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Zachary Levi Leaves Hearts Melting With “Baby It’s Cold Outside” Duet

Carleen
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Zachary Levi Leaves Hearts Melting With “Baby It’s Cold Outside” Duet

Zachary Levi is known to many people as an actor on Broadway, television, movies and more. However, Zachary showed fans once again his singing side. Zachary took to his Twitter and gave fans a little Christmas cheer.

Zachary joined forces with his friend actress and singer Kate Nauta to sing Christmas classic “Baby it’s Cold Outside.” The duet is part of Nauta’s Christmas album entitled Please Tell Me You’ll be Home for Christmas.

Zachary and Kate made the song their own and gave a fantastic interpretation to an older classic. Their voices blend wonderfully together and make the song that much more enjoyable to listen to — it will make your heart melt with joy even on the coldest day!

Fans took to twitter and showed their love for the duet as well.

 

 

Hopefully with this duet, Zachary will consider releasing a Christmas album because we can sure use more of his wonderful singing voice. You can check out Kate Nauta’s album which includes “Baby it’s Cold Outside” on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

Dick Jr. and The Volunteers Merch Available Now at Dogwood Events!

Natasha
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Dick Jr. and The Volunteers Merch Available Now at Dogwood Events!

Following the November 21 release of the much anticipated Dick Jr. and the Volunteers album, The Dance and How to Do It, and the November 26 record release show for the album at The Roxy in Los Angeles; you can now get your hands on official Dick Jr. and The Volunteers merchandise!

The Dogwood Events shop now has the merch available, just in time for the holidays. The shop features the CD, t-shirt, poster, tote bag, stickers and decals, a koozie, and a keychain. There is also a holiday bundle available that includes most of the merch and saves you some money.

The Dance and How to Do It,  showcases Richard Speight, Jr.’s southern roots with twangy, rockin’, and often haunting vocals on cover songs as well as original songs. The album was produced by Jason Manns and features volunteer help from immense talents such as Rob Benedict, Emma Fitzpatrick, Billy Moran, Cooper Appelt, Zachary Ross, Molly Rogers, and Rob Humphreys.

Check out the Dogwood Events shop here!

You can purchase the album now on iTunes and Amazon, and stream the album on all major streaming platforms.

An Ode to Rockwood Music Festival

Conny
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An Ode to Rockwood Music Festival
Courtesy of Staff Photographer, Liz.

Over the past five years, Rockwood Music Festival has become a phenomenon of its own. It has drawn in fans of good TV and good music from all over the world to unite in a baroque revival Palais for three days of friends, musicians, and activities. With barely 50 attendees in 2015, it has grown to be one of the more sought-after events in fandom, selling out ticket categories within seconds of going online.

But what, you may ask, makes Rockwood Music Festival so special? In our exclusive interviews with the celebrity guests this year, the common denominator was the fact that coming here for them didn’t feel like work, even though it was work. And this cognition directly manifests itself in the way the performers present their art throughout the weekend, with ease, with humor, and a joy that radiates throughout the entire room.

Courtesy of Staff Photographer, Mandi.

According to the guests, the part of the weekend they enjoy most is the elusive jam sessions. For those of you who haven’t been lucky enough to witness these, the jam sessions are an event in the afternoons where musicians collaborate, perform in different line-ups, or even switch instruments. There are phones with lyrics (and chords), songs that have never been rehearsed, and spontaneous collaborations with band members running on stage mid-song and joining in. Furthermore, the atmosphere is light, relaxed, and playful, giving musicians a safe space where things don’t have to be perfect; it allows fans to peek behind the rehearsal process to observe how music and songs are being created. However, there is spontaneity, comedic elements and some moments so special and so ridiculous at the same time, they cannot be re-created.

During the jam sessions, we see the guests in a casual, laid-back state — that included both outfit and demeanor — and this adds to the overall feeling for the audience. Songs, voices, or instruments don’t have to be perfectly performed, played or sung to be entertaining or to move us as an audience. When Briana Buckmaster took to the stage on Sunday to perform “She Used to Be Mine” from the Broadway musical Waitress, she did so with a phone in hand, and after pianist Aaron Beaumont had accidentally started playing the wrong song first. Yet still, she delivered one of the most heart-wrenching, emotional and powerful performances of the entire weekend, because we as fans and also the other guests as her friends could see her deep connection to the song.

Courtesy of Staff Photographer, Mandi.

Another vital part of the Rockwood experience is the Unplugged Lounges, which are included in the Super VIP pass but can be purchased by all other ticket type holders. In sessions ranging from 20-25 minutes, fans get the pleasure to experience their favorite artists, sometimes in collaboration with other guests, acoustically in an intimate setting. Over the years, these lounges have created some of the most magical moments, ranging from an acoustic version of “Medicated” in a Louden Swain lounge, where fans frantically searched their pockets and bags for their kazoos and other fans just started passing them out like an elaborate plan, to emotional performances and covers of songs that weren’t their own, but another guests’ (like the “Wave” cover in Hayden Lee and Briana Buckmaster’s lounge this year).

Finally, Rockwood would not be what it is without the evening concerts. If the jam sessions capture the essence of how the festival feels, the concerts concentrate its energy. What has built up during the day in the form of creative energy finds a form of release in these hours of performances. This year, the concerts were the stage for many “firsts.” Hayden Lee, singer-songwriter and longtime friend of Jason Manns, was able to perform songs from his latest album Crazy Little Secrets with Louden Swain as his backing band, playing songs they had learned that afternoon (in true Rockwood fashion.) Not only was he able to do that, but the guests gave him the headlining spot with a build-up of different performers and the privilege of closing out the show. This is what Rockwood is, it is a way for artists to enrich their abilities and to give a platform to others where it is needed. Because of Louden Swain or other Supernatural-affiliated artists, fans get drawn to the festival. They most certainly arrive because of one or two artists, but they leave with an array of new artists and music to cherish and love, precisely because they saw their favorite artists hyping these musicians up, collaborating with them and supporting them in whatever way they can.

Courtesy of Staff Photographer, Liz.

Rockwood has been a turning point in careers, it has been the foundation and birthplace of new collaborations that outlast the three days of the festival. Artists join each other on tours, at events, supporting them in the production process of their music or simply building a working and friendly relationship that enhances their own creative process. Friendship and support are not just visible in the group of guests and celebrities, it is also visible in the audience. Friendships formed or strengthened by the time spent at the festival are the mirror of what these artists seem to experience every year. We see them become closer, we see their friendships and creative connections grow, while we as fans see ourselves growing closer and bonding over the feeling of attending these magical three days.

Courtesy of Staff Photographer, Liz.

All conventions or fandom events are special; an escape from reality. However, spending three days soaking up music, friendship, and creativity in a building reminiscent of a time where fairy tales might have still been real, is a completely unique and wonderful experience.

Nerds and Beyond Book Club: Reader Q&A for ‘Girl, Stop Apologizing’ by Rachel Hollis

Adrienne
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Nerds and Beyond Book Club: Reader Q&A for ‘Girl, Stop Apologizing’ by Rachel Hollis

For our book club his month, we dove into personal development and read Girl: Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, a two time New York Times Bestselling author. Here is what a couple of our readers had to say about this month’s book!

Courtesy of Rachel Hollis

What aspects of the author’s story could you most relate to?

Nicole (@nicmanz15): I most related to the author’s journey of having dreams and goals and working towards them to make them a reality. My own journey is currently at the dream phase, and her story inspired me to dive in completely to make my dream a reality!

Adrienne (adri_lynn): The part that I can relate to, I feel, is when she talks about feeling overwhelmed.

What did you like best about this book?

Nicole (@nicmanz15): My favorite part of the book was the advice about creating a roadmap with guide posts and mile markers.

Adrienne (@adri_lynn): My favorite part of the book is the section about asking for help. It was one of my favorites, because I’m slowly learning that instead of trying to do everything myself, I need to ask for help sometimes.

Share a favorite quote from the book. Why did this quote stand out?

Nicole (@nicmanz15): One of my favorite quotes is “A goal is a dream with its work.” This stood out to me because it reinforced the idea that the dreams I have for my future are only going to stay dreams unless I actively work to make them a reality, a goal to work towards and to achieve.

Adrienne (@adri_lynn) : “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.” It’s my favorite because for years I used to say yes to everything and anything and it was burning me out. It made me realize that I can say no sometimes.

If you got the chance to ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?

Nicole (@nicmanz15): My question for Rachel Hollis would be if she has any advice for moving forward with your goal when you’re in a low place mentally and/or physically.

Adrienne (@adri_lynn): My question to Rachel would be what is the best advice that somebody has given her?

If you want to participate in our Book Club, send an email to staff@nerdsandbeyond.com with “Book Club” in the subject line. We’ll be emailing out discussion questions to be posted in an article at the end of each month.

We will be posting our book for the month of December soon, so be sure to check back and join us!

‘Supernatural’ Returns December 5 With “Last Call”

Adrienne
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‘Supernatural’ Returns December 5 With “Last Call”
Image courtesy of the CW

Good news Supernatural fans!

Supernatural returns this upcoming Thursday, December 5 with its seventh episode, “Last Call”

Image courtesy of the CW

 

From the promo, it appears Dean goes off on a hunt with an old friend (played by Christian Kane), which begs the question of what Sam and Castiel will be doing this episode, and if we’ll see a reunion. There will also be an appearance from Shoshannah Stern’s Eileen Leahy. The episode will be airing on the CW channel at 8/7c.

You can check out the promo from CW’s YouTube channel just below! Let us know your predictions of this episode!.

The Pussycat Dolls Perform For the First Time in a Decade

Carleen
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The Pussycat Dolls Perform For the First Time in a Decade
Photo Courtesy The Pussycat Dolls.

The X Factor: Celebrity finals was the show to watch on Saturday, November 30.

Judge Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls joined band mates Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt, Jessica Sutta, and Carmit Bachar for an epic reunion performance. Band member Melody Thornton opted out of the performance.

The Pussycat Dolls performed a melody of their classic hits including “Buttons,” “When I Grow Up,” and “Don’t Cha” before giving audiences a taste of their new music with the premiere of the song “React.”

It has been nearly a decade since the group of ladies last sang together and now they’re not stopping anytime soon. It has been revealed that they will be kicking off a nine-date UK and Ireland tour in April. Check out Nicole’s tweet below:

Check out their epic reunion performance from X Factor below:

Did you enjoy their performance? Are you excited for the groups return to music? Let us know in the comments below.

Video Games Being Released in December

Sarah
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This year, we have seen some long-awaited sequels, reboots, and new series be released. There was a multitude of gaming conventions, events, and contests, each seeing an increase in attendance from various ages. Here is hoping that 2020 will see that continue to climb.

After a few delays, Terminator: Resistance is getting released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One December 10. The PC version was released in November. Also, released this month is the game, AVICII Invector, the game that the late Swedish DJ (Tim Bergling) had started working on a collaboration with Hello There Games. On December 10, that game will be released. Along with the help from the late musician’s father and the Tim Bergling Foundation, the game has been completed. A portion of the royalties from it will go directly to the foundation, which advocates for the acknowledgment of suicide as a worldwide health emergency and to end the stigma against mental health issues.

Regardless of the platform you use — Play Station 4 (PS4), Xbox One (XBO), Nintendo Switch (NS), Computer (PC), etc. — there is a game for you to enjoy playing. I cannot wait to see what games will be announced and released in 2020.

To keep track of all the new video games this December, here is a list of the last video games to be released in 2019.

December 3

Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition (PS4, XBO, NS)

Players creep through the darkness as a half-elven rogue with magic like a sorcerer. With that magic, overthrow enemies, find new magic, and more in the classic Dungeons & Dragons adventure.

Blair Witch (PS4)

Inspired by the movie, this game is a brand-new story filled with fear. Playing as a former police officer named Ellis, players join the search for a missing boy. During the search, Ellis must face the darkness.

Simularca (PS4, NS, XBO)

Players find a lost phone that belongs to someone named Anna. On the phone, there is a cry for help in a video message. While investigating, you find no one on her phone knows who she is. With recovering lost information and using what is on the phone, the player must find her before it’s too late.

Tools Up! (PC, PS4, XBO, NS)

This game will not only test player’s renovation skills but how well they work with others. With just the blueprints, you and your team try to make the client’s apartment look the way it should.

Phoenix Point (PC, macOS)

It is 2047, and the aliens are invading and wiping out humans. With Lovecraft inspired aliens, players fight and try to save humanity from being killed off. Starting at the command base, Phoenix Point, how the game ends is up to the player’s choices in the game.

Fight’N Rage (PS4)

Mutants have enslaved humans. In this 90-arcade style game, players fight in a rebellion to stop the chaos.

Arise: A Simple Story (PS4, XBO, PC)

Players control the flow of time and can change their surroundings. With manipulating time, players enter a world of memories and feelings.

Halo Reach (XBO)

Before what happens in Halo: Combat Evolved, humans have been in war with the collective aliens called the Covenant. In this chapter of the games, most of the colonies have fallen. Players become a new member of the Noble Team with the call sign Nobel Six. Will you survive the war?

Life Is Strange 2: Episode 5 (PS4, XBO, PC)

Follow two young brothers, Sean and Daniel, as they go to Puerto Lobos, Mexico, after the sudden death of their father. Seeing his father killed, Daniel’s scream sets off a shockwave that kills the officer. So, they flee. Episode five is the conclusion of Sean and Daniel’s journey. Players continue to play in the role of Sean, have you taught Daniel well?

December 5

Darksiders Genesis (PC)

The currency in this game is not money, its souls, which are earned by eliminating your enemies. Players can go between being Strife or War any time in the game. Strife has pistols, while War has the sword Chaos Eater.

Mosaic (PC)

“You live a monotonous and repetitive lonely life in a cold overpopulated ever-expanding city.” In this cold, dark, dreary place, players have a very dull life that doesn’t precisely have meaning. But that all changes when odd things start to happen.

Raging Loop (PC)

In the village of Yasumizu, a thick mist prevents anyone from leaving, the ancients gods are hunting down the villagers. Haruaki Fusaishi becomes involved in a tradition called the feast and gets stuck in a loop he cannot escape.

Alien: Isolation (NS)

It has been 15 years since what happened on Alien, and Amanda, Ripley’s daughter, is now fighting to survive. She is also on the search for the truth about her mother’s disappearance while exploring the space station.

Star Ocean: First Departure R (PS4, NS)

On the planet Roak, Roddick lives in the town of Kratus and is a member of the Defence Force. Roddick, Millie, and Dorne go to the next village to check out the virus that turns people to stone. At least there is a cure on Mt. Metorx, but while there, something magical and mysterious happens.

December 6

Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection (NS)

This collection includes the games Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue. Players can now play both games on the Nintendo Switch!

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey (PS4, XBO)

Explore. Expand. Evolve. Set millions of years ago in Neogene period Africa, players go through human evolution. Choose skills to learn, eat, drink, sleep, and pass down your knowledge. The player’s story decides if you survive development.

Space Pioneer (NS)

“The universe is a dangerous place, and you’re on cleaning duty.” Players become an intergalactic bounty hunter exploring planets, worlds, and ancient secrets. Time to lock and load!

December 10

Terminator: Resistance (PS4, XBO)

This officially licensed game is set in the ‘Future War.’ In post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, hero Jacob Rivers is a soldier in the Resistance led by none other than John Connor. Skynet has a new target marked for termination. For some reason, it is Jacob. Players can choose what type of hero they want to become, can change the fate of humanity, and try to survive.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries (PC)

In 3015, the final decade of the Third Succession War, players become the novice mercenary MechWarrior. The campaign players go on takes place up to the year 3049.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 (PC)

Going up against the children of Hargons, worshipers of ancient evil, players along with Malroth, fix and rebuild their world with the help of villagers. Finding materials and plans during adventures is the name of the game, but don’t forget to defend it from the monsters.

AVICII Invector (PC, PS4, XBO)

In 2015, the DJ, AVICII, started to work with Hello There Games to create this game. After his passing, they finished this game with the help of his father and the Tim Bergling Foundation. Players join space pilot Stella and go through and attack each beat in 25 of the musician’s biggest hits.

December 11

Transport Fever 2 (PC)

This is a transportation simulation. Players can go through routes by land, water, and air while transporting people, materials, and goods. There are over 200 vehicles to choose from.

Headliner: NoviNews (PS4, XBO)

Players become a News editor and choose which articles to publish. With those choices, the city around you changes along with the four main character’s lives. Control the news, control the world.

December 12

Detroit: Become Human (PC)

In Detroit 2038, technology in the form of android like humans is everywhere. Players can choose between three androids and see the world through their eyes. Players will also be faced with moral dilemmas that are life and death. Your decisions affect how the future of the game goes. Playable characters are Connor, a police investigator android, Kara, a housekeeper android, and Markus, the caretaker android.

December 17

Wattam (PS4, PC)

The Mayor has lost his memories, is lost, and sad. Players choose from a cast of characters to bring the Mayor and his friends together, making more along the way. The game reminds players about the joy of friendships and adventures.

Which video game are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!

Nerds and Beyond Book Club: ‘Carmilla’ by Kim Turrisi

Sarah
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Welcome to our interactive Nerds and Beyond book club series! This month, I wanted to share a supernatural LGBTQ+ love story. Our December book club pick is Carmilla: The Novel, written by Kim Turrisi. This book is based on one of my favorite web series and is a great read.

“Kim Turrisi’s adaptation of the award-winning queer feminist vampire web series, Carmilla, delivers equal parts suspense, humor, and bite.”

Image courtesy of KCPLoft Twitter

First, a little Carmilla history lesson. It was a Canadian web series that ran for three seasons from 2014 to 2016, then was a movie in 2017. It was loosely based on a gothic novella of the same name written by Sheridan Le Fanu in 1872 about a female vampire that preys on women. That 1872 novella even predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula that came out in 1897 by 26 years! So it has come back full circle: book, web series, movie, and book.

If I had to describe what Laura’s story is like, it is for sure a mix of Veronica Mars and Buffy. She is a first-year journalism student at Silas University located in Styria, Austria. She also vlogs her days through her computer in her dorm room that she shares with her new friend and party girl, Betty. Things are going great, but that never lasts, does it? Especially when people go missing and your new roommate turns out to be a vampire.

The book cover jacket of Carmilla synopsis is:

“Newly escaped from her stifling small town, Laura is all in for her freshman year at Silas University. But when her roommate Betty, vanishes, and a sarcastic, nocturnal philosophy student named Carmilla moves into Betty’s side of the room, Laure decides to play detective. It turns out Betty isn’t the first girl to go missing – she’s just the first girl not to come back.

As Laura looks for answers, her new roommate tries to shut her down. Does Carmilla know more than she’s letting on about the disappearances? What if she isn’t just selfish and insensitive, but completely inhuman? And what happens when Laura starts falling for her anyway?”

Author Kim Turrisi was born in Hawaii, grew up in a military family (Air Force), and graduated from Florida State University. When writing for a specific character, part of her process includes listening to a playlist she created for that character. Along with her debut novel Just a Normal Tuesday, she has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Venice the Series, written an episode of Pretty Little Liars, and wrote the webisode series Pretty Dirty Secrets.

If you would like to watch the web series that started it all, you can watch it on YouTube.

To participate in our Nerds and Beyond Book Club, send an email to staff@nerdsandbeyond.com with “Book Club” in the subject line. We’ll be emailing out discussion questions that will be posted in an article at the end of the month.

Nerds Gets Cheery: Join the Griswolds for ‘Christmas Vacation’

Kaity
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It’s December, which means it’s time to get cheery. Throughout the month we’ll be sharing our favorite holiday films from old classics to new releases. To start the month off, we went with a big one — National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Image courtesy of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki, and was released on December 1, 1989. This was the third of the National Lampoon Vacation series, with Vacation and European Vacation coming before, and is considered the best of the franchise’s sequels. And for good reason.

The story follows the Griswolds in all their Christmas glory as Clark vows to make this the most “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas” ever. With the largest tree from the farm, 25,000 lights that blow the entire city’s fuse, an exploding turkey, a mischievous cat, and a full RV septic tank … this film has all the makings of a quintessential family holiday. From the start, all the way to the zany ending, there’s no way you don’t find a small glimpse into your own family’s Christmas get-togethers.

Image courtesy of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

Some of the best lines in referring to the holidays with way too many people under one roof are featured in this film. Cousin Eddie’s “Sh*tter’s full,” to the frustration of Clark with “Hallelujah! Holy shi*t! Where’s the Tylenol?,” Ellen’s defeat, “I don’t know what to say, but it’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery,” and of course, the ever-famous Clark line, “He’s gonna find the jolliest bunch of a*sholes this side of the nuthouse.”

This film is just hilarious, but it also encompasses all the strange, annoying, yet wonderful things that happen when the family comes together for the holiday. Whether that’s pretending to enjoy a completely botched meal, making sure all the kids have gifts, or kidnapping your brother’s boss when he doesn’t get the raise he’s expecting, there’s a lot of problems, but (hopefully) also a lot of love, even if intentions are misplaced.

Image courtesy of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

So, on the film’s 30th anniversary today, welcome in the holiday season with a rewatch of one of the best of all time, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and keep an eye here with us for more holiday recommendations!

‘Carnival Row’ Season One Soundtrack Available Now!

Michelle
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‘Carnival Row’ Season One Soundtrack Available Now!

If you are like us, you are going through Carnival Row withdrawals and are missing the hit Amazon series. Good news!  The Carnival Row season one soundtrack is now available for purchase through select digital stores.

The soundtrack includes hauntingly beautiful music used on the series, some of which are original to the hit show.

Some songs included on the soundtrack are “Bury a Friend” by Billie Eilish, “Grieve No More” by Patty Gurdy, and “Fuel to Fire” by Agnes Obel.

So if you are missing the show as much as we are here at Nerds and Beyond, you can revisit some key moments through the amazing music on the soundtrack.

You may purchase the soundtrack on Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iTunes and many other digital platforms.

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