By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| "Money Monster" is categorized as a thriller, however, there is not much thrill to it. There was some suspense, humor, romance, action and shock. As well as a lot of aspects of different genres scattered throughout the film, but there was not enough of one single thing to make it a hit. The film was released May 13 and finished its opening weekend at No. 3 in the box office behind, "Captain America: Civil War" and "The Jungle Book" respectively. The movie was directed by actress and veteran director Jodie Foster and featured box office heavy hitters. George Clooney who played financial talk show, host Lee Gates and Julia Roberts a … [Read more...] about Money Monster – Movie Review
Rebekah Deponte
Blake Shelton album review
By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| Blake Shelton was the center of many tabloids in 2015, a year of relationship drama and rumors for the artist, starting with his divorce and ending with his new relationship. "If I'm Honest," Shelton's ninth studio album was released May 20 and was inspired by the events that have happened in his life during the past year. The country album features songs about heartbreak, new found love, and a few typical country songs about beer, farms, and religious faith. The album opens up with a party song, "Straight Outta Cold Beer," which reflects on the good times and the artist's country roots. It then moves into multiple songs about heartbreak, … [Read more...] about Blake Shelton album review
Celebrities give back
By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| Celebrities taking part in charity work or even starting their own foundations/nonprofit organizations is nothing new, but it also is not getting old any time soon. Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, and several other Hollywood heavy-hitters are well known for their contributions in the charity world, but there are other celebrities who have been making major contributions to the betterment of our world without the spotlight on their activities. Some might argue that tax deductions are a huge part of the reason wealthy people get so involved in charity and they would not be wrong in believing that. If a celebrity donates $1 million to … [Read more...] about Celebrities give back
American Country Countdown Awards
By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| The American Country Countdown (ACC) Awards happened May 1 at The Forum in Inglewood. The event embodied the roots of country music, acknowledging artists who have shaped the industry, as well as celebrating the shift in the genre's sound that has been inspired by country newcomers. The ACC Awards are based on the weekly radio show "American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks" and recognized country music artists' yearly achievements based on album sales, radio play, and streaming data. Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and Camaron "Cam" Marvel Ochs opened the show with a performance of McBride's hit song, "This One's for the Girls." The … [Read more...] about American Country Countdown Awards
Podcasts great for passing time
By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| Podcasts are a great way to relieve the boredom of traveling or just the commute to and from campus. Podcast are similar to radio shows but are made available via internet to download onto computers and mobile devices that cover topics from politics and history to comedy and music. Several podcasts look at music, introducing listeners to new artists and exposing them to genres they would not normally think to listen to. One of these music podcasts is "All Songs Considered," which focuses on new music from emerging artists, as well as icons in the industry. "[I like this podcast because] they show a wide array of music and I think it's … [Read more...] about Podcasts great for passing time
“Cleopatra” Finds History Album Review
By Rebekah Deponte | Staff Writer | The Lumineers released their second album "Cleopatra" on April 8. Singles from this album include “Ophelia,” “Cleopatra,” and “Angela” respectively. The folk-rock band is most popularly known for their 2012 hit “Ho Hey,” which peaked at number three on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the U.S. in April 2013. “Ho Hey” took the number one slot during that same period on the U.S. Alternative and U.S. Rock charts. "Cleopatra" differs from the group’s first self-titled long play album in that it relies on a more electronic sound than they had used in the past, but the change has little affect on the band’s original sound. The album kept the trio’s basic … [Read more...] about “Cleopatra” Finds History Album Review
Music festivals that you will not want to miss
By Rebekah Deponte | Staff Writer | Coachella and Stagecoach are the most famous Southern California music festivals, but there are several other multi-day music events that happen under the radar every year. Doheny Blues Festival is exactly what it sounds like and will be held in Dana Point, Calif. on May 21-22. The lineup includes blues, rock, and soul artists Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aaron Neville, Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, along with several others. Doheny Blues Fest also has microbrew tastings, a wine lounge, and an international food court for spectators to take advantage of in-between sets. San Bernardino's Lost Highway Festival, which consists of music and motorcycle … [Read more...] about Music festivals that you will not want to miss