This article first appeared on August 28, 2015. Just wanted to mention to you guys that- We’ve Only Just Begun which has played to SRO audiences throughout the United States is making its Florida debut this coming Saturday-Sunday (11/7-11/8) at Lynn University and- that there are still a handful of really good tickets available (events.lynn.edu). If you are a Carpenters’ fan- Jeff Eats is telling you to GO!…You will absolutely love this show!

Posted August 28, 2015
* We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered.

No ifs, ands, or buts- Karen Carpenter was one of the greatest pop-singers of all-time!

The tribute show- We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered- does the “lady” justice…

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, you don’t want to miss- We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered, it is absolutely fabulous!

For audio/video/schedule/info- weveonlyjustbegunshow.com.

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered”
Saturday & Sunday, November 7 – 7:30 p.m & November 8 – 4 p.m. 2015
Keith C. & Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center – Lynn University
Boca Raton, Florida
Tickets: events.lynn.edu

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered”
Saturday, March 5, 2016 7:00 p.m.
Theatre for the Performing Arts ~ South Florida State College
Avon Park, Florida
Tickets: performances.southflorida.edu

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered”
Sunday, March 6, 2016 7:00 p.m.
Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce, Florida
Tickets: sunrisetheatre.com
_____

We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered is a concert show celebrating the music of one of the most successful recording acts of all time. Led by Michelle Berting Brett and accompanied by a live, 7-piece Nashville band directed by Harry Sharpe, the show re-creates the Carpenters’ original sound.

From northern California to New York City to SOLD OUT engagements in Las Vegas, We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered has been met with enthusiasm from Carpenters’ fans and reviewers alike!

Experience an intimate behind-the-scenes portrait of the pop music phenomenon that defined an era, and sing along to songs that include “Close to You”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Rainy Days & Mondays”, and many more! A great show for the whole family.

(This show does not purport to be endorsed by Richard Carpenter or the estate of Karen Carpenter, nor by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, lyricist and composer of the song “We’ve Only Just Begun”.)

Reviews

“Brilliant performance!”
Peter Noone

“Timeless music . . . phenomenal show!”
Bobby Vee

“One of the finest and most enjoyed tribute shows I’ve ever presented . . . many said it was their favorite concert of all time! I will be inviting them back for our 2015/16 season to do their holiday show, and my audience will be thrilled.”
Christine Guarino – Director, Cultural Affairs & Community Engagement,
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton Township, Michigan

“ . . . We are still receiving calls and messages from fans who said it was “one of the best shows they’ve ever seen”. We had two sold out shows of elated patrons, praising Michelle Berting Brett’s lovely, incredibly versatile voice, and her team of super talented musicians . . . We look forward to bringing them back!”
Rachele Mariano – Theater Manager,
Nelson Hall, Cheshire, Connecticut

“I’ve never come across such a true representation of the music of the Carpenters. My audiences loved it! I immediately booked a return engagement.”
Terry Jenkins – Corporate Director of Entertainment,
Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas, Nevada

“Michelle Berting Brett is a richly gifted vocalist whose heartfelt tribute to Karen Carpenter is simply not to be missed.”
Christopher Loudon – Vocal Critic,
JazzTimes Magazine

* Ali Cultural Arts.

Not for nothing, the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, now this- and some of you guys- still don’t think that Pompano Beach is popping! Pleeeaassee!

F

* 4th Annual Delray Beach Wine And Seafood Festival.

This should be a good one.

You guys know the “drill”… you and 234,546 strangers aimlessly wander and meander around in 87 degree-heat checking out booths- filled with arts & crafts stuff which I assure you- that you don’t and never will ever need, while noshing on some pretty decent fast food-listening to some hot bands.

For some reason, Mrs. Jeff Eats digs-this kinda “ordeal”- so look for Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and Jiggy The Dog Jeff Eats to be “among” the aimlessly wandering-meandering crowd on Saturday Night, November 7th- 7:30pm-10pm.

The Skinny:

4th Annual Delray Beach Wine And Seafood Festival
Saturday, 11/7/15 11 AM – 10 PM | Sunday, 11/8/15 11 AM – 7 PM
Downtown Delray Beach
FREE ADMISSION
Check dbwineandseafood.com for complete event details

This article first appeared on October 16, 2015…just a quick update- this Flying Pigs BBQ & Music Festival is a “huge” charity event (“The Flying Pigs BBQ Festival is a program of the Forster Family Food Pantry in support of the Palm Beach County Food Bank as part of United Way of Palm Beach County and CBS12’s PROJECT THANKSGIVING. Our goal is to give 5,000 free turkeys to the Palm Beach County Food Bank which is equivalent to providing 50,000 delicious holiday meals to hungry residents of our communities. Together we WILL make this happen!!! Go to www.flyingpigsbbqfestival.com to learn more about our event and opportunities to become a sponsor or vendor and to purchase tickets.”). Jeff Eats’ suggestion- check Flying Pig’s website- flyingpigsbbqfestival.com for full details and groupon.com for discounted tickets…To be perfectly honest with you guys, I’m thinking that 2- days of Beatles bands, 60’s music, bbq and beer-with FUNDS going to help feed the needy- is definitely something that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats want to be a part of- see you guys out there!

Posted October 16, 2015
* FLYING PIGS BBQ & MUSIC FESTIVAL – BBQ * BEATLES * BEER.

Literally 2-seconds ago- longtime Jeff Eats’ reader “mark” told me about this event…

Jeff Eats is gonna do some checking, but from what I’m reading- this FLYING PIGS BBQ & MUSIC FESTIVAL- BBQ * BEATLES * BEER “event”” sounds like an incredible weekend in the making…

Thanks again, to “mark” who also mentioned that I should checkout…

groupon.com/deals/flying-pigs-bbq-beatles-and-beer-festival.

I’ll update you guys on FLYING PIGS BBQ & MUSIC FESTIVAL – BBQ * BEATLES * BEER as soon as I get some more info…

The Flying Pigs BBQ Festival is a program of the Forster Family Food Pantry in support of the Palm Beach County Food Bank as part of United Way of Palm Beach County and CBS12’s
PROJECT THANKSGIVING. Our goal is to give 5,000 free turkeys to the Palm Beach County Food Bank which is equivalent to providing 50,000 delicious holiday meals to hungry residents of our communities. Together we WILL make this happen!!! Go to www.flyingpigsbbqfestival.com to learn more about our event and opportunities to become a sponsor or vendor and to purchase tickets.

* Coca Cola- Pepsi Cola- Sunkist Orange- Must Be Thrilled!

Read this story yesterday- at everydayhealth.com.

Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, I’m gonna take my chances- and keep washing my pizza, burgers, hot dogs, sweet & sour pork- down with ice cold- Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola and Sunkist Orange!- and just maybe to really tempt the hands of fate- Crush Orange!

______

Sweetened Drinks Might Raise Men’s Risk for Heart Failure
By Dennis Thompson, Jr., HealthDay News

Two servings daily linked to higher odds for the disabling condition, study says.

After accounting for other factors, researchers found at least two servings of sweetened drinks a day increased heart failure risk by 23 percent.

Tuesday, November 03, 2015

People who regularly consume sodas or sweetened fruit drinks may have a higher risk for heart failure, researchers report.

In the study, Swedish men who drank two or more servings of sweetened beverages a day had a 23 percent higher risk of suffering heart failure, said lead author Susanna Larsson, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

“People who regularly consume sweetened beverages should consider reducing their consumption to lower their risk of heart failure as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes and possibly other diseases,” Larsson said.

Sweetened drinks have been linked to stroke, diabetes, obesity and other health problems, but so far scant attention has been paid to the effects of excess sugar on heart health, said Dr. Christopher O’Connor, director of the Heart Center at Duke University School of Medicine and editor-in-chief of the journal JACC: Heart Failure.

Heart failure occurs when the heart grows too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Patients tire easily, suffer shortness of breath and develop fluid buildup in their feet, ankles and legs.

Only about half of those diagnosed with heart failure are still alive five years later, researchers said in background material. More than 23 million people worldwide have heart failure, including about 5.8 million in the United States.

Soft drinks have been associated with an increased risk in high blood pressure and heart disease, so it makes sense that sweetened beverages might also increase the risk of heart failure, the researchers said.

Using national registry data, they tracked the health of 42,400 men living in two counties of Sweden between 1998 and 2010.

The men, aged 45 to 79, were asked to record their average consumption of 96 food and drink items over the preceding year. One serving of a sweetened drink was defined as 200 milliliters, or nearly 7 ounces.

The questionnaire made no distinction between drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit juices, coffee and tea were not included in the study.

Over an average of 12 years of monitoring, more than 3,600 new cases of heart failure were diagnosed. More than 500 people died of the condition.

After accounting for other potential factors, researchers found that at least two servings of sweetened drinks a day increased heart failure risk by 23 percent, compared with people who consumed no soft drinks or sweetened beverages.

“We controlled for other food groups that could reflect an overall healthy or unhealthy diet such as intakes of fruits, vegetables, fish, processed red meat and coffee consumption,” Larsson said. “We also adjusted for total energy intake.”

The findings were published online Nov. 2 in the journal Heart.

While the study only included men, “we expect that the association would be similar in women,” Larsson said. However, he added that because this is an observational study, it does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Men in Sweden tend to weigh less and are more physically fit than American men, which means this association is likely to be amplified in the United States, O’Connor said.

“In the United States, you have people who are farther down the curve,” O’Connor said. The potential effect “would be larger and faster here.”

O’Connor noted some design problems that affect the clarity of the findings. For example, food surveys tend to be inaccurate because they rely on people’s memories of what they eat, and the beverage question included all sweetened drinks, whether they contained sugar or an artificial sweetener.

But this likely “just reduces the signal,” masking what is probably an even greater effect on heart health than observed here, O’Connor concluded. “The fact the signal is still there means it’s probably real,” he said.

The American Beverage Association responded to the findings by drawing attention to a new industry initiative aimed at reducing beverage calories in the American diet by 20 percent for every person by 2025.

“This initiative will have significant real-world impact by helping people reduce their consumption of calories and sugar from beverages,” the industry group said in a statement. “To reduce the incidence of heart disease, health professionals, industry and others must work together to educate Americans about all the risk factors and encourage people to maintain a healthy weight by balancing their calories and physical activity.”

***** Tacos And Tattoos, 10720 Southwest 113th Place, Miami, Florida 33176, (786) 803-8316.

Got a real good one for you guys…Tacos And Tattoos a Mexican/Latin “hole in the wall” joint that makes outrageously delicious Mexican/Latin-stuff (Surprise, Surprise! – Gomer Pyle, 1964). Something like 15 seats inside, same number outside.

Tacos And Tattoos’ menu is printed down-below…not exactly a super-gigantic selection- but trust Jeff Eats you’ll find what to eat- and like I just said- its stuff is off the chart delicious!

Now, just between you guys and Jeff Eats, my Spanish isn’t too good…wasn’t much of a Spanish-Student at Ditmas Junior High School, Erasmus Hall High School or for that matter Ithaca College…that said, I kinda know when I’ve eaten killer-food and the stuff that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats recently had for dinner at Tacos And Tattoos- killed! By the way, Mrs. Jeff Eats who “took” French at Public School 197, Midwood High School and Brooklyn College- also thought that the food was absolute dynamite!

Tacos And Tattoos is an absolute must try.

Check the joint’s website tacosandtattoos.com for menu/prices/info.

Tacos And Tattoos is open Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-3pm (maybe- they take a siesta or something!) 5pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 12:30pm-10pm, closed on Monday.

Finally, just a word to the wise, Jeff Eats has heard- that if you bitch about the food or don’t tip right- the help grabs you, holds you down and gives you a facial tattoo just-like the one that Mike Tyson sports- (what in the world could that man have been thinking?)- thus the word Tattoo in the joint’s name!

* Bobby Slayton.

If you wanna laugh your ass-off!- Go see National Comedian Headliner- Bobby Slayton!

Slayton is “in” for 2- South Florida shows… Friday Night-11/6/15 – Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach and Saturday Night-11/7/15- Boca Black Box (bocablackbox.com) in Boca Raton.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, both shows are gonna be SRO! This guy Slayton is FUNNY!

Just a heads-up, you guys who “do” the Mardi Gras show- will also get to see… William-Rock-The-House-Lewis… Jeff Eats has seen- Miramar based Lewis in action- absolutely hilarious!

The Skinny:
Comedian Bobby Slayton
Friday, November 6 • 8pm
Mardi Gras Casino
831 N. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL | 954-924-3200
Tickets: mardigrascasinofl.com

from mardigrascasinofl.com

A true “comic’s comic,” Bobby Slayton, often referred to as “The Pitbull of Comedy”, has been performing his own intense style of stand-up comedy for over 30 years, becoming one of the best known, respected, and energetic comics working today.

Audiences around the country may recognize Bobby from his scene-stealing roles in movies such as “Get Shorty”, “Ed Wood”, “Bandits” and, most recently, “Dreamgirls”. He’s been seen on dozens of television shows including “The Tonight Show” and “Politically Incorrect”. Bobby’s many appearances on HBO have included “Comic Relief” and his own stand-up special. He was a series regular on the HBO series “Mind of a Married Man”, and played Joey Bishop opposite Ray Liotta and Joe Mantegna in the critically acclaimed film “The Rat Pack”.

Slayton’s distinctive gravelly voice has often been heard on animated shows like “Dr. Katz’” and “Family Guy”, as well as many popular radio shows across the country including Howard Stern, Kevin & Bean, and Tom Leykis.

The NY Daily News called Slayton “Armed and Dangerous” and the Las Vegas Review Journal pointed out that “Slayton’s refusal to compromise his art has always made him worth a special trip.”

* Bobby Slayton: “The Pitbull of Comedy.”

If you wanna laugh your ass off…go- see National Comedian Headliner- Bobby Slayton on November 7, 2015 (8pm) at the Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road in Boca Raton.

Over the years, Jeff Eats has seen Slayton 4-times and each time his “light blue” act absolutely killed!

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this show will be SRO!

The Skinny:

Bobby Slayton

November 7, 2015 (8pm)

Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 483-9036

Tickets: bocablackbox.com
check goldstar.com- there are a handful of $20 tickets going for 10 bucks

Just in case you haven’t “heard” of Bobby Slayton:

from bocablackbox.com

“The Pitbull of Comedy”

Bobby Slayton, often referred to as “The Pitbull of Comedy”, has been performing his own intense style of stand-up comedy for over 30 years, becoming one of the best known, respected, and energetic comics working today.

Audiences around the country may recognize Bobby from his scene-stealing roles in movies such as “Get Shorty”, “Ed Wood”, “Bandits” and, most recently, “Dreamgirls”. He’s been seen on dozens of television shows including “The Tonight Show” and “Politically Incorrect”. Bobby’s many appearances on HBO have included “Comic Relief” and his own stand-up special. He was a series regular on the HBO series “Mind of a Married Man”, and played Joey Bishop opposite Ray Liotta and Joe Mantegna in the critically acclaimed film “The Rat Pack.”

This article first appeared on October 23, 2015…Just checked goldstar.com and its got a bunch of $20 tickets for 10 bucks…so if you wanna go! Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, these “lads” put on quite a show!

* The BeatleManiacs.

Trust me, Jeff Eats wouldn’t dare insult your intelligence…of course you know exactly what The BeatleManiacs’ show is all-about…

That said, with Mrs, Jeff Eats having seen The Beatles at Shea Stadium, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats having seen Ringo and Paul countless times in concert, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats having seen The Pete Best Band and Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats conservatively guessing that we’ve seen at least 50 Beatles’ “tribute” bands-and 797,090 Beatles’ cover bands, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats without any reservations whatsoever can tell you that- The BeatleManiacs are one of the best Beatles’ tribute/cover bands that we haver-ever seen!

Now you guys know and Jeff Eats knows, that THE BEATLES are THE BEATLES…that said, checkout The BeatleManiacs’website- beatlemaniacs.com- I’m thinking you’re gonna be real-impressed!

If you wanna go…

Sunday Night, November 8, 2015 (7pm)
Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33434, (561) 483-9036
Tickets: $20, $25, $35 at bocablacbox.com

Just a suggestion here, keep an eye on goldstar.com- just maybe you-catch some real nice discount tickets!

from bocablacbox.com

The Beatlemaniacs turn imagination into reality, bringing The Beatles back together in a fully produced live reunion concert! As top headliner for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, The Beatlemaniacs have been rocking international audiences from North America to Europe, Asia and South America. Nominated for “Entertainer of the year” and voted “Best Musical Act” on Princess Cruises in 2011, The Beatlemaniacs are the only group to reunite The Fab Four in a one of a kind post-Beatles experience, including several of the band’s solo album hits never performed live as “The Beatles.” Costume changes highlight the band’s progression through the 1960’s in a continuously running production. Exciting choreographed lighting and multimedia videos re-create classic moments from famous Beatles movies such as A Hard Day’s Night, Help and Yellow Submarine. The Beatles reunion concert that Beatles fans dreamed of is finally happening

* Cody Ray Slaughter Florida Tour.

I don’t know about you guys-but I love the man- but I’m All-Elvised-Out!

If you aren’t…

You gotta go see Cody Ray Slaughter who will have you swearing- that 21-year old ELVIS AARON PRESLEY is alive and well on that freaking stage…

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, it is- absolutely scary as to how good Cody Ray Slaughter is at “being” Elvis!

The Skinny:

Cody Ray Slaughter Florida Tour:

For complete venue information/tickets/video/audio…codyslaughter.com.

Wednesday, November 4 @ 2:00 PM — 7:00 PM
Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main Street, The Villages FL

Friday, November 6 @ 7:00 PM
Times Union Terry Theater, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville FL

Sunday, November 8 @ 7:00 AM
Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar FL

Wednesday, November 11
Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Ft. Myers FL

from codyslaughter.com

CODY RAY SLAUGHTER
Actor ~ Entertainer ~ Recording Artist

Cody Ray Slaughter is hailed as one of the most talented, young Actors, Singer and Elvis Tribute Artist in the country. Born and raised in Harrison, Arkansas, gateway to the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Cody Slaughter began entertaining at the young age of 13. A true Southern boy, Cody’s true passion for Elvis’ music and memory has directed his career path.

Cody has performed all across the country as well as in many theaters in Branson, MO, such as Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Legends In Concert, 50’s At The Hop and The Liverpool Legends as well as in Pigeon Forge, TN where Cody was the featured entertainer at The Tennessee Shindig for over a year at the young age of 17. Cody also appeared on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16”. Slaughter has been performing at special events, corporate functions, and entertainment venues throughout the United States. His uncanny portrayal of Elvis Presley exhibits his amazing love for who he calls, “the greatest entertainer of all time”.

“My greatest joy is when I am acting and especially paying tribute to Elvis and his music and keeping his spirit alive with his fans” Cody Slaughter June 2010.

Among some of Cody’s most exciting accolades were winning The People’s Choice Award during Elvis Week 2008. In July of 2011. At the Las Vegas Elvis Fest, Cody received The New Horizon Award for best new Elvis Tribute Artist. The award was given on the same stage where Elvis made history at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Representing Tupelo, Mississippi (Elvis’ Birthplace) Elvis Presley Enterprises’ named Cody the 2011 ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis TN this past August.

In Oct 2011, Cody took on the roll of Elvis Presley in the road tour of the hit theatrical production ‘The Million Dollar Quartet’.

Cody Slaughter, the 21 year old singing sensation, has the raw talent and passion that Elvis himself exibitied when he first started. Excited fans have crowned Cody the new ‘Prince of Rock and Roll’.