Easy Rider, the iconic film written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Terry Southern, roars into Radio City Music Hall on Friday, September 20th to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The film released in 1969, was one of the very first independent movies and was revolutionary for its time.
Most people know the Easy Rider story but just in case: Wyatt (Fonda) and Billy (Hopper) are hippies who have scored in a big drug deal, and with the cash they earned plan to retire to Florida. But they are taking one last trip from LA to New Orleans to go to Mardi Gras. Along the way they meet up with George Hanson (Jack Nicholson), a square who is tired of small town life. The three set off to “look for America” and as they roll down the highway, they discover that they America they are looking for isn’t actually there. They may not have found America, but Billie and Wyatt rode into the American psyche and the movie remains as relevant today as it was in 1969.
To prove that point, Jason Miller of Live Nation and Peter Shapiro of Dayglo Presents have teamed up to present Easy Rider Live. The evening, originally planned to include opening remarks by Peter Fonda, will celebrate Fonda’s major cinematic achievement with the legendary soundtrack performed live onstage, featuring John Kay of Steppenwolf, Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, along with special guests, and produced by T Bone Burnett. Says Shapiro, “Peter was so excited about doing this for the 50th, I know he will be there with us in spirit. This is the coolest film ever made, and we are so excited to bring it to the audience with live music.” Miller and Shapiro were thrilled to bring this film to such a revered venue as Radio City Music Hall. Says Miller, “They have the world’s largest floating LED screen, so we really couldn’t think of a better place to screen Easy Rider.”
Fonda, sadly, passed away at the age of 79, on August 16, 2019, of respiratory failure due to lung cancer. During the planning of this event he said, “What a ride it’s been! From a funky motel room in Toronto, in ‘67 to a roar on the shore at Cannes, in May 1969. A wild ride up the stairs at the Palais into the history books of cinema. Looking for America. Would we find it today? I think not. Did we really “blow it?” You bet. 50 years later, are we blowing it now? You bet. Enjoy the new print. Sing along with the songs. Laugh with the humor! Remember the spirit! Find the love.” He is survived by his wife, Parky, who says of the event, ““We are all still healing from Peter’s sudden passing, but he would insist that the message of Easy Rider and the culture for which it stands carry on. The celebration of a cinematic masterpiece, a Hollywood icon, and my beloved husband will not only be one of a kind, but exactly what he wanted.”
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 11: Cynthia Erivo attends the 2017 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
The 71st Tony Awards premiered Sunday, June 11th and took place at Radio City Music Hall here in Manhattan, presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. The Tony Award recognizes achievements on Broadway. Although there were mixed emotions regarding the performance from the host, Kevin Spacey, this show was full of outstanding talent.
Along with the talent in the crowd, the fashion was phenomenal. Not only was the Red Carpet full of those in Broadway productions, many other stars, related or unrelated to this industry, were seen there in support — looking fashionable as always, like Chrissy Teigen, who was there in support of her husband, John Legend, as well as Anna Kendrick, a former nominee.
Although there were many stunning looks, here are Downtown’s top 8 looks from the 2017 Tony Awards’ Red Carpet for this week’s Trend Report Tuesday.
Anna Kendrick in Miu Miu
Chrissy Teigen in Pamella Roland
Scarlett Johansson in Michael Kors Collection
Candice Swanepoel in Prabal Gurung
Laura Osnes in Badgley Mischka
Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors Collection
Jenn Colella in Elizabeth Kennedy
Cynthia Erivo in Chris Gelinas
Putting aside the amazing fashion, we would like to congratulate the following Tony winners for their achievement, as well as the other nominees in their categories. Here are the 2017 Tony Awards’ results.
Best Play:Oslo
Best Musical:Dear Evan Hansen
Best Revival of a Musical: Hello, Dolly!
Best Revival of a Play: August Wilson’s Jitney
Best Actress in a Musical: Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!
Best Actor in a Musical: Ben Platt, Dear Evan Hansen
Best Actress in a Play: Laurie Metcalf, A Doll’s House, Part 2
Best Actor in a Play: Kevin Kline, Present Laughter
Best Book of a Musical: Dear Evan Hansen, Steven Levenson
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Dear Evan Hansen, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Michael Aronov, Oslo
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Cynthia Nixon, Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Gavin Creel, Hello, Dolly!
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Rachel Bay Jones, Dear Evan Hansen
Best Scenic Design of a Play: Nigel Hook, The Play That Goes Wrong
Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Mimi Lien, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Best Costume Design of a Play: Jane Greenwood, Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes
Best Costume Design of a Musical: Santo Loquasto, Hello, Dolly!
Best Lighting Design of a Play: Christopher Akerlind, Indecent
Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Bradley King, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Best Direction of a Play: Rebecca Taichman, Indecent
Best Direction of a Musical: Christopher Ashley, Come From Away
Best Choreography: Andy Blankenbuehler, Bandstand
Best Orchestrations: Alex Lacamoire, Dear Evan Hansen
Recipients of Awards and Honors in Non-competitive Categories
Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: James Earl Jones
Special Tony Award: Gareth Fry & Pete Malkin, Sound Designers for The Encounter
Regional Theatre Tony Award: Dallas Theater Center, Dallas, TX
Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award: Baayork Lee
Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre: Nina Lannan, Alan Wasser
Kudos to you all.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Tony Awards Production
For many dancers, the dream is to be a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. In the case of Keltie Knight, being a Radio City Rockette for six seasons was only the beginning of an illustrious career. Since 2012, Keltie has been an anchor for the syndicated CBS show The Insider. Keltie’s Insider duties regularly have her covering events all over the world, working the red carpets at the Grammys, the Primetime Emmys, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the People’s Choice Awards, and Cannes alike. Her bubbly and fun personality has also been seen in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and as part of the 2016 Miss USA Pageant.
This Thursday, Keltie returns to host the Thanksgiving Day Parade Live On CBS alongside Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight. Keltie spoke to Downtown about what is to be expected from this year’s parade, which will include performances by Sting and Miranda Lambert. The parade is also set to feature appearances by the casts of the Broadway musicals The Color Purple, On Your Feet! and School Of Rock.
Keltie Knight can be visited online at www.keltieknight.com. She can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter, where she is known to post fun multimedia content.
You started off as a dancer. Now, you’re a TV host. How exactly did that transition happen?
Keltie Knight: Much to my teachers and choreographers’ disdain, I was the loudest, chattiest and craziest dancer ever. When social media began, I was obsessed with sharing my behind-the-scenes experiences working with huge stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé with my followers, and I usually got in trouble. I started a blog so people could follow my journey and it got so big that eventually the TV world took notice. There are bruises, major rejections, and some pretty epic hairstyles in between those 10 years, but here I am!
Looking back, is there a highlight from your dancing career?
KK: Taking my first little tap step on stage as a Radio City Rockette. A lifelong dream for me.
Was it always the goal to doing what you are doing now?
KK: I’ve always been a performer and I’m naturally very curious. I couldn’t have dreamed a dream THIS big, so I’m honestly shocked and still have to pinch myself daily.
KK: Speaking of shock, I was totally shocked when CBS asked me last year, I am friends in real life with the longtime host Kevin Frazier, and we’ve always had amazing, natural chemistry. Last year was the highlight of my year, and to be asked back again was the ultimate compliment. Also, my husband HATES to be in front of the camera, and at the end of the parade we bring out our families, so I am really excited to see him turn all red and shy again this year!
Any idea who will be performing at this year’s parade? Anyone you’re especially excited to see?
KK: Well, we have Sting and Miranda Lambert— no big deal. (laughs) The fact that these major superstars want to spend their Thanksgiving with us is incredible. Do you think I can ask for an autograph? (laughs)
You’ve been part of The Insider for almost five years. What is a typical production day like for you?
KK: I wake up at 4:30 AM and head to the studio, do hair and makeup and look through the show. We film starting at 7:00 AM, and I’m usually out the door by 11:00 AM to run around Los Angeles to do various interviews. In the evenings I am often at Red Carpets, or screening upcoming movies. I work VERY hard. There is an incredible amount of research and preparation to do. I also am on a first-name basis with all the American Airlines flight attendants because I spend half of my life on the airplane to New York and back.
Do you have to travel a lot for the job?
KK: I have almost one million miles THIS YEAR alone. That girl yelling into her phone, running through the airport in sneakers — it’s me! Side note, can we all please sit down until our boarding zone is called? We are just boarding a plane, it’s not The Hunger Games, everyone!
What is your favorite part of working on The Insider?
KK: I would be lying if I didn’t say I really enjoy wearing the fancy gowns and borrowed diamonds! But, beside the material things, being in places like Cannes, France with George freakin’ Clooney one on one, knowing I am having a once in a lifetime experience, is what keeps me going.
Keltie Knight
Is there anyone you haven’t yet interviewed but still hope to?
KK: My two bucket list items: covering Paris Fashion Week, and Michelle Obama!
Do you have any upcoming projects besides The Insider and hosting the upcoming parade?
KK: Yes! This year I co-created a podcast called LadyGang with actress Becca Tobin and fashion designer Jac Vanek. We are almost one-year old, and the response has been incredible. We have launched our site www.theladygang.com, and LadyGang Emojis, and a LadyGang subscription box- trying my hand at multimedia mogul. P.S. I need a nap!
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
KK: My ideal day off is waking up for a late brunch with my husband, a massage, cuddling with my doggie and then watching extended marathons of Fixer Upper on HGTV.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
KK: My 100% fav in the WORLD: Paesanos in Little Italy. I’ll be eating my Thanksgiving dinner there this year with friends. It’s so small, cozy and the best food in New York City.
What about a favorite neighborhood?
KK: I’m really partial to Greenwich Village in Manhattan, because that’s where I lived in New York City. It was before it was as fancy as it is now, and I have tons of memories of spending my last $100 on BINGO night at Tortilla Flats drinking margaritas. There is so much magic in that area of the city. If you want a kick, read A Freewheelin’ Time by Suze Rotolo. She shared her time being Bob Dylan’s muse in the Village in the 1960’s — you’ll never see that area the same.
Finally, Keltie, any last words for the kids?
KK: It’s certainly a time of uncertainty and change, but I would want them to know that your life truly is what you make it. I have a Gwyneth Paltrow quote on my office wall that says “give yourself permission to be everything.” We have to work hard to make our dreams come true, and fight hard for what we think is right. Don’t give up the first time a door slams in your face, or the tenth time things don’t go the way you thought they would.
In its 37 years as a band, Marillion has accomplished almost all of the things that a collective of musicians would strive for. The group has had platinum-selling releases in its native country and elsewhere, recorded numerous internationally-charting hit songs, played large venues on most of the world’s continents, and become regarded as one of the top artists of its genre. The fanbase of the prog-rock band is so dedicated that it has not only produced an annual Marillion convention for nearly a decade and a half, but it crowdfunded a United States tour before that concept even really existed.
Released on Sept. 23, FEAR is the 18th studio album by Marillion. Produced by Mike Hunter in conjunction with the band, FEAR has already charted in the Top 10 in England, Scotland, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. International touring in support of FEAR continues with a Nov. 8 appearance at the PlayStation Theater. The current touring lineup of vocalist Steve Hogarth, guitarist Steve Rothery, keyboardist Mark Kelly, bassist Pete Trewavas and drummer Ian Mosley has been in tact since 1989, promising Marillion’s live set in New York to be tight and focused as ever.
Downtown caught up with Steve Rothery for some Q&A, covering the past, present and future of Marillion. The quintet can be visited online at www.marillion.com, beyond keeping up accounts on Twitter and Facebook.
Marillion / Photo: Alison Toon
Where was the first gig that you ever played live in New York City? What was it like?
SR: It was at the Pier 84 supporting Todd Rundgren on the 8th August, 1983. It was a pretty good audience as I remember, unlike our subsequent New York concerts later in the year supporting Rush at Radio City, which was like being thrown to the lions!
For someone coming to see you at the PlayStation Theater, what should be expected? A mix of songs from all your albums? I ask because, your band has now released 18 albums and its songs are known to be more than four minutes apiece.
SR: The set will be a mixture of what we consider to be some of our strongest material from over the years, and will also include two or three tracks from our new album FEAR.
How would you describe the new Marillion album to a long-time fan that hasn’t heard it yet?
SR: It’s powerful, cinematic and contains some of our strongest work. Most critics have placed it in the top three of our album releases.
When it comes time to writing longer songs, or “suites,” what is the creative process like? Do you write everything cohesively? Or piece together fragments?
SR: We jam around ideas for a few months which are then used as the building blocks for the creation of the new songs. They continue to evolve over time.
Marillion is possibly the first notable band to ever put out a fan-funded album. Where did that idea come from?
SR: When we announced that we couldn’t afford to tour the U.S. in 1997 because we’d lose $60,000, a fan started a tour fund using the Freaks mailing list on the Internet; this was before the WWW became popular. The fans raised $70,000, enabling us to tour the U.S., and we noticed that the single largest contribution was from the U.K. It showed us that the Marillion fanbase was a global community and that the Internet would one day be very important in us reaching that fan base. When we were free of a label, we approached our fans and asked if they’d be interested in paying for a new album a year before it was released. Over 10,000 said yes which enables us to make the Anoraknophobia album.
Years before that, the band also had a U.S. tour crowdfunded. Beyond loyal, is there a way to describe the average Marillion fan?
SR: They’re a gathering of 3,000 of our most ardent fans from around the world. We play three different concerts over the three nights and the atmosphere is truly incredible.
More than 35 years since Marillion first formed, is there a particular accomplishment that you’re most proud of?
SR: Making the music we wanted to make with very little interference and the consistency of our albums over the last 34 years.
When not busy with Marillion, how do you like to spend your free time? Are you still running the British Guitar Academy?
SR: I’m really looking forward to playing New York again, it’s such an amazing city. I’m even staying on for four days afterwards for a holiday with my wife.
As a member of My Morning Jacket for over a decade, Carl Broemel has played some of the world’s largest festivals and arenas. However, Carl has remained active as a solo artist during My Morning Jacket downtime, having played on other artists’ recordings and released three full-length solo albums. His latest solo release, 4th Of July, came out over the summer and features guest appearances by Neko Case, Laura Veirs, Russ Pollard, Shelly Colvin, Richard Medek and Jordan Caress.
In support of 4th Of July, Carl is hitting the road for a U.S. tour alongside Trampled By Turtles’ Dave Simonett. Carl — who can be visited online at www.carlbroemel.com — spoke to Downtown about his new album, his history with New York City and what else is coming up for him.
Where did the 4th Of July title come from?
Carl Broemel: There’s a song on the record with that name and it’s the longest song on the record, so I thought it would be a nice title. Also, the cover photo is an old family photo of my aunt on her way to Europe on a boat with the Statue of Liberty in the background.
Were there ever plans to release the album during the week of July 4th?
CB: Yep, we were shooting for that date for obvious reasons, but due to production schedules it would have been hard to get everything together on-time. The good news is, 4th of July will happen again next year! And like the Statue of Liberty in a way, my album arrived a little late…She was finished and in place 10 years after the country’s actual centennial, so we share in our tardiness.
What did you do on the 4th Of July this year?
CB: We went down to the neighborhood pool with my seven-year old, then we blasted of some illegal fireworks in the driveway.
Do you have a favorite song on the new album?
CB: I have favorite memories of working on specific songs in the studio. It’s always a nice surprise when you get a full take with everyone playing and singing at once, and that happened on “Rockingchair Dancer” and “Crawlspace.” Recording and creating the song “4th Of July” was enjoyable because we improvised for a few hours with no worries about song structure or perfection. I later pieced together the song from some of nicer moments.
Carl Broemel / Photo: Brian Stowell
You have an upcoming show at City Winery in New York. What should be expected from attendees? Only songs from your two solo albums?
CB: The City Winery show will be a co-bill with Dave Simonett from Trampled By Turtles, so we will both be doing individual sets, as well as doing some songs together. I’ll probably play some songs from both of my records, and there are a few covers I have been doing lately that have been fun. Dave is a good friend, and I’m hoping we come up with some things to collaborate on.
Where was the first gig you ever played in New York City? What do you remember about it?
We drove straight there from Bloomington, Indiana, stopping at a pay phone to get directions. We stayed at the Holland Motor Lodge by the Tunnel, and I remember thinking it was weird that the front desk clerk seemed surprised we wanted the room for a whole night. He asked “how many hours?”
I scored a sweet antique leather jacket at a street market right at 10th and A for $100 which I still have and treasure. Also we went to see Wilco at The Mercury Lounge, which was so amazing
Do you have a favorite New York venue to play at?
CB: We have been lucky to play a ton of different New York City venues, but playing in the Garden and at Radio City [Music Hall] are probably my two favorite of all time.
Other than promoting your new album and touring in support of it, what is coming up for you?
CB: MMJ is playing a few more shows this fall like Hullaween and Bridge School. Then our one big holiday festival is in February. After that we will start working on new music.
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
CB: I’m always working on something music-related, whether for myself or someone else. But aside from that I spend lots of time with my family, I have a young son so we are busy palling around most of the time, playing tennis or taking photographs or reading books.
If you have some free time in New York on the day of your City Winery show, where would you ideally spend it? Do you have a favorite restaurant in town?
CB: If I have time, I always love going to the Museum Of Natural History and finding a quiet room away from the crowds to ponder all the incredible items there!
A global icon for decades, Eros Ramazzotti released his first single in 1982, “Ad Un Amico.” Things really took off for Eros a few years later when his 1985 single “Una Storia Importante” — he is known to record his albums in both Italian and Spanish — sold a million copies in France alone and became a hit throughout Europe. He expanded his reach to the United States in 1991 when he became the first Italian artist to headline Radio City Music Hall, which he did at the urging of New York-based music industry icon Clive Davis. 60 million albums have been sold by Eros, who has duetted with Cher, Tina Turner, Ricky Martin, Luciano Pavarotti and Nicole Scherzinger, to name only a few key artists.
Success has not slowed down Eros, who released his Perfetto — his 13th full-length studio album — last year via Universal Music. His world tour in support of Perfetto continues, and the singer/songwriter will be headlining a show at the Barclays Center on Oct. 5. Eros caught up with Downtown about his love for New York and what else is coming up for him.
More info on Eros Ramazzotti can be found at his official website: www.ramazzotti.com.
Where was the first concert you ever played in New York City? What do you remember about it?
Eros Ramazzotti: In 1991 I performed at Radio City Music Hall after Clive Davis’ advice. I was the first Italian ever to hold a concert there and it sold out. A memorable experience, even if I had broken a leg and had a cast that limited my movement on stage.
Is touring in the U.S. different from it is elsewhere? Will a lot of your show at the Barclays Center be in English?
ER: Every country or major area where I tour is different. And that is the biggest privilege of my career: I get to perform for audiences on three continents, and receive different feedback from place to place. In the U.S. it’s surprising to see how nicely people welcome me, even if I only sing in Italian or Spanish.
Have you ever been to Brooklyn before?
ER: Of course, many times and I am pleased to see how nicely it has improved there over the last 10 years. I also performed at Barclays Center three years ago.
Is there a professional accomplishment that you are most proud of?
ER: Many — again, the opportunity to perform in so many countries is one of them. But I’m also very proud to represent Italian culture in the world. Artistically, I’ve always been very proud of having been contacted by Tina Turner. It was thrilling to hear that she was a fan of my music. We collaborated on a fantastic duet called “Cose della Vita.”
Is there something that you wish more people knew about Eros Ramazzotti?
ER: That I’m not a stereotypical superstar, but a very easy-going guy with a humble approach to life and music.
What is coming up for you after this Barclays Center show?
ER: We will complete the U.S. dates of my world tour, which has been going on for 13 months now, in L.A. and Miami, then Mexico. I will then return to Europe for a final round of shows.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
ER: With my wife and my kids. It’s amazing to watch them grow up. And of course with lots of music, I’m always playing, making up new melodies or hearing new and old music. For instance, I went to see Tom Jones last night and it was incredible.
ER: Thank you all for your support across the years. I can’t wait to see you at my show and give you all of my best. There will be a great deal of old hits as well as my new songs. We have put together a big show and hope you will enjoy it.
