Latest news with #Tommy
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
New Elgin School of Rock to celebrate grand opening with music lessons, concert
It may not be the 'Rock 'n' Roll High School,' but Tommy Evans hopes students who check out Elgin's new School of Rock get the same kick from music that he did when he first heard groups like the Ramones. The music school's newest franchise at 355 S. Randall Road will celebrate its grand opening from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, by offering a free music lessons and a concert by Elgin School of Rock's 101 program students. Evans, a St. Charles resident who's been playing guitar since he was a teen, opened the school with his mother, Meg. He remembers the thrill he felt when he first got into music, he said. 'My friends introduced me to bands like Nirvana and the Ramones, and I became infatuated with the sound of the guitar and the process of creating music,' Evans said. He went on to get his bachelor's degree in audio production and design from Columbia College in Chicago in 2012 and has played with bands in the Chicago area, including one he formed called Secret Colours. The band's name is a nod to a Beatles song, its sound inspired by '90s Britpop acts like Oasis, Blur and Pulp. 'My (late) father (Jim Evans) listened to a lot of those bands in that scene,' Evans said. 'Something about the sound of that time and place will always make me feel nostalgic. It had such raw energy and aspiration behind it. I think it will always influence my songwriting in one way or another.' Secret Colours' music has been featured in YouTube videos, the 2015 horror movie 'Wind Walkers,' and TV shows including Showtime's 'Shameless' and 'Californication,' CW's 'The Vampire Diaries' and Hulu's 'Difficult People.' Still, like many musicians, Evans needed a full-time job to pay his bills and started working for School of Rock in 2013. Since then he has played various roles with the organization, most recently as general manager of the location in Naperville. After gaining experience, Evans said he realized it was time to open a School of Rock franchise of his own. 'I love the mission of School of Rock,' he said. 'It does so much more than teach music. It helps people learn how to work together, encouraging each other toward a common goal, building confidence and having great experiences in rehearsals and at venues,' Elgin's is the 401st School of Rock in the country; more than 20 of those are located in Illinois. Evans opened and operates the business with his mother, Meg, who lives in Geneva. 'My husband, Jim, passed away unexpectedly in 2021, just six weeks after I retired from a 35-year sales career with Johnson & Johnson,' Meg Evans said. 'When Tommy came to me with the desire to get involved and open his own school, it helped give me some purpose back. Jim would have loved it. He supported Tommy in everything Tommy ever did.' In addition to the free lessons and performance, the grand opening celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting, food, beverages and tours. The students who will be performing are among the 40 who have come on board since the school's soft opening two months ago. They already have eight adult students, and 'as soon as we get six or more adults, we will be able to form a band with them,' Meg Evans said. 'At the end of each three- to four-month term, they will play at a local venue.' School of Rock teaches guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and vocals. Students have a 45-minute, one-on-one lesson every week followed by a 90-minute band rehearsal lesson, Evans said. The school is offering a variety of summer camps as well, she said. They've also has been getting involved in the Elgin community. They offered free lessons earlier this month at the Elgin Public Museum, and will be doing events at Lords Park Zoo and Elgin Downtown Market, conducting a kids interactive musical experience before the June 20 screening of 'Soul' in Wing Park, marching in Elgin's Fourth of July Parade, and sponsoring the summer outdoor concert series at Panton Mill Park in South Elgin. 'And when we have our own house band, we will be out playing wherever the community would need us,' Meg Evans said.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘You have to make sacrifices', says Ireland AM host as he admits his young daughter complains he's ‘not home enough'
IRELAND AM host Tommy Bowe has lifted the lid on his dad guilt as he admits his young daughter claims he's "not home enough" The Virgin Media star, who is a mainstay presenter on the hit breakfast show, has a lot on his plate when it comes to work. 3 Tommy Bowe has opened up about his parent guilt 3 Tommy is a doting dad to Emma, eight, and four-year-old Jamie 3 Tommy is a mainstay host on Ireland AM Between hosting But, with two little ones at home, the The 41-year-old and his wife Lucy are doting parents to Emma, eight, and four-year-old, Jamie. READ MORE IN TOMMY BOWE "We keep having to tell the kids, when my daughter is complaining that I'm not home, that you have to work hard to do nice things and to be able to celebrate nice things." He added: "Being away is difficult at times. People see the players representing Ireland and doing well at World Cups or Olympics, but they've been away from their families for weeks at a time. "That's not easy for their partners or their kids. But you have to make sacrifices sometimes." The former Irish rugby star emphasised that his kids understand he works hard to "give them the best life possible". MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN He also highlighted the importance of setting an example in terms of work ethic. The popular presenter added: "It sets a good example for her to see that her mum works hard and I work hard. It's important for her to see that as she grows up." Tommy Bowe praised for standing up to TD on air This comes after Ireland AM fans praised Tommy for giving a TD a "hard grilling" on air. 14-year-old outside Leinster House from 10am last Tuesday to push for urgent action on the growing waiting lists for child disability assessments. Tommy and spoke to Cara and her dad Mark who were still sat outside Leinster House on air yesterday morning before getting the Minister of State for Responsibility for Disability Hildegarde Naughton's opinion on the matter. Turning to the TD, Muireann said: "Minister, looking at Cara and her dad there, outside your place of work, to try to get people to talk about this…" HEATED HOST Tommy added: "In her Winnie the Pooh pyjamas. It's sad." Naughton replied: "Good morning, Cara. Nobody should have to protest outside the gates of Leinster House." During their chat, Tommy asked: "So at the end of 2023, it was 8,893 people looking for this. It then is at 15,000, we're expecting to be at 25,000. You're saying we want to reduce this. "It's going the wrong direction. How many people are currently employed as AON or clinical disability?" Naughton replied: "Within the sector of therapists, we have about 1,800 across the sector. This is what we need to look at as part of the assessment of need process. "If legislative reform is needed, we will absolutely consider that. We also need to look at the health system, where there is no wrong door for people." The former rugby star cut across the "How long is it going to take to look at these things and put them into place? Because this needs action now." 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?' Naughton responded: "As I said, we're looking at the assessment of need process itself and how that can be changed. The draw on assessment of needs, where people are being asked for them, where they shouldn't be asked for them. We're looking at the retention and recruitment of therapists." Tommy clarified his question saying: "You keep saying looking at. What are you doing?" A short segment of the interview was posted on Ireland AM's One viewer wrote: "Good man Tommy, you put her in her place!!" Kyle said: "It's funny that it's the morning TV show that gives politicians a harder grilling than the nighttime current affairs panel discussions. Fair play lads." Lynn commented: "Fair play Tommy!" Another fan added: "Tommy, well done for how you handled this."
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
All the Love Island couples still together as Ekin-Su and Curtis split
Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu and Curtis Pritchard have officially gone their separate ways just three months after meeting on All Stars. Issuing a statement on social media on Wednesday, Ekin-Su explained that while it was a 'tough decision', it was 'one made with a lot of love and respect for one another'. She wrote: 'I wanted to share that Curtis and I have decided to go our separate ways. It's been a really tough decision, but one made with a lot of love and respect for one another. Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard. Pic: REX/Shutterstock 'He's an incredible person and I'll always cherish the memories we made both in and out of the villa.' She added: 'Thank you all so much for the love and support over the past few months. We're both focusing on navigating this transition and would really appreciate privacy during this time.' As another Love Island couple call time on their relationship, here are all the ones that are still together. The influencer and professional boxer met in 2019 on the fifth season of Love Island UK, finishing in second place after Amber Gill and Limerick man Greg O'Shea. The reality show puts the ultimate question on participants — are they in it for love or money? Pic: Hannah Young/REX/Shutterstock Molly-Mae and Tommy welcomed their first child, Bambi, in January 2023, and Tommy later orchestrated a stunning proposal. It appeared the pair really were destined to be together. The couple confirmed that they had split in August last year, with Molly-Mae issuing a statement noting 'never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this' while a separate statement from Tommy confirmed he was 'heartbroken.' Tommy later admitted that he was struggling with alcohol use, which was a major factor in the couple's breakup. However, it appears the couple is now trying to make it work again. It wasn't a smooth beginning for Alex and Olivia, with Olivia having to go couple up with a few fellas before Alex entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell on the 18th day. Two days later, he coupled up with Olivia, and the rest is history. Alex and Olivia tied the knot at the Gosfield Hall, Essex, in 2018 — prompting an appearance from Olivia in the iconic wedding show, Say Yes to the Dress. The couple also starred in their own TLC programme, Olivia and Alex Said Yes. Pic: Brett Cove/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock The Bowens welcomed their first son, Abel, in 2022. Nathan and Cara just pipped The Bowens at the post and were the victors on the second season of Love Island. Nathan and Cara coupled up on the first day and were together for the duration of the show. The Love Island alum went through a rocky patch during Cara's pregnancy with their first child, Freddie-George and split up. Freddie-George was born in 2017 with Cara and Nathan later rekindling their romance. Pic: James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock for Channel Four They tied the knot at Preston Court Barn in Canterbury in 2019 and the following year welcomed the arrival of their second child, Delilah. Camilla and Jamie finished in second place on the third season of the UK Love Island and married in September 2021 — four years after the first couple to be coupled up in the villa. Just before their engagement, the couple welcomed their first child, Nell, in October 2020, followed by Nora Bella in May 2022. Pic: Instagram/ Camilla Thurlow Last Christmas, Camilla and Jamie announced they were set to become parents for a third time in an adorable clip where they shared: 'Our little family is growing.' Dom was initially coupled up with Montana Brown in the first days of season three of Love Island but later coupled up with Jess with the pair going strong until she was voted off by her fellow islanders. Dom stayed in the villa and exited 11 days later with the pair rekindling their relationship and tying the knot in Mykonos in 2018. Pic: James Shaw/REX/Shutterstock In 2019, the pair welcomed their first child, and their second child arrived in June 2022. Millie and Liam were both bombshells in the seventh season of Love Island and, despite Liam briefly straying in Casa Amor, were inseparable and went on to win the show. The pair split in July 2022, just over a year after winning the show, but went on to rekindle their romance in August 2023 and are stronger than ever now. Pic: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock Speaking to EVOKE previously, Liam explained they had broken up due to the pressures of being in the limelight. 'We had time apart,' he said, 'We grew individually and we are back together now, and I feel we are the best versions of each other.' Dami and Indiyah forged a friendship with then led to a romantic relationship. Both were initially coupled up with other islanders, but gave each other a chance as the season progressed. Despite a blip at Casa Amor, the pair worked through their problems and finished in third place. Pic: Brian McEvoy Outside of the villa, they appear cuter than ever and were quick to take the next step in their relationship — moving in together. While Casa Amor is designed to throw wrenches into the blossoming relationships that are already blossoming in the main villa, it can prove to be a hit for those who have yet to find a romantic interest with anyone and Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan are a testament that Casa Amor isn't all that bad. The pair went on to win the ninth season of Love Island, becoming the first couple formed in Casa Amor to win the UK spin-off. Pic: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock In April 2024, Kai popped the question, sharing a series of photos and writing: 'Introducing the next Mrs Fagan.' While producers previously brought in a former UK islander as a bombshell in a new season, a former islander from a different show within the franchise was unheard of until Love Island Australia contestant Jessie Wynter entered as a bombshell to the UK version in Season 9. The Aussie lass coupled up with none other than Farmer Will, with the couple coming in fifth place and just missing out on the season finale. Pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock Earlier this year, Jessie revealed she had been granted a three-year visa for the UK. She and Will immediately started house-hunting and regularly share snippets of their life together on social media. The winners of the inaugural Love Island: All Stars are still going strong. Molly was originally in the season six line-up and left the villa with her boyfriend at the time, Callum Jones, whom she coupled up with during Casa Amor. The couple announced their split last year. Pic: REX/Shutterstock Tom came in third place alongside Samie Elishi in the ninth series of Love Island. Despite making things official, the relationship ended just one month after the ninth series ended. While Callum also entered the All-Star villa, there was speculation and even hopes that things would rekindle with Molly. Ultimately, the model and influencer pursued a relationship with Tom, and the pair came in first place. Sophie was another islander from the sixth series, while Josh was a contestant in the very first season, where he came in third place with Lauren Richardson. Pic: REX/Shutterstock Sophie entered the All Stars villa as a bombshell and coupled up with Josh. The pair made it to the finale, where they finished in third place and are still going strong, with Josh orchestrating a sweet moment where he asked Sophie to be his girlfriend earlier this year.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Flight attendant warns Brits to ‘never wear shorts' on a flight
A flight attendant has shared the reasons why you should never wear shorts on a plane - and it's all to do with the cleanliness of the seats and the exposing nature of the item of clothing A flight attendant has warned passengers that wearing shorts on an aircraft is a dirty habit that should be avoided at all costs, particularly if you're looking to dodge a germ-infested experience. While shorts might seem like the perfect attire to kickstart your holiday in sunny climes, Tommy Cimato, a seasoned cabin crew member, insists it's actually an invitation to bacteria city. The flight attendant laid bare the realities of plane hygiene, drawing parallels between resting your head against the aeroplane window and donning shorts for your journey. Tommy clarified his stance: "Do not fall asleep or lean your head on the window. You are not the only one that has done that and you don't know how many people or children have wiped their hands or other things all over the window. It's the same thing as the window, you never know how clean it's going to be, so if you have pants, you're going to have less germs." Do you have travel tips to share? Email webtravel@ Tommy argues that by opting for long trousers over shorts, flyers can avoid direct contact with the seat and thus stand a better chance against onboard bacteria. Even though our skin is adept at repelling unwanted microscopic stowaways, it doesn't rule out the risks, especially if those germs make their way from dirty surfaces into our mouths. Highlighting another hotspot for nasties, the cabin crew member strongly advised against directly touching the flush button in the plane's lavatory, citing it as one the most unhygienic points on the aircraft. He remarked: "Do not ever touch the flush button with your bare hands. It's honestly just super unsanitary and pretty gross, so when you flush, use a napkin or tissue that's in the lavatory." For those feeling under the weather during a flight, he urged them to inform the crew instead of suffering in silence. He suggested: "Don't feel afraid. So if you need food, water or an air sickness bag, please feel free to let us know," the cabin crew member said. American air stewardess Jamila Hardwick recently appeared on Inside Edition and disclosed that certain areas of the plane, including tray tables, are seldom cleaned. She said: "Oh my gosh, this is disgusting. When cleaners come on they don't have time to wipe down every individual tray." A 2019 study by revealed that a tray table can harbour an average of 11.595 germ colony-forming units, which passengers would do well to avoid. During the Covid pandemic, airlines implemented stringent health and cleanliness protocols, which involved sanitising the aircraft before and after each journey. Travellers are recommended to use antibacterial wipes to clean their tray table before eating, particularly following the circulation of images showing passengers using the plane's tray tables as footrests, some without any footwear. An Instagram user, alleging to be part of the cabin crew, weighed in on an image stating: "As a flight attendant, I always tell people to take their feet off the table. I say it very nicely. Most comply. "I say it breaks the table, etc but really I think it's so disgusting and tacky. What are they going to do? Write a letter about me saying she made me take my feet off the table? Never. Some flight attendants don't care but I try to keep some kind of civility at work, but it's a tiresome battle."
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Maura Higgins is 'forever proud' of Molly Mae Hague as she rekindles romance with Tommy Fury
'Love you millions & forever' Taking to Instagram Stories, the model sent her Love Island co-star birthday wishes as she turned 26. 'Happy Birthday my special girl. Love you millions & forever proud of the woman that you are,' she captioned a black and white collage of the pair. Maura and Molly met on the 2019 season of ITV dating show Love Island. They were initially rivals as Higgins made moves on Tommy Fury who was coupled up with Molly when she entered the villa as a bombshell. Maura Higgins sent birthday wishes to pal Molly Mae Hague Fury didn't waiver, staying loyal to Molly, who went on to build a friendship with the Longford model. They since went on to welcome daughter Bambi in January 2023 and got engaged in 2023. The couple announced their shock split last August after five years together. "Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this. After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way,' she began an Instagram statement. "I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy's relationship has come to an end. "I will forever be grateful for the most important thing to me now and always, my beautiful daughter. Without us there would be no her, she will always be my priority. "I want to thank you all for the love you have shown us over the last five years. Read more "You have all been a part of our journey and I feel it's right to share this with you all. "Whilst I attempt to navigate the coming days and weeks please kindly respect my privacy over this difficult time, I'll be back when it feels right.' However, the couple have since rekindled their relationship, celebrating Molly's birthday with a family trip to Disneyland, Paris. Sharing snaps of the occasion to Instagram, one shows Tommy placing a kiss on Molly's head as they pose behind their daughter's stroller. Despite rumours of infidelity between the couple, Tommy set the record straight and revealed that his dependency on alcohol was the real reason behind their split. Maura Higgins and Molly-Mae Hague at the show's screening (James Manning/PA) News in 90 Seconds - May 27th In a candid interview with Men's Health UK, he explained: 'With my breakup with Molly, there's been so much shit in the papers every single day for the past six months, but if it's not come from my mouth or Molly's mouth, it's complete and utter bullshit. 'All I've been seeing for the past six months is 'Cheater!', 'He slept with me!', 'He slept with this girl, he slept with that girl!' Complete and utter b*****ks. 'We broke up because I had a problem with alcohol and I couldn't be the partner that I wanted to be anymore. It kills me to say it, but I couldn't. I loved a pint of beer, loved to drink. 'Cheating was never a thing. You can ask Molly this yourself. It was the drink, and the drink is not a good thing.'
