Latest news with #CaptainFantastic


Eater
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Inside Echo, Las Vegas's New Retro-Chic Listening Lounge
Natalie Young finally built the kind of space she used to daydream about: a lounge with warm light spilling over leather couches, the crackle of vinyl in the background, and and low-lit drinks designed for lingering. In March, she wrapped the 12-year run of her beloved brunch spot Eat, a cornerstone of the Fremont East dining scene, to focus fully on Echo Taste and Sound, a lounge built around a vintage analog sound system, with bites carried over from Eat, and bar talent from the storied Downtown Cocktail Room. After visiting ESP, a listening bar in Denver, Colorado, Young got the idea to open a vinyl-centric lounge of her own. 'I love music,' she says. 'I love music more than food.' But after the headache of ongoing road construction in front of Eat, which impeded foot traffic, and the increasing cost of goods, Young planned to just go out with a bang and pivot to something with a lighter lift. 'I wanted to just serve hot tea and maybe a bar and some really simple pastries and small bites — and play records,' she says. But then her business partner, Tom McAllister, shared that a space opened up in the new Colorado building on Main Street — and it had a full kitchen. The result is Echo, a retro-cool space framed by warm wood slats and acoustic paneling. Tactile pieces by local artists add texture to the walls, houseplants catch the afternoon sun that peeks between burnt orange curtains. A cozy, living room-style seating area with chairs salvaged from Downtown Cocktail Room, which is often referred to as DCR, faces Young's personal turntable setup. Also carried over from DCR is the talent. Before closing the downtown bar last year, owner Michael Cornthwaite introduced Young to his longtime general manager, Jackie Loran. 'She's now my general manager and running the bar program at Echo,' Young says. As a sober owner, Young made it a priority to develop an inclusive beverage menu from the start. Echo's menu features zero-proof takes on classic cocktails like an espresso martini and more experimental mocktails like one with sparkling citrus and ube. The team of DCR bartenders at Echo also whip up signature drinks like the Glory Days with popcorn-washed bourbon, sherry, and chocolate bitters and the Little Red Rooster with tequila, vanilla sandalwood syrup, and grapefruit soda. The menu at Echo is tight, with light bites meant for sharing. Visitors can expect crisp chips with a trio of dips, marinated chicken skewers, a mix of delicately fried tempura mushrooms, and toasted focaccia topped with garlicky roasted tomato spread. The beloved shrimp and grits from Eat have found a new home at Echo. As for fan favorites like the thick-cut grilled cheese and deep-fried deviled eggs, Young says they might return when the weather cools. For Young, vinyl isn't just about sound — it demands attention and commitment, like smoking a cigar, she says. It's a love that began in her childhood, sprawled on the shag carpet, playing Elton John's Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy over and over and over. Now she fills Echo with jazz, funk, and world music, deftly flipping from Nina Simone to Casey Chapman to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The main room at Echo features high-fidelity McIntosh gear chosen specifically for full-album playback. Young imported her vintage analog speaker system from home, and a DJ booth glows with the neon green lights of a state-of-the-art suite of McIntosh turntables and amplifiers. In the back, a 12-seat VIP listening room is being acoustically treated and outfitted with a rotating lineup of elite equipment — including vintage McIntosh 75 tube amps and La Scala speakers — for those who want a more intimate, audiophile-caliber experience. In the future, the space will host multi-course dinners paired with guided listening sessions that highlight the character of each setup. Young says fellow vinyl heads often peruse the Moondog Records display, thumbing through the collection of records for sale before walking out with four or five new finds. While Main Street tends to skew younger, especially with the adjacent Swan Dive drawing a late-night crowd, she appreciates that Echo attracts an older audience. 'I kind of built something for high-age people, you know, like 40-plus,' she says. Whether seated at the bar beneath artwork that used to adorn the walls at DCR, cozied up into a booth to nosh on Mexican shrimp cocktail, or lazing in the living room setup to watch a DJ — or sometimes Young, herself — man the turntables, Young says that Echo is the place to begin or end the night, to have a conversation, and to listen to the music. Sign up for our newsletter.


Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sir Elton John launches new Specsavers collection
Sir Elton John is launching a new glasses collection with Specsavers. The 'Rocket Man' legend has teamed up with the company on the new Elton John Eyewear range, with 12 optical frames and two limited edition sunglasses inspired by key moments in his life and career. Sir Elton said in a statement: "Glasses have always been a big part of who I am. For me, style is all about confidence and expressing who you truly are. "That's exactly what this collection is about, its helping people feel fantastic in frames that celebrate their individuality. "Specsavers and I share the belief that everyone should have access to eyewear that makes them feel like the best version of themselves. "I can't wait for people to find a pair they love and make them their own." The 78-year-old musician's husband David Furnish attended a launch night for the collection this week. The items - which will be available in store and online from Wednesday (07.05.25) - are inspired by classic tracks like 'Tiny Dancer', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and 'Crocodile Rock'. In a press release, Specsavers said: "Each pair features key signature details, such as the iconic 'E' mark symbolising Elton's personal stamp of approval, and the star — a nod to his illustrious career. "Whether it's oversized frames that capture a fearless spirit like 'Captain Fantastic', the classic twist of 'Ballad', timeless sophistication of 'Scholar', or the subtle sparkle of 'Diamond Dust', every frame is crafted with Elton's unmistakable aesthetic in mind." Bianca Swan, Specsavers Style Editor, added: "Elton John's impact on music, fashion, and self-expression is undeniable, and this collection captures that magic. "Each frame tells a story, offering a balance of everyday versatility with individuality and style at the core of the collection. "Whether you want a subtle nod to Elton's iconic look or a bold show-stopping piece, there's something for everyone in this collection.'


Los Angeles Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Bleecker Street CEO and indie film champion Andrew Karpen dies at 59
Andrew Karpen, chief executive and founder of independent film distribution company Bleecker Street Media, died Monday of glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 59. Karpen founded the New York City-based Bleecker Street in 2014 with backing from 5-hour Energy founder Manoj Bhargava. In its first few years, Bleecker Street released such films as 2015's 'Trumbo,' starring Bryan Cranston and Helen Mirren, and the Viggo Mortensen-led 'Captain Fantastic' in 2016. Since its founding, Bleecker Street has released more than 75 films, including the 2017 Steven Soderbergh comedy 'Logan Lucky,' 2024's Oscar-nominated 'Golda,' comedy-drama 'Hard Truths' and, most recently, 'The Wedding Banquet,' a remake of the 1993 Ang Lee romantic comedy starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran. 'Our industry has lost a giant,' Kent Sanderson, Bleecker Street president and Karpen's longtime friend, said in a statement. 'Andrew taught us all so much, foremost of which is the value of kindness, honesty, and family above all else. His leadership and courage will inspire all of us at Bleecker Street for the rest of our lives, and we are dedicated to continuing his passion for and legacy of championing cinema.' Karpen began his career at Miramax before moving to Oxygen Media as its senior vice president of finance and planning. He then spent more than a decade at Focus Features, the specialty film arm of NBCUniversal, starting as its chief operating officer responsible for finance, strategic planning and operations before rising to president and then co-chief executive. He left Focus Features in 2013, after Universal Pictures named a new head of the specialty imprint and relocated its headquarters from New York to the studio lot in California. Universal said at the time that the company asked Karpen to remain with the studio but that he opted to stay in New York with his family. He is survived by his wife, Pam; sons Josh and Zack; daughter Sloan; and Josh's wife, Kristen, who is expecting their first child.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Andrew Karpen Dies: Bleecker Street Media Founder And CEO Was 59
Bleecker Street Media founder and CEO Andrew Karpen died Monday from glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that upended his life when it was discovered in January 2024. He was 59. Karpen has been a fixture in the independent film space for decades, and went from co-CEO of Focus Features to form Bleecker Street Media in 2014. Bleecker has released more than 75 films since then, theatrical releases across all genres. That includes films from auteurs like Steven Soderbergh (Logan Lucky), Debra Granik (Leave No Trace), andOscar-nominated films including Captain Fantastic and Trumbo. He was known as the epitome of class; an executive you could look in the eye and trust what he told you. He turned 59 on April 18. More from Deadline 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries Bleecker Street Media CEO Andrew Karpen Rebounds From Harrowing Brain Cancer Diagnosis Bleecker Street Acquires U.S. On Josh O'Connor Drama 'Rebuilding' Deadline detailed the ordeal that Karpen and his wife Pam went through, a piece I wrote to spur donations to help the work of Dr. John Boockvar, a neurosurgeon at the Brain Tumor Center at Lenox Hill Hospital, and the pioneering work they do to combat glioblastoma. It went against his penchant for spurning the spotlight, but Andrew and Pam's revelations helped raise a significant sum for a worthy cause and a doctor who prolonged his life and gave him precious time. Karpen was feeling robust when he headed to his office on January 2, 2024, getting a start on a year that would see 11 film releases over the next 12 months. He had been experiencing unusual feelings; stumbling while he and Pam played pickleball with friends over the holiday and some numbness in his right leg. When he got to the office, he had difficulty typing with his right arm. He called his doctor and was told to come home immediately. A CAT scan and MRI revealed the fatal brain cancer. A first brief surgery revealed the depths of the problem. The first surgeon could not get deep enough into the brain to remove much of the tumor. Karpen was losing dexterity quickly because the tumor was sitting on and putting pressure on the part of the brain that controls those motor skills. That led Andrew and Pam to Boockvar, who attacked the cancer aggressively. The doctor and his work has been featured in two Netflix documentaries. Karpen underwent a full craniotomy, a four-hour procedure that excised most of the tumor. While there was danger of paralysis or worse, Karpen pulled through. After a course of chemotherapy and radiation, the Karpens got news that the tumor was gone. While they knew that the glioblastoma could reassert itself in other ways, which it did, this was a miracle reprieve. It allowed Andrew to be able to see his oldest son, Josh, get married last July in Colorado, something that meant the world to him. Josh and wife Kristen are now expecting their first child. DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO: I've known Andrew for years. We bonded quickly over three things: a passion for independent theatrical film and all the challenges that come with toiling in that space; being able to be part of Hollywood and live on the East Coast, he in Connecticut and me from Long Island. Also, there was our mutual passion for the New York Football Giants. Pam's family has been season-ticket holders since 1938, and Andrew stayed in proximity to be a tailgating fixture at most home games. The season opener always fell during the start of the Toronto Film Festival, and we made it a point to catch the game at some bar, usually surrounded by other execs and agents. One year, Karpen had to beg out because he was obliged to go to a premiere of a female-driven acquisition title which he didn't buy. I gave him good-natured abuse for years, mindful he was doing his job. As Karpen dealt with brain cancer, Bleecker Street was held together by a team of execs headed by his longtime friend and colleague Kent Sanderson. 'Our industry has lost a giant,' Sanderson told me. 'Andrew taught us all so much, foremost of which is the value of kindness, honesty, and family above all else. His leadership and courage will inspire all of us at Bleecker Street for the rest of our lives, and we are dedicated to continuing his passion for and legacy of championing cinema.' Karpen is survived by wife Pam; his sons Josh and Zack; his daughter Sloan; and Josh's wife Kristen. The family would appreciate donations made in Karpen's name to the Lenox Hill Brain Tumor Center, or Fairfield County Hospice House. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About The 'Reminders of Him' Movie So Far 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries Everything We Know About 'The Phoenician Scheme' So Far
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mohegan Sun unveils summer 2025 outdoor entertainment lineup
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) — Mohegan Sun announced its outdoor entertainment lineup for summer 2025 on Tuesday. Patti LaBelle coming to Mohegan Sun Arena in April Concert-goers can enjoy top local tribute bands at the Party on the Sun Patio, free and available to guests ages 21+ (valid ID required). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the bands light up the stage at 8 p.m. June 13: B Street Band, a tribute to Bruce Springsteen June 20: Captain Fantastic, a tribute to Elton John June 27: Raise Your Hands, a tribute to Bon Jovi July 4: Vegas McGraw, a tribute to Tim McGraw July 11: The Journey Tribute Show July 18: Beatlemania Again, a tribute to The Beatles July 25: Soul Sound Revue, a tribute to Motown Aug. 1: Fleetwood Macked, the Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Aug. 8: 52nd Street Band, a tribute to Billy Joel Aug. 15: Forever Tina, a tribute to Tina Turner Aug. 22: Queen Flash, a tribute to Queen Aug.29: Red Neck Castaway, a tribute to Kenny Chesney Sept. 5: Refugee, a tribute to Tom Petty Sept. 12: Zac N' Fried, a tribute to Zac Brown Band Guitar legend Eric Clapton coming to Mohegan Sun this fall This year's series at the Sun Patio Concert Series is open to guests of all ages. Saturday, June 14: Buckcherry Saturday, July 12: The Village People Saturday, July 19: Lupe Fiasco Saturday, Aug. 2: The Roots Saturday, Aug. 9: HANSON Sunday, Aug.17: Dasha Saturday, Aug. 30: Extreme Saturday, Sept. 6: Sully Erna – The Voice of Godsmack Unplugged Tickets to every show in the Sun Patio Concert Series go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 11 via and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. These shows will take place rain or shine. This event is standing room only. However, picnic tables will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside chairs, coolers, food and beverages are prohibited at the Sun Patio Concert Series. Both lineups are subject to change Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.