Archive for May, 2009

OMG Legally Blonde is coming to TPAC and I have discounted tickets!


Yes ladies, one of the funniest girl power stories is coming to Nashville and I have discount tickets for you! Peroxide your roots, grab your powder puff and come out as LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical takes you from the sorority house to the halls of justice.

Laura Bell Bundy, the Tony-nominated star of the Legally Blonde Broadway Production, will take the stage as Elle Woods at at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, June 23-28. Bundy recently moved to Nashville to pursue a country music career.

Lauren Zakrin, star of the MTV reality series, Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods, will perform during the matinee performances at TPAC.

Heather Byrd and Stephanie Langston (that’s me) are serving as special guests for the Women’s Night on Broadway pre-show reception Thursday June 25th. As a Stephinthecity reader, TPAC is offering two special deals in conjunction with Women’s Night on Broadway so you can come out and join us girls. The first, is a 20% discount on all price levels for that Thursday performance which includes the preshow reception with our blonde heads. The second is the Elle’s Lounge VIP Experience. Email groups@tpac.org or call 782-4060 and make sure to mention Women’s Night on Broadway or my name for your discounted tickets. Come on we will have an Elle of a time! Click HERE for more details on the Women’s Night on Broadway event.

In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL earned seven 2007 Tony Award nominations. The musical also ranked in the top ten list of the most requested Ticketmaster “Arts & Theatre Events” for 2007. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL received three 2009 Touring Broadway Awards in New York City in 2009.

Photo credit- Joan Marcus

John Prine performs Duane Jarvis Memorial benefit

One of my all time favorite American songwriters, John Prine, came out to play the Basement Monday for the Duane Jarvis Memorial benefit. Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash and George Strait are just a few of the legends that have worked with the Grammy winning songwriter. John performed about four songs. Rosie Flores joined him onstage for a song. Other surprises included a performance by Will Kimbrough and Buddy Miller sat in with Jim Lauderdale.

Jim Lauderdale, Eric Brace, Billy Block Family and Chris Scruggs were among the other artist that donated their time to honor Duane Jarvis.

Duane, whose lead guitar work landed him gigs with Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, John Prine and others, died April first of colon cancer. He was 51.

Pictured- John Prine, John Prine & Rosie Flores and Jay, Lou & Nikki Smart (Smart Brothers).

If you have any celeb encounters email me by clicking HERE!!!

Double Wedding at Jack White’s Nashville home~

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)- White Stripes drummer Meg White has married fiance Jackson Smith in Nashville.

The rock drummer’s publicist said in a statement Tuesday that the ceremony was part of a double wedding Friday in the backyard of White’s musical partner Jack White.

Smith is the son of punk singer Patti Smith and the late guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith of the rock band MC5. The younger Smith is also a rock guitarist.

The other couple that wed Friday was Jack Lawrence and his girlfriend Jo McCaughey.

Jack Lawrence is the bass player in Jack White’s other musical projects: the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather.

The wedding was attended by a small party of close friends and relatives.

Wy to headline July 4th festivities at Riverfront

Now that Memorial Day festivities have passed it’s time to look on to Nashville’s next celebration, July 4th. The 25th anniversary of the “Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!” celebration in Riverfront Park will boast one of the nation’s best fireworks displays with country music superstar Wynonna Judd headlining. The show line-up will also include The Gabe Dixon Band, the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and Nashville actor Barry Scott. The world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers will perform the national anthem.

“Singing with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra? My favorite. Being in Nashville for the July 4th weekend with my family to celebrate the South’s largest fireworks display? Even better. Using my gift to encourage and inspire others during this tough economic time? My purpose. This event is the total package for me and I’m going to sing it like nobody’s business,” Wynonna said via press release.

Downtown festivities will begin at noon, with live music kicking off at 3. The official two-hour free concert will start at 7 and will conclude with the South’s largest fireworks show at approximately 9:10 p.m.

Roots rocker to be honored at Memorial Benefit~

A slew of musicians will perform in honor of guitarist Duane Jarvis on Memorial Day. Duane, whose lead guitar work landed him gigs with Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, John Prine and others, died the first of April of colon cancer. He was 51.

The Basement will host a Duane Jarvis Memorial, Memorial Day BBQ and Concert Monday from 6-11. More than a dozen artist are expected to play including; Jim Lauderdale, Eric Brace, James Intveld, Rosie Flores, Chris Scruggs and Dave Coleman.

Come celebrate the life and music of Nashville recording artist and guitarist, Duane Jarvis. The suggested donation for the event is $15. Food will be provided by Hot Diggity Dogs.

Hank Williams Jr. Seen in the City!

Hank Williams Jr. recently visited Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on lower Broadway in Nashville. The country star performed a rowdy rendition of “Family Tradition,” then took a break in the famous front booth to sip on whiskey and Miller Lite.

Earlier in the night, Hank accompanied his daughter Holly Williams to her appearance on Opry Classics’ Families in Country Music Night.

If you see any celebs out and about email me by clicking HERE!!!

Martina McBride Seen in the City~

Country singer Martina McBride made a surprise appearance at Tribe Wednesday night. Sources tell me that RCA officials chose the alternative lifestyle lounge to showcase her new dance remix “Ride.” The song is the official remix version (Lenny B. Radio Edit) of Martina’s first single from her new album “Shine.”

Martina sat in a reserved area, but took tons of pics and signed autographs for club-goers who packed the room. The country super star stuck around for some 2 hours! Those that came out viewed a montage of Martina music videos on the TV screens and got a free CD.

Martina’s husband, John McBride was also in attendance. The country singer is pictured here with Todd Shelton and Pam Wheeler. Photo courtesy of Keith Hinkle.

Martina is set to appear on The Bachelorette Monday. She will be giving a private concert at Hollywood’s House of Blues, where she will sing Ride and her new single, I Just Call You Mine.

The Slip ‘N Slide returns~

Sunshine, BBQ, margaritas, a swimming pool and a Slip ‘N Slide made for a fun Sunday as Josh Macer (pictured) held is 32nd “Birthday de Celebratio’n.” Tim & Lynn Lawyer (pictured) opened the grounds of their Brentwood home, while Chris Weaver (pictured) performed an acoustic set that featured an array of jukebox classics.

Beer Pong, Corn Hole and other wholesome activities entertained the adults that like to pretend we are still in our 20’s. John Hardin (pictured) pulled out his usual Slip ‘N Slide magic; with tarps and dish detergent providing a slippery good time.

Fashion & Rock take center stage at “Naked Without Us”

The 4th annual Naked Without Us event extended into a 4 day fashion rock festival at several spots across the city last week including; 12th and Porter, Mercy Lounge, Mai and The Basement. Rock ‘n’ roll and fashion took center stage as more than 20 designers showcased their latest looks.

Fresh off the plane from St. Martin, I managed to make it out to Saturday night’s festivities at the Mercy Lounge. Born Empty, Used Computers, Speaker Spell, Future and Lord T and Eloise headlined the show. White Rabbit, Valentine Valentine, Shannon Lea, Rae Clothing, Anne Theisen Design, Bub Clothing and Becca Lou (pictured) all showcased their hottest designs.

Everyone moved over to Mai for the official after party, which was slammed wall to wall.

Steph’s in St Maartin~


I am leaving behind my cell phone and laptop and heading to the tropical island of St Maartin. Four of my friends and I have a week booked with fun festivities which include; yacht racing at the 12 Metre challenge , snorkeling off the Scoobidoo boat, a ride down the zip line at Loterie Farm and a visit to the famously nude Orient Beach . I provided links to these spots if you want to check them out. Yippee!

Email me celeb sightings, hot tips or pictures from events that I happen to miss (like Steeplechase), by clicking HERE!!!.

See you back in Nashville next week!