All posts by Los Angeles Life and Style

Los Angeles based writer, Margie Anne Clark covers the entertainment world in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding entertainment venues in Southern California.

Release Halloween Horror Nights Music on Spotify, Slash, Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood & GRAMMY Award-Winner SLASH, Release Halloween Horror Nights Music on Spotify

October 18, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Universal Studios Hollywood and GRAMMY Award-Winning Guitarist, SLASH Strike a Chord with an Original Score Composed for Halloween Horror Nights’ “Universal Monsters” Maze Now Available on Spotify Click Here to Listen to the Score on Spotify

Here for a Peek of the “Universal Monsters” Maze

and Here to Purchase Tickets

Universal City, Calif. – October 18, 2018 – The original score GRAMMY award-winning and Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame guitarist, SLASH, released the score composed and produced for Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, “Universal Monsters,” which can now be heard around the world on Spotify, the free music streaming platform.

“Halloween Horror Nights” pays homage to iconic classic Monsters in this new maze by underscoring each of their unique attributes and reimagining them into terrifying modern day characters. The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Dracula’s Bride, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Mummy are among those featured in the maze, to which SLASH composed a unique, complex composition that added a haunting dimension to the experience.

“This maze is the ultimate melding of two great icons, the Universal Classic Monsters and one of the greatest guitarists of all time,” said John Murdy, Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood. “SLASH has great love and respect for these legendary characters, and we knew his unique musical genius would be the perfect ingredient to help bring the Universal Monsters to life as a ‘Living Horror Movie’ for modern day audiences.”

The six original tracks that SLASH composed for the “Universal Monsters” maze, as well as the original track he previously composed for the “Halloween Horror Nights” “Clowns 3D” maze, can be heard here on Spotify and include:

“We Belong Dead” – inspired by Frankenstein Monster’s immortal line from the explosive finale of The Bride of Frankenstein, this track fuses Gothic themes with a contemporary EDM/Dubstep feel to set the tone for the horrific experience to come.
“The Danse of the Dead” – inspired by “Danse Macabre,” the late medieval art movement that celebrated “the universality of death” and influenced the famous masquerade ball scene from The Phantom of the Opera, this track sets the stage for the Monster’s Masquerade sequence in the maze.
“The Final Scare” – this guitar-driven, up-tempo track combines an old school Punk Rock feel with modern electronic sounds to drive the adrenaline-fueled finale of the maze, where multiple monsters attack.
“Universal Monsters Rising” – SLASH’s signature lead guitar joins with the mournful sound of a tolling church and the sharp, staccato stabs of violins to call guests to the graveyard, where the Universal Monsters are waiting to rise again.
“The Collection Room/Dracula’s Lair” – composed to accompany The Mummy and Dracula sections of the maze, this track transitions between Middle Eastern and Eastern European instrumentation to help bring to life these two Classic Monsters.
“Monsters, Maniacs and Madmen (Universal Monsters Maze Medley)” – this compilation track, encompassing several scenes within the maze, takes a single haunting melody and transforms it throughout the arrangement, handing off from piano to guitar, violin, pipe organ and even the synthesized/sampled Opera singer’s voice to create a series of sinister moods.
“Sweet Licks (music from “Clowns 3D”) – composed for 2014’s “Clowns 3D” maze, “Halloween Horror Night’s” first collaboration with SLASH, this track creates a creepy carnival vibe to help tell the story of a diabolical family of clowns who run a twisted ice cream factory.

“As a fan of horror movies and of ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’ I jumped at the chance to once again collaborate with Universal Studios Hollywood to produce what can be interpreted as a soundtrack for the maze,” said SLASH. “Similar to the way music affects a film, I wanted to compose a score for the legions of infamous characters featured in the maze to elicit a greater sense of terror for the guests. In the end, the goal was to ultimately make the guests feel as if they are playing an integral role in a classic Monster movie.”

SLASH and his band, SLASH FT. MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS which features SLASH (guitars), MYLES KENNEDY (lead vocals), TODD KERNS (bass/backing vocals), drummer BRENT FITZ (drums) and rhythm guitarist FRANK SIDORIS (rhythm guitar) just wrapped a sold-out, nationwide, headlining tour in celebration of the release of their new album LIVING THE DREAM. The band’s third full-length release and first new music in over four years, LIVING THE DREAM (Snakepit Records/RoadRunner Records) is available for purchase or streaming: HERE. Fueled by the Top 10 rock song “Driving Rain,” its live-action, animated video as well as the best critical acclaim of their career, LIVING THE DREAM debuted with 10, Top 10 chart placements around the world. The first single “Driving Rain” jumped to #6 this week and climbing–marks the band’s 6^th consecutive, Top 10 single at radio and SLASH’s fastest-rising single ever in his solo career. The LOS ANGELES TIMES described LIVING THE DREAM as “his best work since the demise of Velvet Revolver. …full of “unexpected funk, boogie, blues and garage rock influences.” While ROLLING STONE declared the album “a biting blues filigree at the end of a riff, weeping solos full of long notes, boogie-woogie riffs.” Elsewhere, CLASSIC ROCK hailed “the bands third and Best Album, ‘The Great Pretender’ is the album’s masterpiece and one of the best things Slash has ever done.” Read the full Q&A where SLASH and MYLES KENNEDY breakdown LIVING THE DREAM in its entirety HERE.

At its core, “Halloween Horror Nights” is an extension of the horror film legacy originated by Universal Pictures and introduced to audiences in the 1920s…with a staple of classic Universal Monsters that dominated the silver screen, including Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein’s Monster and The Wolf Man.

To hear SLASH’s score in person as part of the “Universal Monsters maze, guest can purchase tickets to visit “Halloween Horror Nights at Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com. “Halloween Horror Nights” continues on October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 31, and November 1-3, 2018.

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Featuring an all-new slate of unrivaled film production quality mazes, frightful scare zones and a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” experience uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with spine-chilling haunted attractions as part of Southern California’s most extreme Halloween experience.

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

For the first time, music and monster fans around the world can surround themselves with an original score composed by Grammy award-winning guitarist, SLASH – specifically created for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights “Universal Monsters” maze.

Now available on Spotify, the complex composition underscores the unique attributes of Universal’s classic Monsters, including The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Dracula’s Bride, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Mummy.

Listen to the music here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1W55V4EU1FYiIdtEa8jRUF

Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS, CATS, LA Life and Style, Los Angeles Life and Style

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘CATS’ is coming the Pantages Theatre Hollywood, Feb. 26, 2019 through March 24, 2019

October 17, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Hollywood, Calif. – The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, will present CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber beginning Feb. 26, 2019 through March 24, 2019. CATS has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is coming to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 26, 2019 running through March 24, 2019. Photo/Matthew Murphy

Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—”Memory”. Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom) and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

Experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life for a new generation… or let it thrill you all over again!

For more information visit https://www.hollywoodpantages.com/events/detail/cats

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremonies, SIR RICHARD BRANSON

HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORED SIR RICHARD BRANSON WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

October 9, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored music entertainment executive Sir Richard Branson with the 2,647th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

Hollywood, Calif. – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored music entertainment executive Sir Richard Branson with the 2,647th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was dedicated in the category of Recording at 6764 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Guinness Museum of World Records.

“Sir Richard Branson brought Virgin Records as well as international entertainment retailing chain, Virgin Megastores to the United States with much success.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that music entertainment executive Sir Richard Branson will be honored with the 2,647th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Putting artists and consumers first, Virgin is a brand both known and respected all over the world. We are proud to honor entrepreneur Sir Richard on our world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame!” stated Leron Gubler, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world

to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Sir Richard Branson is the Founder of Virgin Group, a leading international investment group and one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors including travel and transportation, telecommunications, financial services, leisure and filmed entertainment, and health and wellness.

Branson has challenged himself with many record-breaking adventures, including the fa

stest ever Atlantic Ocean crossing, a series of hot air balloon journeys, and kitesurfing across the Channel. He has described Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline, as “the greatest adventure of all.” Accordingly, it’s only fitting that Branson’s star be positioned in front of the Guinness Museum of World Records.

Branson, who is being honored with a star in the music category started Virgin as a mail order record retailer in 1970 and eventually started a record shop in Oxford Street in London. In 1972, he launched the record label Virgin Records. After building a recording studio, The Manor, the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded and released “Tubular Bells” whose debut album in 1973 became a chart-topping bestseller and was us

ed as the main theme for ‘The Exorcist.’ Virgin Records went on to sign household names such as Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel becoming the biggest independent label in the world. Virgin Records still operates today and has works with artists including but not limited to Daft Punk, Katy Perry and Bastille to name just a few.

Since starting youth culture magazineStudent aged 16, Branson has found entrepreneurial ways to drive positive change in the world. In 2004, he established non-profit foundation Virgin Unite to tackle tough social and environmental problems and strive to make business a force for good. Most of his time is now spent building businesses that will make a positive difference in the world and working with Virgin Unite and organizations it has incubated, such as The Elders, The Carbon War Room, The B Team, Ocean Unite and Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship. He also serves on the Global Commission on Drug Policy and supports ocean conservation with the Ocean Elders.

Danny Elfman

The Hollywood Bowl Presents Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, Ken Page and John Mauceri: Halloween – The Nightmare Before Christmas

October 8, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Los Angeles’ reigning Pumpkin King, Danny Elfman, will return to the Hollywood Bowl on Friday and Saturday, October 26 & 27 at 8:00 pm performing his role of Jack Skellington singing live to film for a very special screening of Disney’s timeless holiday classic, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” for the film’s 25th anniversary.

Artists

Danny Elfman Jack Skellington
Catherine O’Hara Sally
Ken Page Oogie Boogie
John Mauceri conductor

About This Performance

Los Angeles’ reigning Pumpkin King, Danny Elfman, will return to the Hollywood Bowl on Friday and Saturday, October 26 & 27 at 8:00 pm performing his role of Jack Skellington singing live to film for a very special screening of Disney’s timeless holiday classic, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” for the film’s 25th anniversary.

The immersive experience will include live scenery projections, live orchestra, spectacular guest artists, and an all-star cast. Elfman will be joined by other original cast members including Catherine O’Hara (Sally) and Ken Page (Oogie Boogie) who headlined the opening production, which sold out two nights over Halloween weekend at the Hollywood Bowl in 2015 and returned for 3 nights in 2016 due to overwhelming demand. Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 8 at 10:00 am via all Ticketmaster outlets with a special American Express presale starting September 5 at 10:00 am and ending September 7 at 10:00pm. To purchase by phone call (800) 745-3000 or online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/90150/2541294.

The concert is produced by Laura Engel & Richard Kraft, Tim Fox & Alison Ahart Williams, and Live Nation/Andrew Hewitt & Bill Silva Presents, in association with Disney Concerts, the team behind several highly acclaimed live to film events at the Hollywood Bowl including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert starring Zooey Deschanel and Kelsey Grammer as well as Disney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert starring Sara Bareilles and Rebel Wilson.

Conductor John Mauceri, founding Director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, will once again be leading the full orchestra and choir performing the film’s classic score and cherished songs live to picture along with the all-star cast and special guest artists performing the film’s acclaimed songs live.

Through the magic of projection mapping, the award-winning creative studio Mousetrappe will return to create breathtaking living scenery projected onto the façade of the iconic Hollywood Bowl, making the event a constantly evolving extension of the film and music. This will be Mousetrappe’s second live to picture event at the Hollywood Bowl following Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert earlier this year, which marked the first time that 90 minutes of original content had been created for video projection mapping on the surface of the iconic Los Angeles amphitheater.

Concert producers Richard Kraft and Laura Engel explain, “We’re so thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film with an extraordinary concert experience mixing film, live music, singers, and fully immersive digital projections that can only be experienced live.”

2015’s Nightmare at the Bowl was named “#1 Concert of 2015” by the Orange County Register beating out such shows as The Foo Fighters, Janet Jackson, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones.

Halloween at the Bowl – Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – In Concert to Film will transform this legendary venue into Halloween Town with special pre-show activities including an audience participation costume contest, unique photo opportunities and trick-or-treating stations. Tim Burton-inspired costumes are encouraged.

First released in 1993, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was directed by Henry Selick (“James and the Giant Peach”) and based on a story and characters by Tim Burton. The film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. Against the advice of Sally, a lonely rag doll who has feelings for him, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-or-treaters – Lock, Shock, and Barrel – to help him kidnap Santa Claus. The film is rated “PG.”

Disney in Concert’s Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is produced under license by Disney Concerts. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats such as “live to picture” film concerts as well as themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts, ranging from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir. Current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series (Episodes IV-VII), Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Fantasia, Pixar In Concert, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice In Wonderland, Frozen, Ratatouille, The Pirates of the Caribbean series (Episodes I-IV), and Silly Symphonies, which last year collectively accounted for over 400 performances in many of the world’s top concert venues, including Lincoln Center, Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Forum, and the Hollywood Bowl. Numerous new concert packages and touring productions from Disney’s portfolio of studios, including Disney’s feature animation and live action studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel, are currently in development.

In an effort to ease cut-through traffic by mobile app and ride share users, the Hollywood Bowl in cooperation with LA City Officials, will implement street closures taking place on this concert. Closures will be in place between 5pm and 10pm. Closures include: Camrose at Highland Milner at Highland NO VEHICLE ACCESS TO/FROM HIGHLAND AVENUE WILL BE ALLOWED THROUGH THESE POINTS INCLUDING RESIDENTS During the full closure of these two segments, all traffic (excluding emergency vehicles) will be restricted in/out of Camrose and Milner at Highland, including residents. Area residents will need to enter their neighborhoods from Franklin Ave (or other entry points). Several alternative entry points into the neighborhoods will be staffed, and signage will be posted indicating “NO ACCESS TO HIGHLAND AVE, LOCAL ACCESS ONLY”. Utilizing Resident Placards will ease in passing through alternative access points.

Programs, artists, dates, prices and availability subject to change.

Stranger Things, Universal Studios Hollywood

The Cast of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” Comes Face-to-Face with the Demogorgon During a Recent Visit to the “Stranger Things” Maze at Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights”

September 25, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Terrifying Maze Inspired by “Stranger Things” Turns Upside Down for the First Time Ever at, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Singapore

Click Here to watch the cast get terrified

Click Here to purchase tickets

Universal City, CA and Orlando, Fla, September 25, 2018 – Things turned upside down when cast from Netflix’s “Stranger Things” took a terrifying spin through the “Stranger Things” maze at Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights,” coming face to face with the show’s most iconic scenes and life-sized predatory Demogorgon.

Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) and Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair) visited Universal Studios Hollywood to attend the event’s red carpet premiere, surprise fans and step into the Upside Down to experience the all-new “Stranger Things” maze.

Their reactions were priceless. Collectively the group was in awe, characterizing the maze as an exact replica of the show and referencing their close call with the Demogorgon as “freaking awesome,” “really great” and “so scary.” Video of the cast experiencing the maze can be seen here.

“Halloween Horror Nights” continues on select nights through November 3 in Hollywood and Orlando, and on select nights through October 31 in Singapore.

For the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Singapore are partnering with Netflix to bring “Stranger Things” to life at this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” events. Fans of the series will get the chance to brave the Upside Down and confront the supernatural as each park debuts all-new mazes inspired by season one of the critically-acclaimed series.

For more information and to purchase tickets for “Halloween Horror Nights “at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Singapore, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

LA Life and Style, Los Angeles Life and Style, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Presents, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Presents "WDCH Dreams" Celebrating the LA Phil's 100th Anniversary

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Presents “WDCH Dreams” Celebrating the LA Phil’s 100th Anniversary

September 12, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Los Angeles, CA (September 12, 2018) – The Los Angeles Philharmonic has commissioned award-winning media artist Refik Anadol to create unprecedented, breathtaking, three-dimensional projections onto the steel exterior of Walt Disney Concert Hall to signal the commencement of the LA Phil’s 100-year anniversary celebrations. Free and open to the public, nightly performances are scheduled to occur every half hour, with the first performance at 7:30 p.m., and the last at 11:30 p.m., September 28 to October 6.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Presents “WDCH Dreams” Celebrating the LA Phil’s 100th Anniversary. Applying custom algorithms to the LA Phil digital archives, media artist Refik Anadol has created WDCH Dreams, stunning visualizations projected onto the building’s exterior for a week and also a season-long immersive exhibition in the Ira Gershwin Gallery.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has commissioned award-winning media artist Refik Anadol to create unprecedented, breathtaking, three-dimensional projections onto the steel exterior of Walt Disney Concert Hall to signal the commencement of the LA Phil’s 100-year anniversary celebrations. Free and open to the public, nightly performances are scheduled to occur every half hour, with the first performance at 7:30 p.m., and the last at 11:30 p.m., September 28 to October 6.

To make Walt Disney Concert Hall “dream,” Anadol utilized a creative, computerized “mind” to mimic how humans dream – by processing memories to form a new combination of images and ideas. To accomplish this, Anadol worked with the Artists and Machine Intelligence program at Google Arts and Culture to apply machine intelligence to the orchestra’s digital archives – nearly 45 terabytes of data – 587,763 image files, 1,880 video files, 1,483 metadata files, and 17,773 audio files (the equivalent of 40,000 hours of audio from 16,471 performances).

The files were parsed into millions of data points that were then categorized by hundreds of attributes, by deep neural networks with the capacity to both remember the totality of the LA Phil’s “memories” and create new connections between them. This “data universe” is Anadol’s material, and machine intelligence is his artistic collaborator. Together, they create something new in image and sound by awakening the metaphorical “consciousness” of Walt Disney Concert Hall. The result is a radical visualization of the organization’s first century and an exploration of synergies between art and technology, and architecture and institutional memory.

To actualize this vision, Anadol is employing 42 large scale projectors, with 50K visual resolution, 8-channel sound, and 1.2M luminance in total. The resulting patterns, or “data sculptures” formed by the machine’s interpretation of the archives will be displayed directly onto the undulating stainless-steel exterior of Walt Disney Concert Hall.

WDCH Dreams’ accompanying soundtrack was created from hand-picked audio from the LA Phil’s archival recordings. Sound designers Parag K. Mital, Robert Thomas, and Kerim Karaoglu augmented these selections by using machine-learning algorithms to find similar performances recorded throughout the LA Phil’s history, creating a unique exploration of historic audio recordings. Viewers can access the soundtrack at the LA Phil’s website (laphil.com/wdchdreams).

Inside Walt Disney Concert Hall, in the Ira Gershwin Gallery, is an immersive and interactive companion installation, offering a unique, one-on-one experience for each gallery visitor. The exhibition presents the entire LA Phil digital archives in a non-linear fashion. The visitor, via a touchscreen interface, can interact with the archives in multiple ways: via a sunburst timeline; through curated moments highlighting milestones in the LA Phil’s 100-year history; and by delving into to the entire data universe that can be uniquely manipulated by each gallery visitor. The space will be re-imagined as a mirrored U-shaped room with two-channel projection. Visuals will be projected onto the mirrored surface giving the visitor a truly immersive, 360-degree experience.

The Ira Gershwin Gallery opens to the public on September 28 and will remain open throughout the Centennial season. Visitors can reserve times to access the gallery via The Music Center’s self-guided tour schedule weekdays from 10am – 3pm. Ticket holders to any concert during the Centennial season can access the gallery 90 minutes prior to performances.

As a part of the Centennial celebrations, the LA Phil will make a selection of its archives, and online exhibitions, available on Google Arts & Culture, exploring how WDCH Dreams was made, with behind-the-scenes footage and a short film about the development of the project.

For more information about WDCH Dreams, please visit: http://www.laphil.com/wdchdreams

More about Refik Anadol:
Refik Anadol is known for transforming architectural spaces and façades into giant canvases for live media arts. Born in Turkey, he founded the Istanbul-based design studio Antilop; he also operates a studio in Los Angeles and teaches media arts at UCLA. His renowned site-specific works have been presented at the Digital Arts Biennial Montreal, the Ars Electronica Festival in Austria, and the Outdoor Vision Festival in Santa Fe. He also has contributed unforgettable work in previous LA Phil seasons, including real-time projections for a 2014 performance of Edgard Varèse’s Amériques led by LA Phil Conductor Laureate Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and directed by Peter Sellars.
www.refikanadol.com
www.instagram.com/refikanadol

More about the Artists and Machine Intelligence program at Google Arts & Culture:
Artists and Machine Intelligence (AMI) is a program at Google Arts & Culture that brings together artists, philosophers, and machine-learning researchers to realize projects using machine intelligence. Google Arts & Culture is a new, immersive way to experience art, history, culture, and world wonders from over a thousand organizations worldwide. Google Arts & Culture has been created by the Google Cultural Institute, and it is available for free to everyone on the web and on iOS and Android. Read more here.

Editors please note:

WDCH Dreams
Nightly performances
September 28 – October 6, 2018
Every half hour, starting at 7:30pm, with the last performance at 11:30pm
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Free and open to the public

PROGRAM:

Early in the 21st century, machine intelligence advanced beyond the memorization and analysis of data as a basis for prediction. The next phase was creation – data made beautiful. Pairing a computer’s “mind” with a building’s structure transformed both, giving the neural networks of the machine a canvas on which to create and architecture a “consciousness” with which to dream.

Chapter I: Memory
Archival Upload, Remembering the LA Phil’s Past

Chapter II: Consciousness
Radical Visualization, Mapping the Present

Chapter III: Dream
Imagination, Envisioning the Future

Soundtrack accessible starting on September 28, at: laphil.com/wdchdreams

High resolution renderings, for press purposes only, can be found here.

Credit: WDCH Dreams, renderings by Refik Anadol Studio

LA Phil 100:
In its Centennial year (September 2018 through October 2019), the LA Phil is inviting people from Los Angeles and around the world to join them in envisioning a future that music can help create. Major initiatives include presenting the orchestra’s most ambitious artistic season to date, featuring over 50 commissioned works and the LA Phil’s largest roster of artistic collaborations; investing in the future of young people by creating a permanent YOLA center, The Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center @ Inglewood, designed by Frank Gehry; establishing the LA Phil Resident Fellows Program, which will provide musicians representing or serving historically underrepresented populations opportunities for professional advancement; welcoming all of Los Angeles to Celebrate LA!: LA Phil 100 x CicLAvia, a free, massive, street festival featuring performances by hundreds of musicians, dancers and visual artists, stretching from Grand Avenue in front of Walt Disney Concert Hall all the way to the Hollywood Bowl, and concluding with LA Phil 100 at the Bowl, a free concert at the Hollywood Bowl; the “100 for the 100th: Be Our Guest” free ticket initiative, which will invite thousands of new listeners into Walt Disney Concert Hall; and a $500 Million Centennial Campaign to fund the future.

LA Phil:
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres – orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop – at two of L.A.’s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (laphil.com ) and the Hollywood Bowl (hollywoodbowl.com). The LA Phil’s season at Walt Disney Concert Hall extends from September through May and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.

2018’s Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations, LA Life and Style, Los Angeles Life and Style, WalletHub

WalletHub’s 2018’s Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations

September 11, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Washington, DC – Americans have much to thank the Germans for: BMW, bratwursts and hard syllables for letting off steam, for instance. Another of the Germans’ most famous contributions to our society is Oktoberfest, a weeks-long festival with beer as one of its centerpieces.

Oktoberfest often lasts from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. It originated in early 19th century Munich. It was only a matter of time before the Oktoberfest madness would find its way to U.S. soil, where nearly 46 millionGerman-Americans make up the largest single ethnic group. A typical Oktoberfest in the U.S. includes many varieties of beer, live music, folk dancing, German fare and elaborate parades. Some American cities have even added their own traditions, like the “Running of the Wieners” race in Cincinnati or “Keg Bowling” in Denver.

To help you prepare for this epic German festival, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities based on 24 indicators of Oktoberfest-friendliness. Read on to see if you live in one of them. For more fun and interesting facts about this exciting event, make sure to check out our Oktoberfest Facts – History, Beer, Food and More infographic.

Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations

Overall Rank (1 = Best)	City	Total Score	‘Oktoberfest Traditions’ Rank	‘Costs’ Rank	‘Safety & Accessibility’ Rank
1	New York, NY	61.47	1	86	3
2	Portland, OR	60.81	3	6	52
3	Cincinnati, OH	60.64	2	18	44
4	San Francisco, CA	59.05	4	63	10
5	Chicago, IL	58.10	11	19	12
6	Philadelphia, PA	56.45	10	79	4
7	Denver, CO	55.67	8	17	71
8	Miami, FL	55.48	9	41	51
9	Seattle, WA	55.10	5	84	31
10	Orlando, FL	54.51	7	39	79
11	Pittsburgh, PA	54.35	12	78	9
12	Sacramento, CA	53.53	14	51	29
13	Columbus, OH	53.10	19	13	58
14	Boise, ID	52.87	32	9	16
15	St. Louis, MO	52.82	6	48	90
16	Madison, WI	52.64	20	74	8
17	Milwaukee, WI	52.60	17	11	70
18	Scottsdale, AZ	52.51	23	20	38
19	Lincoln, NE	51.62	29	45	14
20	Tampa, FL	51.35	22	37	48
21	Indianapolis, IN	51.16	24	24	63
22	Las Vegas, NV	51.13	15	71	57
23	Minneapolis, MN	50.94	13	81	36
24	Colorado Springs, CO	50.77	16	36	83
25	Buffalo, NY	49.42	31	65	11
26	Washington, DC	49.36	18	93	20
27	Wichita, KS	49.28	37	7	54
28	Fort Wayne, IN	49.18	36	28	37
29	Charlotte, NC	49.17	34	10	61
30	New Orleans, LA	49.14	28	47	35
31	San Diego, CA	49.13	21	66	50
32	Austin, TX	48.92	26	23	68
33	Tucson, AZ	48.66	38	12	60
34	Chandler, AZ	48.58	42	3	82
35	St. Paul, MN	47.89	25	88	15
36	Omaha, NE	47.88	40	35	41
37	Cleveland, OH	47.67	35	43	56
38	Birmingham, AL	47.39	49	22	40
39	Oklahoma City, OK	46.79	66	4	55
40	Los Angeles, CA	46.78	27	75	43
41	Honolulu, HI	46.74	44	94	5
42	Toledo, OH	46.59	69	26	28
43	Louisville, KY	46.21	33	69	49
44	Anaheim, CA	46.05	30	83	33
45	Winston-Salem, NC	45.64	54	32	42
46	Albuquerque, NM	45.43	65	1	97
47	Henderson, NV	45.20	53	29	64
48	Raleigh, NC	45.17	47	50	47
49	Virginia Beach, VA	44.96	51	77	24
50	Durham, NC	44.71	64	30	32
51	San Antonio, TX	43.47	61	21	73
52	Baltimore, MD	43.40	41	96	17
53	Tulsa, OK	42.95	57	8	95
54	Plano, TX	42.75	67	59	30
55	Boston, MA	42.59	43	100	7
56	Gilbert, AZ	42.22	68	14	76
57	Dallas, TX	42.11	60	25	87
58	Phoenix, AZ	42.06	73	5	75
59	El Paso, TX	42.03	70	61	26
60	Corpus Christi, TX	42.02	82	15	18
61	Kansas City, MO	41.85	46	44	100
62	Houston, TX	41.79	58	38	89
63	Detroit, MI	41.77	63	31	88
64	Oakland, CA	41.70	45	97	23
65	Jacksonville, FL	41.69	56	49	85
66	Anchorage, AK	41.49	50	87	46
67	Atlanta, GA	41.48	39	62	99
68	Glendale, AZ	41.42	48	58	93
69	Hialeah, FL	41.36	99	27	19
70	Long Beach, CA	40.94	62	91	13
71	St. Petersburg, FL	40.81	55	67	86
72	Lexington-Fayette, KY	40.75	59	33	96
73	Fresno, CA	40.07	77	68	25
74	Nashville, TN	39.91	52	76	91
75	Jersey City, NJ	39.89	84	95	1
76	Newark, NJ	39.43	93	90	2
77	Greensboro, NC	39.00	89	34	34
78	Fort Worth, TX	38.81	74	54	78
79	Mesa, AZ	38.29	75	70	80
80	Aurora, CO	37.81	76	42	98
81	Lubbock, TX	37.72	87	53	45
82	San Jose, CA	37.63	72	92	27
83	Santa Ana, CA	37.38	92	72	22
84	Norfolk, VA	37.34	78	56	69
85	Bakersfield, CA	37.29	81	46	84
86	Laredo, TX	37.16	100	2	66
87	Stockton, CA	37.03	83	57	67
88	Reno, NV	36.93	71	73	92
89	Irvine, CA	36.70	90	89	21
90	Irving, TX	36.31	98	40	74
91	Chula Vista, CA	36.27	88	80	39
92	Chesapeake, VA	36.11	91	52	65
93	Arlington, TX	35.68	80	60	81
94	Riverside, CA	34.87	85	85	53
95	North Las Vegas, NV	34.35	94	82	59
96	Fremont, CA	33.99	95	98	6
97	Garland, TX	33.23	96	55	72
98	Baton Rouge, LA	33.20	86	64	94
99	Memphis, TN	33.02	97	16	77
100	San Bernardino, CA	30.92	79	99	62

Ask the Experts

As with any other holiday celebration, heavy Oktoberfest partying can be harmful — and not just to a person’s wallet. For tips on budgeting, safety and hosting a citywide Oktoberfest celebration, we asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following key questions:

What tips do you have for celebrating Oktoberfest on a budget?
In evaluating the best cities for celebrating Oktoberfest, what are the top five indicators?
What are some social and economic considerations for cities looking to host Oktoberfest celebrations?
How can local authorities promote safety and reduce alcohol-related accidents during Oktoberfest?

Methodology

To determine the best cities for Oktoberfest celebrations, WalletHub compared the 100 most populated U.S. cities across three key dimensions: 1) Oktoberfest Traditions, 2) Costs and 3) Safety & Accessibility.

We evaluated those dimensions using 24 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the best conditions for celebrating Oktoberfest. For metrics marked with an asterisk (*), the square root of the population was used to calculate the population size in order to avoid overcompensating for minor differences across cities.

Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Oktoberfest Traditions – Total Points: 50

Presence of Oktoberfest Festivals: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Oktoberfest Festivals & Parties per Capita*: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Time Since the First Oktoberfest Festival: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Note: This metric measures the difference between 2018 and the year when the city’s first Oktoberfest festival was held.
Share of German Population: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Breweries per Capita*: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Average Open Hours of Breweries: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Note: This metric measures the average of the first 10 most rated breweries’ closing hours.
Beer Gardens per Capita*: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Bar Accessibility: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Note: This metric is based on a grade that combines “bars per capita*” (measures availability) and “bars per square mile” (measures proximity).
Beer, Wine & Spirits Shops per Capita*: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
German Restaurants per Capita*: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Pretzel Shops per Capita*: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Google Search Traffic for “Oktoberfest”: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
Note: Google search volume reflects the frequency of Google searches for the term “Oktoberfest” in each metro area, relative to the national average, according to Google trends.

Costs – Total Points: 25

Average Price for Oktoberfest Celebration Ticket: Full Weight (~3.13 Points)
Average Beer Price: Triple Weight (~9.38 Points)
Note: This metric measures both the price of a domestic beer (0.5 liter draught) and the price of a 6-pack Heineken (12 oz. containers), excluding any deposit.
Average Sausage Price: Full Weight (~3.13 Points)
Note: This metric was used as a proxy for average wurst price.
Lowest Price for Three-Star Hotel Room: Full Weight (~3.13 Points)
Prevalence of Affordable Breweries Rated 4+ Stars: Full Weight (~3.13 Points)
Prevalence of Affordable German Restaurants Rated 4+ Stars: Full Weight (~3.13 Points)

Safety & Accessibility – Total Points: 25

Crime Rate: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
DUI-Related Fatalities per Capita: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
Note: The average between September and October fatalities was used to calculate this metric.
Traffic Congestion: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
Walkability (Pedestrian Friendliness): Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
Access to Public Transportation: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
Note: This metric measures specifically the percentage of commuters who use public transit.
Acres of Parkland per 1,000 Residents: Half Weight (~2.27 Points)
Note: Oktoberfest takes place outside and underneath the cover of large tents. Large public park spaces and fairgrounds allow more room for the celebration.

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Google Analytics, INRIX, Funtober, Eventbrite, Yelp, Numbeo, Council for Community and Economic Research, The Trust for Public Land, Kayak and Walk Score.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles Life and Style, Stranger Things, Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood Unearths All-New R.I.P. Tour at This Year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” Featuring a Private Guided Tour, Gourmet Buffet Dinner, Unlimited Express Line Privileges and Access to an Exclusive “Stranger Things” Lounge

September 6, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

“Halloween Horror Nights” Begins on Friday, September 14 and Continues on Select Nights through Saturday, November 3, 2018

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Universal City, Calif., September 6, 2018 – The all-new R.I.P. Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-class ticket to terror this “Halloween Horror Nights,” featuring a private guided tour with trolley access, a gourmet buffet dinner, unlimited Universal Express line privileges and exclusive access to a specially-themed “Stranger Things” lounge.

A premium experience that will sell out, the R.I.P. Tour is a must for guests who prefer to scare in style. This year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” dates are: September 14-16, 20-22, 26-30, October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 31, and November 1-3, 2018. Tickets are available for purchase atHollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Today, Universal Studios reveals first look images from the “Stranger Things” haunted maze coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2018.

Each R.I.P. Tour accommodates groups of 12, making it ideal for large parties or smaller mix-in groups. Highlights include:

Exclusive “Stranger Things” experience featuring themed photo ops, props from the popular Netflix series and scare-actor make-up demonstrations
Unlimited line privileges via Universal Express access to all mazes, Terror Tram and available rides
Private VIP trolley transportation to backlot mazes and Terror Tram
Reserved VIP seating at the Jabbawockeez live show
Gourmet buffet dinner, featuring specially-themed “Stranger Things” foods, including appropriately named Upside Down Sliders at exclusive VIP Dining Room
Two complimentary drinks
Access to the two Lounges, including the “Stranger Things” themed lounge and lounge on the theme park’s lower lot
Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credentials
Complimentary valet parking

“Halloween Horror Nights” brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties.

This year’s terrifying line-up includes:

“Stranger Things” gives fans a chance to brace the Upside Down in this new maze inspired by Netflix’s critically-acclaimed television series
“Poltergeist” brings guests into the light based on the iconic supernatural horror film, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg
“The First Purge,” based on Universal Picture’s blockbuster thriller, bears witness to the tradition that unleashed the anarchy
“Trick ‘r Treat” brings director Michael Dougherty’s cult Halloween classic to life daring guests to live the rules or suffer the consequences
“Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” unmasks Haddonfield’s infamous serial killer based on the fourth installment in the classic slasher series created by John Carpenter
“The Horrors of Blumhouse,” makes an encore performance at this year’s event, bringing leading producer of horror Jason Blum’s Truth or Dare and Unfriended blockbusters movies to life in an all new maze
“Universal Monsters” is inspired by Universal’s original cinematic Monsters and the studio that invented the horror film and featuring an original score produced and composed by celebrated GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH, long hailed as one of the 10-best electric guitar-players of all time

“The Walking Dead,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s permanent attraction inspired by AMC’s record-breaking television series, adds to the evening’s carnage
The Jabbawockeez award-winning hip hop dance crew returns by popular demand with an all-new, high-energy performance created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights”
The return of serial killer clown, Hollywood Harry takes a stab at the Terror Tram while guests amble about a portion of the world-famous backlot

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood onFacebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

Experience “Halloween Horror Nights” like a VIP with Universal Studios Hollywood’s new R.I.P. Tour!

Highlights include:

Exclusive “Stranger Things” experience featuring themed photo ops, props from the popular Netflix series and scare-actor make-up demonstrations
Unlimited line privileges via Universal Express access to all mazes, Terror Tram and available rides
Private VIP trolley transportation to backlot mazes and Terror Tram
Reserved VIP seating at the Jabbawockeez live show
Gourmet buffet dinner, featuring specially-themed “Stranger Things” foods, including appropriately named Upside Down Sliders at exclusive VIP Dining Room
Two complimentary drinks
Access to the two Lounges, including the “Stranger Things” themed lounge and lounge on the theme park’s lower lot
Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credentials
Complimentary valet parking

Orlando and Singapore, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS at Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando, LA Life and Style, Los Angeles Life and Style, Universal Studios Hollywood

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS REVEALS FIRST LOOK INSIDE THE “STRANGER THINGS” ALL-NEW HAUNTED MAZES DEBUTING AT “HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS” 2018

September 5, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Netflix’s Sci-Fi Thriller Comes to Life at “Halloween Horror Nights” Events in Hollywood, Orlando and Singapore Beginning in September.

CLICK HERE for a Preview of the Terrifying Upside Down That Awaits

Universal City, Calif. – September 5, 2018 – Universal Studios reveals first look images from the “Stranger Things” haunted mazes coming to “Halloween Horror Nights” 2018.

For the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Singapore are partnering with Netflix to bring “Stranger Things” to life at their “Halloween Horror Nights” events. Each park will feature its very own maze that will give guests the chance to brave the Upside Down and encounter iconic scenes, characters and environments from season one of the critically-acclaimed series.

The images showcase some of the eerily-authentic environments guests will encounter at “Halloween Horror Nights” 2018 – including the Byers’ living room adorned with an erratic display of flashing Christmas lights, Hawkins National Laboratory in the Upside Down, Will’s makeshift fort called Castle Byers and more.

“Halloween Horror Nights” begins Friday, September 14 in Hollywood and Orlando, and on Thursday, September 27 in Singapore. Tickets and vacation packages are on sale now. For more information about “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Singapore, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

"Weird Al" Yankovic

“Weird Al” Yankovic Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

August 27, 2018 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

“Weird Al” Yankovic was honored with the 2,643rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, August 27,, 2018. The star is dedicated in the category of Recording at 6914 Hollywood Boulevard across the street from the TCL Chinese Theatre. Image/Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Hollywood, Calif. – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored “Weird Al” Yankovic with the 2,643^rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, August 27th. The star was dedicated in the category of Recording at 6914 Hollywood Boulevard across the street from the TCL Chinese Theatre. On hand to honor the icon of musical satire was Dr. Demento and Thomas Lennon.

“Weird Al has single-handedly created an industry of parody! His fans have been waiting for this star for a very long time. We are excited to honor this very funny man on our world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies.

Helping Emcee Leron Gubler, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to unveil the star will be Dr. Demento and Thomas Lennon.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Few would have guessed that “Weird Al” Yankovic – who as a shy, accordion-playing teenager got his start sending in homemade tapes to the Dr. Demento Radio Show – would go on to become a pop culture icon and the biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time, with classic song and music video parodies such as“Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy” and “Word Crimes.” Now in his fourth decade as America’s foremost song parodist, he has been the recipient of numerous awards, including four Grammys® (out of fifteen total nominations) and a string of Gold and Platinum albums.

In 2015 and 2016, Weird Al’s Mandatory World Tour encompassed 200 shows throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, including two nights at the Hollywood Bowl and a sold-out gig at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. So far this year, Weird Al performed 77 shows as part of his Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, where he and his bandmates of over 35 years played set lists comprised almost entirely of his original non-parody material, and without any of their signature high-octane production (no costumes, props or giant video screens). And in 2019, Weird Al will follow up his most bare-bones tour with his most extravagant tour ever, Strings Attached, where he and his band will be backed every night by a full orchestra.

Weird Al’s 14th studio album, the Grammy® award-winning Mandatory Fun (2014), became the first comedy album in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and the first ever to reach the top of the chart since 1963. Yankovic set the U.S. record on Spotify for having the most tracks from one album in the viral top 10 at one time, taking the top four spots. In addition, his single “Word Crimes” debuted in the Billboard Top 40, making Weird Al one of only four artists to have had Top 40 singles in each of the last four decades along with Michael Jackson, Madonna and U2.

Al has remained active as a recording artist. June 2017 saw the release of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (Dreamworks), for which Al co-wrote and performed the film’s theme song. In 2017, Al wrote and performed “The North Korea Polka (Please Don’t Nuke Us)” for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO). That same year, Legacy Recordings released Squeeze Box: The Complete Works of “Weird Al” Yankovic, a remastered 15-disc box set (including a rarities album) plus a 120-page book of archival photos, all housed in a replica of Weird Al’s trademark accordion. Al also recorded cover versions of the Squidbillies theme for Adult Swim and the Ramones’ “Beat on the Brat” for a Dr. Demento compilation album, and he produced remixes of two hit singles for Portugal: The Man (“Feel It Still” and “Live in the Moment”). In March 2018, Al delivered “The Hamilton Polka,” a frantic tour de force mash-up of 14 songs from the Broadway smash, commissioned by Lin-Manuel Miranda and released as part of “Hamildrops” series.

In addition to his cult-hit feature film UHF (1989), his late ‘90s CBS Saturday morning series The Weird Al Show and numerous AL-TV specials he has made for MTV and VH1 over the years, Yankovic has remained a staple of film and television, from appearances on The Simpsons, 30 Rock, The Goldbergs andHow I Met Your Mother to performing live on the Primetime Emmy Awards and starring in his own concert specials for Disney, VH1 and Comedy Central. In 2015, Yankovic took over as co-host and bandleader for the fifth season of IFC’s Comedy Bang! Bang! Currently, Al can be heard as the voice of the title character in Disney Channel’s animated series Milo Murphy’s Law. His other voice acting work includes appearances on Bojack Horseman, Gravity Falls, Adventure Time, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Wander Over Yonder, and the DC animated feature Batman vs. Robin).

Yankovic added “New York Times bestselling author” to his resumé in 2011 with the release of his children’s book, When I Grow Up (HarperCollins), followed two years later by My New Teacher and Me! An animated series based on his children’s books is currently being developed in partnership with the Jim Henson Company. In 2012, Yankovic released Weird Al: The Book (Abrams), an illustrated hardcover on his life and career. The same year, Yankovic became not only MAD Magazine’s cover boy, but the first guest editor in their 63-year history.

In 2017, NECA Toys released the second in its line of retro-clothed Weird Al action figures, and in 2018 Funko released two of its own POP! vinyl figures.

For more information on “Weird Al” Yankovic, please visit weirdal.com.