Action thriller King of Killers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In today’s movie news, if you like action thrillers, King of Killers is now available on Blu-ray™ and DVD. Written and directed by Kevin Grevioux, the cast includes Alain Moussi (Nobody), Marie Avgeropoulos (“The 100,” 50/50), Georges St-Pierre (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Stephen Dorff (Blade, Old Henry), Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), and Kevin Grevioux (Underworld). (EG-PR, 2023)
Based on a graphic novel by writer-director Kevin Grevioux, King of Killers follows former Agency hit man Marcus Garan (Alain Moussi) as he attempts to unravel the mystery behind a tragic incident. When offered a $10 million contract to eliminate the world’s greatest assassin, Marcus travels to Tokyo to meet the client (Frank Grillo), but discovers other professional killers have been invited as well. Now Marcus and the others must confront this deadly, mythical assassin or die trying.
Shake Shack teams up with DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together to launch Trolls-themed trio of holiday shakes. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.
To celebrate the release of DreamWorks Animation’s new feature film Trolls Band Together on November 17, Shake Shack is teaming up with this new chapter in the blockbuster musical Trolls franchise to offer a limited-time shakes menu for fans across the U.S. The trio of shakes is inspired by the leading characters in the film – Poppy, Branch and new character Viva – as well as traditional holiday flavors that we know and love. The new menu items are accompanied by Trolls-themed holiday packaging including a takeout bag, cup and tray liner, and are now available at Shake Shack locations nationwide (stadiums and airports not included). (Shake Shack, 2023)
The trio of Trolls-themed shakes include:
Poppy’s Sugar Cookie Shake: Hand-spun sugar cookie frozen custard, mixed with cookie dough pop candy, topped with whipped cream and cotton candy. Starts at $7.49
Branch’s Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Hand-spun vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, mixed with mint fudge, topped with whipped cream and mint candy crunch. Starts at $7.29
Viva’s Cinnamon Roll Shake: Hand-spun cinnamon roll frozen custard, swirled with gold frosting, topped with whipped cream and gold confetti. Starts at $7.29
“We’re excited to partner with Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation to bring the world of Trolls from the big screen to life in our Shacks,” said Jay Livingston, Chief Marketing Officer at Shake Shack. “It was so much fun taking inspiration from these colorful, beloved characters to create a trio of shakes and can’t wait for our guests to get a taste of Trolls magic this holiday season, sparkles included.”
Shack fans in Los Angeles will also be able to enjoy a Trolls-themed experience at the West Hollywood Shack at 8520 Santa Monica Blvd., complete with larger-than-life Trolls characters on the Shack’s roof, giveaways and an interactive musical experience with music from the new feature film.
This partnership is building on the success of Shake Shack’s collaboration with Nintendo and Illumination for The Super Mario Bros. Movie which was released in 2023. Brand partnerships is an area where Shake Shack is increasing its marketing focus in the years to come, especially as it expands its footprint across the U.S. and around the world.
Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It is known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development, to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 470 locations system-wide, including over 305 in 32 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 165 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.
Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.
Low Water Bridge Band announces sophomore LP Back to the Valley. Photo: Low Water Bridge Band.
Forged by firelight picking, Low Water Bridge Band’s romping, stomping, country-grass Americana is not for the faint of heart. Since coming together in 2020, they have gone from barnstorming the Shenandoah Valley to festival stages along the East Coast and now, to the delight of their rapidly growing fanbase, the band has announced the follow up to their latest LP, Midnight in Virginia. On November 17, Low Water Bridge Band—Logan Moore (guitar, vocals), Alex Kerns (bass, vocals), Riley Kerns (drums, background vocals), James Montgomery (lead guitar), Justin Carver (pedal steel, banjo),and Rudy Bzdyk (fiddle, trumpet, keyboards)—will release Back to the Valley, an all new, ten song LP. (IV-PR, 2023)
Low Water Bridge Band shared Back to the Valley’s opening track, “Siren Of The Shenandoah,” a shapeshifting ode to the great river that created the valley from with the band was created. “This song came to light after a full moon, overnight canoe trip down the Shenandoah River,” says Moore, the song’s writer and lead singer. “I kept hearing a lonely fox following us along the riverbanks shouting her terrifying scream. I imagined it was the sound of the mythological siren crying out to lure me into the mighty Shenandoah River.” Moore’s imagination went from there, fleshing out the lick-laden song that deftly switches back and forth between a full-time train beat and a funkier, half-time groove. Encompassing everything that Low Water Bridge Band fans are already hip to—clever songwriting, complimentary musicianship, and the ability to creatively freeze a place and time in song—“Sirens Of The Shenandoah” is the perfect lead off track for this next chapter in the burgeoning band’s career.
Back to the Valley was produced by band members Riley Kerns and Logan Moore and recorded and mixed by Kerns at BerryTone Sound Recorders in Berryville, Virginia. Micah Howard contributed vocals on “She Don’t Answer;” “Dear Lord” and “Small Town Affair” feature background vocalists Laura Steinmetz and Jessica Mitchell; and Jake Smith plays baritone saxophone on “Hope It’s You.”
Back to the Valley track list: Siren Of The Shenandoah Whiskey Dark Slow Down 600 Reasons Hope It’s You Clarke County Clay Place On A Hill Dear Lord Small Town Affair She Don’t Answer
Ferris wheel during the daytime. Photo: Laura Cros/Unsplash
Everyone wants a day out every once in a while. Most of the time, they’ll do this with their friends, and they wouldn’t want to do the same things over and over again. Why would you want to keep going to the movies when you could try an escape activity for groups and bring all your friends? There’s something to be said about organizing fun days out, but you want it to be a fun one for everyone so make a point of talking to the group and getting opinions from everyone! With some great ideas for a day out, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.
You’ll end up having an amazing time, and your friends should enjoy themselves, too. It could even let all of you bond, which is always worth the effort. If you’re planning a night out soon, it’s worth diving into a few great options.
Ideas For A Day Out:3 Great Options
1. Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is one of the more unique ideas for a day out, and it can be much more fun than you would’ve thought. A wine tasting tour only takes a few hours, and you could end up having a nice time. It’ll even be a great way to spend some time out of the house.
Some of these tours even take place outdoors, so you can take in a bit of nature while you’re at it. No matter what, you could end up having an amazing time, and it might even be something you’ll want to do again and again.
2. Go To The Theater
You would’ve thought about going to the cinema with your friends, and it can always be a decent option. Sometimes, it’s worth going with something a little different, though. The actual theater can be a much better option. You might end up having a much better time when you visit it.
There’ll be plenty of plays and other events to consider going for, all of which could be interesting. Some of them could even be relatively interactive, and you could have a back-and-forth with the performers. These pantomimes can often be quite enjoyable, and they’ll be more fun than you’d think.
3. Go To An Amusement Park
Not all ideas for a day out have to be adult oriented. Instead, it can sometimes be worth focusing on your inner-child. You could end up having much more fun because of it. Going to an amusement parkis one of the best ways you can do this. You’ll end up having an amazing time.
With the various rides and activities you can try, there’s no reason why you and your friends shouldn’t have fun. If there’s an amusement park near you, then it’s well worth spending a few hours there with your friends.
Ideas For A Day Out:Wrapping Up
With the right ideas for a day out, you shouldn’t have a problem having a great time with your friends. You wouldn’t have to worry about boredom, and you’ll end up getting closer to them. It could even be worth trying a few ideas.
You’ll end up making it a regular event while making sure you don’t get bored when you’re out and about. You’ve no reason not to consider a few great options. With a little bit of effort, you’ll end up having an amazing time.
THE G is a film by Karl R. Hearne. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In movie news today, THE G, from writer/director Karl R. Hearne and 3Buck Productions, starring Dale Dickey, has been officially selected for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. In competition, it will celebrate its World Premiere on November 11. It is the story of a mysterious older woman who seeks revenge on the corrupt legal guardian who destroyed her life. levelFILM has acquired all rights for Canadian distribution with a release date scheduled for 2024. (October Coast, 2023)
Director Karl R. Hearne was raised in Ireland and Québec where he studied at McGill before earning a graduate diploma from the University of Nanjing, China. His films have premiered at TIFF, SXSW and New Directors/NewFilms. His arthouse ghost story ‘TOUCHED’ was nominated for Best First Feature at the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards. ‘THE G’ is his second feature.
Ann Hunter (aka “The G”, played by Dale Dickey) and her husband retired to an unnamed American suburb 10 years ago to be near his family. But one day out of the blue they are snatched from their home by a corrupt legal guardian who believes they have hidden wealth. Their home and assets are legally stripped from them and they are put in a prison-like “eldercare facility,” victims of an exploding old age industry. Trapped in a corrupt and terrifying system, THE G begins to show her true mettle as she and her loyal granddaughter fight to get them out and get revenge on the people who did this.
A “winter-noir” based on real events/inspired by the filmmaker’s own family experience, THE G is an original portrait of a fierce older woman in the kind of role that a woman is rarely cast in. A highly atmospheric blend of suspense, dark humor, and moving human relationships that confronts age-related issues head on, THE G is driven by one astonishing main character, rivetingly portrayed by Dale Dickey, “One of Hollywood’s Great Scene-Stealers” (Vanity Fair, Fall 2022).
THE G also stars Romane Denis, Roc Lafortune, Bruce Ramsay, and Jonathan Koensgen. The film is line-produced by José Lacelle, edited by Arthur Tarnowski with music by Philippe Brault and sound design by Pierre-Jules Audet.
Writer/director Karl R. Hearne says, “This film is a “winter-noir” based on real-world elder scams, and inspired by my own grandmother’s story and character. It’s about a woman who- regardless of her age or situation- refuses to accept that her life is over. In a world where the elderly are frequently marginalized, neglected or abused, I think of this film as a revenge story against old age itself… old age being a condition that my grandmother once said she “would not tolerate.”
“At levelFILM, we strive to partner with talented creators and share their stories like this one to ensure they find their Canadian (and beyond!) audiences,” said Olivier Gauthier-Mercier, VP of Distribution at levelFILM. “THE G speaks to an unfortunately all-too-common human experience through incredible performances driven with heart.”
‘Carrie the Musical’ is now playing the Camille Playhouse.
This year, the Camille Playhouse is celebrating their 60th anniversary and is currently performing ‘Carrie the Musical.’ If you are looking for an indoor activity this Halloween weekend, consider checking it out on its closing weekend. Upcoming showtimes are Friday 10/27 at 8p.m. and Sunday 10/29 at 2p.m. There will not be a performance on Saturday 10/28. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available at the box office one hour before the performance, which I recommend to avoid additional fees, or online. I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Carrie, either the book or the movie, or both. It has become a Halloween staple, but suffice it to say, it does contain adult themes, so it might not be suitable for younger audiences.
‘Carrie the musical’ is adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 horror novel “Carrie” and focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. She is a teenage outcast who only longs to fit in. At school, she is bullied by the popular crowd and is virtually invisible to everyone else. What none of them know is that Carrie just discovered that she has a special power and if pushed too far, she is not afraid to use it. So when she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she gets vengeance by unleashing chaos on everyone and everything in her path. Cast includes Renata Treviño, Stephanie Zamora, Abigail Crum, Sebastian Peña, Natalia Garza, Raul Lozano, and Lydia Castillo.
It might be a few years since the world was introduced to Carrie White but her story still resonates with people who see her either as a victim of bullying or a young woman who takes out her rage on those unfortunate enough to be around her. The show begins with Sue Snell (Abigail Crum), a traumatized witness who is recounting the incidents leading up to the tragic night of the prom. The different school mates are introduced, including Tommy Ross (Sebastian Peña) and Chris Hargensen (Natalie Garza) who despite their differences, they just long to fit in “In.” When Carrie (Renata Treviño) experiences her first period in the shower after gym class, it starts off a series of events that lead to the tragedy on prom night when she uses her telekinetic powers and goes on a killing rampage. The cast consists of so much young talent and they handle the show’s tough themes with the grace of a highly experienced cast but Stephanie Zamora’s portrayal of Margaret White, Carrie’s mom, stands out. She manages to humanize her despite her shortcomings and her vocal abilities are first rate. With a minimized setting, which consists of moveable panels that change with the scenes and dark, gloomy lighting, the focus is on Carrie’s sad reality.
Show highlights include Act II, the catchy ‘A Night We’ll Never Forget’ when everyone is excited and getting ready for prom night and the final number ‘Epilogue’ whose poignant message of ‘what does it cost to be kind’ should be a wake up call to how we treat others. The iconic prom scene is well done and the blood curling screams in the dark at the end of ‘The Destruction’ is an excellent touch and will haunt you afterwards. With a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, it has lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore and runs for 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. ‘Carrie the Musical’ is a must see this Halloween season and aside from the spooky aspect, it reminds us of the need to be kind above all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Camille Playhouse 1 Dean Porter Park Dr Brownsville, Tx (956) 542-8900
The Golden Crystal Kingdom will be out November 10, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
From humble beginnings booking his own barbecue joint shows to touring with label mate Colter Wall and fellow Texan Charley Crocket, Vincent Neil Emerson built a career the old fashioned way, bar gig by bar gig, singular music fan by singular music fan. Vincent Neil Emerson is no stranger to work ethic. His life’s journey has been tumultuous, hard-nosed, and the stuff of songs. It all brings the young Choctaw-Apache man’s journey to the announcement of his new Shooter Jennings-produced record, The GoldenCrystal Kingdom—out on November 10 via Emerson’s longtime label home La Honda Records and new partner, RCA Records. The Golden Crystal Kingdom is the follow-up to his first two LPs, Fried Chicken &Evil Woman and Vincent Neil Emerson, which established him as a refreshing voice in the Texas songwriter landscape. (IV-PR, 2023)
The Golden Crystal Kingdom shares more of the man behind the artist than any of his previous records, his songwriting and heritage on proud display throughout the new album. Emerson expands his sound, tapping into the storied influence of electrified folk legends like Leon Russell and Link Wray. As with his early work, the diamond-sharp storytelling remains Emerson’s focus under the big and explicit aesthetic of rock and roll.
Emerson continues the La Honda Records x RCA Records partnership with his first single, “Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint,” a full-throttle meeting of Western comic book influences inside a Neil Young guitar tuning. “The story was, basically, that a medicine man was tasked with motivating warriors to go into battle—they were going up against a bunch of white men with guns, and they knew they were going to die if they went into battle—and he came up with this special paint, this yellow medicine paint, and said, ‘If you wear this into battle, you’ll be invincible. No arrow can pierce you. No bullet can pierce you,’” Emerson remembers. “It’s an old-West-themed song, it’s not a modern-day story for sure,” says the man who proudly embraces his Choctaw-Apache heritage. “These are indigenous stories, whether or not that old West comic was true.”
To accompany “Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint,” Emerson enlisted the help of Native American bareback horse race champion, Sharmaine Weed, to star in a music video. An ethereal glimpse into the dedication and training required to become a champion, the music video, directed by on-the-rise visionary Mike Vanata, was filmed in Wyoming near the Wind River reservation. “Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint” can be streamed or purchasedand fans can pre-order or pre-saveThe GoldenCrystal Kingdom ahead of its November release.
The Golden Crystal Kingdom track listing: Time of the Rambler The Golden Crystal Kingdom Time of the Cottonwood Trees I’ll Meet You in Montana Hang Your Head Down Low Cod’ine Blackland Prairies On the Banks of the Old Guadalupe The Man From Uvalde Voices (On the Spanish Isle) Clover on the Hillside Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint
Catch Vincent Neil Emerson On Tour: October 27, 2023 – Globe Hall – Denver, CO October 28, 2023 – Globe Hall – Denver, CO November 1, 2023 – Saturn – Birmingham, AL November 2, 2023 – Exit/In – Nashville, TN November 3, 2023 – Growlers – Memphis, TN November 4, 2023 – Songbirds – Chattanooga, TN November 7, 2023 – The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC November 9, 2023 – Songbyrd – Washington, DC November 10, 2023 – Elkton Music Hall – Elkton, MD November 11, 2023 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY November 15, 2023 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA November 16, 2023 – The Southern Café and Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA November 17, 2023 – Motorco Music Hall – Durham, NC November 18, 2023 – New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC November 19, 2023 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC November 21, 2023 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA December 9, 2023 – Antone’s Nightclub – Austin, TX
‘Forbidden Bodyguard’ by Rachael Theron is an Enemies to Lovers Romance novel. Photo: Rachael Theron, used with permission.
Contemporary romance novels have always been the most popular subgenre of romance novels because they take place in modern times and the characters tend to be more relatable. If you are a fan of these novels, I have exciting news for you: today’s new book release is a contemporary romance titled “Forbidden Bodyguard: An Enemies to Lovers Romance” by Rachael Theron. As an added bonus, you can take advantage of a Free Book Download offer to check out this forbidden romance between a bodyguard and his boss’ daughter. Sounds steamy, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get yourself a free copy and find out what happens when you mix business with pleasure.
Hooking up with my boss’s gorgeous daughter wasn’t part of the job description.
Isabella Blackwood is back from college and is more entitled than ever. As the head of Blackwood security, I can work things around to make sure we don’t cross paths. But I secretly crave her smart mouth, wondering what other nasty things her full lips can do. Her privileged attitude, stunning looks, and seductive body —she’s a maddening mix of irritation and fascination. Things get complicated when Isabella’s father insists she has her own bodyguard, but I don’t trust him.
My protective instincts go wild.
When we’re stuck together for a weekend wedding, everything is put on the line, and I’ll risk it all to keep her safe: my career, my life, my heart. (Rachael Theron, 2023)
Kristen Grainger & True North launch new album Fear of Falling Stars – due out November 10, 2023. Photo: Kristen Grainger & True North
In a world thirsting for authenticity and genuine connection, Kristen Grainger & True Northoffers a wellspring of soul-stirring songs. Led by the enchanting vocals of Kristen Grainger and drawing on elements of bluegrass, country, and Americana, the Pacific Northwest string band writes songs that connect us, illuminating universal truths with haunting beauty. The band is made up of three champion instrumentalists, Dan Wetzel, Martin Stevens, and Josh Adkins, and is fronted by lead vocalist Kristen Grainger, a storied songwriter who has taken top honors at some of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting competitions, including Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MerleFest, and the USA Songwriting Contest. Kristen Grainger & True North launch their new album with the first single Across the Mountains. The new album, Fear of Falling Stars, will be out November 10, 2023. (IV-PR, 2023)
In the first four measures of Kristen Grainger & True North’s new tune Across the Mountains, listeners experience the full range of what sets the award-winning Americana quartet apart; tried and true musicianship and songcraft steeped in both the old and new. With equal focus on compelling songwriting and excellent instrumental execution, this new album offers ten songs that nestle in the ear on the way to the heart. From heart-wrenching ballads to foot-stomping anthems, Fear of Falling Stars reveals a series of musical zoom shots through the windows of modern life.
Fans can stream or purchase Across the Mountains, watch the lyric video, premiered by The Bluegrass Situation, and stay up to date on Fear of Falling Stars ahead of its November release.
Fear of Falling Stars track list: Don’t Take Me Back Go-Nowhere Town Extraordinary Grace Memories and Moments Across the Mountains It’s the Little Things The Avalanche Pent-Up What Might Have Been Stop Me If I Told You This Before
Catch Kristen Grainger on tour: November 4 – Seattle, WA – Concerts At Our House Series November 10 – Portland, OR – PNC Live Studio Concert November 18 – Portland, OR – Alberta Rose Theatre November 29 – Sisters, OR – The Belfry
15 Cameras is available On Demand and limited theater release. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Voyeuristic style films explore society’s insatiable thirst to watch and be watched. If you’re a fan, this new horror release might be a good fit for you. 15 Cameras is a sequel to 13 Cameras and 14 Cameras but it does well as a stand alone movie, so you don’t necessarily have to see the first two films to enjoy this one. On Friday October 13, it is coming to On Demand and in theaters in Los Angeles. 15 Cameras, directed by Danny Madden and written by PJ McCabe stars Will Madden, Angela Wong Carbone, Hilty Bowen, James Babson, Shirley Chen, Hannah Mckechnie, Skyler Bible, Courtney Dietz, Erik Leupp, Donna Allen, Brianne Moncrief, Jim Cummings, and Stephen Ruffin. (October Coast, 2023)
15 Cameras – When Cam and Sky bought their duplex, it seemed like the perfect investment opportunity for the young couple; a starter home, a mortgage offset by renters, and even a guest room for Sky’s sister, Carolyn. But as Sky and Cam slowly uncover hidden cameras and secrets of the duplex’s previous owner, obsession consumes their marriage and they both fall into destructive forms of voyeurism. When new tenants move in downstairs, their fixation with observing others has deadly consequences and they are forced to confront the very things they have been consumed by.
SA Examiner 