Jonathan Galecki Sticks to Acting

Photo Cred: cbs.com

Everybody may remember him from Roseanne, but Johnny Galecki truly became known when he took on the ever-lovable, super dorky character of Leonard in CTV's hit Big Bang Theory. The show is a hilarious comedy based on a group of socially awkward but equally brilliant guys who try and prove they know how to have fun. 


Many TV actors eventually venture out and attempt to (successfully or not) direct and even write their own episodes, taking their own version of things and putting it into an episode. 


But what about Johnny? "You only really think [about directing yourself] that way when things aren’t going well. Like if there’s a blind spot in the writing. I think we all have respect for one another, I can’t imagine [changing that]," he said about directing an episode backstage at the MuchMusic Video Awards. "But possibly one day in writing. I have a couple of ideas written down."


Check out Johnny Galecki and The Big Bang Theory all throughout the week on CTV, CBS and the Comedy Network!

Neverest Thankful for Howie D

Neverest may have started with small-town dreams, they're now starting to realize they can make it big. Touring with NKOTBSB and having the one and only Howie D as their manager, great things are bound to happen.

Neverest. Photo Cred: cashboxcanada.ca

And they have nothing but great things to say about their manager. He reminds them to stay humble and just have fun. "He leads by example and that's important," said lead singer Spyros Chalkiotis, backstage at the MuchMusic Video Awards, on June 19th.


In a world where bands can sometimes forget the importance of remembering the small things, the boys of Neverest are always ready to remember where they came from. They too were once a band nobody ever heard about and now they've gone from playing small town venues to sold out arenas.


But are there nerves involved? "It just happens. You can’t over think it. You just have to go out there and enjoy."


You can spot Neverest all over Canada this summer while they play summer festivals, continue to tour with NKOTBSB and just have an all-round great time. Check them out on facebook, twitter or myspace to connect with any of them!


Check out the video below of their most recent single 'Everything'!

-Taryn

MuchMusic Video Awards 2011

Ooookay, I realize that this is a little delayed but I let time slip away from me and now here we are sadly, a week and two days later! Oops!

Anyways, although I had attended the press room personally last year, due to restrictions I wasn't able to attend this years. But I was offered the opportunity to view the press room digitally and while being in person would have been much better, this was still a pretty darn awesome experience nonetheless! While I was focusing more on the press room and less on the actual awards I had to watch it again after the press room was over so I could fully grasp the entire experience.

In this post I will summarize my opinions on the actual award shows and I'll focus on the artists in following posts!

Lady Gaga. Photo from MuchMusic, Photographer: Sandra Elford

As we all clearly know this year was as star-studded as ever as many artists and actors walked the red carpet at the home of MuchMusic in Toronto on Queen Street West. Everybody from Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, and Selena Gomez (with her boyfriend the Biebz of course) to Ian Somerhalder, Marianas Trench and Shay Mitchell. Everybody popular in today's world was brought in by Much and I give them kudos for that. But while the the talent was top notch, I found that the commentary was rather dull. Sarah Taylor sounded like it was her inner monologue and not something that should be on TV! As for the rest of the VJ's they were okay but I was honestly more entertained by Shawn Desman then I was by any of them!

As for the show, it kind of went in the same direction but it was still entertaining to watch. Lady Gaga was stunning and unique and everyday she proves that being yourself is okay. With her blue hair and amazing backdrop she opened the show with 'Edge of Glory' and setting the tone for the rest of the night.

Selena Gomez. Photo from MuchMusic, Photographer: Sandra Elford

Selena Gomez is so freaking adorable. Even if she was the worst actress in the world (which she's NOT btw) she just has a cuteness and sweetness about her that makes everybody around her melt. She was cool on stage and taking the roll of co-host seriously and it showed but she also knew how to have fun which is the most important thing when you're in front of thousands of fans.  Her performance was okay, nothing spectacular but I love the song and the meaning behind it which instantly made it better for me. Her numerous outfit changes didn't stop at her performance either as she dawned a beautiful flow-y red dress. To be honest it kind of reminded me of lingerie but hey, I could just be the odd (wo)man out.

The performance  by Avril Lavigne didn't impress me at all. In fact it was probably the worst in the entire two hour show. I'd be lying if I said I didn't know what it was because she just bored me. She stood there singing, showing little emotion and just seemed to be lacking energy. Avril has been around since I was a teenager (which was quite awhile ago now) and I am honestly just so...tired of her. I know the younger generation loves her, but I just find her to be...blah.

One of my favourite performances of the night (besides Gaga) was Down With Webster. These boys rocked it, singing their new song "She's Dope" and engaging the crowd as they are known for. These group of guys have been through so much and it's great to see them so successful after all the hurdles in the past. I was excited to hear them sound great as well. Remembering last years awards, the sound through the TV wasn't spectacular. Kudos to the crew who ran the awards as they did a great job this year!

Photo from MuchMusic: Down With Webster

Other worthy mentions are the performances of Bruno Mars (<3), Simple Plan with Fefe Dobson as well as

I could go on and asses every little detail but that could last forever and I don't want to bore you to death! Overall I was impressed by the stage and most of the performances! MuchMusic sure knows how to put on a party and make it about the fans and that's the most important thing. There are too many awards shows out there that forget that the fans are the reason why these award shows happen. MuchMusic is great in remembering what is important and I'm glad that I have been able to be apart of them - even in a little way!

Stay tuned for some mini blogs/stories about those who were able to make the press room!

-Taryn

pee ess...Etalk may have deemed the These Kids Wear Crowns boys as "worst dressed" at the MMVAs, but I have to say I loved their outfits!

This Years Winners:

UR FAVE Video

Fefe Dobson – “Stuttering”

UR FAVE New Artist

Justin Bieber featuring Usher – “Somebody to Love (remix)”

UR FAVE International Video

Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”

MuchMusic.com Most Streamed Video

Taio Cruz – “Dynamite”

Video Of The Year

Shawn Desman – “Electric/Night Like This”

International Video Of The Year – Artist

Lady Gaga – “Judas”

International Video Of The Year – Group

Far East Movement featuring The Cataracs & Dev – “Like a G6″

Pop Video of the Year

Down With Webster – “Whoa Is Me”

International Video Of The Year By A Canadian Tie:

Drake – “Find Your Love”

Justin Bieber featuring Usher – “Somebody To Love”

MuchLOUD Rock Video Of The Year

Abandon All Ships – “Geeving”

MuchVIBE Hip-Hop Video Of The Year

Classified – “That Ain’t Classy”

Director Of The Year

You Say Party – “Lonely’s Lunch”

Post-Production Of The Year

Danny Fernandes featuring Belly – “Automatic”

Cinematography Of The Year

Blake McGrath – “Relax”

MuchFACT Indie Video Of The Year

JDiggz featuring Neverending White Lights – “This Time”

Glee Live: Toronto 2011

It was just a short two years ago when Glee took the world by storm and captured many peoples hearts - but I was not one of them. It took me awhile before I finally gave in and watched some episodes. I didn't want to become absorbed in the crazy Glee culture but alas, I gave in! After catching up mid-way through the first season, I was hooked on the drama between Finn and Rachel, hated the fact that being "slushied" was a regular occurance, and then there was the never-ending rants and raves of the one and only Sue Sylvester.

The thing that finally got me hooked was the music. As you all (should) know by now, music is something very important in my life and I loved how Glee managed to incorporate music from all genres into every episode (and eventually including originals as well). Each song represented a moment in the story line and not just planted there because the writers felt like it. And while most TV shows are usually separated by different audiences, Glee seems to pull together fans of all ages. I work at an electronics store and I always comment on people who buy the Glee albums or the DVD sets, and I LOVE the variety of ages that I come across on a regular basis. There was one lady I talked to who was a classical pianist who couldn't get enough of the show while there was an older gentleman who was just smitten with all the characters. And then there are the ages in between. Everybody can relate to being those who get picked on - well, MOST of us. I for one was a band geek from the time I was 12 up until my last year of High School. And to top it off I was also photo editor for the yearbook! But that's just how it is!

I was given the opportunity to review the Glee Live Tour 2011 in Toronto last Sunday (June 12/10). The fourth and final show of the weekend, I was pumped to be able to see these wonderful actors and singers live finally for the first time. Seeing as I was at the Air Canada Centre not even a week earlier (just four days to be exact), I was excited to be a part of a full crowd once again! The opening act (which I can never remember the exact name...) was a dance crew who pumped up the anticipating crowd even more with their witty dance numbers and comedic acts.

And then came the incredible cast of Glee. And while my only complaint with the show was that it only lasted an hour and twenty minutes (give or take) - which, in my opinion is WAY too short - the show itself was entertaining, funny and totally Gleek-worthy. Fans of all ages danced to hits like "Sing", "Born this Way", "PYT", "Don't Stop Believing", "Somebody to Love", "Lucky" and many more. Sticking to the hits (mainly) from the second season, everybody was having a blast and singing along.

My favourite moment of the night was when the cast came out and did "Born This Way", originally done by the one and only Lady Gaga. The song itself is an inspiration to everybody but the cast of Glee added a little oomph to it by adding their special made t-shirts stating something they didn't like about themselves. Although they were still based on their characters and not the actual singers, it still manged to get the point across that no matter what, you're special.  And with an audience full of eager young listeners, I think they executed this song very well.

 Another aspect I liked is the fact that they broke it off and did individual songs as well. Instead of keeping it as a group performance, they did duets and included the Warblers (I definitely wasn't expecting to see Darren Criss or the Warblers!). I especially enjoyed the performances of Mercedes (Amber Riley), Rachel (Lea Michele) and Curt (Chris Coffer). Their voices are beyond incredible and hearing them in person definitely put goosebumps on my skin!

Altogether the show was a huge success and it's exciting to know that one of the main characters Finn (Corey Monteith) is a Canuck. It made much more special and unique to know he was such a proud Canadian. it's incredible the amount of energy they can produce especially since they had already done an afternoon show just hours before the final one of the night. The entire cast looked at ease on stage, ready to pump up and engage the crowd and overall looked humbled to be there at a fourth sold out show in Toronto.

I look forward to seeing what they come up with next as their third season hits the airwaves sometime in the fall!

- Taryn

(P.S. Ms. Lea Michele is SUPER tiny. I mean, she was always tiny on the show, but she looks so miniature next to Mark Salling and Corey Monteith!)

*all photos are copyrighted to me, if you'd like to use them just email me and I'll give you permission!

S.C.E.N.E.fest 2011: Update!

With this year's SCENEfest just days away (9 to be exact!) most acts have been announced and times are starting to be determined. I am excited to present you a list of bands/singers that I think you guys will enjoy!

Beth Moore Band
Chasing Amee                                    
Courage My Love                                        
Dancing with Paris
Endwell
Everlea
Keek
Message Through Motion
Michou
Rebel Emergency
San Sebastian
Scotty James
Silverstein
The Artist Life
The Envy
The Brilliance
The Little Black Dress
These Kids Wear Crowns
U.S.S.

SCENEfest has been held on the last Sunday of June for the past 15 years or so in St. Catharines Ontario.
Tickets can still be found at select locations across the GTA and Niagara region and tickets will also be sold at the door for (and don't quote me on this but it's been the same year after year) $35.00. Hope to see you there!

-Taryn

30 Days of Warped - Preview

Okay so I've decided that this year I will do a preview every couple of days of bands you can expect at this year's Warped tour stop in Toronto. I am sad to see that Jack's Mannequin and Simple Plan didn't make the cut for both the Canadian dates but there are plenty more bands to be excited about! Here is today's find!


3Oh!3

I first came to know about 3Oh!3 when I heard their song "Don't Trust Me" back in 2009 while I was in Vancouver doing my internship. My friend/roomie at the time got me to listen to the song and at first I thought it was a joke as it was so outrageous! It eventually grew on me and their catchy, sometimes obscene music is one that you should not miss while at Warped Tour this year...if not for their music, see the set because of what antics they will probably get themselves into!

Every Avenue

I found out about Every Avenue back in 2008 while at a show that combined their talents with that of Mayday Parade and All Time Low. I have been hooked ever since and their pop-rock upbeat vibe is definitely something that you'll want to see. They're rarely in Canada (from what I know) and so it'd be a real treat to see them!

Pop-rock not your style?

Black Veil Brides 

These guys aren't your typical band. Mixing lyrical music with scream/hardcore is something you hear quite often at Warped Tour, but even I seem to enjoy these guys (and I'm not all that into Screamo). They have a uniqueness about them that would appease more than just one type of listener. If you get the chance, be sure to check them out!

NKOTBSB Stops in Toronto June 8th

NKOTBSB

Our parents, and their parents before us have always criticized the music we've listened too. It didn't matter if it were legends like Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Journey or Johnny Cash, there was always something to complain about. I've heard countless times, that my generation doesn't know the true meaning of rock and roll. That our music isn't as good as it "used" to be. But like our parents, we didn't listen. We listened to what we wanted and whenever we wanted as it was what WE liked, not them.

This is how it went for me when I was a teen. No, I wasn't the hardcore, metal loving fan that most parents fear, but I was (and still am to this day) a pop-loving (and country, let's not forget), top-40 kind of girl. While my music tastes have expanded since I was a kid, I am still pretty much that same girl today as I was back then.

So my infatuation with a certain band started in grade six (that was in 1997 for all you nosy readers). I was 10ish and in LOVE with Brian Littrell (no jokes). Slowly growing out of my country faze - in reality I was sick of people making fun of me - I turned my attention to none other than the Backstreet Boys. They became plastered all over my wall, constantly listened too on my disc-man (oh yeeeah), and had countless arguments to "turn that racket" down. They were my love - my obsession even.

The first time I ever saw BSB in concert was the day after 9/11. Their friend and roadie had passed away due to the attacks on the USA. They stayed strong, put on a show and dedicated it to all those who were lost. If I hadn't loved them before, I was fully devoted to them now. They were so strong in such a horrible time and they pulled through. They played a show to remember and it's exactly 10 years later I got to see NKOTBSB perform once again at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on June 8, 2011.

New Kids on the Block

As much as I was a BSB fan, New Kids on the Block came JUST before my generation. I'm not saying that people my age didn't know and weren't fans of NKOTB, but I was not one of them. The main reason I wanted to go to this show was because of the Backstreet Boys but I have to say, NKOTB did not disappoint. They were so entertaining and fun to listen to. With their matching outfits, cheesy songs and even cheesier dance moves, you couldn't help but get caught up and enjoy every moment. While I only knew some songs (and even less lyrics) I still couldn't help but dance along and repeat what they sang. While the only songs I recognized were "Step by Step" and "Summertime", I loved listening to the rest of the crowd sing the songs.

The boys (oops, sorry they are MEN now) of NKOTB very much seemed tied to their 80's selves. Right down to their voices and outfits, they looked as if they walked out of one of their old videos. And I honestly can't tell you how many times they grabbed themselves or air humped the audience - to much of the audiences amusement. Kids and adults came together and had a great time.

Now BSB just blew me away. Ten years after seeing them for the first time, I was able to see them again (thanks to my lovely friend Zebraprintsky's Jenny Ellis who won the tickets but couldn't pick them up). They won my heart all over again with the familiar songs, their humble attitudes and yes, their cheesy dance moves. I  honestly couldn't get over the fact that while ten years had gone by they still looked and sounded the same as before. The only difference being they are all in their early to mid-thirties (yikes!). Singing hits like "10,000 promises" "I'll Never Break Your Heart", "Backstreet's Back", "Shape of my Heart" and tons more, they spent the full two and a half hours (split with NKOTB of course) making all the girls fall in love with them once again.

BSB singing to four lucky ladies

This is only technically my second concert I've went to where the shows were split fifty-fifty with another major artist/band (my first one being Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera) and I was thoroughly impressed with how they went about splitting up the time. For JT and Xtina it was pretty much just one and then the other. For NKOTBSB, they split up sets by playing four to six songs at a time before taking a break and letting the others perform. It was a great mix of both bands and kept it pretty even the entire night.

I also have to say I loved the electricity in the air that I felt while being in the pretty much sold out crowd at the ACC. It just felt like everybody was having an amazing time and their good vibes were vibrating off of themselves and into the crowd. Everybody was on their feet singing and dancing and just having an overall good time and you could actually feel it. Everything about the night was great, even with the opening acts (which unfortunately I arrived too late to see Neverest perform). Jordin Sparks performed her radio hits with ease and got the crowd pumped and excited for the main event.

Who knows when I'll get to see them again, but if this was the last time, I am proud to say I was at that show. I will always be a lover of cheesy 90s boy bands for the rest of my life!

- Taryn

*All photos are property of me.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Trailer!

Anybody watch the MTV movie awards on Sunday night? I unfortunately didn't as I had a previous engagement but I heard some pretty crazy stuff happened? Including Robert Pattinson KISSING Taylor Lautner?

Anyways, a big reason for a lot of movie fans to watch the awards (other than the crazy antics that happen year after year) is to see new movie previews that have otherwise been unreleased.

This year's awards showed a 2 minute trailer for the up-coming (and highly anticipated) movie Breaking Dawn Part One. I for one cannot deny I am a Twilight Saga fan, and was just a little excited to finally see the preview. So, that being said, I thought I would share the preview with you today so you can get excited with me!

The movie is being released to theatres in November so this trailer (and I'm sure more to follow) will have to do until the final product hits the big screen.

MMVA 2011 update!!

Down With Webster (Photo Cred: Much Music)

OMG do I ever have some updates for you! Much Music has recently released more information about the presenters and performers for the MMVAs and it's BEYOND exciting! The show, which is set to go down in just 16 days, is becoming more and more packed with amazing celebrities and musicians from all across the globe! I for one am super excited for a sexy man with smouldering eyes who goes by the name of Ian Somerhaulder,  who most of you will recognize as the character of Damon Salvatore on the Vampire Diaries! He along with his equally sexy co-host Nina Dobrev (who plays Elena Gilbert) will be presenting an award! The list goes on and on though and I am too excited to write anymore so here is an up-to-date list of presenters and performers at this year's MMVA's!

So along with the already packed line-up of performances by Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Bruno Mars, Avril Lavigne, Fefe Dobson, City and Colour, and The Black Keys, they have added a few more star studded performances.

L to R: LMFAO and Cody Simpson (Photo Cred: Much Music)

Now added is a follow-up performance from last year's hit at the 2010 MMVA's, Down With Webster will perform yet again, hopefully showcasing their new single "She's Dope" (which by the way is an AWESOME summer song...)

Canadian veterans Simple plan has also been added to the bill. After a few years of MIA-ness, they're back with new music and collaborations that will blow your socks off!

And finally, Far East Movement has also been added to the performance line-up!

And as for presenters, we've got some yummy celebrities to tease your eyesight as well! As mentioned above there is Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhaulder (The Vampire Diaries), Nikki Reid (aka Rosalie in the Twilight Saga), Shay Mitchell (Emily on Pretty Little Liars), These Kids Wear Crowns, Shawn Desman, Marianas Trench, LMFAO, Cody Simpson (Cody who? Apparently an Aussie dreamboat who can sing...can't argue with that!), Classified, Jonathan Galecki (Big Bang Theory) and Blake McGrath!

These names sound awesome right?! I'm excited and I hope you are too! Be sure to get your wristbands as this will be one hell of a party! Wristbands will be given out on the morning of June 10th, but from past knowledge, I recommend you get there either super early or even the night before as the MMVA's is always a popular summer event!

L to R: Nikki Reid, Ian Somerhaulder, Nina Dobrev,  and Shay Mitchell (photo cred: Much Music)

That's all for now!
-Taryn