Keira-anne.com

How is it possible for one woman to be equal part talent to equal part bonafide hottie?

For the record, I wasn’t talking about Sarah Silverman.

Photo: Kurt Christensen on Flickr

Original Photo: Photos Infinitum on Flickr

It’s been more than eight years since I last saw Hanson in concert, which also happens to be the last time they played Vancouver. When I found out they were returning to play an acoustic show at the Commodore Ballroom, I insisted on dragging Becky along with me.

I have this thing with Hanson and a need to turn skeptics into believers.

Being the awesome girl that she is (and knowing how much I appreciate the rock trio of brothers from Tulsa, Oklahoma), Becky went above and beyond. Not only did she score us tickets to the show, but also landed an opportunity to meet and interview them, as well as naming me “official” photographer for her writing piece.

Isaac, Taylor and Zac were three of the kindest and most genuine men who obviously have a passion for what they do.

Following our interview (audio will be available in the next day or two, so check back), Becky and I tagged along as Hanson completed a one-mile walk to promote social and humanitarian awareness.

We had time to kill before the show and did so by drinking beer and eating wings. I have beer bloat this morning for the first time ever, so it looks like I’ll be sticking to wine in the future.

While the thought of an acoustic show invokes the ideas of “quiet” and “low key,” Hanson’s show was anything but. The men know how to rock, and they know how to rock it well.

In case you were unaware, Hanson write, record, produce and perform all of their own music and have been doing so for the better part of their lives. Forget the cookie cutter concept.

You know you’re getting old when you’re at a concert, your favourite band is playing and you can’t even stick it out to the end. We left after about an hour of Hanson’s set because neither of us could keep our eyes open any longer. Despite that, the show was fantastic and the day was an experience I won’t soon forget. Our podcast interview with Hanson should be up and airing within the next day or too, so don’t miss that!

My entire set of photos can be viewed here on Flickr.

It’s not a secret that I’m no fan of working on the weekends (one of the perks of a M-F job), but even though I spent both Saturday and part of Sunday in the office, I didn’t mind. The remainder of my Sunday was spent at Crab Park with my favourite boys, followed by grocery shopping, a nap, South Park and Snatch. Sounds pretty decent if you ask me…

I kinda hate blogging right now, so I am putting little-to-no effort into it. Okay, maybe I don’t hate blogging, but I certainly have no drive to do so.

Photo: Team Love Records

I do love Jenny Lewis and I’ve loved Jenny Lewis since we both wore acid wash jeans, neon hair scrunchies and LA Gear sneakers (Beverly Hills, what a thrill). Except now we’ve both grown up, grabbed some style and gotten hot. Jenny’s smokin’ and to say that I have a girl crush is a gross understatement. Just the kind of crush where I want to have an awkward, panty-clad pillow fight with her.

She’s a bonafide babe. Know what I’m saying?

I am excited.

September 23 will be an expensive day at HMV for me. Not only are Sex and the City: The Movie and the second volume of the SATC soundtrack (which is good for Ciara’s “Click Flash” if nothing else) being released, but so is Jenny’s sophomore solo effort “Acid Tongue.”

Hooray!

Jenny Lewis Official Website
Rilo Kiley Official Website

While I admittedly know very little about the ins and outs of the history of modern music, one thing that I do know is that the 80s rock/new wave/techno behemoth New Order was once known as Joy Division. In 1976 in the sleepy industrial city of Manchester, England, four men brought a new sound that, to this day, is still replicated by scores of 21st century bands. The film “Control” chronicles the short years over which Joy Division rose to fame amidst the obscurity that was frontman Ian Curtis’s life.

Photo: Momentum/The Weinstein Company

Based on the memoir Touching From A Distance, penned by Curtis’s wife Deborah Curtis, the audience is presented with a picture of a young man whose aspirtations of singing on stage came from teenage years filled with David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” and the Sex Pistols. At a very young age, Ian Curtis meets Debbie, the woman who’s dating his best friend but manages to fall in love with Ian nonetheless. In the years after their teenage marriage, everything else seems to happen so quickly, from finding a home, having a baby, starting a band, signing to a label, Ian’s love affair with a young Belgian woman named Annik and a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Soon it becomes very apparent where the film gets its name from, as control is something Curtis quickly loses sight of. At the age of 23 and on the eve of Joy Division’s first American tour, Ian Curtis committed suicide. “Control” is a poignant picture, filled with moments that are both genuine and heartwrenching. To be quite honest, some of what I saw was quite difficult to absorb, particularly the duality of Curtis’s life.

“Control” was simply a black and white story with none of the glitz or glamour normally seen in rock movies. It’s been several years since I’ve seen a British film that was so rich in account while also vacant in terms of what I was presented with visually. I believe that the last film to have this kind of cinematic impact on me was 1996’s “Trainspotting.” Another crown in the jewel of the movie is that, in all scenes in which Joy Division plays live, the actors themselves actually performed the tracks.

“Control” has been labelled as the “the coolest British movie of 2007,” and it comes to me as no surprise why.

Official Website

I dare you to name someone in entertainment history more revolutionary and innovative than Madonna. While numerous influential artists have come and gone and still exist today, most are known for one look or one sound. The chameleon that is Madonna has had a far-reaching ripple effect across this entire globe, over and over again.

Photo: Adam Sculler/RANGEFINDERS/GLOBE for People

As Madonna Louise Ciccone celebrates her 50th birthday today, I want to not only celebrate the universal impact this woman has had, but also why I feel she has been instrumental in my own life. Love her or hate her, the Material Girl has an undeniable quality that is simply untouchable.

Photo: Unimedia International/Rex for People

From humble beginnings in Bay City, Michigan, the aspiring dancer made her way to New York City in the late 70s where she discovered a love and aptitude for music and singing. Surviving for so long on “nothing but handfuls of popcorn and sundaes,” Madonna finally found her place at NYC nightclub Danceteria and released her first self-titled album in 1983.

Photo: All Action/Retna for People

The rest, as they say, is history. Though some critics considered 80s pop rival Cyndi Lauper as the one with staying power, Madonna proved them all wrong and continues to today. Her ability to constantly reinvent herself while staying true to who she is, is what makes Madonna work.

Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty for People

She’s weathered her fair share of wardrobe disasters (Little Bo Peep, anyone?), painful relationships, tabloid scandals and still manages to come out on top with not only dignity but a great deal of respect for herself. There are few, I believe, who truly have that ability.

Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect/Getty for People

I remember, as a young girl, having sleepovers with my friend Kortney and we’d writhe around with flashlights and hairbrushes, performing various Madonna hits for each other.

In high school I gave a report on Madonna during twelfth grade that I’ll never forget. To end the presentation to my class, I wanted to show a clip of 1991’s “Truth or Dare,” a documentary chronicling her Blonde Ambition Tour. Being that those were the days of VCRs and tapes always seemed to rewind a little bit more than you wanted them to, when I hit the play button, we all saw Madonna giving a spit and polish job to a water bottle that my senior class will surely never forget.

Thanks for the lesson in humility, Madge.

Photo: GLOBE for People

And while Madonna’s seemingly straight-forward demeanor, sometimes outrageous antics and out-spoken beliefs - on everything from sex to religion - are what cause some people to disapprove of her, those are what I see as her beauty and strength.

Photo: Richard Young/Rex for People

I believe that her message has always been empowering, educating and freeing. She has shown that it’s okay to fail as long as you’ve tried to succeed. Though she is still a woman and at times vulnerable, it is something that all women (and men too) can connect with and identify in.

Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty for People

For a woman who has come so far in half a century, I find it an honour to be able to celebrate the mother, wife, style icon, musician, singer, songwriter, AIDS advocate, actress and woman that she is.

Here is to 50 more.

Photo: Steven Klein/Warner Bros. Records for People

——————————————–

Last night, in preparation for this post, I spent over an hour watching her videos on YouTube. While I can’t possibly begin to pick a favourite, below are some of what I believe to be her best MTV work to date. Check them out if you have time to kill and want to take a lil’ trip down memory lane.

Photo: Mercury Records

In 1997, there was no escaping “MMMBop,” either on the radio, MuchMusic or from yours truly’s JVC three-disc stereo system. I spent countless hours that summer sitting on the roof outside my bedroom window listening to Hanson’s debut album, “Middle of Nowhere.”

Fast forward 10 years: 2007 saw the release of “The Walk,” an album recorded and released entirely on Hanson’s own label, 3CG Records. Much of the proceeds from the record, and a single entitled “The Great Divide” in particular, were donated to HIV/AIDS research in Africa. Hanson have since been touring the record extensively, and in each city played, the band completes a one-mile barefoot walk with their fans to continue to raise awareness for a cause the brothers are obviously so passionate about.

Photo: kmarski on Flickr

Being that it’s been eight years since I saw them play the Orpheum Theatre, you can imagine my excitement when I learned they’d be playing the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver on September 10, 2008. Through the magic of everyone’s favourite Vancouver blogger, Miss604, I will be able to bring all of you, my fabulous readers, up close and personal with the trio from Oklahoma.

Prior to completing the one-mile AIDS walk (for which I am completely willing to forego my pedicured tootsies) with Hanson, Rebecca and myself will be interviewing Hanson, snapping photos and taking in the show that evening. I’ll remind you all closer to the date, but be sure to check back after September 10th for all the juicy tidbits, audio interview and photos from what will most certainly be a day to remember.

What: Hanson (live and acoustic)
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Where: Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC (show is 19+)
How: Tickets at Ticketmaster [click here]

For more information on the band, visit their official website.

Still a skeptic? Check out this acoustic clip of the boys (attempting to play) with Tom Green on drums.

Another Friday, another potential for adventure. In less than an hour, I’ll be bound for Horseshoe Bay to hop a ferry home for the weekend. I’m excited for time shopping with my mom and aunt, Juno, Chinese take-out from Quality Foods (yes, it’s a grocery store and yes, it’s the best Chinese take-out in the Comox Valley), cuddles and playtime with Charley, fresh air, relaxation, photo opportunities and whatever else the weekend brings my way. Two nights always seems to go too fast but at least it’s better than nothing.

Last night our Star Wars marathon officially came to an end with the destruction of the Death Star in Return of the Jedi. As a child, it was my favourite installment of the trilogy. As an adult, it’s clearly the worst. The Ewoks aren’t nearly as cute as I remembered them to be, and the movie as a whole was more than obviously made with mass marketing in mind. The magic of A New Hope was long gone. Return of the Jedi wasn’t even directed by George Lucas, so enough said.

While I’m soaking in the Island goodness, here are some things to keep your time occupied until we meet again:

Have a super Friday, everyone!

Original Photo: cemedia on Flickr

I started popping Tylenol at 5pm yesterday. Oh, how I adore seasonal migraines. I’ve been plagued with them for the past handful of years, mainly only in the springtime. Lavender is my new best friend. The truth is, the migraines are gone as quickly as they spring on me. After a few extra hours in bed this morning and some fresh air, I’m basically just feeling the remnants…something I like to call a “migraine hangover.” I suppose I’m one of the lucky ones - I know some who’ve spent weeks bedridden, so for the odd one I get here and there, who am I to complain? A migraine every once in a while isn’t the end of the world.

Here we go…