Johnny Goodtimes is extremely excited to announce that the featured band for the Beat the Champs Spectacular is going to be the Kyle Dunleavy Steel Drum Quartet. Kyle, who is a professional steel drum manufacturer, has been performing professionally for over 10 years. His travels have taken him all over the Northeast, from Maine down to Virginia. He also spent time playing with a number of Caribbean orchestras while on a musical pilgrimage in Trinidad and Tobago. Dunleavy, who graduated from the internationally acclaimed Hartt School of Music, will be joined by three other musicians, a bass player, a percussionist, and a vibraphonist. Johnny will have more details about the band in the near future.
Question of the Week
What kind of animal killed an Australian baby named Azaria Chamberlain on August 17th, 1980? Also, check back here at 3 o’clock today, as a big announcement is forthcoming.
Pete Best Day
It was on this day in 1962 that Pete Best was dumped as drummer for the Beatles, so I’ve been tooling around, trying to find some kool Pete Best sites and interviews. Here’s an interview he did in 1965. Here’s a pretty good story followed by a Q&A from 1995. Here’s a guy writing that Best deserved to get sacked for Ringo. What is Pete up to today? Rockin’ and rollin’.
Happy Birthdays!
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to two of the most influential people of the last 250 years. First, we have Napoloeon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French and King of Italy (remember, he designed their flag). But his death is the casue of more speculation than his birth, as many people think he was poisoned. Here’s an interesting article on that. Also celebrating a birthday today is Ben Affleck, star of the box office sensation Gigli. If anyone out there has seen this movie, please give me a review. Here’s what the critics said when it came out. This is pretty funny.
No quizzo at Black Sheep This Week
There will be no quizzo at the Black Sheep this week, as they are closed for a few days. Just letting ya know.
Funny Article
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Hey, here’s an article written by my former radio partner, Nat “The Truth” Jones, about his bitterness surrounding the Trojan War. I think you’ll enjoy it.
So, the Trojan War. Have you heard about this debacle? Do you know anything about this? Man, the Trojans really dropped the ball on that one, didn?t they? I know it was a long time ago and things have changed, but let me just start by saying that if I had bet money on the Trojans to win that war, I would?ve been totally livid with the outcome. Allow me to set the stage:
Due Dates
Alright gang, there’s a lot going on right now, so let me get it organized into a neat little package for you. Letters of complaint to the editor of Philly magazine (lplatt@phillymag.com, with a copy of said letter being sent to johnny@johnnygoodtimes.com)) are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. They do not have to be solely about quizzo, they just have to have some mention of the Quizzo exclusion in them. The writer of the best letter gets $50 cash. The “Best Golf Porn Title” contest also ends on Sunday. Best title for a golf porn (starring, of course, Tag Ridings and Jenna Jameson) wins a $15 gift certificate to Good Dog. “Is that all? Fifteen bucks?” Yes, that’s all. Get over it. If you are hoping to earn points to help your team Beat the Champs, remember I must have physical or photographic evidence by next Sunday, August 21. Also, I would love you to send me some of your favorite photos that you have taken of Philly. I’ve got a really neat idea for the Big Event, but I can’t do it without you. Please send photos to beatthechamps@yahoo.com or johnny@Johnnygoodtimes.com.
Breakdancers signed, Get a Sneak Peek at Cowgirls
Johnny yesterday signed the breakdancers for the quizzo event of the century*. They will be part of the half-time extravaganza at Beat the Champs Spectacular. They join the Lunchbox Cowgirls, who have already signed on. Two of the members of the Cowgirls will be performing at the GhettoSongbirds WingDom Fest, which is a Rock ‘n’ Soul Music and Arts Festival this Saturday at the Halycon Gallery on 3237 Amber Street. The Show starts at 12 noon and runs all the way until Midnight. It looks pretty kool, it’s only $10, and its goal is to raise funds and awareness for the Calcutta AIDS House in North Philly. For more info click here. The Wingdom Fest will also feature a group called Tangled Thoughts, who are the most talented underground hip hop group I’ve seen in Philly.
Full disclosure
Fair enough. Somebody asked me why my letter to the editor of Philly Mag isn’t posted on the site. The reason is, well, because I finally just wrote it. Man, I hope it’s the best one. I really don’t feel like doling out $50. If you wanna a shot at the fifty beans (no, I’m not gonna give it to myself), then send your letter of complaint to lplatt@phillymag.com.
Larry,
In your opening statement of the most recent addition of your magazine, you imply that the “Best Of” isn’t an attempt to stroke the collective egos (and wallets) of your advertisers. And then you ignore one of the few things that this city is the undisputed world capital of. We have pretzels, we have cheesesteaks, and we have QUIZZO! What other reason are we, your readers, to infer that you left this out of your “best of” edition other than that it a) isn’t advertised in your magazine? Is it b) lack of popularity? Hardly. This event has been going on for years in this city, and bars throughout the region are filled to capacity on the slowest days of the week with people anxious to test their wits against one another. Could it be c) If it doesn’t make a sound in a Stephen Starr restaurant, it doesn’t exist? Perhaps. Or is it d)a lack of awareness? I hope not. If so, I highly encourage you to change the name of your magazine, because you simply don’t know this city and you are doing it a disservice by carrying its name. I look forward to hearing your answer. This question is a weekly double, and a correct answer is worth ten points.
Sincerely,
Johnny Goodtimes
FAQ about Beat the Champs
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Hey gang, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about Beat the Champs, so I’ll try to clear a few things up.
1) Is the scavenger hunt for real?
Yes, you may earn points by embarking on a number of adventures. Remember, all pictures, tickets, etc. must be sent to Johnny by August 21. Email things to beatthechamps@yahoo.com.
2) How many players are allowed on a team?
Eight players maximum.
3) Why can’t I tell what table I’m ordering?
We’re going to do it a little bit different than last time. It’s going to be first come, first serve on the tables, just like at regular quizzo. You order the tix online, but you don’t order a specific table.
4) Will you have more graders than at Quizzo Bowl?
Yes. Lesson learned.
5. What about bellydancing?
Uh, no, there will be no bellydancing.
6. Should I plan to have dinner at the World Cafe Live that night?
Yes, they will be offering a full menu.
7. Do you really want our photos of Philly?
Yes, please send me your photos of Philly and of you and your teammates. I want to incorporate them into the show. Please send any kool, funny, or Phillycentric photos to johnny@johnnygoodtimes.com.
8. Is it going to be worth $10?
Absolutely. This is either going to be one of the most amazing shows of any kind in this city this year or it’s going to be a complete train wreck. Either way, it’s worth a measly ten bones.
9. Can I get tickets at the door?
Yes, but they will be a little more expensive. Also, keep in mind that the last show sold out and we turned away a bunch of people at the door. I would suggest ordering them online.
10. Will there be any other prizes besides the money?
Yes, there will be a few Let’s Make a Deal-like moments throughout the course of the night, with a chance to win some great prizes (and alas, some zonks).
If you have any more questions you want answered, please provide them in the comments section below.