Jersey boys Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi head line-up for tonight's "Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together" benefit concert

From the New York Daily News:

Forty years ago, Bruce Springsteen serenaded a loving girl named Sandy in “Fourth of July, Asbury Park."

Now he’s joining forces with other artists to raise money for the victims of a vicious storm with the same name. 

Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and Sting will join the Boss in a benefit concert Friday at 8 p.m. at the NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Center. 

Jimmy Fallon and Brain Williams will emcee the event.

The show, titled “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together,” will be shown across the entire NBC Universal Network, viewable on NBC, Bravo, CNBC, E!, G4, MSNBC, Style, Syfy and USA. 

Money raised will be donated to the American Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to the millions affected by the disaster. 

The personal connection among stars like Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sting and Joel to the storm-ravaged areas couldn’t be more obvious. Both the Boss and Bon Jovi hail from New Jersey, which has endured some of the greatest hardships in the catastrophe.

And Springsteen has always chronicled disaster, from decline ("Atlantic City") to terror (the post-9/11 song, "My City of Ruins").

Joel grew up on Long Island, also hard hit by the storm, which is something of a coda to his song, "The Downeaster Alexa" about the hard life on Long Island's waterfront.

To donate, visit www.redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS.

Donations of $10 will also be added to your cellphone bill by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. 

UW American Heritage Center invites you to "Name the Tribble"

To celebrate American Archives Month, the UW American Heritage Center invites you To  

Submit your entry to ahc@uwyo.edu (please include Tribble Contest + [your name] in subject line or post it on our Facebook page http:www.facebook.com/ 

Entries must be received by October 22, 2012  

The American Heritage Center holds an authentic Tribble as part of the Forrest J. Ackerman papers, one of its many science fiction collections.

MTV's Streeter Seidell at CWC in Riverton for free show Sept. 7

From Pitch Engine:

Comedian, editor, author and staff writer and star of MTV’s The CollegeHumor Show is on the Central Wyoming College campus Sunday, Sept. 7 and the public is invited free of charge.

Streeter Seidell appears on the main stage of the Robert A. Peck Arts Center at 7 p.m. He is the executive editor of CollegeHumor.com, co-author of the site’s first book, The CollegeHumor Guide to College, and co-star and staff writer of the site’s first television show, The CollegeHumor Show on MTV.

He has written and acted in many CollegeHumor original videos and penned hundreds of articles for the website.  Seidell is also a standup comedian and co-hosts the site's monthly New York comedy show, as well as performing regularly at clubs in New York and over 30 colleges last year. 

Outside of CollegeHumor, he has written for The New York Times, Men's Fitness, Mental-Floss Magazine, McSweeney's, The Washington Post, Wired Magazine, and Metro New York.  He has also appeared as a talking head on numerous television shows including spots on CNN, Fuse, TruTV, VH1 and Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC. 

He is currently the co-host and writer of “Pranked,” on MTV.  Seidell lives in Manhattan.

Casting call for "Cheyenne Cab"

From Punched in the Head Productions:

"Do you want a chance to be on TV? New York City based television production company is looking for regular people to drive taxicabs for Cheyenne Frontier Days. This is an opportunity to drive for a local cab company, with the potential to participate in a new reality television show. If you appear between the ages of 25-45, and have a valid driver’s license, please send your name, location, phone number, a photo, and a brief description of yourself to cabcasting@gmail.com"

Craig Johnson launches his latest Walt Longmire novel tonight at Tattered Cover in Denver

"Longmire," the new A&E series based on Craig Johnson's Sheriff Walt Longmire novels, made a splash last night. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Craig will signing copies of his latest novel, "As the Crow Flies," at the legendary Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver. Arrive early -- there will be a line. In case you don't know, the author makes his home in tiny Ucross, Wyoming. We don't like to brag, but Craig was awarded a Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowship back in 1994 when he was just a starry-eyed ex-cop from Back East, new to Wyoming and its quirky ways, working away on his first novels.

Here's a short description of the novel from the Tattered Cover web site:

Embarking on his eighth adventure, Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire has a more important matter on his mind—his daughter is getting married. Walt and old friend Henry Standing Bear are the de facto wedding planners and fear the daughter's wrath when the venue goes up in smoke two weeks before the big event. The pair set out to find a new site for the nuptials on the Cheyenne Reservation, but their scouting expedition ends in horror as they witness a young Crow woman plummeting from the majestic cliffs of Painted Warrior. It’s not Walt’s turf, but the newly appointed tribal police chief and Iraqi war veteran Lolo Long ropes him into helping with the investigation. Walt is stretched thin as he mentors Lolo, attempts to catch the bad guys, and performs the role of father of the bride.

Mondo Guerra of "Project Runway All Stars" to speak March 23 at UW

From a UW press release:

"Project Runway All Stars" finalist and season eight runner-up Mondo Guerra will speak Friday, March 23, at 7 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Union Ballroom.

He also will guest judge for "The Condom Couture" fashion show that begins at 9 p.m. Friday in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Friday Night Fever and FACE AIDS sponsor the program to bring awareness to issues of sexual health and HIV/AIDS in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.

"UW student designers have created condom-inspired designs and will take the runway to win first-place and a cash prize," says Kat Nicola, Friday Night Fever marketing chair.

"Recognized for his impeccable construction and styling, masterful mix of prints and fearless use of color, Mondo will speak about his experience on ‘Project Runway,'" Nicola adds.

After Mondo emotionally disclosed on "Project Runway" that he is HIV-positive, he became a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDs awareness. He and fellow "Project Runway" alumnus Jack Mackenroth have partnered with pharmaceuticals company Merck for the HIV and AIDS education campaign "Living Positive by Design."

In addition to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and FACE AIDS, the event will also raise funds for Partners in Health, an internationally recognized health care provider.

Photo: "Project Runway All Stars" finalist and season eight runner-up Mondo Guerra will speak Friday, March 23, at 7 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Union Ballroom.

HBO premieres "Saving Face" documentary by Pakistan's Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Cheyenne native Daniel Junge

Academy Award-winning documentary "Saving Face" premieres tonight on HBO. Read a Q&A with Saving Face Documentary (2012) directors Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Cheyenne native Daniel Junge (via Big Think).

Call for entries: Jackson Hole Science Media Awards

From a press release:

Science plays a profound role in our daily lives in ways that we can scarcely imagine, from the infinitesimal to the infinite. This year, to recognize media that best depicts the wonders of science to a broad audience, we are delighted to announce the inaugural Jackson Hole Science Media Awards! 

Encouraging the development of compelling media that best translate the complexities of science to the public, the Awards will provide a forum to connect influential media professionals with leading scientists from around the world, and showcase finalists and award winners at the 2012 Symposium as well as other public and industry events. 

With 17 award categories for competition as well as Best of Festival and Special Jury awards, eligible programs may be of any length, may originate in any format (including animation) and be produced for theatrical, television broadcast, internet, institutional or public media distribution. Submissions must be completed between June 1, 2010 & May 31, 2012, but need not have been broadcast or publicly exhibited. 

The deadline for submission is June 1, 2012. All submissions will be uploaded electronically to a secure and protected website to keep the competition as environmentally friendly as possible, and ensure the broadest participation of international jurors during the preliminary judging phase. To nominate a preliminary judge, contact lisa@jhfestival.org. 

CONTENT CATEGORIES 

Earth & Environmental Sciences (Including Geology, Paleontology, Energy, Oceanography, Weather, and Climate) 

Life Sciences (Including Biology, Bio-diversity, Ecology, Genetics, and Genetic Engineering)

Medical Sciences (Including Clinical Science, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, and Stem Cell Research)

Physical Sciences (Including Astronomy, Cosmology, Physics, Chemistry, and Nanotechnology)

Human & Social Sciences (Including Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Forensic Science, Social Culture and History)

Technological Sciences (Including Robotics, Computer & IT, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical and Systems Engineering)

PROGRAM CATEGORIES   

Incorporation of Science in a Dramatic or Theatrical Program 
Best Series or Limited Series Best Short Program 

Best Short Program
Best Immersive Cinema (3D, Fulldome, Large Format) Best Institutional Media Installation 
Interactive and New Media

Best Nonprofessionally Produced Program

CRAFT CATEGORIES
Best Writing

Best Editing

Best Visualization (Cinematography & CGI)
Best Host or Presenter

"CSI: NY" star Hill Harper is keynote speaker for Martin Luther King Jr./Days of Dialogue at UW Jan. 19

Film, television and stage actor Hill Harper is the keynote speaker for the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr./Days of Dialogue at the University of Wyoming.

Best known for his current role as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes in the hit CBS drama series, "CSI: NY," Hill will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Arts and Sciences auditorium. His presentation is free and open to the public.

The theme for the 11th MLK/DOD, Jan. 16-20, is "Building Unity Through Community: Local to Global."

UW community members honor the continuing impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his life and ideals through this celebration. The week of activities renews UW's commitment to making the campus and Wyoming a more welcoming and empowering place for people from different backgrounds, heritages, orientations or abilities, say co-chairs Kate Steiner, UW interim assistant dean of students, and Aimee Glocke, African-American Diaspora Studies visiting assistant professor.

An honors graduate from Brown University and recipient of graduate degrees in both law and public administration from Harvard, Harper has appeared in many independent and international films and television programs.

In February 2005, Harper starred in the HBO movie "Lackawanna Blues," which was based on the critically acclaimed stage play by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. The film, fueled by rhythm and blues, won the Image Award in 2006 for "Outstanding TV Movie" and the Emmy Award in 2005 for "Outstanding Casting in a Movie."

As a television actor, Harper has had numerous guest-starring roles. He recently appeared on recurring episodes of Showtime's "Soul Food" and appeared on HBO's "The Sopranos." He also starred in the CBS mini-series "Mama Flora's Family" and the UPN Network comedy/drama "Live Shot." Among other guest appearances were "ER," "NYPD Blue," "Murder One," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."

Harper's stage credits include appearances in off-Broadway productions of "Your Handsome Captain," "Freeman," and David Mamet's "American Buffalo." He completed a starring run of Jessica Hagedorn's "Dogeaters" at New York's Joseph Papp Public Theatre. Harper is a full-time member of Boston Black Folk's Theater Company, one of the nation's oldest and most respected African-American traveling theater troupes.

He also has appeared in two Spike Lee movies "Get on the Bus" and "He Got Game," and more recently "For Colored Girls." Harper volunteers for organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters in Los Angeles and speaks to youth in public schools about the values of a good education. He was selected as one of People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" (2004).

One of the main events of the annual MLD/DOD is the MLK march. Beginning at the Albany County Courthouse at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, participants will march to the Wyoming Union where the Willena Stanford Supper begins at 4:45 p.m. in the ballroom.

Most events are free and open to the public. Panel discussions, a photo exhibition, speakers and workshops are scheduled throughout the week. MLK/DOD concludes Friday, Jan. 20, with the Lupe Fiasco concert at 8:30 p.m. in the Arts and Sciences auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the Wyoming Union information desk, the Fine Arts box office and online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts .

For a complete list of events, visit the MLK/DOD website at http://mlkdod.wordpress.com/ or follow updates on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/317648238255013/ .

Photo: Film, television and stage actor Hill Harper is the keynote speaker for the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr./Days of Dialogue at the University of Wyoming.

"Longmire" promo hits the airwaves

New "Longmire" promo on A&E, tied in with promos for "The Glades" and "Bag of Bones." Longmire the TV series is based on the mystery novels by Craig Johnson of Ucross. "Longmire" refers to Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire in the novels "The Cold Dish," "Another Man's Moccasins," etc. FMI: http://www.craigallenjohnson.com

Ten episodes ordered for new "Longmire" TV series based on Craig Johnson's novels

Wyoming man of mystery Craig Johnson shares this bit of good news (from the Shelf Awareness blog): A&E has given Longmire, based on Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire Mystery series of novels, a 10-episode order, Deadline.com has reported. The pilot, which was directed by Chris Chulack, stars Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bailey Chase and Cassidy Freeman.

A darkly comic look at America's obsession with "reality" TV in LCCC's "Our House"

Laramie County Community College presents the play "Our House" Fri, Apr 22, and Saturday, April 23, 7:30-9 p.m., in the LCCC Playhouse.

"Our House" is a scathing new comedy that takes on a media-obsessed culture intent on turning even the most sobering crisis into sexy entertainment. The show takes a darkly comic look at America’s obsession with "reality" television. When reality collides with reality TV, we find ourselves front and center in a drama that holds the nation riveted.

Mature audiences only. Produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. 

Following the April 22 performance, a panel discussion with the cast, director and faculty members will be held. Join us for light refreshments and an exploration of the issues in this new and important play.boxoffice@lccc.wy.edu

Filming begins in late April on Longmire pilot based on Craig Johnson's novels

Here's some news about the TV version of Craig Johnson's Wyoming-based mystery novels (from Craig's Post-It e-mail newsletter):

I guess this is the big moment a lot of people have been waiting for -- we have a pretty damn fine cast for Warner Horizon and A&E's television pilot, Longmire. Filming of the pilot (which has to test well before the network picks it up to be aired, so it's not time to uncross your fingers just yet) begins in late April down in the Las Vegas/Taos/Santa Fe area of New Mexico, since it was deemed that Wyoming's weather was too unstable for shooting a series and had too much snow to appear to be spring.

It's pretty much been a Cinderella story all along with Emmy-winning Greer Shephard (The Closer, Nip/Tuck, Trust Me) and Mike Robin (The Closer, Rizzoli and Isles, Nip/Tuck, NYPD Blue) executive producing and John Coveny (The Closer, Trust Me)and Hunt Baldwin (The Closer, Trust Me), writing the script and also executive producing. People keep asking me why my experiences have been so different from almost everybody else's, and my response remains the same -- it's the people you're working with, you either trust them or you don't. From the get go, I was aware that there were probably going to be changes in the Absaroka County of my books and the one that hopefully makes it to TV. I knew it was a collaborative effort and what works in some mediums might not work in others. The first revelation on that front was when they told me that they wanted to make Walt a little younger.

"Why?"

They nodded their heads apologetically. "Because if the show runs for ten years, we really don't want Vic doing all of Walt and Henry's leg work."

I had a hard time arguing with that.

Other changes are moving Cady back to Wyoming so that she could have more interaction with her Dad; besides, most actresses don't want to sign a long-term contract just to talk on the answering machine.

They changed Turk's name to Branch because Turk sounds too much like Ferg when spoken out loud.

That was the majority of it.

The changes are no where near major-I'd call them infinitesimal and certainly were made for good reasons -and, of course, the stories will be different, picking up and borrowing chunks of the novels, but following their own tales because of the amount of stories they need to tell and the time constraints in which to tell them. If the series gets picked up, then they'll need about a dozen stories for the first season alone (let alone the ten years we're hoping for), and I, gentle reader, have only written seven books. They don't want to serialize either as it has been proven that series that have a beginning, a middle, and an end in each episode do better; of course, this doesn't mean that the characters lives don't have complications. Just like the books.

There will be more characters cast down the road (don't look for Lucien, Dorothy, or Dog in the pilot), but I wanted to get this out to you guys so you could be a part of the thing as it develops.

There is not a perfect world where the A&E series is going to line up precisely with the image in my or your heads, but boy this crew has been killing themselves in an attempt to get it right, even going so far as to hire my good buddy Marcus Red Thunder along with me as a creative consultants on the set. Why? Because they love the books; they love the characters, the place, and what the novels have to say.

I hope you'll appreciate the hard work they've done on my behalf and yours.

More later about the cast.

Wyoming photographer Tom Mangelsen featured on "Discover the Wild" on PBS March 6

From FilmWyoming.com:

Master photographer Tom Mangelsen of Jackson Hole will share some of his wildlife photography secrets and his passion for wild places and wild things in a special Wyoming edition of "Discover the Wild" this Sunday, March 6, at 6:30 PM on Wyoming PBS as part of the festivities during pledge week.

The "Discover the Wild" series, a program featuring 10 shows with 25 titles filmed in Wyoming, presents an array of wildlife and related topics and was produced by Evergreen Productions of Casper. This Sunday night's broadcast will showcase three of Mangelsen's wildlife photography features produced for the series on light, knowing animal behavior, exposures and composition. Viewers will also be treated to segments on Yellowstone wildlife in winter, Jackson Hole elk, Park County and Sublette County Wyoming wildlife, grizzly bears and the Teton Science School. They will also have an opportunity to bid on a stunning 20 x 30 Mangelsen print, "Fire on the River."

"To have Tom on board for the live PBS broadcast of these segments from 'Discover the Wild' is a real honor for us," says producer, Neil Rodgers. "He's one of the top wildlife photographers in the world. And, like so many other folks who live here, he shares our unbridled enthusiasm for wild animals and the wild landscapes they inhabit."

"Our House" at LCCC is a comedy about the USA's "media-obsessed culture"

Opening night is Friday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., for "Our House" at the Laramie County Community College Playhouse.

"Our House" is a deliciously scathing new comedy that takes on a media-obsessed culture intent on turning even the most sobering crisis into sexy entertainment. The show takes a darkly comic look at America’s obsession with "reality" television. When reality collides with reality TV, we find ourselves front and center in a drama that holds the nation riveted.

Mature audiences only.

Seats may be reserved by e-mailing boxoffice@lccc.wy.edu.

Chainsaw sculptor Roy Pilcher featured on Channel 5

Roy Pilcher, chainsaw sculptor and proprietor of Bears & Company of Devils Tower, was featured today on the CBS-Channel 5 morning news show. Roy is a Wyoming Arts Council roster artist. Bring him to your community with a WAC Arts Across Wyoming grant. Go here for more info.

Some info about Roy from his web site:

We are a family-owned business located at Devils Tower in the northeast corner of Wyoming, near the Black Hills. Bears and Company was formed in 2004 and has continued to grow since then. The company was started after the owners of Equine Productions: a horse logging company also owned by the Pilcher family, received requests for chainsaw artwork on properties that had been thinned. Bears and Company has been a natural fit and has evolved each week. We do commercial and/or decorative art for the yards and decks of our customers. We travel to locations and have carvings in well over half of the United States. We ship UPS and take all major credit cards. 90 percent of the carvings we sell are commissioned pieces, but we do keep inventory at our shop. Thank you for your interest and please feel free to contact us about your carving. Ask about carving tutorial. 

See the Channel 5 clip here.

Center for the Arts in Jackson hosts simulcasts of Gustavo Dudamel and L.A. Philharmonic

From a press release:

The Center For The Arts is proud to announce its first High Definition SIMULCAST event in partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and National Cinema Media / Fathom.

LA Phil LIVE is an immersive sight and sound experience, featuring full concert performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic led by its dynamic music director Gustavo Dudamel (shown in photo), broadcast live from Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

During this LIVE broadcast, Dudamel leads a program of passionate, vigorous music by three different composers, each of whom expresses that passion in a highly individual style. The highlight is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 – his ebullient, life-affirming symphony that achieved instant popular acclaim lasting to this day. Also featured is the Stravinsky-inspired “Slonimsky’s Earbox” written by acclaimed American composer John Adams (“Nixon in China”), and Leonard Bernstein’s powerful First Symphony, “Jeremiah,” a profoundly personal account of the Book of Lamentations.

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor

ADAMS: Slonimsky’s Earbox
BERNSTEIN: Symphony No. 1, “Jeremiah”
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7

Attendees will experience up-close and dramatic views of Dudamel and the orchestra in action, captured with multiple HD cameras and in thrilling 5.1 surround sound. The broadcast will transport audiences behind the music for an exclusive “backstage pass” look at the LA Phil – including interviews with Dudamel, world-renowned guest soloists, and the Orchestra's musicians.

In addition to this event, The LA Phil LIVE series consists of two more exciting in-theatre events in 2011. Each event takes place Live on Sunday afternoons at 3PM

Sunday, January 9th - Dudamel conducts Beethoven
Sunday, March 13th - Dudamel conducts Tchaikovsky
Sunday, June 5th - Dudamel conducts Brahms

LA Philharmonic Web site at www.LAPhil.com/LAPhilLIVE
Center for The Arts Web site at www.jhcenterforthearts.org

FMI: Clare Payne Symmons, Executive Director, Center for the Arts, csymmons@jhcenterforthearts.org,
(307) 734-8956

PBS Arts new web site

PBS Arts is a new web site recently launched by PBS. It features work in dance, theater, visual arts, film and music. You can also post your work on the site:

PBS invites you to contribute your works of art to the online Arts experience. Explore the exhibitions and see where your work fits in. Join our Flickr group and upload your own work. Exceptional contributions may appear on the PBS Arts site.

"Slice of Pie" screening Aug. 27 at UW

Accomplished Second City Theater alumni Rick and Laura Hall will show the new original short film, "Slice of Pie" at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, on the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Center Main Stage. The event is free and open to the public.

The film is gleaned from Rick Hall's small-town stories called "Spellbinding" published by The New York Times. "Slice of Pie" is a humorous and heartfelt romantic comedy about the sweetness of exploring life's smaller moments.

The UW Department of Theatre and Dance hosts the Halls this week as part of its Guest Artist Series, which is sponsored by the Wyoming State Legislature through the Excellence in Higher Education Endowment. They will work with student performers and playwrights, presenting workshops on acting, musical theater, auditioning and playwriting.

Rick Hall is a writer/actor/producer who spent many years on the Chicago theater scene before joining Hollywood's film and television community. He has been involved with several films and a variety of television shows, such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "24," "Without a Trace," "Seinfeld," "Saving Grace" and "Everybody Loves Raymond."

Laura Hall is probably best known as the improvisational pianist on television's "Whose Line Is It Anyway." She also performed on "The Drew Carey Show" live episodes, and has toured the country doing live performances with "Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars."

Photo: "Slice of Pie," a short film based on Rick Hall's small-town stories, will play at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, in the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Center.

Absaroka County's finest on way to TV screen

Wyoming mystery writer Craig Johnson sends this:

A television series based on Craig Johnson's Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire from the Viking/Penguin novels is in development with Warner Horizon Television and TNT. Golden Globe and Emmy Award–winning Greer Shephard and Michael M. Robin (The Shephard/Robin Company) are executive producing alongside Hunt Baldwin and John Coveny, who are adapting the novel for the screen. Greg Yaitanes is attached to direct. Shephard and Robin are currently executive producers on The Closer (TNT). Among other projects, they executive produced Nip/Tuck (FX) and Trust Me (TNT), the latter created and produced by Baldwin and Coveny. Yaitanes is an executive producer and Emmy Award-winning director on House (Fox). Johnson is currently on tour with Junkyard Dogs, the sixth novel in the award–winning series. When asked who he thought should play the tough but tender sheriff, Johnson, who has been retained as a creative consultant, replied, "Gary Cooper, but he's not returning our calls."

Craig lives in Ucross. He was awarded a 1995 Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowship.