Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Now almost 50 years into their career, OMD is back on the road, playing in cities across the United States. On a break from their tour, Andy McCluskey chatted about the group’s early beginnings, some of the memorable venues they’ve played and how they stay fit on the road – hint, it includes dancing.
A couple months after celebrating their group’s first anniversary, NOWADAYS changed their name to NOWZ, indicating that they’re ready for a fresh start. This summer marks an important time for the five-man K-pop group. They recorded a new song, “Fly to the youth,” which features their label mate YUQI, from the girl group i-dle. And the group is eagerly looking forward to visiting Los Angeles in August to perform at KCON – which has been likened to the Coachella of Korean culture.
Ahead of his upcoming headlining tour this fall – which will kick off in Chicago – alternative rocker Gunnar is promoting his new album, “Sun Faded.” Full of contemplative lyrics set to taut, guitar-based melodies, the Los Angeles-based artist reveals his fears and hopes on songs just as “Upside Down.” “I’m really proud of this record,” the 24-year-old musician said. “I feel like it’s a perfect representation of who I am today and the things I’ve gotten through to get to this point.”
“Broadway has a long legacy connected to so many generations of groundbreaking talent,” said “Just in Time” choreographer Shannon Lewis. “New musicals are born on Broadway that have influence around the world. Also, the talents involved at every level are literally the best of the best. I have a 30-year career that spans from performing, to now choreographing, these special shows. I’m so honored to be a part of the history and the future.”
Growing up as the daughter of the late Bill Kimpton – the founder of the Kimpton Hotels – Marcia Kimpton was accustomed to staying in some of the world’s nicest hotels. But the filmmaker and author also remembered staying in youth hostels, just like other twentysomething adventurers looking for ways to save money.
“I studied for a semester at the Moscow Art Theatre School,” said “Found” actress Gabrielle Walsh. “The Kremlin, Red Square and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg were wonders to behold. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had taken a class in Russian language before traveling there, but dropped it [out of] fear of lowering my GPA. But it did put me a step ahead, being able to read and decipher the language.”
Singer, cellist and beatboxer Kevin Olusola is famous for being one-fifth of the three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix. But this May, he makes his debut as a solo artist with his album “Dawn of a Misfit.”
“I feel Mexico has everything you could ask for,” said “Real Women Have Curves” co-star Florencia Cuenca. “And my personal favorite vacation includes a beach. There’s nothing like the motherland. I’m always longing to visit my family and friends, and eat delicious food. Because of my Broadway commitment right now, I don’t think we are going to be able to make that trip anytime soon. I am crossing my fingers that we’ll have a long and fun run!”
Leading up to the release of their infectiously catchy single, “Tea,” VVS released a series of enigmatic videos under “The 5 C’s” umbrella. The cinematic shorts presented the members as kickass warriors armed with swords, guns and roundhouse kicks – all of which was choreographed by “John Wick” stunt director Koji Kawamoto.
For musician Uwade, traveling around Norway with her two best friends was a bucket-list trip come true. “We got to see the Northern Lights, go snowmobiling and meet some very cute reindeer,” said the 25-year-old Palo Alto-based singer. “It was the middle of winter, so there was snow everywhere and basically no sunlight. It was wild and disorienting, but so beautiful.”
“Last year, my family and I took the train from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Whitefish, Montana, to visit Glacier National Park,” said The dB’s Peter Holsapple. “It was long-winded, but fantastic. We engaged a guide to take us around on Christmas Eve [during the day] who knew the park intimately. So we got backstories on everything. I would highly recommend getting sleeping accommodations on the train, though, for those two-day trips.”
John Ondrasik – better known as Five for Fighting – has been touring for decades. But rather than being jaded by life on the road, he said he considers it a perk that has yet to grow old. “One of the beautiful things about being in a touring band is seeing all aspects of America,” said the California native. “My favorites are the small towns between the big cities.”
“When traveling with artists, I tended to fall into their lifestyle,” said “Gliders Over Hollywood” author Paul Rappaport. “If it was reggae legend Peter Tosh, that meant a healthy lifestyle of nuts, berries and mint tea with honey – plus a fair amount of ganja. When I went on tour with The New Barbarians, a band put together by Ronnie Wood to promote his solo album featuring Rolling Stones bandmates Keith Richards on guitar and Bobby Keys on sax, I barely ate or slept for an entire week!”
“I love visiting Lisbon,” said “1923” actress Madison Elise Rogers. “The city has such a rich history and incredible food. I fell in love with pastéis de nata. I loved trying food from small local cafés. I visited Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio and wandered Alfama’s historic streets. I first visited Portugal when I was 17 years old and hope to return soon.”
“The Baxters” actor Josh Plasse is a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, co-screenwriter/actor/producer of the C. Thomas Howell film “Ride” and the author of his recently released fantasy novel “Dust” (Resolve Editions). Though the book is a work of fiction, Plasse said he utilized some of his travels as inspiration.
While hip-hop is a strong element of ONE OR EIGHT’s sound, the Japanese group also appreciates a good pop song. Their best collaborations are a fusion of both musical styles. Big Sean rapped on their song “Kawasaki,” while “Don’t Tell Nobody” – written and produced by Dave Stewart and One Republic’s Ryan Tedder – harkens back to the lush vocals of the ’90s boy bands.
“My band and I each have our own dedicated tub of Ben & Jerry’s, which we enjoy with peanut butter at night after the shows,” said Canadian musician LØLØ. “It’s the perfect combination.”
Gavin Rossdale is the lead singer and songwriter for the British grunge rock band Bush and an occasional actor (“The Trainer,” “Constantine”). He’s also the host of his own VIZIO WatchFree+ cooking show, “Dinner With Gavin Rossdale,” where he has conversations with guests like Serena Williams, Brooke Shields, Selma Blair, Common and Sir Tom Jones over meals that he prepares for them.
Traveling soon? These are some of the places my family and I have stayed. Some were amazing, while others were just meh. If you’ve got a recommendation for me, be sure to leave a comment and let me know.
“My trip to Paris was extra special because it was my mom’s first time seeing me perform overseas, and it was right around my birthday, ” said “Alivio” musician Chung Ha. “I have so many good memories of wonderful trips. New York. Florida. The small towns in Italy were so beautiful, like a fairytale. And Jungfrau in Switzerland. The scenery there felt unreal.”