contact Danielle Spitzer at danielle@keepachildalive.org or (718) 965-1111.

As always, be sure to check back for all things celebrity from Richard Munassi right here at Positively Celebrity!

These new artists will be rocking our music worlds this year! Check them out!

PIA TOSCANO

I have a confession. I haven’t watched an American Idol episode in its entirety this season. So when my Facebook news feed was filled with statuses that read, “Pia’s gone…unbelievable!” and “Won’t be watching now that Pia’s off!,” I had to figure out why this chic was such a big deal. Thanks to YouTube and her slew of talk show appearances, I, too, fell under the trance of make-up artist turned Idol outcast turned the next-big-thing-since-Jennifer Hudson, Pia Toscano.

She has the vocal strength of a young Whitney, classic beauty comparable to Carrie Underwood, and the sophistication of a Miss America contestant (not to be confused with Miss USA…fyi).

The spotlight was already shining brightly on Pia because of her talent, and now that she’s media’s new obsession, Pia can bank on — well, laughing all the way to the bank – as her music career goes from 0 to 160. Rumor mill has it that Interscope is courting Pia and that she’ll release her debut single soon. Idol who?

CRIS CAB

Move over, Biebs. There’s a new, barely-legal heart throb taking over the music scene. And his name is too bad he’s still in high school Cris Cab.

Infusing hip hop, reggae, and pop, the Miami native has famed producer, Pharrell, in his corner as he works on his debut album.

In his video for recent release, “Good Girls,” Cab looks like he could be John Mayer’s long lost little bro, and his tone, voice inflections, and lyrics are eerily similar to those of Wyclef Jean.

Looking forward to Cris Cab’s takeover!

INTERCEPT

Their song, “Rest of My Days,” is featured on the popular Jam Party video game.  They’ve played Austin’s Red Gorilla Fest 3 consecutive years. Their inboxes are flooded with fan mail requesting Skype lessons to learn how to play their music. And despite thriving success, the four hotties that make up indie rock band, Intercept, are 4 of the most humble musicians ever!

I had the honor of crashing one of their studio sessions, and the quality of their songs in person sounds as perfect it does on the radio or on television. The group - Christian Knudsen (Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar), Jeff Knudsen (Lead Guitar), Jason Weiner (Drums) and Phil Romo (Bass) – has an extremely busy summer ahead as their tour includes shows in Nevada and throughout southern and northern California.

Intercept’s music has also been featured on ESPN, MTV’s The Real World, and the Ghost Whisperer. And in a time when mediocre music dominates airwaves, it’s the kind of music you pray to hear when you turn on your radio. Stay updated on Intercept news by following their pages – Facebook.com/intercepttheband, @Intercept1 on Twitter, and http://www.mspace.com/interceptmusic.

Speak Now, the heartfelt, sort of tell-all that is Taylor Swift’s 3rd studio release is expected to be one of 2010’s bestselling albums.  After listening to all 22 tracks on the deluxe edition version for two consecutive days, I can say definitively that I am a Taylor Swift fan.

Yes. I am announcing to the world that, even though I’m well out of my tweens, I have become a Taylor Swift fan.

When Swift performed “Innocent” at this year’s VMAs, I was extremely impressed with how perfectly the song’s lyrics addressed last year’s Kanye debacle.  Instead of vilifying Mr. West in the expressive 3-minute track, Swift reassures that one can overcome and learn from a checkered past and still be an “innocent.”

And though Speak Now’s first single, “Mine,” initially was not my personal favorite, the rest of the world begs to differ as the single has sold more than one million copies and is topping the Billboard charts.

However, I must concede, it is quite charming when Taylor sings about having a drawer of her things at her boyfriend’s place and about having bills to pay. Taylor, we all know your experience in pinching pennies to pay bills is next to none, but I do appreciate her bringing back the good ol’ shacking up in college memories. That alone is reason enough to put “Mine” on repeat.

With the recent spike in suicides caused by bullying, “Mean’s” timing couldn’t be more ideal. Taylor takes a relentless stance against a bully from her own past whose hurtful words humiliated her by proclaiming, “some day, I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me.”

Denouncing the unnamed antagonist, Taylor says being “mean” is all they will ever accomplish in life while she, on the other hand, counts her millions of dollars in her bank account. Actually, I made up the part about Taylor counting her millions.  But overcoming is “Mean’s” underlying theme, and her courageousness will certainly inspire others whose circumstances are similar to those heard in this song.

The title track is cute and up-tempo as it tells the fantasy of Taylor “barging in on a white veil occasion” and preventing her love from marrying the wrong girl. I adore “Never Grow Up” as it reflects on the innocence of childhood. “Back to December” is equally beautiful as Taylor gently apologizes for being a less-than-perfect girlfriend to a boyfriend (rumored to be Taylor Lautner) from her past.

Undoubtedly, my favorite song from Speak Now (or at least for now) is “Dear John,” a song allegedly detailing the heartbreak Taylor experienced after dating music bad boy, John Mayer.

Swift chastises Mayer for being temperamental, for playing unfairly in love, and for taking advantage of her as a 19-year-old in love. Call me old fashioned, but with Mayer’s womanizing reputation and the 12-year age difference, it was painfully obviously she should have steered clear from that relationship.

Too bad for Taylor for becoming another lady on his list. But good for Swift’s fans because her Mayer experience resulted in a beautiful tale of devotion and heartache. On second thought, good for Taylor as I’m sure “Dear John” will be another chart topper.

Listening to each song on Speak Now feels less like skimming through a CD but more like thumbing through the chapters of a young lady’s diary. Taylor Swift personalizes every note and lyric in re-living the highs and lows of love and of life.

In telling her stories of defeat, she chooses a clever writing style that comes across as sincere, not vindictive. In sharing her triumphs, she seems pure, honest, and down to earth.

Through song, Taylor Swift reveals that, despite  fame, fortune, and perfect hair, she really is just like us. And this is why Speak Now will speak to everyone.

If you haven’t heard the album yet, check out below to preview and download. There’s also some great dance remixes, too!  And be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity.

In a music world dominated by synthesizers and auto-tune radio hits, it is refreshing to discover an artist whose musical creativity provokes thought and inspires self-reflection. An artist whose expressive lyrics and sensual melodies embody an unparalleled, sophisticated sex appeal that midriff baring, studio-artist-only, pop stars aspire to achieve. I have become utterly enamored by one such artist. His name – Citizen Cope.

About two years ago, I heard the song, “More Than It Seems,” playing as an outro for some television show to which I was barely paying attention to. Then, I heard these lyrics,  ”You’re so pure. Your heart is full of all I ever need…my adorer, they say I don’t know ya. I sure do know. Sure do miss ya.” Within minutes, my mundane, prime time TV watching experience quickly turned into a Citizen Cope, iTunes, downloading frenzy. I was hooked.

As a self proclaimed music junkie and lover of most music genres, I couldn’t believe I had never heard of Mr. Cope (whose real name is Clarence Greenwood). As I launched my full-on investigation to uncover the enigma that was Citizen Cope, I immersed myself in the passion and truthfulness weaved between each note and lyric.  ”You give me the strength to beat the odds and overcome my fears. You make me feel like I belong under the sun,” he confesses in “If There’s Love.” Beautiful words with the power to expose the vulnerability of even the most stoic of souls.

In songs like ”Let The Drummer Kick” from his self-titled, 2002 album, you recognize Cope’s awareness and appreciation of life’s complicated obstacles.

You’ll enjoy the groove, ”Friendly Fire,” and will be intrigued and left wondering how to interpret the seemingly political undertone of the track.  And “Back Together” can easily be an anthem for anyone resolving to get their life moving in a positive direction.

I had the privilege of seeing him perform live this year at the Wiltern in Los Angeles. His amazing band, his unique voice, and his ability to connect with each standing-room-only concert goer made for an awe-inspiring, 2 1/2 hour experience.

Citizen Cope.  He’s like a kinder, gentler, more humble John Mayer. A new-aged Otis Redding.

Though he has yet to achieve many of the accolades that define today’s “successful” artists, something in Cope’s demeanor subtly reassures me that he knows his mark is indelible. And he’s okay with that.

Note from Editor-in-Chief Kristen Aldridge: I’m way hooked too! If you want to download some of his songs (God knows since I first heard him, I haven’t stopped – Bullet and a Target is one of my all-time faves) check out the player below.  And be sure to read all the awesome posts from our expert music editor Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!

Now that it’s the Holidays, where are the top celebrities going to celebrate?  Most are staying local, going on trips throughout the U.S, but some are venturing out too.

Where are the celebs being spotted spreading some Holiday cheer? Since Thanksgiving it seems that everyone has taken a trip to the Big Apple. NYC is the #1 holiday destination so far. Miley Cyrus, Will Smith and family, John Mayer, Kristen Stewart, and Reese Witherspoon are just a few of the famous folks celebrating in NY.

Skiing has been another popular way to spend the Holidays with Gwen Stefani and son Kingston in Deer Valley and the Clintons at Camp David all spending quality time with the family.

Las Vegas has been a place of Holiday celebration for stars Benji Madden and Kelly Carlson. Carlson was spotted shopping at the Palazzo Shoppes.

Out of the country it seems that Dubai is the place to go. Mischa Barton, Lily Allen and Mary-Kate Olsen were all seen at the grand opening for Atlantis in Dubai.

And visiting Brazil puts Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves into the Holiday spirit.

Wherever the destination, it looks as if Hollywood celebrities will have a positively fabulous holiday vacation!

The Grammy nominations were announced Wednesday in a new live concert format. Performers included Christina Aguilera, Foo Fighters, and John Mayer with B.B. King. The leading Grammy nominee this year is Lil’ Wayne with eight nominations. (I know what you’re thinking: Lil’ Wayne?!?! The rapper?) Yep.

Wayne’s album, Tha Carter III is this year’s biggest selling album and fittingly, the second biggest sellers, Coldplay, had the next most nominations with seven. The album of the year category looks like this: Weezy (Wayne) with “Tha Carter III;” Coldplay with “Viva la Vida;” Radiohead with “In Rainbows;” Ne-Yo with “Year of the Gentleman;” and Robert Plant/Alison Krauss with “Raising Sand.”

My pick for album of the year is Coldplay’s “La Vida” but knowing the Grammy’s, don’t be surprised to see Robert Plant and Alison Krauss win with an album nobody wants to hear. Sue me for that last comment.

The awards will be announced February 8 on CBS. Go Weezy!

Rumors have been put to rest once again regarding Jennifer Aniston’s suspected pregnancy.  Reconciliation with her boyfriend John Mayer, 31, from their split in August has inevitably started up the rumor mill again for Jen.

Being in a relationship apparently qualifies her to be pregnant. Previously speculated fathers of her “supposed child” include Vince Vaughn, Paul Sculfor, and Sex in the City’s Jason Lewis.

Recently In Touch claimed on its cover that Jen, 39, “looks pregnant” and speculated that the Aniston and Mayer reunion was due to a pregnancy.

“It’s not true,” a souse close to Mayer told Usmagazine.com.

Nonetheless, the couple can’t seem to get the tabloids off their case.

Check out our favorite girl, Jen Aniston. No John Mayer tears here, she heated up the frozen Toronto Film Festival with a sexy, little, black Balenciaga dress.  Less is certainly more with a long sparkling pendent and strappy sandals to add a perfect finish. Get yours! Calvin Klein has a basic, black sheath for $138.00, People Magazine reports.

Jessica Alba is playing designer’s pet. At the Narcisco Rodriguez show at NYC’s fashion week, Alba glows in the artist’s peach, silk dress.  Add rosy checks, smooth, sexy bangs and a sweet bow for a look that is as innocent as it is HOT.

British bomb shell Victoria Beckham, at Marc Jacobs show at Fashion Week, arrived hand-in-hand with J Lo and had our mouths gaping. Posh stole the spotlight with a new pixie cut, paired with a tiny, strapless, black dress from her own line. Don’t forget, not that you could miss it, the $17 million, 19 karat, Shopart diamond ring on her finger!

But who could forget about Britney Spears?! The girl is on her way back. At the VMA’s she sparkled in a custom-made, silver Versace dress and Jimmy Choo heels.

What to wear? What to buy? Don’t worry…we’ve got you covered.

Jennifer Aniston has been jet-setting around the world with her new beau, John Mayer. But he’s not the only thing on her arm…or around her neck, People Magazine reports. She’s been sporting the “Dupatta” scarf by Matta. If you want luxury, get a Love Quotes Italian Linen scarf in Lotus Pink for $85 at tobi.com.

Or, save some cash by shopping at Forever 21 and get a pink fringe shawl scarf for $6.80.

Who says you have spend hundreds on denim to get a great fit? Audrina Patridge didn’t pay more than $58 for her Divine Rights of Denim “Lust”’ jeans! The black, stretch skinny jeans fit perfect and go with anything. Get yours at Dillard’s.

Fall is around the corner…though I wouldn’t admit that again if you asked me! Lauren Conrad defies the heat in her fringed Minnetonka Moccasin boots, People Magazine said. The sassy boots by Kitson at shopkitson.com are $86.

Shield the summer sun with oversized Juicy Couture shades. Katherine Heigl may have been blocking the paparazzi flashes, but either way these sunglasses are mega. If you want the real deal, it’s going to cost you…around $135.

It’s a fashion statement John Wayne would tip his cowboy hat to.

Chris Brown, winner of the R&B Artist award, and actor Adam Sevani stood out from the button-down and t-shirt clad celebs at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards Monday night with their detailed triangular- folded kerchiefs worn round their necks.

An homage to the Wild Wild West or trendy fashion statement? According to the Men’s Style Examiner, summer scarves are indeed stylish with stars such as John Mayer and David Beckham sporting them around town.

Despite the winter weather connotation, the Men’s Style Examiner says summer scarves are actually meant to keep the wearer cool because the scarf keeps the sun off the neck and gets rid of moisture.

Just make sure to pair the scarf with a monochromatic or contrasting colored t-shirt and wear it loosely around the neck with no knots like Brown and Sevani did.