It’s time to get excited: Polar Bear Week is almost here! Running from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6, the special time coincides with the annual gathering of hundreds of polar bears on the shores of Hudson Bay where they wait for the sea ice to freeze so they can start hunting seals out on the frozen ocean.
Polar Bears International will also be doing a live, family-friendly concert to kick off Polar Bear Week for the first time. The concert will host a performance by Kishi Bashi (multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter) with bears in the background, and families can tune in this Wed., Oct. 27 at 1:30 PST / 4:30 EST (it’s free, just RSVP here).
Are your littles major LOL fans? Well, get ready for the biggest virtual concert ever!
MGA Entertainment, the makers of L.O.L Surprise Dolls, wants to give a big thank to all its fans with the ultimate immersive experience. Complete with dancing, trivia and tons of surprises throughout, the event will also announce the biggest U.S. fans!
Pressley Hosbach, TikTok star, will host the event with That Girl Lay Lay and other special guests like Big Will and his crew. In addition to awesome trivia and surprises, 100 Superfans will get $500 to support a cause of their choosing.
The free event is happening on Jul. 7 at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST. You can register for free tickets at LOLSurprise.com/LOLDay to receive a one-use link to watch on-demand.
Diversity and inclusion are spectacular! And Disney+ is celebrating its community of LGBTQ+ creators, employees and fans with a first-ever virtual variety show. This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will feature plenty of big names and unique musical performances and you can watch it live on YouTube and Facebook.
The concert streams on Sunday, June 27 at 8 p.m. ET and includes Alex Newell (Glee), DCapella (Disney Music Group’s acapella performers), Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway), Todrick Hall and Kermit the Frog! It’s hosted by Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and will reinterpret iconic Disney songs through a LGBTQ+ lens.
“At Disney+, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to bring us together and inspire us to live authentically,” said Joe Earley, global head of Marketing and Content Curation for Disney+. “We are committed to amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ creators and talent, and platforming content that reminds people to love loud – and sing louder – in this special event.”
It’s sure to have you humming along, but the concert will also raise awareness for GLSEN, a nonprofit that works to ensure LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow safely in school. For more diverse content, check out the “Celebrate Pride Month” content set streaming on Disney+, or watch OUT, the Pixar SparkShort that’s available now on YouTube.
––Sarah Shebek
Image courtesy of Disney+, featured image courtesy of Samantha Hurley/Burst
When you met your partner, was it love at first sight? (Or “site,” seeing as so many of us meet on social dating sites these days!) Were you swept off your feet and whisked away to many a romantic rendezvous?
No matter how you met or how hot and steamy the beginning of your relationship was, you likely went on dates. Often they started out simple, allowing you to get to know one another, maybe long soul-syncing talks at a cafe or slow and intimate home-cooked dinners with wine. Then they may have become more active: out to a concert or sporting event, rock climbing followed by some beers at a local pub, strolls up and down the beach boardwalk.
The options were endless! The time—abundant! The mood—carefree!
And then you had children.
Now, your daily interaction is often a transaction. You two run the business of keeping your home functioning and this doesn’t leave much time for galavanting around town, kid-free, blowing through your hard-earned moolah.
So, if time and pockets are so short, why bother? For one, do you enjoy engaging with your life partner in this I’ll-do-this-if-you-do-this sort of manner? I’m waging a bet that the answer is a big fat “no.”
Here are three very good reasons why you should keep dating your spouse.
If you plan to be with this person for life, as you most likely intended when you promised this at your wedding, then you might need to work on your marriage just a smidge to keep the spark alive and well. You’ll be reminded of you why you love your partner in the first place.
It will be fun! And it will be a welcome break from the monotony of the every day wake-parent-work-parent-sleep lifecycle.
Your kids will benefit! As you and your spouse strengthen your partnership, you will be a wonderful role model to your children of how a healthy couple should be. Additionally, these lovey dates may refill your frequently empty parenting tank, allowing you to be a better, more patient parent.
Okay, so I’ve sold you on why you should date your partner, but how to find the time or the money to plan a date?
What my husband and I have done with intention this year, is plan one official date per month where we line up babysitting for the kids and we leave the house. That’s the biggest hurdle. We are lucky that my parents (mainly my mom) are often available to help out and that saves us some money. If they aren’t free, then we hire a sitter. Yes, this adds to a date night expense, but it is worth it, promise.
If you don’t have the extra to spend on a sitter, see if one of your mom friends would be willing to come sit at your house while your children sleep (and her partner stays home with their own kids). You could pay her in unlimited Netflix usage during her stay. Heck, she may even appreciate the “evening off” with her own kids.
And now the big question: what to do? Um, anything?! You’re kid-free, remember?
Here are some great and budget-friendly date ideas:
Go for a walk in a green space near your house during sunset
Grab happy hour drinks downtown while you people watch
Go to a cafe where you listen to a podcast together and then discuss
Drive away from the city to stargaze together
Eat out somewhere nice but affordable. Savor eating at your own pace (hooray for not having to tend to kids or shovel your food down!)
Use sites like TravelZoo and Groupon to get discounts of what would be a more expensive date, like a couples massage or concert tickets
Take a bottle of champagne on a hike (like we did many many moons ago)
Any of those resonate with you? This is getting me excited for my husband and my next date! But, what if you and your partner have different ideas of fun? You could each make a list of five to 10 date ideas. Put all the options together and then pick one at random!
Whatever you do, the goal is to connect and have fun. And if dating one another fortifies your relationship foundation—that has shifted as it made room for your new roles as parents—well then that’s worth planning for, isn’t it?
I am a mom to two young kids, a licensed psychotherapist, and a children's book author. My passion is to help and empower moms and children to understand themselves better, navigate challenge confidently, and live the life they want. Visit me at ChristinaFurnival.com
Fans at Thomas Rhett’s recent concert were treated to some special news: the Akins family is expecting! The country singer was given the go-ahead by his wife Lauren to share that baby number four is on the way right before singing his song, “To the Guys That Date My Girls.”
Rhett also shared the special news on his Instagram account by sharing, “well, we are pregnant again!” Not only is baby going to join three siblings, she will be the fourth girl for the fam!
Married in 2012, Lauren and Thomas also share daughters Willa Gray, 5, Ada James, 3 and Lennon Love, 1. No word yes on when baby Akins will join her crew, but stay tuned.
Calling all princess fans! Disney has teamed up with Pandora Jewelry for a very special event and it’s perfect for tiara-wearing kiddos.
Disney Princess—The Concert is an 85-city, nationwide tour running from Nov. 1, 2021 through Apr. 16, 2022 and it will include a foursome of Broadway and animated film stars. Each event will showcase the Disney Princesses through stories, animation and songs.
photo: Courtesy of Disney Princess the Concert
So who will be joining this truly magical affair? During the first leg of the tour through Dec. 2021, concertgoers will get to listen to the sounds of Tony®-nominee Susan Egan (‘Belle’ from Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, ‘Meg’ from the animated feature film Hercules), two-time Tony-nominee Laura Osnes (‘Cinderella’ in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella), Grammy®-nominee Courtney Reed (‘Jasmine’ in Broadway’s Aladdin) and Aisha Jackson (‘Anna’ in Broadway’s Frozen).
Starting in Feb. 2022 the Princesses will be played by Drama Desk®-nominee Christy Altomare (‘Anastasia’ in Broadway’s Anastasia, Mamma Mia!),Susan Egan, Courtney Reed and BroadwayWorld Award-winner Syndee Winters (‘Nala’ in Broadway’s The Lion King,Hamilton).
Everyone is encouraged to show up in true princess style, and be ready to enjoy over 30 Disney Princess songs! Attendees will also be treated to behind-the-scenes stories from each Princess with stunning animations and visuals.
To get excited for the event, little princes and princesses can enjoy a curated playlist from Walt Disney Records. Then mark your calendar for Fri. May 7 at 10:00 a.m. (all time zones) when tickets go on sale at DisneyPrincessConcert.com.
L.O.L. Surprise! is coming to a stage near you. If you’re ready for some in-person entertainment, the beloved brand is taking its fierce, fab characters on a nationwide concert tour—with dozens of dates announced! New tour dates have been added in big destinations like Washington D.C. and Boston and due to a scheduling shift, some of the previous dates have been rescheduled or removed.
Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Neonlicious, Swag and other faves are hitting the road for the L.O.L. Surprise! Live-Calling All B’B.’s concert experience. With awesomely amazing visuals, the L.O.L. Dance crew and plenty of music, this interactive show is a can’t-miss for your young fan.
photo courtesy of MGA Entertainment
Here’s the full tour schedule, which kicks off in Spring 2022:
March 5 Thousand Oaks, CA Bank of America Performing Arts Center
March 6 Anaheim, CA City National Grove of Anaheim
March 9 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre
March 11 San Jose, CA San Jose Civic
March 12 Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre
March 13 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
March 16 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
March 17 Ralston, NE Ralston Arena
March 18 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
March 19 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
March 20 Saint Louis, MO Fox Theatre – St. Louis
March 22 Knoxville, TN The Tennessee Theatre
March 23 Charleston, WV Clay Center for Arts & Sciences
March 24 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
March 25 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
March 26 Lima, OH Veterans Memorial Civic Center
March 27 Richmond, VA Carpenter Theatre
March 29 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
March 30 Warren, OH Packard Music Hall
March 31 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
April 1 Greensburg, PA The Palace Theatre
April 2 Rockford, IL Coronado Performing Arts Center
April 3 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
April 5 Rochester, NY Kodak Center for the Arts
April 6 Wilkes Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
April 7 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
April 8 Brookville, NY The Tilles Center at LIU Post
April 9 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
April 10 Boston, MA Emerson Colonial Theatre
April 12 Syracuse, NY Oncenter – John H. Mulroy Civic Center – Crouse-Hinds Theatre
April 13 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
April 14 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
April 15 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theatre
April 16 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Center for the Arts
April 19 Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
April 20 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center
April 22 Louiville, KY The Louisville Palace Theater
April 23 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater At North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
April 24 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
April 27 Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
April 28 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
April 30 Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center for the Performing Arts
May 2 Melbourne, FL King Center for the Performing Arts
May 3 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
May 4 Orlando, FL Walt Disney Theatre
May 5 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
May 6 Atlanta, GA The Fox Theatre
May 7 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
May 8 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre
May 10 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre
May 11 Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
May 12 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
May 13 Grand Prairie, TX Texas Trust CU Theatre
Tickets and VIP packages are on sale now for shows that were rescheduled and tickets for the newly added shows go on sale to the general public starting Friday, October 8. Since Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour, Citi cardmembers have access to purchase presale tickets for the new shows beginning October 5 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit Citi or the LOL Surprise Live site for all the details!
Pokémon is turning 25—and fans are the ones getting a very special bday gift! In celebration of the big 2-5, you can join superstar Post Malone for a virtual concert on Feb. 27 (a.k.a. Pokémon Day).
Not only is the concert pure Pokémon fun, it will also launch the P25 Music program. P25 Music features collabs between the Pokémon brand and some of the most notable names in the music industry, including fan fave Katy Perry.
photo: Courtesy of Business Wire
You can review the concert for free on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, Pokémon’s official Twitch channel or on Pokémon’s 25th anniversary website. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. EST/ 4:00 PST.
Of the upcoming 25th anniversary concert, artist Post Malone said in a press statement, “I’ve been a Pokémon fan for a long time, so the opportunity to headline the Pokémon Day concert celebrating 25 years is awesome.”
Even though the concert won’t debut until Feb. 25, you can get in on the Pokémon anniversary excitement before the event. Check out Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto on Feb. 20 or nab a password for the Pokémon video game on Feb. 25. The password gives players a special Pikachu for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games.
Taylor Swift is bringing an “intimate” concert film for her latest album, “Folklore,” exclusively to Disney+ just in time for Thanksgiving. Swift along with Aaron Dessner (The National), Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) created an album that crossed genres, a musical journey that allows us to cry and laugh, and during these trying times, makes us feel like we’re not quite so alone. They recorded folklore thousands of miles apart from each other and had never been in the same room together until they filmed the folklore: the long pond studio sessions special.
folklore: the long pond studio sessions was filmed in upstate New York in Sept. 2020 and will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Wed., Nov. 25, at 12:01 a.m. PT. Taylor, accompanied by co-producers Dessner and Antonoff along with a guest appearance by Vernon, performs each song in order of her critically adored, five star album, “folklore” and for the very first time, reveals the stories and secrets behind all 17 songs.
folklore: the long pond studio sessions was directed by Swift and filmed on 6 x Lumix S1H mirrorless cameras with Leica lenses embedded in the studio, along with a one Alexa LF with an Angenieux 24-290 on a Furio robotic camera with 30+ feet of curved track.
Halloween may look different this year, but you can still dress up and celebrate. You can even attend a virtual costume party singalong. Skinnamarink with Sharon & Randi! A Live, Virtual Concert is back by popular demand on Fri. Oct. 30 at 6:30 pm. ET.
Just as legendary musicians Sharon, Lois & Bram brought happiness to four generations of children and their grown-ups, Sharon Hampson and her daughter Randi are continuing to share the music of Sharon, Lois and Bram with yet another generation of families. Through this up-close-and-personal sing-along gathering, and like their first virtual concert, Live in your Living Room, they are planning a real family affair featuring Sharon and Randi, Randi’s sons Ethan and Elijah, their girlfriends Clare and Sofia, and Randi’s beau Jim.
At this Halloween Costume Party, viewers will be able to see each other’s costumes and sing along with each other and the performers. Conceived as a “by family, for family” experience, the show will include some spooky Halloween-themed songs for all ages, along with such well-loved Sharon, Lois & Bram favourites as “Grandpa’s Farm,” “Five Little Monkeys,” One Elephant,” “Tingalayo,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink.”
“We wanted to find a fun, safe way to celebrate Halloween with our audience. The idea of dressing up and singing seems like a perfect way to be together” says Sharon Hampson. “We are thrilled to have this chance to once again see the smiling faces of our guests singing along with favourite tunes, old and new.”
“The best thing about our first virtual family concert was getting to watch everyone singing along together from their homes. It really felt like we were all connected,” adds Randi Hampson. “We’re especially excited to see kids (and maybe adults) dressed up in their fun Halloween costumes!”
As an added bonus, Sharon and Randi will be looking for some audience input on the song choices. Early bird ticket purchasers will have a chance to select and introduce a song during the concert. And those who purchase tickets and attend this show will be entered in a contest for a chance to win a special Sharon, Lois & Bram prize package or a personal Zoom meeting with Sharon and Randi.