Hosted by Rodney Perry  - Live at Verizon Center August 31 at 7 p.m.

Tickets go on sale June 21 at 10:00 a.m.  

WHO:                   Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley and Kem

WHAT:                 The Bounce TV Summer Music Festival

WHEN:                 Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:               Verizon Center - Washington, DC 20004

Ticket Information: Tickets for the Bounce TV Summer Music Festival at Verizon Center on August 31 at 7 p.m. are $125.75, $85.75, $55.75 and $35.75 (plus applicable service charges) and go on sale June 21 at 10 a.m. A ticket lottery will take place at 8:30 a.m. at the Verizon Center box office only. Fans must be in line by 8:30 a.m. to participate in the lottery. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Verizon Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. For more information please visit www.livenation.com or www.verizoncenter.com. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 202-661-5065. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

I shouldn’t make jokes. My mother taught me not to throw stones at cripples. But my father taught me to aim for their head. – Ramsay Snow

Oh Daenerys, how I wish your hijinks Across the Narrow Sea moved at pace slightly faster than stale molasses. Since so little actually occurred I’m just going to leave you with a couple of questions/observations:

Crowd surfing certainly seems to demonstrate poor form for a queen.

If I recall correctly, the Yunkai slaves that are freed were ‘bedroom slaves’, not the warriors like Grey Worm who now serve Daenerys. What use will their services be to her party (the Unsullied) after accepting her as Mother?

Is it just me, or is it ridiculously difficult to take Daario seriously as he poses outside the city walls, knowing that he’s portrayed by an English rapper Ed Skrein?

Not tired but goes to bed hungry anyway

As usual Tywin got the chance to flex his verbal prowess against all manner of foe, including both Joffrey and Tyrion. His exchange with Joffrey was among the more humorous that the series has offered thus far, ending with an observation about “sending the king to bed without his supper.” Which in all likelihood was deserved as Joffrey expressed interest in further torturing his former bride to be by serving Robb’s head to her at the wedding. For me the most interesting part of the exchange between Tywin and Tyrion was the admission that Roose Bolton would be appointed the Warden of the North, until Tyrion’s son would come of age. So it seems that the agreement between Tywin and Roose has an expiration date…

…Speaking of Roose, it was funny to he and Walder (two of the series most ‘serious’ characters)engaging in ‘light’ banter Robb’s expense and generally discussing fiendish plans as servants scrubbed blood off of the floor. And Walder continued eating throughout the massacre and aftermath, even remarking that he would require a new wife. Does anyone else think that Michael McElhatton (who plays Roose Bolton) would make a remarkable Bond villain?

While there’s no way I could have predicted Ramsay Snow was directly related to Roose, the clues that have been given this season leading to the reveal (with the flayed man sigil on the map last week) I was able to deduce that Ramsay was connected in some way to Roose. What I like about Ramsay is that his actions do not appear to have traditional motivations behind them. He is not a man who is spurred by the promise of wealth, but rather delights in the misery he causes Theon to feel. Perhaps a kindred spirit to Reservoir Dogs’ own Mr. Blonde, another who takes pleasure in torturing others, but for no tangible gain. The difference between the two is that Ramsay has in no way indicated that death is even an eventual option. While there have been some truly great character introductions throughout the series’ run, none have put a smile on my face faster than Ramsay dressing up pork sausage before taking a bite. While Ramsay’s expressions and delivery are equal measures stomach-churning and gleefully childlike, there was a time or two I thought he was going to break the fourth-wall and address the viewers directly.

pictured: frontrunner recipient for Sister of the Year Award

Ramsay’s box of horrors gift was a great way to bring back Balon and Yara who haven’t been featured at all this season. While I can’t say Balon’s reaction was at all surprising, Yara’s was to me in that her actions were so swift. I mean, she had fifty of the Ironborn’s best killers instantly ready to head out to Dreadfort. Aptly named for a guy like Ramsay, no? Yara likely has little if any recollection of Theon before Ned absconded with him back to Winterfell. And the last time she saw him, he demonstrated what the entitled life of a Stark ward had done to him, always eager to play with, as Ramsay worded it, ‘his favorite toy’. So I guess I’m just surprised to see her react so favorably to Theon’s predicament, though I wonder what the Ironborn’s finest killers can do against a man as clearly unhinged as Ramsay.

Jon Snow’s adventures Beyond the Wall have literally led him in a giant circle, though with an attractive Wildling in tow. Once more Ygritte got to utter her famous catchphrase before putting arrows into him. While I’m not surprised she managed to track and catch him, I am surprised Tormund allowed her to do so. The Jon/Ygritte saga for me is among the lower ranks of what GoT has to offer: too much meandering with too little payoff. I don’t even ask for much, but Jon really didn’t much of interest to do this season, aside being forced to kill his Halfhand.

Among the more fascinating developments was Sam and Gilly running into Bran, Hodor, Jojen and Meera. While I would have preferred they stick together as their dynamic was more interesting than say Osha and Rickon, something about seeing Sam return to Castle Black just felt right. It’s as though it’s where he belongs, teaching the Night’s Watch about dragon glass.

Among the more trauma-inducing segments of “Mhysa” was Arya having to endure seeing Robb’s propped body with Grey Wind’s head sewn on. Grisly stuff. But Arya’s journey is moving along briskly now with two kills under her belt. And she is clearly growing more fond of The Hound, as their time together is further in danger of headed for buddy cop territory, but I must reiterate, that this element works and works extremely well, despite how derivative the term ‘buddy cop’ can come across sounding. I’m sensing a trip to Bravvos in their future…

And Davos is becoming quite the quick study with his young tutor Shireen isn’t he? He can now read whole sentences despite the occasional stumbling block (why is there a ‘g’ in ‘night’ anyway?). Not since Ned Stark has any character demonstrated a greater sense of preventing wrongs rather than righting them. I feel as though regardless of what neighborhood Gendry grew up in, the outcome would be the same with Gendry escaping. With news of the White Walker return, it’ll be interesting to see Stannis break from his current obsession and turn his attention to the North. Besides Arya/The Hound, Stannis/Davos is my second favorite pairing, just being the odd couple that they are. But again, if it works, it shouldn’t be tampered with.

While many threads were left wide open this season, I think enough have been handled to be ready to move into the fourth season. It’s interesting to see how each character’s trajectory can cause unlikely paths to cross and how that plays into the ever-changing motivations of everyone. Take Jaime for instance, how will he react to his father when he discovers the details of the Red Wedding? Gotta wait till next spring for winter to come I guess…

Final Grade: A-

TRR TV Revue by Jacob Aquino

Multi-platinum selling artist, five-time Grammy winner, and icon of music, Lionel Richie announced his North American “All the Hits All Night Long” tour. On the heels of an electrifying sold-out European tour, Richie will kick-off the hit-filled shows September 18 in Hollywood, FL and travel across North America to cities including Boston, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mexico City stopping at legendary venues such LA’s famed Hollywood Bowl, Chicago’s United Center, the newly-minted Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and the historic Austin City Limits Festival. Richie will also perform live at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. on September 25.

Who:                     Lionel Richie

What:                   All the Hits All Night Long North American Fall Tour

When:                  Wednesday, Sept. 25 8 p.m.

Where:                Patriot Center                                           

TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for Lionel Richie on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. are $129.50, $89.50, $59.50 and $39.50 (plus applicable service charges) and go on sale June 14 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. Please visit www.lionelrichie.com or www.patriotcenter.com  for more information.

Facebook: patriotcenter                        Twitter: @patriotcenter

It’s been Twenty years since Mobb Deep debut album “Juvenile Hell” was released, but Havoc and Prodigy return to form on their official 20th Anniversary Tour. On June 6th, they performed at the prestigious Howard Theatre with a mix of their classic songs like “Shook Ones” and “Quiet Storm,” as well as tracks from their new solo projects “Albert Einstein” and “13.” For the finale, the Queensbridge rappers ended with one of their most popular hit singles ”Shook Ones Part II.”

TRR Concert Revue & Photography by Mark Mahoney

The brother and sister Mexican pop rock duo Jesse and Joy makes a stop in Silver Spring with The Fillmore set to play host to the charming sibling duo. The multi-platinum selling, four-time Latin Grammy-winning rockers are international superstars. The 143,000,000 plus views their official music video “Corre” has on YouTube says it all.

It was a modest setting for a pair growing in popularity as fast as these two. At the front left hand side of the stage was a colorful hand painted upright piano. Then there was a pair of small stacks with printed covers made to make them look like old furniture and antique televisions. A string of flowers wrapped around Joy’s mic stand, it was like we were in the seventies.

The lights dimmed and an audio recording of Richard Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” sounded off. I immediately recognized the classic composure. Coincidentally, I just saw the NPO perform this piece live not even a week ago during their Wagner 200^th Anniversary Celebration. I’d have to admit hearing Wagner came way out of left field and was something I wasn’t expecting. The trombone player worked his way into the song and when the audio stopped took the stage and opened with a pretty cool solo.

Jesse and Joy have something extremely unique about their style of playing. It’s really original. It’s like they just followed a homemade recipe for music and everybody wants a taste. The sibling duo plays together with such love. They are constantly making eye contact with each other as they sing. The sound was very catchy and rhythmic in an emotionally uplifting sense. Girls were crying their hearts out singing to their songs. They has some beautiful ballads as well, like “Corre” now wonder it’s so popular on YouTtube. It opens with a soft piano solo; Jesse and Joy then just start signing to each other. It was really graceful and touching.

Jesse and Joy played very well. They didn’t disappoint their fans by any means. They keep it real; just stick to what you know and do it well. Listen to their album “Con Quien Se Queda El Perro?” and what you hear is what you will get live. A Heartfelt, original rock n’ roll performance.

TRR Concert Revue & Photography by Alan Duckworth

It’s National Donut Day!  THE HEAT and Mama’s Donut Bites Food Truck will be giving away FREE donut bites to the first 250 people starting at 8 AM. DC’s biggest Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy fans will be lined up for a chance to get their free donuts!

WHEN:  TOMORROW Friday, June 7 – 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Near Wilson Ave. and N Lynn St. – Rosslyn, VA

THE HEAT opens nationwide on Friday, June 28

Uptight FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) and foul-mouthed Boston cop Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) couldn’t be more incompatible. But when they join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected: buddies.  From Paul Feig, director of “Bridesmaids.”

http://www.theheatmovie.com/

Nine Inch Nails Live at Verizon Center October 18 at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale June 14 at 10 a.m.  

                                WHO:                   Nine Inch Nails

  WHAT:                 Tension 2013 with Godspeed You! Black Emperor

  WHEN:                 Friday, Oct. 18 at 8:00 p.m.

  WHERE:               Verizon Center   601 F Street NW  Washington, DC 20004                               

Ticket Information: Tickets for Nine Inch Nails at Verizon Center on October 18 at 8:00 p.m. are $102.50, $78.50, $52.50 and $38.50 (plus applicable service charges) and go on sale June 14 at 10 a.m. There is an eight ticket limit during the first day of public sale. A ticket lottery will take place at the Verizon Center box office only at 8 a.m. Fans must be in line by 8 a.m. to participate in the lottery. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Verizon Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. For more information please visit www.nin.com or www.verizoncenter.com. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 202-661-5065. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

It’s been well over twenty years since I first heard EWF (Earth Wind and Fire). I was about five years old, “Shining Star” came on the radio and I have been a fan ever since. Last night at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap EWF didn’t just take the stage, they set it ablaze. They played all their hits in front of a sold out audience, just over 7,000 people strong.

The atmosphere was amazing and temperature was just right. EWF encompasses a wide variety of musical genres. I’d say it felt relaxed like a jazz concert but at the same time carried a lot of energy and excitement like a rock concert. I’d compare it to that feeling you get when you take that first sip of a Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino. I had a seat but couldn’t help strolling along the lawn taking in people doing everything from dancing and eating to some even choosing to lie down and rest their eyes just absorbing the sweet sounds. It wasn’t overly crowded for a sold out concert either, plenty of room to just feel the summer breeze.

Now, you don’t need me to tell you just how incredible Earth Wind and Fire sounds. Their resume says it all. They’ve been playing for 47 YEARS! Concerts for them are second nature; hehe get it? The prestigious accolades they have acquired are numerous. Everything from being inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, the NAACP Hall of Fame, and having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They’ve received numerous Grammy awards and nominations and even a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. They’ve played for Presidents and Foreign dignitaries on multiple occasions. Entertained major sporting events like the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open. Not to mention have influenced and collaborated with more musicians than I can say in a single breath. You could make a double album just off artist who have sampled their work, no joke. So yeah, I guess you have to carry a good reputation for live performances in order to accomplish that.

For this performance the band had three of its original members. They were vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Philip Bailey, Kim Johnson and bassist Verdine White. They played just as enthusiastically as if they were just signed to a major label. It was non-stop hit after hit. Songs like “Boogie Wonderland”, “Shining Star”, “Sing a Song”, “September”, “Let’s Groove”. It was funny, the audience members (myself included) would be standing, waving and clapping until the song finished. We’d sit down for literally two seconds only to immediately stand back up, wave and clap some more to another one of our favorites. It’s takes a long time to reach this status. Phillip said it best “we’re putting 47 years of work into a 72 minute concert”.

What had caught me off guard was actually the Latin flare they included into their sound. Philip Bailey’s extensive use of the congas and timbales with the cowbell reminded me of Tito Puente. When Philip wasn’t rocking the drums, he was singing his you know what off. With all the instrumentation going around you have to have some kind of voice to project over all of that sound, even with a microphone. They sounded clear as day; the singing was great all around but particularly from Phllip. His vocal range is such he could be anything from a baritone, to a tenor, to a falsetto. Philip also played a pretty good kalimba solo. It really is something to hear.
EWF is a show to say the least. They are on stage constantly dancing and singing. There was never a dull moment. The array of instrumentation is fascinating; you might as well call them the Earth Wind and Fire orchestra. It’s a great experience and it’s actually kind of disappointing. After seeing an EWF performance all other concerts might not sound as good or be as entertaining.

TRR Concert Revue & Photography by Alan Duckworth

Watch the true story of an American legend when “42” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download on July 16 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Legendary Pictures. Starring Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman as two men who changed baseball forever, “42” follows the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey and the great Jackie Robinson as they take a stand against racism and baseball’s infamous color line.

Directed by Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential”), “42” also stars Nicole Beharie as Jackie’s beloved wife Rachel Robinson; Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher; Andre Holland as Wendell Smith; Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese; and Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca.

SYNOPSIS

Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. “42” tells the story of two men – the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey – whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball.

In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking  – ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“42” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

• Stepping into History
• Full-Contact Baseball
• The Legacy of the Number 42

“42” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

• Stepping into History