Music Monday: Ticketmaster Settlement Vouchers

Katie June 20, 2016 0 Comments

Over the weekend Ticketmaster made good on the class action suit brought against them and many found vouchers in their account for pairs free general admission tickets and discounts on future ticket purchases.

To find out if your account has been credited, log in and go to your account and scroll to the “Active Vouchers” section. If you are on a mobile device, this link should work: https://www.ticketmaster.com/member/vouchers

It seems that the cap is 17 vouchers – that’s how many I ended up with and I haven’t seen anyone else with more than that.

It seems that the site has been having trouble loading vouchers since the announcement has been spread around social media telling everyone to check so if you can’t see how many you have yet, hang tight. The vouchers expire in 2020 and should be available for use at LiveNation venues. I am looking forward to seeing what shows end up available and have my fingers crossed that Hanson will end up in the list!

Music Monday: Parachute Wide Awake

Katie April 18, 2016 0 Comments

Without You
What Side of Love
Jennie
Everything
Lonely With Me
Love Me Anyway
New Orleans
When You Move
Getaway
Crave
What Breaks My Heart
Waking Up

Last month Parachute released their newest album, Wide Awake and they are currently embarking on their Wide Awake tour.  Like their other albums, I find this to be a pretty solid listen and I can and have listened to it over and over in the car.  I have to say that I think my favorites are Lonely With Me, New Orleans and Getaway… though I do find that Jennie is often stuck in my head.

Why?

Katie February 17, 2016 0 Comments

Why is a question I get asked a lot – especially when it comes to Hanson.  Why are you going to Oklahoma? Why are you going to Jamaica, again? Why do you have to see Hanson in concert so many times?

And to be quite honest it’s not something that I can easily put into words. I feel like in order to truly understand Why? you have to be a part of it.  Case in point, I was sitting on a couch in the lobby of the resort in Jamaica last month and one of the staff members asked – “Why?” Why do you travel to see them? Why do you do this?  I was with 2 of my friends and we kind of just sat there… I said “It’s fun!” Which wasn’t a lie but also wasn’t properly explaining anything either and then he said (probably not verbatim) “I saw their performance last night.  I get it. I get why you travel for them.”  And it was probably one of the best reactions I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing.

It has gotten to the point now where seeing Hanson is (almost) just a bonus.  I’m more excited to see my friends.  Friends from around the world.  In the past year or so I’ve become pretty close with a group of Hanson fans and on any given day I could be talking to someone from pretty much any corner of the world.  And no, we don’t just talk about Hanson all day.  While it may have began that way, we’ve  formed real relationships so we talk about what you would talk about with any of your friends.  The only difference is for most people their friends live probably in the same state as them and they can hang out face to face more often.  We can’t, so we use these Hanson events as semi-regular excuses to see each other again.

The last night in Jamaica, even though we were bummed to have to be going home after having a great week together – but we didn’t say “goodbye”, we said “see you in Tulsa”.  Hanson Day Weekend is just around the corner! (Kind of.) And when we leave Tulsa in May, once again for most of us it won’t be goodbye, it will be “See you in Jamaica” or “See you on tour” (Assuming one is announced *fingers crossed*)

It’s kind of sad that so many people don’t seem to “get it” because I wish that everyone had this sort of support system and community!

Book Review: Science Stunts

Katie January 22, 2016 0 Comments

Science Stunts is a fun look at science for kids.  It includes a bit of background on some great scientists and is packed full with all sorts of different activities and experiments you can do to help learn more about Physics.  Physics was one of my worst subjects, I wish that I had a book like this to help me along because I am much more of a hands on learner than just reading about it in books and I’d have loved to try all of these experiments out in class! (Or at home!) There is a note that you do need an adult sidekick for some of the experiments and to be careful with some of them as well. Do keep that in mind if you give this book to a curious child and make sure they understand that!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

DO try this at home!

Science Stunts will start a chain reaction of fun and experimentation outside the lab. Readers will be amazed and delighted as they try magic tricks that are based in important physics concepts such as gravity, inertia, magnetism, sound vibrations, and more. Narrated by a humorous science showman, Dr. Dazzleberry (known to his fans as “Dr. Dazz”), readers go on a journey through many amazing scientific discoveries. Amusing, edifying commentary from cartoon versions of Newton, Galileo, and Einstein inspire student scientist to experiment with glee.

An appendix and short bios of the physicists featured provide fascinating facts about the scientists’ lives and achievements.

“Magical science that’s amazing, astounding, and sure to appeal to middle-grade and middle school readers.”
–Kirkus Reviews

2015 Anti Bucket List

Katie December 31, 2015 0 Comments

Here it is – 2015’s Anti Bucket List – where you look back on the year and all the things that happened. Although I had hoped to keep track of thing throughout the year for this, I failed miserably, so I hope my memory didn’t forget anything that should have been included!

2014 Anti Bucket List
2013 Anti Bucket List 

Does a band owe their fans?

Katie December 29, 2015 0 Comments

Just what is a fan owed? If they buy a CD they should get a CD in which the artist gave their all to put it together. If they buy a concert ticket they should get a kick ass performance. If they buy a VIP pass they should get a little more time and attention from their favorites.  If they are devoting their hard earned money and precious time by being a fan, they should get at least a decent effort put forth from their favorite artist in return.

I do think that fans in the following case are owed at least an explanation, but you may not.  (And you’re probably the type of person who thinks it is ok to just ignore your girlfriend/boyfriend to break up with her/him.) I’m not going to name any names, but if you read the blog regularly or know me you may be able to figure out who I am talking about.

Back in May 2014 a band put together a crowd funding campaign in order to fund their new record.  I love these types of things because it allows a lot of bands and artists to release albums they otherwise wouldn’t be able to without a label backing them.  They often offer fun “rewards” to the fans as a thank you for backing the project and allows for a lot of different ways for fans and bands to interact.

In this case – the band promised a full length album recorded in thirds.  They toured to promote the first third. They released the first third. And then they seemed to go into hiding.  While some fans did get their rewards, others forked over large sums of money to be “VIP for life” and other such experiences that needed to happen when the band toured – and then the band opened for another group on a limited run and that was it.  $400 for ‘VIP for Life’ that ended up working itself out to maybe one ticket? Assuming any of the shows on this run were even close enough for you to attend?

When fans started getting up in arms about the band seemingly disappearing off the face of the earth, and their rewards not being fulfilled,  the second part of the album was released – with one song not even having lyrics, making it seem like it was half-assed just to release something to get the fans to back down.

It seems apparent that the band is no longer – each of them are clearly doing their own thing.  Emails asking about refunds are ignored. The crowd funding site is simply asking them to post an update and tells fans that they have to take legal action in order to get their money back.  Many fans are wondering “are you even still a band?”  Shouldn’t we at least be told if it is over? Be allowed to get some closure?  Some of these fans have invested a lot of money and time and effort into this band over the years.  Some of them invested a lot of money into this crowd funding project and came up empty handed.  Shouldn’t they at least be given an explanation of what their money went towards if not the album and touring to support it? Offered a compromise if the money was spent and they can’t give them a refund? Right now it seems like the money went towards trips to Disney World or helping to manage another artist – certainly not an album or a tour like they were promised.

This is a case of “buyer beware” and also a warning not to get too invested in bands because they will inevitably end up breaking your heart. (A lesson I will never seem to learn.)

So, You Want To Go To MOE?

Katie December 18, 2015 5 Comments

With the dates for Hanson Day (aka “MOE” or Members Only Event) having been announced for 2016 I thought I’d put something together to help those who have never gone before since a lot of the same questions have been asked.

This year Hanson Day will be celebrated on May 20 & 21st and The Hop Jam will be on May 22nd in Tulsa, OK.

In order to go – you must be a Hanson.net paid member.  If you’re not yet, join.  If you are reading this and it is 2015, get a 2015 membership.  If it is 2016 when you are reading this, get a 2016 membership.  Those of you who join in 2015 will receive the 2015 “Inside the Box” EP in the mail.  The 2016 EP will be released at Hanson Day weekend and can be picked up there by members who have paid their membership fees through 2017.  So if you paid for your membership in 2015, while you’ll be a valid member through May 2016 to attend MOE, you won’t be able to pick up your new kit UNLESS you renew early. (A cut off date is usually announced, but I’d suggest to do it in or before April)  Your membership will be good for another year from the date you originally joined and you’ll get to pick up the kit and take it home with you at MOE.

For example – if you joined December 18, 2015 as a 2015 member your membership would be good through December 18, 2016. (This date can be found on your account profile page.)  If you renew for 2016 on April 1, your membership will be extended to December 18, 2017 thus making you eligible to pick up the 2016 member kit at MOE 2016.

Where to Stay

Most of the events happen in the Brady Arts District in Downtown Tulsa.  The closest hotel is the Fairfield Inn.  This hotel is pretty small so it books up fast.  There is also the Hyatt about a mile walk away that is much bigger, but is either sold out for the weekend already, or has not yet released all the rooms.  These are the only hotels I have personally stayed at but there are several others within a mile or two of the area. I have heard a new hotel just opened by the BOK Center which is probably a mile or two from all the activities.  Hotels that do not have a shuttle from the airport will be about a $20-$30 cab or uber ride.

Do I Need a Car?

This depends on what you want to do.  If you are coming in early or staying later and want to explore more of Tulsa, I’d say yes.  If you are only coming in for Fri-Sun, you will probably be kept busy with so many Hanson activities that you won’t really need one if you are staying within walking distance.  If you are attending movie night – this is a distance from the rest of the activities and you will either need a car or to take a cab or uber there.

When Should I Come?

Activities with Hanson won’t officially kick off until about noon-time on Friday, but typically Thursday afternoon you are able to check in to the event and get your wristband as well as go shopping at the Hanson store.  In the past items have sold out after Thursday and were not restocked. This year they did end up getting everyone for sale online as well so it’s up to you.  As I mentioned above, if you want to see more of Tulsa you should either come early or stay later as they do tend to keep the weekend jam-packed with activities.

What activities are free?

All activities require a Hanson.net Membership ($40+shipping).  Free with your RSVP is access to the Hanson Store, access to the Hanson Gallery, Photos with the band, Access to State of the Band, and the Members Only Concert.

The Hop Jam concert on Sunday is also free and open to the public (so you do not need to be a Hanson.net member to attend) and this past year they did offer VIP Upgrades which gave you access to the beer garden early as well as merchandise.

What are the add on activities and how much are they?

Use these prices as an estimate as they are subject to change. Once they are released for sale, tickets will be in the Hanson.net store for those who RSVPed.

Movie Night – $12
Fan Club Dinner – $22 (Friday night and Saturday night, choice of Caz’s Chowhouse and Mexicali’s)
Street Team Leaders Dinner – $22 (available for street team leaders only)
Lectures / After Party – $25 (This is a packaged deal which gets you access to Isaac, Taylor and Zac’s lectures as well as the after party after the members only concert. They are not available separately)
Bowling – $50 (this also includes a t-shirt)

What does the schedule typically look like?

This is a break down based on 2015’s event to give you an idea.

Thursday
Registration beginning at 4pm
Store opened at 4pm

Friday
Registration began at 9am
Store opened at 9am
Gallery opened at 9am
Group Photos 12pm-2pm
Lectures Doors 2pm Talks 3-7 pm
Fan Club Dinner 8pm (Caz’s & Mexicali’s)
ST Leader Dinner 8pm
Movie Night 10:30pm

Saturday
Store opened at 9am
Gallery opened at 9am
Bowling 9am-12pm (Each team will be assigned their bowling time / lane)
Registration begins at 1pm
State of the Band Doors 3pm, Talk 4pm
Fan Club Dinner 6pm (Caz’s & Mexicali’s)
Concert Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
After Party 10:30pm

Sunday
The Hop Jam gates opened at 3pm

Where Should I Fly To?

Tulsa has an International Airport (TUL) that is serviced by many airlines. Oklahoma City is a couple of hours away and also has an airport. I am not sure the best way to get from OKC to Tulsa without renting a car – if anyone has experience let me know and I will add it in!

How Is The Weather?
Unpredictable.  Pack for all seasons.  Some years have been rainy, windy and cold, others have been so hot that you wish you packed a pair of shorts and some years have been all of the above all wrapped into one.  I’ve had years I brought nothing but a hoodie and regretted it, years I packed only jeans and regretted it and finally this year I found a happy medium with shorts, capris and jeans all in my bag!

RSVP is now up on Hanson.net – Just go to the calendar page once you are logged in to click the button to RSVP!  If you later realize you are no longer able to go, just click it again to un-RSVP.  Confirmations of who is on the RSVP list will be posted on Hanson.net much closer to the event.

If you have any questions that were not covered here – please leave a comment and I will do my best to answer! I have visited Tulsa for Members Only Events every year since 2009 so I guess I am a bit of a “veteran”

*NSYNC says Bye Bye Bye, Adele says Hello

Katie November 24, 2015 0 Comments

For the past 15 years, *NSYNC has held the record for most albums sold in the first week at 2.4 million.  This was achieved back in 2000 with their album No Strings Attached.  It seemed like this record would never be touched – with CD sales on the decline (and I’m saying “CD sales” but I mean digital downloads too – however you end up buying the whole CDs worth of tracks and not just a few here and there) not even Taylor Swift was able to touch it (1989 sold “only” 1.3 mil its first week).

It was beginning to seem like *NSYNC would hold this record forever.  That is until Adele came back on the scene with “25”.  In the first 3-4 days of it being on sale it beat the record and is on pace to sell 2.9 million.

I’m having trouble even wrapping my head around it all – but I guess it is just proving that the CD/full album is not dead. And even though there are plenty of other options – buying just 1 or 2 songs, streaming on sites like spotify or, yes, illegally downloading it – people are still buying.

I am looking forward to listening to Adele’s new album (and will probably review it in early 2016) but one thing is for sure – I’m a stubborn fan girl and even though the damage has been done, I won’t be buying it this week to help her beat *NSYNC.

(On the plus side, *NSYNC still have the most first week sales for males or a group. Although that just seems like a stretch to try and make me feel better.)