I was going to post about this when I first saw it, but then I forgot, and was only reminded about it last night. Unfortunately, tickets the first two tapings of the new Comedy Central series “John Oliver & Friends” are sold out, but there are still some left for Sunday night. (Note to the uninitiated, if you really want to see these shows, I’d just show up.) Check out the lineup below, details on how to get tickets after the jump:

Friday, Oct. 23 – 6:45 PM – NO TIX LEFT
Marc Maron, Janeane Garofalo, Maria Bamford, Hannibal Buress, Pete Holmes, Amy Schumer

Saturday, Oct. 24 – 7:45 PM – NO TIX LEFT
Paul F. Thompkins, Eugene Mirman, Maria Bamford, Greg Fitzsimmons, Chris Hardwick, Nick Kroll

Sunday, Oct. 25 – 5:45 PM
Brian Posehn, Kristen Schaal, Matt Braunger, Chris Hardwick, Hari Kondabolu, Mary Lynn Rajskub

“John Oliver Friends This Weekend (Free Comedy Taping)” continued after the jump

You won’t be able to actually see the show, but you can go for free. Request your FREE tickets to the Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concerts here.

OBSTRUCTED SEATS: We have 750 seats BEHIND the stage that are partially or completely obstructed for most of the performances. Here are some important notes regarding our seats:

You will hear all of the performances perfectly as we have provided extra sound to our sections.

We have multiple video screens in our sections so you can see every performance as it is happening regardless of the view.

The obstructions will cover part or most of the stage from your vantage point. However, you will be able to see the rest of madison Square Garden through a large opening in the stage backdrop. YOU WILL DEFINITELY FEEL THE ENERGY IN THE ROOM.

For the closing acts (U2 and Bruce), you will be able to see most of the performance because we will remove one of the main visual obstructions.

Concessions will be available (cash bar) during the entire show.

Our seats are obstructed but they are FREE and tickets for this event start at $2500/each.

ALTHOUGH YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE MOST OF THE PERFORMANCES, YOU WILL BE PART OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT.

OCT. 29TH LINE UP:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND (closing act)
STEVIE WONDER
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
PAUL SIMON
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND FRIENDS

OCT. 30TH LINE UP:

U2 (closing act)
ARETHA FRANKLIN
ERIC CLAPTON
METALLICA

Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… – Season 1 on Blu-Ray and DVD

Intrepid readers may recall that Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… has been renewed for another season, and it just so happens that the Season 2 tapings start next week at the historic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. Check out the information below for the first list of announced guests and details on how to get tickets.

September 21, 2009 (Monday) @ 7:00 PM
Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…
Apollo Theatre (New York, NY)
Neko Case
Jesse Winchester
Sheryl Crow
Ron Sexsmith
Get Tickets

September 23, 2009 (Wednesday) @ 7:00 PM
Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…
Apollo Theatre (New York, NY)
Ray Lamontagne
Lyle Lovett
John Prine
Get Tickets

September 24, 2009 (Thursday) @ 7:00 PM
Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…
Apollo Theatre (New York, NY)
Levon Helm
Allen Toussaint
Nick Lowe
Richard Thompson
and special appearances by Ray LaMontagne and Larry Campbell + The Imposters
Get Tickets

As I also mentioned back in April, a DVD release of Spectacle was being planned and the release date for Season 1 is now set for November 3 (it will also be available on Blu-Ray disc). Each episode has been extended for the DVD release and the 4 disc box set (or is it 5 disc?) contains over 90 minutes of special features.

Last but certainly not least, Elvis’ iconic 1978 performance at the El Mocambo in Toronto, Ontario kicks off a new series of live albums from Elvis Costello. The El Mocambo record was originally only available as a vinyl radio promo and was (and still is) extremely valuable as a collector’s item. Though bootlegs have circulated for many years, the Live at The El Mocambo performance was officially released on CD as part of the 2 1/2 Years Box Set in 1993. This disc marks the first in a series of “Costello Show” live recordings which will be comprised of “classic Costello concerts including a performance at Hollywood High in California and other shows to be announced”. It’s interesting to note that Costello has never released “a proper live album” unless you count the aforementioned El Mocambo promo record, the limited edition Costello & Nieve EP box set, the jazz inspired My Flame Burns Blue, the Deep Dead Blue EP (w/ Bill Frisell) or the various live bonus tracks that have shown up on the re-releases over the years. Live at the El Mocambo comes out on September 29 and it’s a must record to own if you don’t have it already, but as an old school fan, I’m much more interested in those “classic Costello concerts” that haven’t otherwise seen the light of day.

Check out the full press releases for the Season 1 box set of Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… and The Costello Show concert series after the jump.

“Spectacle Season 2 Tapings Begin, Spectacle Season 1 Coming on DVD, and More Elvis Live Reissues” continued after the jump

Photo: Dustin Diaz

Enter here to win a chance to sit on the band bench on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

We’re currently accepting entries for the chance to see the following musical guests:

* Wednesday, July 15: Aimee Mann – Code: AIM
* Thursday, July 16: Jonas Brothers – Code: JOB
* Friday, July 17: The Dead Weather – Code: TDW
* Thursday, July 23: Twisted Sister – Code: TWS

Interested in sitting on the Band Bench but have no preference for what band you see? Use code ANY

RSVP for a chance to attend this special free taping (in New Orleans, LA) over here*.

* If you are selected to attend, you will be emailed a confirmation and details approximately one week before the April 23 show.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs on SNL (04/11/09)

Sign up here for the chance to watch your favorite band live on the Jimmy Fallon show. Check out the upcoming band schedule below:

We’re currently accepting entries for the chance to see the following musical guests:

Monday April 13th: Sarah Watkins – Code:SAW
Tuesday April 14th: Akon – Code:AKO
Wednesday April 15th: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Code:YYY
Friday April 17th: Plain White T’s – Code: PWT
Tuesday April 21st: Chester French – Code: CHF
Thursday April 23rd: Tinted Windows – Code: TWI

The Hold Steady on Fuel TV’s “The Daily Habit”

Photos: Tim Griffin

On March 26, The Hold Steady played an intimate gig before a live studio audience for a taping of Fuel TV’s “The Daily Habit”. For those of you unfamiliar with Fuel TV or the “Daily Habit“, I can tell you that Fuel TV is the world’s (?) “only 24/7 action sports lifestyle network” and the “Daily Habit” is a half-hour daily talk show which features “action sports celebrities, musicians, comedy, and cutting-edge new products”. In NYC, Fuel TV broadcasts on Time Warner Cable channel 456.

After doing some schmoozing, designing my own custom silk screened t-shirt, and imbibing more than a few Veev cocktails, I was sated and slightly lubricated by the time the Hold Steady took the stage for their “extended” set at the Bathhouse studios on Thursday night. Tim was there to get the photos, and my cohort and Hold Steady superfan Anders was there to review the set. Despite his grousing, Anders actually enjoyed the show, here’s what he had to say about it:

The band performed admirably well, considering the industry party atmosphere, questionable mixing, and sound being way too loud for the speakers. Audience members unfamiliar with the songs probably had a hard time catching more than a fraction of the Craig Finn’s clever lyrics, and the volume served to muddy Tad Kubler’s exceptional guitar. The sound did improve a fair bit toward the back of the room; the bathroom line was probably the best place to listen from, though with a floor-level stage, the band was entirely hidden at 20 feet away. One can only hope the mixing board is clean; otherwise, it’s hard to see how they will get this performance to air. Sure, this all sounds like some serious whining, but the fact remains: The Hold Steady could play in a padded box, to a confused nursing home audience, and they’d still rock. Plus, it’s kind of cool to be able to see the show that’s ten feet away from you from multiple angles (complete with swooping snl-musical-guest style camera!) on monitors around the room.

Set List
1. Constructive Summer
2. Stay Positive
3. Sequestered in Memphis
4. Cattle and the Creeping Things
5. The Swish
6. Magazines
7. Your Little Hoodrat Friend
8. Stuck Between Stations
9. Slapped Actress

For my money, i thought it was too in there loud too, but as far as I’m concerned, free food, free drinks and The Hold Steady = Good Times. This episode of the “The Daily Habit” is part of a special New York theme week that will air in early April on Fuel TV. Other musical guests for New York week included Busta Rhymes and Amazing Baby.

The Hold Steady next play NYC on Monday, March 30 at The Fillmore at Irving Plaza (a smaller venue than normal for them). More pictures from the “Daily Habit” taping after the jump.

“The Hold Steady Played Fuel TV, Playing Irving Plaza Monday Night” continued after the jump

Because like George Costanza, I enjoy reading Glamour Magazine every now and then (if you get the reference, you should know that I’m joking). Here are the details on the seatfilling gig:

The Glamour Women of the Year Awards honors the achievements of women and is a very special evening. While we can’t release the names of the honorees/presenters/performers appearing this year, the talent line-up is first rate. This is a favorite of many!

For an indication of talent, past attendees were Catherine Zeta Jones, Melissa Etheridge, Susan Sarandon, Katie Couric, Natalie Cole, Rita Wilson, Ethan Hawke, Venus Williams, Jennifer Garner, Goldie Hawn, Queen Latifah, Steven Spielberg, Diane Sawyer, Martin Short and a past performances by Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Patti Labelle and Alicia Keys.

As always, this offer is FREE.

DETAILS:
Date: 11/10/08
Venue: Carnegie Hall
Arrival Time: 5:00pm
Show Time: 7:00pm
Dress: semi-formal/cocktail attire
Age: over 21 (strictly enforced)

You can sign up to be a seatfiller for GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR at the following link (http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=1010107L) or visit our website at www.TVaudiences.tv for the sign-up link.

PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP IF YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND

Be sure to set your spam settings to allow for mail from Seatfillers@aol.com and GlamourAwards@aol.com.

By signing up, you are NOT confirmed to attend. Those confirmed will be sent an email approximately 1 week before the show.

Elvis Costello

Another free Spectacle taping coming up, this time it’s Rufus Wainwright and Elvis at the historic Apollo Theatre.

Be part of the audience for Rufus’ appearance on Elvis Costello’s TV show!

Hello fans! Exciting news: Rufus will be appearing on Sundance Channel’s new show, “Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…” hosted by Elvis Costello himself. The more exciting news: YOU can be a part of the audience for the taping of this episode at the Apollo Theatre in New York City! Here’s the info:

Date: Monday, September 8, 2008
Time: Doors open at 6:45pm
Doors close promptly at 7:30pm
Location: The Apollo Theatre, 235 West 125th Street in New York City

Apply for tickets now! In your email ticket request, please include the following:
1.) Legal first and last name and, if requesting an additional ticket, the legal first and last name of your intended guest
2.) Your age, mailing address, email address, and phone number – include the same for your intended guest, if applicable.

Email ticket requests to:

rufustvtaping@gmail.com

By Friday, September 5th, 2008, all confirmed ticket recipients will receive a phone call or email detailing the procedure for the issuance of tickets, as well as providing further information regarding this extraordinary event.

RULES:
- Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Please, respond ONLY if you are absolutely certain of your ability to attend.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to be considered (proper ID will be required)
- Ticket requests are limited to two (2) per person
- This is an exclusive event wherein the buying and selling of tickets can and will result in the forfeiture of said bought and/or sold tickets.
[RufusWainwright.com]

More info about the series after the break.

“Another Spectacle Taping with… Rufus Wainwright” continued after the jump

Nas – Untitled

Just noticed this on upcoming.org.

We are looking for 500 fans to be a part of the SAMSUNG SUMMER KRUSH concert series taking place August 27th 2008, at Webster Hall in NYC!

There will be a special LIVE 1 hour performance by NAS!

You must 18+ years old to attend and the tickets are FREE!!!

Visit www.1iota.com and click the Samsung Summer Krush link and request your FREE tickets today!

All Nas tour dates after the jump.

“Free NAS Taping at Webster Hall” continued after the jump

Like I promised, here is the seatfilling information for the 2008 Fashion Rocks Awards (please don’t email me personally about being a seatfiller for this show as I have nothing to do with the process).

Fashion Rocks, hosted by Denis Leary, is presented by Conde Nast Media Group, and celebrates the best in fashion and music and will take place on Friday, September 5th from Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

Currently, performers include Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Kid Rock, Duffy, Fergie, Justin Timberlake, L’il Wayne, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Chris Cornell, One Republic, Pussycat Dolls, Solange Knowles and Timbaland with special guest Lynyrd Skynyrd.

This is a specific casting. We are looking for ALL TYPES ages 25-35 (or who look within this age range) to be front and center! You will be surrounding the stage for the entire show. We are looking for “fashionable” types. Style/Dress is “Rock n Roll Cool”. You must be enthusiastic and willing to stand for the entire time. Arrival time is tentatively scheduled for 5pm.

Those interested will have to sign up via this link, and then submit a photo. Instructions for submitting a photo will be emailed to you after signing up. Photo does NOT have to be a professional picture.

Be sure to set your spam settings to allow for mail from Seatfillers@aol.com and CastingAudience@aol.com.

By signing up, you are NOT confirmed to attend. Those confirmed will be sent an email approximately 1 week before the show. Those not chosen will still have the opportunity to apply to be a seatfiller when that offer goes out at a later time.

You may forward this offer on to others, but they MUST sign up by FIRST registering at www.TVaudiences.tv and then can use the link provided above.

Sign Up: http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=1008991z

Hey, did anyone else know that Fuse has a show that’s like Jackass but with girls called Rad Girls? It’s sort of awful. In any event, check out the glorious seatfilling opportunity below.

“YOU ROCK, LET’S ROLL”

YOU my lucky friend are cordially invited to be a part of the LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE!

If you’re COOL, FUN, HIP, & at least age 15… join us for a Dating Game Show that hooks up Musicians with their adoring FANS!

If you love DATING GAME SHOWS, MUSIC TRIVIA, & REALITY TV…

Come to a FREE TV TAPING!

*SPECIAL iTUNES PRIZES FOR THE AUDIENCE!

TAPING DATES:
Mon June 16
Tues June 17
Wed June 18
Thurs June 19
Fri June 20

TIMES: 12:00 PM Noon OR 4:00 PM Each Day
LOCATION: FUSE Studio
11 Penn Plaza, NYC 10001 (W 32nd St & 7th Ave)

Go To StarFlowEntertainment.com to get your Free Tickets NOW!

CLICK “FUSE TV: Audience Opp” on our HOME PAGE. Next CLICK “SIGN UP” button, last choose the date/time that works best for YOU!

More about the show after the jump.

“Another Rockin’ Seatfilling Opportunity From Fuse.TV” continued after the jump

We are currently offering the opportunity to be a Seatfiller at the Bravo “A-List Awards” – hosted by KATHY GRIFFIN, taking place at the Manhattan Center (Hammerstein Ballroom) in NYC on June 4th (to air the following week).

Bravo is dedicated to celebrating the creative process and showcasing some of the leading creative minds working today, and as the only channel to include virtually every popular field of the arts – beauty, design, fashion, food and pop culture – it’s the most logical home for an event that celebrates these disciplines. “My Life on the D-List” star Kathy Griffin hosts Bravo’s first ever “A-List Awards” honoring those people that have made an indelible mark in the arts, with a special star-studded red carpet pre-show hosted by Tim Gunn (per Bravo website). Show promises lots of celebrity presenters and honorees.

As always, this offer is FREE.

DETAILS:
Date: 6/4/08
Venue: Manhattan Center (Hammerstein Ballroom) New York, NY
Arrival Time: 6pm (to be confirmed)
Dress: Cocktail attire (strictly enforced)
Age: over 21 (strictly enforced)

For more info on what it is to be a seatfiller, please visit our web-site at www.TVaudiences.tv

You can register to be a seatfiller for the Bravo “A-List Awards” at the following link https://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=1007787z (you may have to cut and paste).

PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP IF YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND.

FYI – Each time you sign up for a specific show, you are considered a “new subscriber”.

You must use the link above to sign up – we do not accept email requests.

Be sure to set your spam settings to allow for mail from Seatfillers@aol.com and BravoAudience@aol.com.

By signing up, you are NOT confirmed to attend. Those confirmed will be sent an email approximately 1 week before the show.

You may forward this offer on to others, but they MUST sign up by FIRST registering at www.TVaudiences.tv and then can use the link provided above.

HI!
Just wanted to say thanks for attending.
If you did miss the shows they were amazing!!
Very intimate & great performances.
One of a kind setting & of course, Elvis!!

IF you did make it,
OUR producers LOVED the crowd.
GREAT ENERGY, very diverse & a good vibe.
It helped make the shoot look amazing & Elvis loved the audience as
well.

FOR THOSE THAT HAVE NOT RESERVED TICKETS ALREADY,
They wanted to extend the opportunity for tickets to
The LAST 2 SHOWS till SEPTEMBER.
LET US KNOW ASAP if you want seats.
You can pass on to friend family BUT we will be out of tickets by
this weekend so pass along or respond ASAP!!

You are invited to receive
4 COMPLIMENTARY TV TICKETS AT NBC STUDIO!!
TO Both or either of the following shows…
THESE ARE OUR FINAL SHOWS UNTIL SEPTEMBER
Feel free to forward!

Date: TUESDAY April 15th, 2008
ELVIS COSTELLO with TONY BENNETT

Date: WEDNESDAY April 16th, 2008
ELVIS COSTELLO with LOU REED

Audience Arrival: 5:45pm
Taping Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Studio 8-H
49 West 49th Street, NYC, NY 10020

EMAIL MIKE@GOTHAMCASTING.COM
Include name, age, phone #, how many tickets you need & guest names

More “Spectacle” taping information after the jump.

“More “Spectacle” Tapings | Tony Bennett & Lou Reed” continued after the jump

Be a Seatfiller at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, on November 5, 2007. This event honors the achievements of the top women in a variety of fields (not to be confused with Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence). While we can’t announce this year’s honorees or talent, it is always an amazing line-up.

DETAILS:
Date: 11/5/07
Venue: Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
Arrival Time: 5:00pm
Show Time: 7:00pm
Dress: semi-formal/business attire
Age: over 21
FREE!

For more info on what it is to be a seatfiller, please visit http://www.TVaudiences.tv.

You can ONLY register to be a seatfiller for Glamour Women of the Year at the following link (you may have to cut and paste): http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=1004317z