Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers will make stops at several venues and festivals including a performance at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA, as well as multiple nights with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Boston, MA. The tour comes on the heels of a banner year that saw Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers winning ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the 2011 International Bluegrass Association Awards.

In the roughly three years since Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers have been touring together they have delighted audiences at Bonnaroo, New Orleans’ Jazzfest and The Newport Folk Festival to name a few. They’ve embarked on four widely acclaimed tours with many critics noting Martin’s “exceptional musicianship.” The OC Register said “what’s so heartening and wonderful to see is Steve Martin back on stage, doing both things he does best – playing banjo and being funny.”

Watch them performing on The Ellen Show:

Rare Bird Alert has received critical acclaim since its 2011 release with reviews citing the album as “filled with deft musicianship and inventive word play” (The Tennessean). The album features 13 new Martin-penned tracks, including a live version of “King Tut,” and special guest vocals from Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks. Martin co-wrote two songs from the album with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Rare Bird Alert was produced by Tony Trischka and released on Rounder Records.

Steve Martin is a four-time Grammy® winner, the latest for The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, which won Best Bluegrass Album (2009), in addition he won for his collaboration with Earl Scruggs on Foggy Mountain Breakdown (2001) and two for comedy albums Wild and Crazy Guy (1978) and Let’s Get Small (1977.)

In this week’s Culture Desk blog for the New Yorker, Martin penned a moving tribute to legendary banjo player Earl Scruggs highlighting his enormous impact on American music and also recounting his personal memories sitting on Scruggs’ porch playing the banjo.

The current list of 2012 Tour Dates is as follows with additional dates to be announced soon.

2.10.2012 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort & Casino- Grand Theatre
2.11.2012 Porterville, CA Eagle Mountain Casino
4.28.2012 Indio, CA Stagecoach Festival
4.29.2012 Santa Barbara, CA The Granada
5.29.2012 Boston, MA Symphony Hall
5.30.2012 Boston, MA Symphony Hall
6.21.2012 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre

To purchase tickets and for more information on Steve Martin, including message boards, tour dates and more, please visit www.stevemartin.com.

So you know he designs shoes, right? Well, the same sexy, fashion-forward styling that footwear fans have come to expect from Carlos by Carlos Santana shoes can now be found in Santana’s line of Carlos by Carlos Santana handbags, available at eBags.com.

Featuring some of the hottest accessory trends of the season, handbag styles like the Supernatural Shoulder Bag and Harmonia Hobo showcase hardware embellishments, prints and patterns.

The minimalist detailing of the red-carpet-worthy Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege pumps sets the backdrop for a statement-making handbag like the Stella Croco Satchel. And the divine Mesa slingbacks pair beautifully with the exotic Supernatural Shoulder Bag in the black multi animal print. From work to dinner, the beauty of Carlos by Carlos Santana is the line’s personality and versatility.

For more info on the items available, click here: www.carlosshoes.com

Or to just enjoy Carlos Santana’s music, click here:

Business partners and investors hope that he can top the beverage consumer chargts with the same cross over popularity that has encouraged his music success. “There may be several drinks out there claiming to boost liveliness, but the energy drink market still provides many untapped marketing opportunities,” said Nelly.

Though Pimp Juice is the same size as most energy drink cans at 8.4 fluid ounces and contains both taurine and guarana — the main energy components, this is where the similarities end. Pimp Juice is a non-carbonated energy drink atypical to the usual soda-like energy drinks. It consists of 10 percent apple juice, with 100 percent vitamin C, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, and panothenic acid. The can is a sleek and shiny golf and silver, classy yet edgy with the coolest of names. The drink, itself, is bright green especially under the lights of the hottest night clubs. Its sweet yet tart flavor mixes perfectly with numerous vodkas and lends flavor to your game. With the assistance of taurine, guarana, and natural sugars, this drink will help you party all night long and give you that added edge in the game.

Industry experts believe that Nelly’s crossover appeal will carry over into the energy drink market and propel Pimp Juice to success as it has his music career. There are not many products which already have a mega celebrity endorsement and its own anthem on the music charts like Pimp Juice. Just as the song explains, PJ can be your sex appeal, it is your “Mojo”, your “It factor”. Basically,…”Pimp Juice is anything, attract the opposite sex, it could be money, fame, or straight intellect, it don’t matter! Pimp Juice is color blind; you find it work on all colors, creeds and kinds; from ages 50 right down to 9″.

Watch Nelly perform ‘Pimp Juice’ here:

Nelly is the newest musical artist looking to diversify his portfolio and conquer new entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to his successful male clothing line, Vokal, Nelly just launched his female clothing line, Apple Bottoms, with a nationwide search for the Apple Bottoms Girl. Nelly also has an innovative new member based fan-site, Nellynell.net and holds part ownership of a NASCAR team. All of this combined with his young record label, Derry Enetertainment, makes this young artist and now entrepreneur, one of the most sought after new moguls around.

Nelly is always up for a challenge. He has to be — as he is entering a category crowded with over 150 products in the US alone. Nelly is driven to make Pimp Juice successful and different. He accomplishes this through the drink’s unique design and one of a kind taste profile. The Pimp Juice team is driven by Nelly himself and overseen by Nelly’s parent company (Team Lunatics) CFO, Demetrius Denham. Pimp Juice as a brand is about energy, being positive and giving back through education so that everyone has a fair chance in not only “the game” but the game of life. Portions of the proceeds from sales go to Nelly’s nonprofit organization, 4Sho4Kids, which will give away a college scholarship each year to deserving individuals. A further step into education is that Pimp Juice will engage local colleges and students in their marketing plans and efforts.

In addition to the collaborative marketing campaigns, the company will put major resources into consumer collection and education about the product. Promotions in the works include a reality documentary and a nationwide contest targeted at college students.

About Pimp Juice:
Pimp Juice, currently only available in the Extra Strength formula, is a healthy, carbonated energy drink possessing a tropical berry flavour. PimpJuice’s artificial colouring gives it a smooth neon green glow, while its 10 % apple juice content adds a natural sweetness to its taste. Providing 100% of the body’s needed vitamin C, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12, Pimp Juice works to increase the drinker’s energy supply, which in turn enhances mental awareness, stimulates the metabolism, and battles bodily sickness.

In addition, an 250ml serving of pimp juice contains 7mg of Taurine, a conditionally essential amino acid that aids the body in its absorption of nutrients needed for optimal mental and physical performance. Pimp Juice acquires its boost from Caffeine, 80 mg per 250ml serving, and Guarana, an all-natural tropical ingredient. When roasted, Guarana seeds produce stimulating effects similar to caffeine.

Pimp Juice also includes 250 mg of D-Ribose and approximately 130 calories per serving. Pimp Juice represents the new and improved energy drink for today’s active and health conscious consumer. The use of caffeine, taurine, and guarana allows Pimp Juice to adequately address the energy needs of their consumers. In addition to these energy components, Pimp Juice also goes a step further to provide the nutrients needed to maintain this high level of function. Furthermore, Pimp Juice is ideal for demanding sports and intense workouts.

What’s in it?
Carbonated Water, Sugar, Apple Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Natural Flavour, D-Ribose, Malic Acid, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Ascorbic Acid, Inositol, Caffeine, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) Seed Extract, Tararzine, Taurine, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Brilliant Blue, Cyanocobalamin.

Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or caffeine sensitive persons. Maximum 2 servings per day.

Visit the web site at http://www.letitloose.com to learn more about the product and rest-assured, that Nelly will be straight pimpin’ in the energy market with Pimp Juice!

Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, formed the band in 1983 where he got Richie Sambora, (lead guitarist), Tico Torres (drummer), David Bryan (keyboardist) and Alec Jon Such (bassist). However, after a fallout, Alec Jon Such left the band and since then Hugh McDonald took over, but never appeared on CD album covers or seem to take much credit for his work.

The Bon Jovi official website is where you will find all their albums, a photo gallery and news. You can also listen or watch music videos from their greatest hits, so you can browse the internet and play Cheeky Bingo or air guitar along to hits like Living on a Prayer and It’s My Life.

Jon Bon Jovi is nearing his 50s, but that certainly doesn’t stop him from dressing in the latest fashions and pulling off the rock star look. Over the past couple of years he seems to enjoy wearing tight black trousers, and fitted shirts with several of the top buttons undone, with his famous tattoos out on show and cross and chain necklaces dangling over his shirt.

The way he has so much passion and enthusiasm shows his love for performing. Every single show, he dances, jumps around on stage and still manages not to get out of breath.

His style has changed with the times, but Jon Bon Jovi has always stayed on top of the trends. Even in the eighties, he was in fashion at the time. In those days, huge frizzy hair, skin tight jeans, and jackets with cowboy fringes were all in and Jon Bon Jovi loved wearing those.

As time went on, the hair calmed down and became a sleek and straightened blonde style. He dyed his hair brunette a couple of times but always returned to blonde. He then went through a phase of wearing skinny jeans and cowboy shirts and would put on a bandanna or cowboy hat when he sung his hits such as Wanted Dead or Alive or Blaize of Glory.

Here are just a few products from the newly hitched Sofia Coppola’s range.

For a multitude of moods, enjoy a single serving of Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. A distinctive blend as unconventional as the woman who inspired it, Mini is for the impromptu, impetuous, live-passionately-for-the-moment kind of person. The kind who lives like there is no tomorrow!

Celeste Fernandez, one of our Wine Family Associates, says, “Everyone gets a kick when they hear that Sofia comes in these clever cans; it’s truly a ‘portable pleasure,’ as stated on the box.”

VINEYARD NOTES
The grapes for our Sofia are grown in northern Monterey County where gentle breezes from Monterey Bay contribute to the long, cool growing season. In this environment Pinot Blanc, the main component of Sofia, ripens optimally and develops ripe flavors while still preserving vibrant acidity in the grapes.

Sofia Mini tastes a bit like fresh juicy pears, a little like summer melon, a little like refreshing citrus and honeysuckle. It has a little zest, a little spritz, perhaps a little glitz. It tastes a little bit bigger.

Size: 187ml each Mini. 4 Sofia Minis to a pack
Appellation: Monterey County, CA
Blend: Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat
Barrel Regimen: 14 months in French oak
Residual Sugar: Less than 1%
Alcohol: 11.5%

Sofia Champagne Stopper:
Preserve your champagne or sparkling wine for days! Just slip this colorful resealer over the bottle between toasts to keep in all your bubbles.

Stone Coaster: Sofia
These coasters are made from Botticino Marble quarried in Verona, Italy, and capture the rustic ambiance of what winemaking is all about. Bring a touch of Francis Ford Coppola Winery home to your own tasting room.
Imported. Sold individually.
Size: 4″ x 4″

Sofia Rose:
As seen on Yumsugar.com Top 5 Wines of the Week …

The peacefulness of a garden prompts Lise Asimont, Director of Grower Relations, to say, “I keep a couple in my fridge at all times during the summer. I love the fresh berries in this wine and it goes with anything we’re grilling. It’s so fresh and crisp; so pretty.”

Watch a short film about the Francis Coppola Winery here:

Francis Coppola Sofia Rosé is a wine of unparalleled beauty. From its shapely, stylized bottle to its delicate fruity essence, Sofia Rosé is a wine like no other. When served chilled, its refreshing style makes a delicious partner to light summer fare and savory hors d’oeuvres.

VINEYARD NOTES
The fruit for our rosé is grown in the cool vineyards of Monterey County, where the seasons are typically long and the soils impart delicate floral notes. The 2010 growing season was particularly lengthy because of a cool spring and mild summer. Low temperatures early on also reduced the crop size, which resulted in more concentrated fruit. Reflecting these conditions, the Syrah and Grenache we harvested this vintage is decidedly more intense and wonderfully aromatic.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
We like to harvest our rosé grapes at a lower brix to ensure we make a light wine that pairs with a diversity of foods. Immediately after being picked, the grapes are brought into the winery, crushed and destemmed. For color extraction, the grapes are cold soaked for 48 hours before the juice is separated from the skins. Then, we ferment at a cool temperature in order to retain the crisp acidity that is critical for this style of wine.

TASTING NOTES
Our 2010 Sofia Rosé offers alluring notes of pomegranate, crushed strawberries and lavender followed by juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, tea leaves, and cloves. It’s crisp, delicate, and elegantly fruity with just a kiss of spice on the finish.

Appellation: Monterey County
Blend: 75% Syrah, 25% Grenache
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: Dry

Sofia Riesling:
Our original Sofia sparkling wine was created as a gift from a father to his daughter as a celebration of love and beauty. Francis Coppola Sofia Riesling continues this tradition by bringing you a wine that is equally graceful, provocative, and alluring.

VINEYARD NOTES
Our Riesling grapes are grown in the cool vineyards of Monterey County, where moderate daytime temperatures and a prevailing fog end up lengthening the growing season by causing the grapes to ripen more slowly. This condition coupled with brisk nighttime temperatures helps the grapes sustain their crisp acidity; a critical component where Riesling is concerned.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Riesling is a highly impressionable grape that can taste vastly different depending on where it’s grown and what level of ripening has been achieved. In fact, this varietal can be crafted in styles ranging from bone dry to extremely sweet. Because we want our Sofia Riesling to pair well with a variety of foods, we have created an off-dry style that has just a touch of sweetness that is offset by an equal amount of crisp natural acidity in order to maintain a good balance on the palate. The texture and body of the wine, along with the aromatic flavors makes it a lovely match for spicy Asian cuisine, ham, and chicken with fruit chutney.

TASTING NOTES
Our 2010 Sofia Riesling boasts an alluring range of flavors and scents due to the wild weather shifts and late harvest we experienced. Vibrant flavors of lime zest, peaches, and pineapple are offset by nuances of quince, honey, flowers, and spice; all perfectly interwoven with a touch of minerality.

Appellation: Monterey County, CA
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 1% off dry style

Source: www.franciscoppolawinery.com

A native of Texas, Jessica has now created a great smelling, edible cosmetics and body care line in a variety of delicious and sweet flavors and scents. Dessert Beauty was first launched in April of 2004. The rich, decadent line offers everything from body bubbles to lip glosses, perfumes and body shimmers. There is even a whipped body cream in a canister with sprinkles.

The flavors come in all kinds of delicious smells such as Creamy (a cake like scent), Dreamy (a chocolate and coconut combination), and Juicy (a fruity, tangy smell). “Taste” is the newest addition to the line created by Simpson and is a combination of some of her favorite flavors and smells. The perfume is one of Sephora’s best sellers.

All of the items Dessert Beauty offers claim to be not only sweet smelling, but edible as well. Not to fear, however, Simpson and president and co-founder Randi Schinder (owner of Clean Cosmetics) consulted with top chemists to ensure that the products are also good for your skin in addition to enticing the senses and contain the highest quality ingredients like shea butter and natural oils.

The Dessert Treats line is a younger, fresher version of the Dessert Beauty line. The flavors are slightly simpler and a little more playful. Scents such as bubblegum, cotton candy, lollipop and banana split are just some of the sweet concoctions sold in the line.

Walgreens and Eckerd drugstores are just some of the retail chains offering the Dessert Treats line for sale at most of their cosmetics counters, so they are becoming more accessible to consumers.

Simpson says this is her most favorite line yet, because the scents are fun, flirty and familiar. She said she had a terrific time designing and trying out the new fragrances and flavors. The Dessert Treats line is currently offered at over 10,000 retailers worldwide and is somewhat less expensive than its counterparts, making it more available to a wider range of people.








Watch Jessica talking about and tasting her cosmetics line here:

You may wonder how Jessica Simpson got into the cosmetics business. She has been quoted as saying that if she were not into music, she’d always wanted to be a makeup artist. She is having a busy and exciting time working with Schinder in developing new products and attending launch parties, attending photo shoots, and releasing commercials. She has also presented her products on QVC.

SOURCE: essortment.com

He eventually chose three unique coffee blends to package under his own label,’David Lynch Signature Coffees.’



David Lynch Signature Cup Organic House Blend
A light roast with crisp and bright notes of creamy cocoa and hazelnutes. Beans come from the rugged Sierra Madres of Oaxaca, Mexico. Small farmers with less than two acres a piece make up this cooperative, which has been growing coffee organically as long as anyone can remember.

David Lynch Signature Cup Organic Espresso Roast
A medium-dark roast with rich and luscious full-body flavor and chocolate notes – an ideal base for the perfect caffe latte. A blend of Central American and Indonesian beans, roasted to a deep dark oily brown. The unique characteristics derived from these two continents are transformed into a hearty and supremely satisfying organic blend.

David Lynch Signature Cup Organic Decaf French Roast
A dark roast. Sweet, smoky, and smooth, this coffee is just as flavorful as regular coffee. Beans come from a blend of the Americas, East Africa, Arabia, and the islands of the Pacific Rim. The flavor from these highest quality beans stands up well to the decaf process.

Watch David Lynch talking about his coffee selection here:

‘AC/DC The Wine’ will be available in four different varieties:

AC/DC Back In Black Shiraz (2010 750mL Dry Red)
AC/DC You Shook Me All Night Long Moscato (2011 750mL Sweet White)
AC/DC Highway To Hell Cabernet Sauvignon (2008 750mL Dry Red)
AC/DC Hells Bells Sauvignon Blanc (2010 750mL Dry White)
The range of AC/DC wines will hit shelves in the coming weeks.

AC/DC joins a number of other rock bands that have launched their own wine collection, including KISS, MOTÖRHEAD, SATYRICON, WHITESNAKE, QUEENSRŸCHE and WARRANT.

‘AC/DC The Wine’ comes hot on the heels of the release of AC/DC Monopoly, allowing fans to battle for control of AC/DC’s most iconic albums and international locations.