Monster Jam Returns to Angel Stadium for More Engine-Roaring, Car-Crushing Thrilling Monster Truck Action January 25 and February 8

By Annie Rivera

Zombie is one of many monster trucks showcased in Monster Jam

Returning to Anaheim has more meaning this year than ever before for Grave Digger driver Carl Van Horn. It means “redemption.” Two years ago the Elizabeth City, North Carolina native, stepped foot onto Angel Stadium for the first time with high hopes of wowing the crowd with 90-seconds of his own choreographed high-flying and rip-roaring routine during the Freestyle event, but midway through his spotlight, he crashed and did not finish.

After a two-year, long-awaited return to Southern California, Van Horn raced his way into the Championship on January 11 defeating Time Fly’s in the finale to bring home the trophy for Team Grave Digger.

“I felt I owed it to the City of Anaheim,” said Van Horn, “and wanted to make up for the crash in 2012.” While Van Horn fell short of the Freestyle event this year, racing and winning in the championship round more than made up for his defeat two years ago. “I did it for the crowd. They expected big things and big crashes and I was happy to deliver.”

Monster Jam fans can enjoy the high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed and powerful stunts with the world’s best monster trucks and drivers like GRAVE DIGGER and MAX-D along with other monster trucks like EL TORO LOCO, CAPTAIN’S CURSE, EL DIABLO, SON-UVA DIGGER, METAL MULISHA, MONSTER MUTT, LUCAS OIL CRUSADER, TEAM HOT WHEELS FIRESTORM, IRON MAN, MONSTER ENERGY, MOHAWK WARRIOR, CAPTAIN USA, TROPICAL THUNDER, SHOCKER, DEVASTATOR, DESTROYER, TITAN, NITRO HORNET, DOUBLE TROUBLE, OBSESSION, TIME FLY’S, KING KRUNCH and more. Returning to Anaheim after four years is BATMAN featuring veteran driver John Seasock.

Fans can access the Party in the Pits pre-show experience to view their favorite trucks up-close, meet the star drivers for autographs and take photos.

Upcoming show dates are Saturday, January 25 and Saturday, February 8 at Angel Stadium (2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806) at 7 p.m. Party in the Pits is open from 3 to 5:30 p.m. prior to each event. Exclusive VIP Early Access to Pit Party begins at 2 p.m. for Total Access Pass holders.

Tickets start from $25 for Adults; Kids (ages 2 to 12) are $10. Pit Party passes are an additional $10 each and a very limited number of Total Access Pass fan packages are available for $75 each at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or in-person at the Angel Stadium box office. More information can be found at www.MonsterJam.com, Facebook and YouTube.

St. Louis Cardinals draftee Chris Rivera returns to Centralia Elementary School

Great article on Christopher Rivera returning to his grade school, Centralia Elementary, to speak to students and play baseball. Read the full article here.

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Disney On Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After

Coming to the Honda Center

Over 40 performers from nine countries make up the international cast of Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After coming to the Honda Center from December 17 through 22. (Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment)

(ANAHEIM) Themed “Rockin’ Ever After,” the Disney On Ice ensemble will skate into the Honda Center (2695 E. Katella Avenue) from Dec. 17 to 22, gliding to timeless classic tunes from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled and Disney-Pixar’s BRAVE. Tickets are on sale now.

Mixing the old with the new, audiences of all ages will be delighted in this wintery extravaganza of musical numbers like a Scottish jig, a show-stopping performance by Sebastian as he breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel, a chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled, and a foot-tapping number from the Beast as he takes center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. New this year is the never-before-seen Spanish Web, an innovative creation where Ariel climbs the rope in her skates 35 feet up in the air.

Audiences are in for an exciting treat, as Merida from Disney-Pixar’s BRAVE will make her West Coast debut showcasing her love for archery while suitors compete to win her hand in marriage.  

Adam Loosley, veteran skater of 10 years, is one of over 40 performers from nine countries that make up this international cast of Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After coming to the Honda Center from December 17 through 22. (Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment)

Returning to Anaheim is Canadian-born Adam Loosley, a veteran Disney On Ice skater of 10 years. He is one of over 40 performers spanning nine different countries that make up this international powerhouse cast. Countries represented are USA, Canada, England, Japan, Russia, Czech Republic, Argentina, France and Estonia.

“This show is an enchanted talent show where Rapunzel displays her love for painting, Ariel loves to sing and Belle loves to read,” says Loosley. “Audiences are sure to love Gaston and LeFou of Beauty and the Beast and the crowd favorite, the ever-loveable Maximus from Tangled.”

Performance Schedule:

When: Tuesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 22

            Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.

            Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.

            Thursday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

            Friday, December 20 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

            Saturday, December 21 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

            Sunday, December 22 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets prices range from $22-$30; $50-$55 (VIP) and $75-$80 (Front Row)

For more information visit Disney On Ice at www.DisneyOnIce.com. Tickets are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or HondaCenter.com; charge by at (800) 745-3000 or in-person at the Venue Box Office.

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Built To Amaze

Born to Entertain: Classic Comediennes Inspire Orange County Local Genevieve Flati

By Annie Rivera

Growing up in Southern California, Genevieve Flati, always knew she wanted to be a performer that made people laugh. Studying theater at Chapman University while working at Disneyland, Flati already had a knack of entertaining. When Ringling Bros. announced auditions for Clown Alley two years ago, she was ready to give it her all.

“In theater, you learn about improv and how to go with the moment of a scene,” Flati said. “That’s just what I did in auditions. They loved my ‘willingness-to-play spirit’ coupled with my athletic background. I knew I nailed my audition and was thrilled to get a call-back.”

She credits two comedic legends, Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, as her inspirations that paved the way to becoming a Ring Performer at Innoventions at Disneyland. “I envisioned myself incorporating some of their genius moves in my own performance. My clown character pays tribute to both of them for empowering female comedians.”

Performing in her hometown will have special meaning to Flati. “This is the first time I’ll be home in two years since auditioning for Ringling Bros.,” Flati said. “It will be nice to be home in front of my family, friends and old theater groups.”

Coming to the Honda Center (2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents “Built To Amaze,” an extraordinarily engineered circus experience custom-built for the entire family where audiences will find out what it takes to construct The Greatest Show On Earth. Featured this year are: nine-time international award-winning comedic animal presenting duo Alex and Irina Emelin of Russia; The Trampoline Tower Tumblers; the popular King Charles Troupe hailing from New York City; electrifying high-wire acrobats; daredevil stunts on the Steel Vortex; the youngest female Human Cannonball; remarkable hand-balancing duos; famous four-legged star performers like the majestic Bengal tigers and “Taba” the tiger-tamer; fun-filled Asian dancing elephants; and the renowned, ever-loving Clown Alley performers.

Opening 90 minutes before every show, guests are invited to the Animal Open House to get up- close with some of the amazing animals. Then one hour before the show begins, visit the All-Access Pre-Show for FREE for all ticket holders. Learn juggling and balancing skills, get autographs, take photos with performers, and interact with Ringling Bros. Clowns.

When: Friday, July 26 through Sunday, August 4.

Tickets: $20, $26, $42 (VIP), $70 (Front Row) and $100 (Circus Celebrity)

Opening Night tickets are $12 (not valid for VIP or premium seating)

All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Ticketmaster.com or HondaCenter.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the venue box office.

For show times and more information, visit www.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to Anaheim Angel Stadium January 26 and February 9, 2013

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim (2000 East Gene Autry Way, Anaheim) January 26 and February 9.

Watch driver Tom Meents and Maximum Destruction (a.k.a. “Max-D^SM”) celebrate a decade of destruction in their 10^th anniversary with Monster Trucks. With 10 World Racing Championship titles, Meents will showcase his competitive and creative nature in the freestyle event. “Freestyling is one of my favorite parts of the show because it’s where I get to display two minutes of my own choreography,” said Meents, “and mostly because of the fans’ excitement.”  

Other crowd favorites scheduled to appear on January 26 are USHRA Monster Trucks Grave Digger® driven by Pablo Huffaker, El Toro Loco® driven by Aaron Basl, Grave Digger the Legend® driven by Adam Anderson, Captain America driven by Chad Fortune, Mohawk Warrior® driven by George Balhan, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian driven by Taryn Laskey, Iron Man™ driven by Lee O'Donnel, The Patriot driven by Dan Rodoni, Tropical Thunder driven by Andrew Peckham, Bounty Hunter driven by Ben Winslow, Iron Outlaw driven by Darren Migues, Titan driven by Donald Epidendio, Playin For Keeps driven by Tony Canedo, Obsession driven by Jim Lehnertz, Obsessed driven by Rick Swanson and Blue Thunder® driven by Dan Evans (subject to change).

On February 9, see USHRA Monster Trucks Grave Digger® driven by Dennis Anderson, Wolverine, Lucas Oil Crusader®, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian, Metal Mulisha, Batman™, King Krunch, Nitro Hornet, Big Kahuna, Titan, The Patriot, Tropical Thunder, Devastator, McGruff, Shocker, Obsessed and More (subject to change).

Come early to Angel Stadium to enjoy the Party in the Pits pre-show, ultimate extravaganza providing fans with an all-access experience to view their favorite trucks up-close-and-personal while rubbing elbows with the star drivers for photos and autographs. Party in the Pits is the ultimate experience for any Monster Jam fan!

DATE:

Saturday, January 26 and February 9 at 7 p.m.

PIT PARTY:

Open from 2 to 5:30 p.m. prior to each show

Exclusive VIP Early Access to Pit Party at 2 p.m. for Total Access Pass holders

Pit Passes are required for entry; available for purchase at $10 each

TICKETS:

$25, $35, and $45 for Adults

Kids (age 2-12) tickets are only $10 each (select price levels only)

Total Access Pass - $75

www.TicketMaster.com or call (800) 745-3000

For more information and updates visit www.MonsterJam.com or on Facebook.

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream skates into Southern California December 12, 2012 through January 6, 2013

A magical, royal celebration Dare to Dream, presented by Disney On Ice is coming to Southern California from December 12, 2012 through January 6, 2013.

Beloved characters Rapunzel, Tiana and Cinderalla are among the royal court of princesses who will charm audiences from all ages as they relive memorable moments from popular movies Tangled, The Princess and the Frog and Cinderella.

A cast of world-class skaters will take to the ice to perform romantic, humorous and adventurous scenes from modern and timeless classical favorites. “Dare to Dream focuses on each of the princesses’ dreams,” said Moriah Tabon, a Calfornia-native originally from the Inland Empire, who plays Mulan in the finale. “It is a very exciting and enchanting time for all. My greatest joy is to hear and see audiences, especially children, cheer, smile and laugh.”

Join Rapunzel and her unlikely companions, Flynn and Maximus, as they embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths. Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime. Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream skates into an arena near you.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 – Sunday, January 6, 2013

Los Angeles - Staples Center: Wednesday, December 12 – Sunday, December 16

1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles 90015

- Wednesday, December 12 – 7:30pm

- Thursday, December 13 – 7:30pm

- Friday, December 14 – 11:30am, 7:30pm

- Saturday, December 15 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

- Sunday, December 16 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

Orange County - Honda Center: Tuesday, December 18 – Sunday, December 23

2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, CA 92806

- Tuesday, December 18 – 7:30pm

- Wednesday, December 19 - 7:30pm

- Thursday, December 20 – 10:30am, 7:30pm

- Friday, December 21 – 1:30pm, 7:30pm

- Saturday, December 22 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

- Sunday, December 23 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

Inland Empire - Citizens Business Bank Arena: Wednesday, December 26 – Sunday, December 30

4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

- Wednesday, December 26 – 7:30pm

- Thursday, December 27 – 7:30pm

- Friday, December 28 – 12:00pm, 7:30pm

- Saturday, December 29 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

- Sunday, December 30 – 11:30am, 3:30pm

Long Beach - Long Beach Arena: Thursday, January 3 – Sunday, January 6

300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802-4825

- Thursday, January 3 – 7:30pm

- Friday, January 4 – 12:00pm, 7:30pm

- Saturday, January 5 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

- Sunday, January 6 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

TICKETS - Ticket prices range from $22, $28, $50 (VIP) and $75 (Front Row)*

Opening Night tickets available for only $12 each (not valid for premium seating)

All seats are reserved and available at the venue Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

For more information visit www.DisneyOnIce.com

Emmy Award-winner Percussionist Emedin Rivera Joins Artists Jill Talve and Dean Panagot on “Jilly Live” Tour in Brisbane, Australia – 10/17 to 10/20

Jilly Live trio: Emedin Rivera, Jill Talve and Dean Panagot.
(Read the published article here)

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA (October 10, 2012) Three-time Emmy Award-winner and percussionist Emedin Rivera will join artists Jill Talve (www.jtalvemusic.com) and Dean Panagot as “Jilly Live” at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove in Brisbane, Australia during the PacRim Stainless 2012 Conference on October 17 through 20. Performances are on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The trio, who has played together for several years, will embark on a trip to Brisbane and will showcase original music as well as popular tunes.

“The ‘Jilly Live’ tour is the perfect combination of original music and interpretation of classic cover songs,” said Jill Talve. “Emedin is the consummate professional who reads the crowd well and keeps them involved and interested. Dean can play anything and fills the room with energy. Both provide solid support that allows me to sing and play my heart out.”

To learn more about Emedin Rivera visit www.emedinrivera.com.  For information or other media inquiries please contact Annie Rivera, Publicist, at (714) 353-0832 or info@riveramediapr.com.   

ABOUT PERCUSSIONIST EMEDIN RIVERA:

Emedin Rivera started playing the bongos at 8 years old and his passion for music grew exponentially because of his father and uncle who both played in a trio in Puerto Rico. He has a unique and creative ability to incorporate and blend his Latin Caribbean-African influences into a vast array of musical styles. Rivera has won three Emmy Awards - New York: A Documentary Film (2003) directed by Ric Burns, The American Experience (2004), and Picture Perfect: The Stories Behind the Greatest Photos in Sports (2002) for best music. He is also featured in the September 2012 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine.

ABOUT SINGER/SONGWRITER JILL TALVE:

Born into a Sephardic family, Jill has always been influenced by traditional Jewish music from Spain, Turkey, and Greece. She studied classical music at Manhattan School of Music and at Tanglewood Music Center. A love for opera, she was deeply influenced by songwriters like Carole King and Karla Bonoff. Jill learned to listen to her favorite pieces and play them back almost immediately - by ear. As an infant, her Grandpa Sam sang to her in his native Ladino. When she was three she taught herself to play the piano. At age 7 she wrote her first song. And by the time she was 10, she was exploring Latin rhythms with her Flamenco-dancing aunt. Talve is a seasoned world-traveler frequenting China, India, and other points around the globe.

Jill released her first CD “Take a Walk With Me” in 2007 with Emedin on percussions. Presently she is recording a collection of songs co-written with songwriter Dean Panagot on a project titled “Out of the Blue,” in which Emedin also appears, due to release in 2013.

ABOUT GUITARIST DEAN PANAGOT:

Dean Panagot (bass, guitar, harmonica, vocals) is a versatile musician and prolific songwriter. He released the self-produced "The Journey" in 1999 and co-wrote "Take a Walk With Me" with Jill in 2007. He has collaborated with many artists over the years. Dean is a master carpenter who has designed and built everything from interiors to unique furniture. His artistry is distinct whether it is played and performed or carved out of wood. Dean is currently recording a full-length album of new songs he has co-written with Jill entitled" "Out of the Blue," due to release in 2013.

Percussionist and Three-time Emmy Award-winner Emedin Rivera Returns to Stanhope House -- 10/11

Press coverage: Stanhope House Welcomes Emedin Rivera and his jazz trio, Tropical Turbulence Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. (Read full article here)