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Cody Johnson huddles up for fall with two nostalgic new songs off his upcoming double album

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The doubled-up song fun continues for Cody Johnson, who is making good on his promise to fans to put out two new songs each month leading up to the October release of his double album.

In August, the two songs on deck are “Let’s Build a Fire” and “Driveway,” a pair of tracks full of vivid, nostalgic imagery.

Perfectly timed for the beginning of the fall season, “Let’s Build a Fire” is a literal homage to autumn, celebrating chillier temperatures, football season and — of course — Friday night bonfires. Uptempo and bluesy, the song was written by fellow country singer Chris Janson, along with songwriter Mitch Oglesby.

Meanwhile, “Driveway” celebrates a different kind of nostalgia, as Cody reminisces about the warmth and comfort of being at his grandparents’ house.

“‘Let’s Build a Fire’ and ‘Driveway’ are the perfect two songs to get geared up for the fall season,” the singer says. “I’m very fortunate to have been able to cut both of these tracks. I was even able to play my grandfather’s old J45 [acoustic guitar] on ‘Driveway,’ which is a special memory I’ll never forget.”

While the full double album isn’t due out quite yet, fans can get their Cody fix beginning next week with the release of Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story, a documentary about his life and career in the rodeo and country music.

Britney Spears’ personal conservator Jodi Montgomery hits back at Jamie Spears

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Britney Spears’ personal conservator Jodi Montgomery is hitting back at claims made by the singer’s father, Jamie Spears.

In court documents filed by Jamie opposing Britney’s request for his role as co-conservator to be “immediately” suspended, Jamie claimed Montgomery told him during a phone call that Britney is “mentally sick” and suggested she be put on a 5150 psychiatric hold.

Montgomery denied these claims in a statement obtained by Variety.

“Ms. Montgomery implores Mr. Spears to stop the attacks,” her statement says. “It does no good; it only does harm. We all need to focus on one thing, and one thing only — the health, well-being and best interests of Britney Spears.”

The statement says Montgomery never expressed that Britney would qualify for a 5150 hold, and instead expressed concern that Jamie’s role in the conservatorship is what’s “having a serious impact on Ms. Spears’ mental health.”

“It is in Ms. Spears’ best interests that her father step down as her Conservator, so he can go back to just being Ms. Spears’ father, and working on a healthy, supportive father-daughter relationship,” the statement reads.

Jamie Spears is currently the conservator of Britney’s estate, meaning he controls all financial decisions. Montgomery is the conservator of the person, meaning she manages Britney’s personal and medical decisions.

Sara Bareilles adds new dates to limited run of ‘Waitress’ shows

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Sara Bareilles is extending her stay at Joe’s Diner.

Three new dates have been added to the “Brave” singer’s run as she reprises her role as Jenna Hunterson in Waitress on Broadway. Evening performances have been added on September 15 and 29 and on October 13 at 7 p.m. ET.

The new shows are part of the limited engagement of Waitress at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City, opening September 2 and closing on January 9. As previously announced, Sara will perform September 2 through October 17.

The Grammy winner also composed the music and lyrics fir Waitress, earning two nominations for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards in 2017 and 2018.

Tickets are on sale now.

Virgin Galactic selling spaceflight tickets for $450,000

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Those who wish to spend a few minutes at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere will now have the chance — if they have $450,000 to spare.

Virgin Galactic, the private space tourism firm headed by billionaire Richard Branson, announced Thursday evening that it was officially reopening ticket sales.

The announcement comes on the heels of a successful test flight last month in which Branson and a crew flew to the edge of space in a mission dubbed Unity 22.

“Leveraging the surge in consumer interest following the Unity 22 flight, we are excited to announce the reopening of sales effective today, beginning with our Spacefarer community,” Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier said in a statement Thursday as the company announced second quarter earnings. “As we endeavor to bring the wonder of space to a broad global population, we are delighted to open the door to an entirely new industry and consumer experience.”

“Spacefarer community” refers to customers who already have put down a refundable deposit to be first in line to purchase tickets. The company said it intends to offer three consumer offerings for the private astronaut market: a single seat, a multi-seat package for couples or friends and a full-flight buyout. When the firm initially announced it was selling tickets to space a few years ago, the announced price was $250,000.

Branson’s July 11 suborbital flight took heat from critics for stretching the definition of space as the crew did not go above the Karman line (62 miles above Earth) that is defined by many agencies — but not all — as the boundary between the planet’s atmosphere and space.

Still, video from the trip showed Branson and his crew enjoying a few minutes of micro-gravity and the entire crew was presented astronaut wings during a news conference after their landing.

Branson’s role in much-viewed test flight was as a mission specialist, tasked with testing the customer experience.

“I think, like most kids, I have dreamt of this moment since I was a kid and honestly nothing can prepare you for the view of Earth from space,” Branson said after landing. “It’s just magical. I’m just taking it all in. It’s just unreal.”

Just nine days after Branson’s spaceflight, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos took a similar jaunt via a ride from his private space-faring company Blue Origin. Many saw the back-to-back billionaire spaceflights as ushering in a new era in space tourism that has been propelled by a budding commercial space industry dominated by the ultra-rich.

Taylor Swift confirms track list and guest artists for ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Taylor Swift has confirmed the track list and featured artists on her re-recorded version of 2012’s Red, after fans decoded the info from a puzzle she shared just a day earlier.

“I know some of you thought that would be like trying to solve a crossword and realizing there’s no right answer BUT…you played it good & right,” Taylor wrote on social media. “Congrats pals, you guessed the correct titles and feature artists on Red (my version).”

As previously guessed, the album’s vault tracks will feature Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, Mark Foster and Ed Sheeran.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough to these artists for helping me bring these songs to life,” Taylor wrote. “I can’t wait til we can dust off our highest hopes and relive these memories together.”

She added, “We’ll also be making a bunch of new ones too, since Red (Taylor’s Version) includes so many songs you haven’t heard yet. Til then, I’ll be counting down and picturing it all in my head. In burning red.”

Red (Taylor’s Version) drops November 19.

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Gemma Chan reveals she “would never have dreamt” Chloe Zhao would have directed Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Marvel’s The Eternals was supposed to hit theaters last year, but the pandemic let to Marvel Studios bumping the film to November 5, 2021. In the interim, director Chloe Zhao went on to become the first Asian American filmmaker to win a Best Director Oscar, thanks to her work on Nomadland.

But Chan was tapped to direct The Eternals before Nomadland went on to awards glory — and co-star Gemma Chan tells Vogue U.K. that choice shows much-needed change is coming to Hollywood.

“To be working with an East Asian female director — I would never have dreamt of that, even just a few years ago,” says Chan, who previously starred as a bad guy in Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel. In The Eternals, she plays Sersi, one of the god-like titular characters who have guided mankind for millennia. But for all her power, don’t expect to see Sersi one-punch spaceships like Captain Marvel can onscreen.

“She’s not necessarily the best fighter, she doesn’t have the most obviously impressive powers,” Chan tells Vogue U.K. “The main thing is she’s an empath. She has a connection with humans, and with the world and the earth. That is her strength, so I leaned into that.”

Chan says her goal with Zhao was to “create a nuanced female superhero,” which is “rarely seen in this genre.”

The Eternals also stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani.

Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.

New Music Friday: Sia and Black Eyed Peas lean into Latin sounds as Bryce Vine sings with lovelytheband

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Sia is gives her latest hit, “1+1,” a Latin twist with a remix featuring Sofia Reyes and Yandel. The “1+1 (Banx and Ranx Remix)” finds the bilingual singers translating the lyrics into Spanish while honoring the song’s upbeat nature. The original version is included on Sia’s latest album, Music.

Black Eyed Peas are ready to “Hit It” with Saweetie and Lele Pons. The Latin-infused track boasts a futuristic beat and sultry lyrics. “Hit It” follows the Black Eyed Peas’ 2020 collaboration with Shakira on “Girl Like Me.”

Bryce Vine is poised to “Miss You a Little” in his new single, featuring lovelytheband. The RIAA multi-Platinum singer confesses in the song’s defining line “I miss you a little all of the time,” with the indie pop band offering supporting vocals. “Miss You a Little” drops days before Bryce sets out on his Miss You a Little Tour, beginning August 11.

New Jersey man pleads guilty to assaulting officer at Capitol on Jan. 6

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — A New Jersey man on Friday pleaded guilty to two federal counts of assaulting law enforcement and obstruction of an official proceeding during the January 6 Capitol assault.

Scott Fairlamb is the first accused rioter charged with assaulting law enforcement to plead guilty.

Prosecutors say he was seen in videos stalking a line of officers outside the Capitol before punching one in the head.

Obstruction of an official proceeding carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and the assaulting law enforcement court carries a maximum sentence of 8 years.

Prosecutors said they are seeking a sentence ranging from 41 to 51 months in prison and have said Fairlamb should pay $2,000 restitution.

Fairlamb will likely argue for less time behind bars.

Sentencing memos from both parties are due on September 20 and Fairlamb is scheduled to appear back in court on September 27.

“Are you an American? Act like one!” Fairlamb, a gym owner and former MMA fighter, is heard yelling in a body cam video, which was released to ABC and 13 other media outlets as part of the ongoing legal effort. “You guys have no idea what the f*** you’re doing.”

Prosecutors also flagged videos Fairlamb posted to his Facebook during the riot where they say he’s seen holding a collapsible baton and saying to the camera, “What do Patriots do? We f***in’ disarm them and then we storm the f***in’ Capitol!”

Fairlamb had previously hosted a pandemic protest at his Pompton Lakes gym in response to COVID restrictions and last summer posted a threatening message on Instagram targeting Representative Cori Bush.

While Fairlamb’s attorney has said the government is seeking a 51-month sentence for his client, it’s unclear what D.C. District Judge Royce Lamberth will decide is an appropriate punishment — though it could serve as a benchmark for the more than 150 rioters so far charged with attacking police.

Of the more than 30 rioters who have pleaded guilty so far in the Justice Department’s sprawling investigation into the Capitol attack, only six have been sentenced and none of them to significant time in prison.

A Florida man, Paul Hodgkins, was recently sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to a felony charge of obstructing a congressional proceeding, and two others who had already been in government custody pending trial were sentenced to time served.

There are more than 500 people charged by the Justice Department for their actions on January 6.

Watch trailer for ‘Dear White People Vol. 4;’ Halle Berry’s ‘Bruised’ gets fall release date; and more

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The senior class at Winchester University are leaving on a high note. Netflix has revealed in a teaserthat the fourth and final season of Dear White People will premiere on Wednesday, September 22, as a “’90s-inspired musical event.”

The new season is said to pick up in a “not-so-distant, post-pandemic future” where the cast will be looking back at “the most formative (and theatrical) year of their lives.” Created by Justin Simien, Dear White People stars Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton, John Patrick Amedori, Ashley Blaine Featherson and Marque Richardson.

In related news, Deadline has learned that Simien has inked a three-year overall deal with Paramount Television Studios. As part of the agreement, Simien will develop premium television series aimed at various platforms via his Culture Machine production company. As previously reported, Simien’s next big venture will be Disney’s fantasy horror comedy Haunted Mansion.

Finally, Entertainment Weekly has learned that Netflix has set a November 24 release date for Halle Berry‘s directorial debut, Bruised. Written by Michelle Rosenfarb, the film stars Berry as disgraced MMA fighter Jackie Justice, who’s attempting to redeem herself. After her six-year-old son comes back into her life, Jackie decides to return to the ring to fight one of the “fiercest rising stars of the MMA world,” and “become the mother” her son deserves.

Expansive 50th anniversary reissue of George Harrison’s classic album ‘All Things Must Pass’ released today

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The expanded 50th anniversary reissue of George Harrison‘s classic 1970 solo album All Things Must Pass was released today in multiple formats and configurations.

Among the various versions available is a Super Deluxe box set featuring either eight vinyl LPs or five CDs and Blu-ray-audio disc.

The Super Deluxe reissue features a new mix of the original 23-track album, demos that Harrison recorded during the first two days of the All Things Must Pass sessions, and a variety of outtakes and studio jams. Forty-two of the tracks are previously unreleased.

The collection comes packaged with a 60-page scrapbook curated by Harrison’s widow, Olivia, that features rare images, handwritten lyrics, studio notes and more. A replica of the original album poster also is included.

Originally released in November 1970, All Things Must Pass spent the seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200. It features George’s enduring spiritual anthem “My Sweet Lord,” which spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Other standout tunes on the album include “Isn’t It a Pity” — released as a two-sided single with “My Sweet Lord” — the top-10 hit “What Is Life,” “Wah-Wah,” and George’s memorable cover of Bob Dylan‘s “If Not for You.”

The All Things Must Pass reissue was executive-produced by Harrison’s son, Dhani.

In celebration of the reissue’s release, a living-art installation depicting the album’s cover opened today at London’s Duke of York Square and will remain on display until August 20. The installation includes two giant garden gnomes made out of flowers and foliage.

Visit GeorgeHarrison.com for a full track list and more details about the various versions of the All Things Must Pass reissue.

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