Friday, March 30, 2012

K 104.7 FM. Jordan Knight Discusses His Solo Tour: “It’s Really A Love Fest”

(credit: Dove Shore) 
(credit: Dove Shore)

Currently on tour in the U.S. promoting his latest solo album, Unfinished, Jordan Knight talked with CBS Local about his life as a solo artist and member of New Kids On the Block.

Knight got his start in New Kids On the Block as a teen in the 80s and nearly three decades later continues to pursue a career in music. On a break from touring with NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys on their world tour, Knight discussed the difference between producing and releasing his record himself vs. the big production behind the New Kids.
“Doing something like an album, promoting your own tour, and doing your own label, that’s what I did with my latest album Unfinished, it’s a lot of work. You definitely have to be dedicated to do it and I was and I am,” he said. “I think the best thing about it is that it gives you a whole lot of self-satisfaction. Being in the New Kids and doing big arenas and traveling the world, that’s great and that’s hard work too but compared to what I’m doing now it’s very cushy.”


“If I was doing only the New Kids On the Block or if I was only doing solo stuff, that just wouldn’t feel right. Definitely doing my solo stuff, grinding it out and working hard and doing that it just makes my experience all the better.”
While Knight performs in arenas with NKOTB he said the energy at his solo shows equals his time onstage at a New Kids concert.
“It’s really a love fest,” he said. “The good thing about doing the show on my own is that I get to be a little more impromptu; I get to be a little closer. The venues are obviously not arenas so I really get to feel the audience and they get to feel me a little more. I’m able to sing songs from my first solo records. I’m able to sit down, relax, sing songs at the piano, [perform] some songs the fans requested through Twitter and Twitter polls. It’s a lot more personal from Jordan to the Jordan girls.”
Knight said as long as he stays creative, open, and positive he is able to come up with new material. But, a major factor that keeps him prolonging his career are the fans.
- Annie Reuter CBS Local

SOURCE: http://k1047.radio.com/2012/03/30/jordan-knight-discusses-his-solo-tour-its-really-a-love-fest/

LA Town Hall/Tour Send Off!

LA Town Hall/Tour Send Off!

Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Ladies and gentleman of Block Nation! The Town Hall Meetings were received with huge success! The turnouts – tremendous! The energy – exciting! The passion – indescribable! Block Nation has spoken and were beyond thrilled to have the chance to sit and talk with you. And by popular demand, we are excited to announce that we are bringing a Town Hall Meeting to the West Coast!

Saturday, April 14, 2012
Los Angeles, CA
Venue: TBA
Check-in: 6 PM
Event begins: 7:30 PM
Sign up NOW for a chance to attend. Capacity is extremely limited, but we will do our very best to accommodate you.

Over the next several weeks, you should expect to see and hear many of the things that were discussed during our first few Town Halls -- New Music  -- Improved Events -- Timelier Announcements! We will continue to make sure each and every NKOTB event is the best experience for you! We can’t wait to see you!
-NKOTB

SOURCE:  http://www.nkotb.com/news/68861

Jordan Knight on the 10! Show ( NBC Philadelphia)


View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

Phantom Gourmet: Wahlburgers In Hingham


HINGHAM (CBS) – The hottest new burger joint this side of Hollywood, Walhburgers, is the newest creation of chef Paul Wahlberg, and his famous actor brothers Mark and Donnie.
Located in the Hingham Shipyard, across the street from their other restaurant Alma Nove, Wahlburgers serves burgers, dogs, shakes, and fries.
Here, the three-ounce all-natural burgers are griddled on the flat-top, and served up with lettuce, tomato, and homemade pickles, on a fresh baked roll.
Plus, there are three specialty burgers, one for each brother. And if you look closely, you’ll see that the toppings are actually on the bottom, so you get all the right stuff in every mouthful.
In addition the burgers, there are creamy frappes, golden fried sides, and steamed hot dogs.
And while Paul is the Wahlberg brother you’re most likely to see at the restaurant, Mark and Donnie are well represented here too with their movie clips on the TV’s, and posters on the walls.
“It pays homage to who we are as a family. From our roots in Dorchester, all the way to today,” said Paul.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/25/phantom-gourmet-wahlburgers-in-hingham/

Thursday, March 29, 2012

RunnersFeed: Joey McIntyre: A Good Guy Running For A Good Cause

Joey McIntyre could tell you hundreds of captivating stories about traveling the world as a member of New Kids On The Block. With over 80 million albums sold, one might find it difficult to speak about anything else. Not McIntyre. I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with this international superstar AND runner, and to be quite honest, it wasn’t because of who he was or what he has done as a musician. After interviewing countless professional runners, it was refreshing to speak with someone who appreciates what the sport can do for him but also what the sport can do for others.
McIntyre appreciates the health benefits of running. “It is great cardio and keeps the weight off” said McIntyre, but this is such a small portion of why he will toe the line in Hollywood on April 7th. He is running to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Here are a few interesting facts from ALZ.org
1) 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
2) One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease.
Help McIntyre Raise $13,100
3) Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
4) More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care valued at $210 billion for persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
5) Payments for care are estimated to be $200 billion in the United States in 2012.

Photo credit: Noel Vasquez

McIntyre’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he was quick to admit that it is tough to watch. He speaks about his mother and the process in a powerful blog post entitled “My Mom May Not Know Who I Am…“. He is candid and forthcoming with stories that one might expect a person of his stature to hide. It is evident that McIntyre is on a mission to raise awareness to put an end to this nasty disease. As one of nine children, he says “this disease affects the whole family. My mother is so fortunate to have the care she has, but so many are not as lucky.”
McIntyre respects the half marathon distance. He likened running this distance to dealing with Alzheimer’s. “You must be present and focus on the moment. You have to run mile 6 before you can think about mile 10″.
When I asked McIntyre about his training leading up to The Hollywood Half Marathon, McIntyre said, “I run three to four days a week and upwards of 6 miles”.  Within five minutes it became evident that he had caught the running bug.

He went on to say, “I was out for a 7 mile run and it was beautiful outside so I decided to run 10 miles. Once I got there I figured I might as well run 13.”
Help McIntyre Raise $13,100
As a native of Boston, McIntyre mentioned that the Boston Marathon is on his radar. If you thought it was loud when you ran past Wellesley College, wait until Joey McIntyre debuts in Boston.

Below is an excerpt from McIntyre’s Fundraising Page:
My mother suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. She loved to walk everywhere. Never had a driver’s license- so I’ll run for her instead the Hollywood Half-Marathon. Thank you for your support to Alzheimer’s Association- its an amazing organization working hard to finding a cure for this debilitating disease.
Click HERE to donate.

SOURCE: http://runnersfeed.com/joey-mcintyre-a-good-guy-running-for-a-good-cause/

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

ALLOCINE's interview with Donnie Wahlberg

Interview: Donnie Wahlberg unveils "Blue Bloods"

Posted by Screenrush - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

In "Blue Bloods", Donnie Wahlberg is Danny, the inspector bright blood of the Reagan family. The actor has agreed to lift the veil on the series and its relationship with his playmates, and especially Tom Selleck ...
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AlloCine: You seem to have developed a very complicit with your fellow players to "Blue Bloods". Can we speak of a quasi-family in which Tom Selleck would be the father and your brother Will?

 Donnie Wahlberg :
It shows how the phase of the casting is paramount. Bridget Moynahan (note: who plays Erin, the sister of Danny in the series) and I have a fantastic relationship, based on the same confidence that can sometimes develop between a brother and sister. We're both single parents, we talk about many things when the camera is off, fueling our relationship to the camera. When I look at Will (Ed.: Will Estes , who plays Jamie's brother Danny), I feel to see me 10 years ago in Boomtown . I see understand certain elements of his character as I did at that time. As for Tom Selleck (who plays Frank's father, Danny, Erin and Jamie), he is a father figure to everyone. He clearly felt that I was a little restless sometimes, but he also saw and now know that I am very pro is a bit like Frank vis-à-vis Danny in the end.

The series has a different perspective on the police than other "cop shows". We feel more respect for the cops, as a respectful tribute to law enforcement. How did you see the cops when you were young? What was your vision of the police as a teenager?

I grew up in Boston and in my youth, I knew all the cops in the neighborhood. They were all arrested at least one of my brothers! In a city like Boston, children become either criminals or cops. I've never hated that. By cons I have never supported to have one behind me on the highway. In these cases, I always seem to have robbed a bank, even if I did nothing. I do not know why I feel it also. I never get used. Over the years I have worked with so many cops, my respect for them has continued to grow. As everywhere, there are always those who pass the rules, and it may happen that some do bad things, but 99% of them women or men, doing the best they can, in some circumstances simply frightening and dangerous. Sometimes it is played for nothing. Sometimes they are forced to take serious decisions in one second. Very rarely, it goes wrong. But they are even more rarely recognized for what they do well. Personally, having the opportunity to explore this aspect is extraordinary. My character sometimes makes bad decisions, but I know many cops who watch the series Danny comply because they know what it is and what he faces better than anyone.

The relationship between Danny and his partner, played by Jennifer Esposito, works because it's a game of contrasts between them ...

Indeed, I used to say to Will Estes (Ed.: who plays Jamie's brother Danny) that he and I were lucky to have Nick Turturro and Jennifer Esposito as partners. These are formidable actors who give a lot and that can create even more.

What is it like to actually run in New York, not in a studio in Hollywood or Canada, which is sometimes used as natural setting for New York?

I just shot a scene in a building dating from 1885, I think. I look out the window I see the Williamsburg Bridge, a cool breeze comes out of the window and ... I realize how much I'm lucky. In the episode called " Cop Killer "(Ed.: Season 1, Episode 4), we shot one of the most important scenes in the Brooklyn Bridge! Between each shot, I heard the workers who worked above me shouting things like "Hey Donnie, we love you man!" It was unbelievable. Play a New York cop in New York with New Yorkers is incomparable. And that's what we live every day. Turn these streets is something fantastic.


What do you prefer in fact to play Danny?

The freedom it gives me. I like when the scenario reminds me how I can be free to play and try something different every day. My favorite shoot days are those where, even if I am guided by the scenario, it is always possible to make discoveries or try something completely unexpected. Today, for example, I tried a variation on a scene "on" Columbo ! It was great fun ... and it did not sound fake. I had some opportunities to play here and there in other series, to do other things, but I was immediately attracted to this role because, besides the fact that I love my colleagues, that I'm a fan of Tom and the script was good, Danny allowed me to explore and try things as an actor.

Why do you think "Blue Bloods" is different from other cop shows?

The characters in the series have different views on business, the show offers a wide spectrum of views on events, and viewers can also form their own opinion. I think that's what makes Blue Bloods unique. Of course I could also say that my colleagues are wonderful, the script is great and that I play a character hitherto unpublished my filmography with incredible variations according to circumstances. I can explore the different facets of the personality of Danny. I also think the family dimension of the series, and has its impact on the public course. When I read the scriot, I remember that I could almost imagine my sister at the other end of the table. Besides a few shouting matches my character has with her ​​sister played by Bridget are very similar to those I had with my sister in real life! When something resonates so true as in your heart, it creates something in your head, and as an actor, it makes you want to dive into the adventure. When we shot the first scene of dinner, I knew I would amuse myself by turning the following. I knew these scenes would be alive, animated. Turn in a series is backbreaking, work 15 hours a day, five days a week. I could not do so if the project did not vibrate and if I do not bring a little life. Danny gives me lot of freedom, it makes me feel alive. The family scenes are very sincere, it makes me alive. Feel "alive" five days a week by television, it's a gift. This is invaluable to feel such energy.


Have you done some research for this role? Have you spent time with the cops in New York?

Yes indeed I have spent some time with them. In fact I had already done some training at home for earlier projects, such as the miniseries The Kill Point: in the crosshairs . But Danny is not a cop, it is also the son of a powerful New York, and it is this aspect that I wanted to explore more, I wanted to discover a little more each episode. With the freedom we are given, the same scene can be played many ways. And when Danny is facing his father, Frank (Ed.: played by Tom Selleck ), I must think and prepare myself wondering what it feels to be the son of a powerful man and take his Later, while trying to follow his own path. Danny should probably have a bit of resentment vis-à-vis his father. But it must be mixed also with gratitude. I am sure that sometimes it takes advantage of his relationship with his father and that this relationship is sometimes a hindrance. This is both a privilege and a burden. It is this relationship and it contains all the dimensions that I wanted to explore. I wanted to try several things and go in several directions because in reality, there is no single explanation or only one way of seeing things. Danny is not a guy who wants his father or a guy who is adoring his dad. This is a character that evolves between these two extremes. And each scenario, each scene allows me to navigate these waters, explore, play by a different tone.

What are the similarities you have with Danny?
I was shooting a scene earlier and I realized that I found Danny too cold and that I tended to make it more human every time. I had to stop to realize that in the context in which Danny is at that moment he must be "insensitive", and that I was not involved. Danny yes. I do not play Donnie Wahlberg , Danny Reagan I play. The first common point we found is that I ... malice. I remember one scene between Danny and his father, during which the son gently pokes fun of his dad, he provokes a little ... and it's a lot like me. I also like being a leader in life, I always liked that position in my career, in the roles I've played. But it happened to me, and I sometimes still have to deal with leaders who could have a little authority than me, and it is a very strong point in common between Danny and me. It is worth exploring and it can be electric. This is what makes some relationships between Danny and Frank, his father. But behind the camera, I really appreciate being able to spend time with Tom , it's incredible, and this is what makes this job so fantastic. It's great to come to the office and say we will work with Tom and reflect on the scenes, dialogues, how to make everything work. It's great to get to know him. We have great respect for one another and, as in the series, there is a difference, experience, age, and these differences we use as our characters in the series and elsewhere. And it's amazing to use it and explore.
 
 You spoke of your admiration for Tom Selleck earlier. Were you a fan of "Magnum"? Had you ever met him before?
I had never met Tom before Blue Bloods and yes, I was a fan of ... Three Men and a Baby. My mother was a huge fan of Magnum ! She's in heaven now! She watch Blue Bloods every Friday, and I can call into the night to ask his opinion on the episode to hear him say: "Oh my God, I loved it when you laugh Tom!" It is in heaven, I tell you! Of course I remember Magnum but I have to admit that especially Three Men and a Baby was one of my favorite movies for a long time. Over the years, through his roles, interviews he gave, my respect for him has only grown. And now, by knowing it, my respect is limitless. See where it stands today, all he has done, feel it diffuses through the plateau, it is something I cherish the highest point and know that I aspire to one day . It's one thing to succeed, it is quite another, and it's much more complicated to maintain that humility follows this success. And that's what impresses me most about him. He is an inspiration for me.
 
Interview by Emmanuel Itier

SOURCE: http://www.allocine.fr/article/fichearticle_gen_carticle=18610955.html 

Boston Business Journal: Wahlbergs eye Boston 'Wahlburgers' by end of 2012

by Galen Moore
Wahlburgers, the celebrity-backed Boston-area burger restaurant run by actor Mark Wahlberg’s brother, is seeking to expand.
Conflicting reports, Tuesday, hat the Wahlbergs – actor Mark, brother Donnie, and brother Paul Wahlberg, who runs the restaurant – either considering expanding to the U.K. with a bunch of new restaurants, or just opening a second location in Massachusetts.
The young company has discussed both, but the Massachusetts location could open this year, said Wahlburgers vice president of operations, Earl Howard. "Ideally we'd love to do something in that downtown Boston area whether it's Fenway or the Back Bay," he said. "The waterfront is a possibility."
Also of interest to Mass. restaurant owners are the financials Mark Wahlberg talked about in an interview with the London Metro newspaper. He said the Hingham, Mass., Wahlburgers, which opened late last year, is doing sales of $17,000 a day.
“A successful burger place takes maybe $2,400 a day. A really successful one does $6,000. We’re making $17,000 a day,” Wahlberg told the Metro. “There are lines queuing around the corner.”
According to Howard, including the take from liquor sales and a merchandise sideline, Wahlburgers has exceeded that $17,000 figure on its best weekend days – but that doesn't represent Wahlburgers daily revenue. He declined to discuss Wahlburgers sales in more detail.
Leaving aside whether Boston-bred Mark Wahlberg would use the word, "queuing," his $17,000 figure wants a closer look. The cheapest burger on the menu is about $6.25, and fries are $3. Wahlburgers does have a liquor license – which probably ups the average check size, let's say to $20, not including the tip (a burger, fries and two beers). That would mean Wahlburgers is serving about 850 people on its best days.
"We definitely feel (Wahlburgers) has potential to expand, not only in the U.S. but hopefully on an international level," Howard said. "Our short-term goal is definitely to develop the brand here in the Boston market."
Read more:
Editor's note: I updated this story twice. First, I changed my back-of-the-envelope math on Wahlburgers' average check size after learning that the restaurant does have a liquor license. (Their online menu doesn't mention it.) The second update came after hearing from Wahlburgers V.P. ops, Earl Howard, who contacted me a few hours after the story was first published. 


////
SOURCE: http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bottom_line/2012/03/wahlburgers-expansion.html?ana=twt&page=all

Courthouse News Service: Rapper Demands $1M From Former NKOTB Member


     (CN) - MC Spice, a rapper who co-wrote and produced a handful of hits for Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch in the early 1990s, says Donnie Wahlberg has never paid him royalties for songs that were used in TV shows like "Glee" and movies like "The Mighty Ducks."
     Boston rapper Amir Quadeer Shakir, who records as MC Spice, says he co-wrote and produced "Good Vibrations," "Wildside," "Make Me Say Ooh," and "Gonna Have a Good Time," among other songs, for Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch, a rap group that featured a young Mark Wahlberg.
     Shakir says in his complaint in federal court in Manhattan that Donnie Wahlberg, his publishing company, and Warner/Chappell Music have not paid him royalties for his work with Marky Mark.
     Donnie Wahlberg, brother of Mark Wahlberg and former member of New Kids on the Block, later helped his younger brother Mark's hip-hop career with the Funky Bunch.
     The songs MC Spice worked on have been used in TV shows like "Glee," and movies like "The Mighty Ducks," "Analyze This" and "Rock Star," according to the complaint.
     Shakir seeks $500,000 in damages against Donnie Wahlberg and Donnie D. Publishing for breach of fiduciary duty and conversion, and another $500,000 against Warner Chappell for unjust enrichment.
     The rapper is represented by Lita Rosario of Washington, D.C. 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

NKOTB on Billboard's 10 Biggest Boy Bands (1987-2012)

Getty Images
 
Boy bands ruled the music industry from the late '80s all the way to the early '00s, selling millions of records and touring stadiums across the globe. Then pop-punk took over, soon bowing to hip-hop and the ladies of pop who rule today. As the boy band era ended, Nick Lachey inked a reality TV deal, Justin Timberlake moved into acting, and most band members waited in the wings, ready to jump on a comeback whenever opportunity knocked.

But in the last few years, with bands like the Jonas Brothers and One Direction taking center stage, we've seen a resurgence of boy band love. In honor of our latest Billboard magazine covers, featuring The Wanted and One Direction, we bring you the best the teen phenomenon has to offer: the top 10 boy bands of the last 25 years, according to our charts*

10. New Edition
9. Hanson 
8. Jonas Brothers
7. 98 Degrees
6. 112
5. All 4 One
4. NSYNC  
3. New Kids On the Block


Key Hot 100 Hit: "Step by Step" (No. 1 for three weeks)
Key Billboard 200 Album: "Hangin' Tough" (No. 1 for two weeks)
After riding the crest boy band mania in the late '80s, New Kids on the Block left the scene only to return for a comeback in 2008. With seven studio albums, the Boston-bred quintet has taken home two American Music Awards, hit the Hot 100 13 times, and put nine albums on the Billboard 200. After returning to the music industry with 2008's "The Block," Donnie, Danny, Joey, Jordan and Jonathan teamed up with the Backstreet Boys in 2011 as supergroup NKOTBSB.
2. Backstreet boys
1. Boyz 2 Men

HOW THIS CHART WAS FORMULATED: This list of the top 10 Boy Bands is based on actual chart performance on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts from January 1987 through through the charts dated March 10. Rankings are based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 having the greatest value and weeks at lower rankings proportionately less. To ensure equitable representation of an artist's biggest songs and albums, certain time frames were weighted to account for the difference between turnover rates from those eras.

SOURCE: http://www.billboard.com/features/top-10-boy-bands-1987-2012-1006396752.story#/features/top-10-boy-bands-1987-2012-1006396752.story

TBD Arts: Jordan Knight lets his guard down

March 27, 2012
Jordan Knight (photo: Brianne Nemiroff)
If you were to ask a teenager who Jordan Knight is, they probably wouldn’t know. But ask any woman between the age of 25 and 50 who he is, and you’ll probably see their eyes bulge out of their head as they begin to profess their love for him.
Jordan Knight is the lead singer of New Kids on the Block, the original boy band that hit it big in the '80s and sold over 70 million albums worldwide. He's also sold 1.5 million copies of his solo albums. Today, those fans are still around, as proven by the audience at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Md., on Sunday night.
There were women waiting in line to see the pop star hours before his performance. Some wore vintage NKOTB T-shirts, and some women just looked vintage themselves. But they were there to meet their teenage idol, to meet the guy in the poster on their bedroom wall that they kissed all throughout high school. Knight met and took a picture with every person who purchased a VIP ticket, as well as some radio contest winners, and let them watch his sound check.
Pleasing one woman is hard enough, but Knight had to entertain hundreds and seemed to do it effortlessly, at least to his fans. Behind the scenes, however, he let his guard down, and it was obvious that he was exhausted. But by still going on only an hour later to perform for his fans, it only proved to me more how dedicated he was to each and every one of them.
Knight performed a 90-minute set consisting of tracks off of his latest release, Unfinished, his first solo album, Jordan Knight, as well as an NKOTB track, “We Got It.”
Knight appears to have been touring non-stop since 2008 when New Kids on the Block reunited, released an album, and toured after a 14-year break.
“To see the fans after all this time is pretty wonderful. To go away for that long and to see all of our fans still there is pretty mind-blowing,” Knight said.
Following that release, NKOTB decided to collaborate with another boy band, The Backstreet Boys, for a tour and collaborative album release, under the name NKOTBSB.
“It was fun," he said. "A lot of people thought we didn’t get along or wouldn’t get along. They’re very talented individuals and they have a lot of great songs that people love. The combination just fit: two boy bands coming together. I don’t think two boy bands have ever done that before. For us to do that, we paved the way for other boy bands once again by doing that tour, showing that you don’t have to be rivals. You can actually team up to do something big.”
The tour was a huge success across the U.S. and they are set to perform the European leg of the tour this summer.
Unfinished encompasses the current music trends of Dance/Pop and blends them with his own Pop/R&B style. Knight’s tracks are very upbeat and fun, usually about love and relationships. When I asked him why, his answer was particularly humorous as well as bluntly honest.
“My audience happens to be 99 percent female. It might be a good idea to write a little bit about love and relationships. I also like to write fun, sexy songs like ‘O-Face’ and ‘Up and Down’ and ‘Give It to You’. Those kinds of song are fun, sassy, and frisky. I like them and my fans like them.”
Talking to Knight about his music, you could tell that he loves what he does and always writes with his fans in mind.
“I pictured [the fans] driving in their cars, out running, or doing stuff around the house, just being able to put on their headphones and listen to it and be swept away. The main thing about music is that you have to make sure that it has an emotional connection and that’s what I really wanted: to make sure that there was substance to it and that you could draw out any emotion that it may be.”
Knight has three more tour dates left on his solo tour before he returns to touring with NKOTBSB. If you didn’t catch him in Silver Spring, he will be performing in Philadelphia, New York City, and in Foxborough, Mass., this weekend.

SOURCE: http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-arts/2012/03/jordan-knight-14885.html

Joey McINtyre and other artists send birthday greetings video to Perez Hilton

Monday, March 26, 2012

WPXI: Jordan Knight talks New Kids, Pittsburgh before concert at Altar Bar


Rob Johnston, Jordan Knight photo
By Rob Johnston
PITTSBURGH —
Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block fame recently brought his solo tour “Live and Unfinished” to Pittsburgh. While he was in town I had the opportunity to hang with him backstage before his show.
Knight performed at Altar Bar in the strip district to a sold-out crowd of screaming fans. Many of those fans were decked out in New Kids on the Block memorabilia, including large-sized pins with Knight’s picture on them as well as T-shirts with homemade messages that read, “We love you Jordan.”
I was surprised to see the age of fans has changed, but the excitement surrounding Knight has not. One enthusiastic fan, Melissa Rainy of Edgewood, even brought an original Jordan Knight doll to the concert that she has proudly owned for more than 20 years.
“I’m here because Jordan Knight is the greatest. I have been a fan for more than 25 years,” said Rainy, as she showed off the dress she made from New Kids on the Block bed sheets she owned as a child.
 Knight was in Pittsburgh last summer for the “NKOTBSB Tour,” which featured New Kids on the Block and Back Street Boys as co-headliners.
When I asked Knight how it felt to be back in Pittsburgh he said:
“It’s actually cool to do this on my own because I had a chance to see the city and everything. When you’re on a big tour, you roll into town and go into a building, you don’t see the city. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city.”
Click here to view the entire raw interview. Click here to watch my video report.
Knight, dressed in casual clothes, was really down-to-earth.  He walked into Altar Bar without any security guards, carrying a black book bag. I was really impressed with how nice he was, as we were invited backstage to talk.
Knight described the energy the fans bring to each show as being the same as it was 20 years ago.
“We want to impress them. They’re getting away from everyday life. We’re here to entertain, and that’s what I am doing tonight. They are coming in and letting their hair down and almost relive the times when life was simple and New Kids first popped on the scene,” said Knight.
Off-camera we had a conversation about the insane marketing that New Kids on the Block had in the early part of the group’s career.  I brought up the animated series and merchandise that flooded the store shelves.  See & Be Seen’s Carly Noel was kind enough to shoot video of our interview and mentioned that she received a New Kids on the Block pillow for Easter as a kid. Knight smiled and admitted it was quite a phenomenon.
Over the years Knight has spent a lot of time away from his family while touring and confessed that it can take a toll on his personal life.
“At times it takes a toll because sometimes it goes a little out of balance. But you just have to make sure to pace yourself right. You know, this is my life; this is what I love to do. Obviously, also I love my family. You just have to watch out and make sure you keep the balance. My kids and my wife -- they know this is what I love to do. It provides them with a good life, so it’s all good, as long as the balance is there,” said Knight.
This summer, Knight is set to join the other members of New Kids on the Block and Back Street Boys for the second round of the “NKOTBSB Tour.”
“We’re going international with it. We are going to Europe. We’re going to Asia. We’re going to Australia. We might even do a few dates in China, so that is going to be a lot of fun.” said Knight.

SOURCE: http://www.wpxi.com/news/entertainment/jordan-knight-talks-new-kids-pittsburgh-concert-al/nLc2m/

A Friend in London to join New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys on European tour


NKOTBSB + AFIL ©  NKOTBSB & EuroVisionary
When the two boybands New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys will be touring Europe in April and May it will be with last year's Danish Eurovision Song Contest participants A Friend In London joining them. The band already sang together with Howie D. at this year's Danish final.
Since A Friend In London represented Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest last year in Düsseldorf ending 5th with the song New Tomorrow they have been quite busy. They toured in most of the summer and autumn and a few months ago they went to Canada to record their debut album, which will hit the stores this spring.
At the Danish final this year, the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, they performed as interval act just before the winner would be announced. They gave a special version of New Tomorrow as it included Backstreet Boys' Howie D. Now it is clear that they will be seeing more to him as the band has just announced that they will be joining former big boybands New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys on their coming NKOTBSB tour.
The concerts that will include A Friend In London will take place in Ireland, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and their home country Denmark.

Date:  Venue:  Location: 
21/4 - 2012  O2 Dublin  Dublin, Ireland 
23/4 - 2012  Echo Arena  Liverpool, United Kingdom 
24/4 - 2012  MEN Arena Manchester  Manchester, United Kingdom 
26/4 - 2012  Newcastle Arena  Newcastle, United Kingdom 
27/4 - 2012 LG Arena Birmingham  Birmingham, United Kingdom 
28/4 - 2012  O2 Arena  London, United Kingdom 
29/4 - 2012  02 Arena  London, United Kingdom 
1/5 - 2012  Ahoy Rotterdam  Rotterdam, The Netherlands 
2/5 - 2012  Sportpaleis  Antwerp, Belgium 
3/5 - 2012  Geneva Arena  Geneva, Switzerland 
12/5 - 2012  Jyske Bank Boxen  Herning, Denmark 
13/5 - 2012  Malmö Arena  Malmö, Sweden 
14/5 - 2012  Oslo Spektrum  Oslo, Norway 

Below you can see A Friend In London perform their Eurovision Song Contest entry New Tomorrow:


Source(s): 
A Friend In London, EuroVisionary


SOURCE: http://www.eurovisionary.com/eurovision-news/friend-london-join-new-kids-block-and-backstreet-boys-european-tour

New Joey's blog: My mom may not know who I am...


03/26/2012 - My mom may not know who I am...

But she does a pretty good job of making me feel like she does. I believe she knows there is a connection. She keeps it very simple when she talks to me. Partly I think because she knows that she can't quite remember but is still witty enough to know that she doesn't want to make it any more confusing than it already is for her.
I think she is past the most scary part- realizing she is "losing her mind". She knew something was happening. And at first I thought it was just my mom being dramatic. But looking back a few years, her behavior was strange. And soon it was clear that she was slipping away. That mostly showed up in her feeling scared and not wanting to be alone. I remember in the fall of 2008, she said something very profound and sadly poetic.
She said, "me and the night don't get along." I thought that was quite a lyric. My mother was as witty as they come. She wrote tons of poems and parodies of songs. Mostly for co-workers leaving for another job or for cast-mates at the end of a show she was in. Or for my sisters' bosses or workmates. She would whip something up in an evening. She could do it all. Of course she had and raised 9 kids so that says it all. And I don't want to keep saying WAS because she still IS. She still has here one-liners.
She is still sweet and very interested in what you are saying. When I saw her last December at my sister Carol's Christmas show at the fabled Footlight Club, she was so into the show. I enjoyed watching her as much as watching the show. If you didn't know she had alzheimer's, you wouldn't think it. She was very in the moment- happy to see my father introduce my sister, but also zinging him saying to herself, "he's awful". And watching each song- liking some and loving others. But a few minutes after, I asked if she liked the show, and she answered, "what show, dear?" That kind of sums up where she is right now. I am no expert and I am 3000 miles away, but she is doing ok for someone at her stage of this disease.
My mother was a force and could do so many things. Now she is very slow. But through all this there is a bitter sweetness. I hear story from my siblings- how sweet she is and the simple loving words she says to them. And that is true. There is still a person in there. And she is alive and still working it out. I think she still knows that she has some kind of disease, but she has moments of peace.
Hopefully, with more funding and the hard work of all involved, we can find a cure so that alzheimer's will not affect generations to come. This disease affects the whole family. My mother is so fortunate to have the care she has, but so many are not as lucky.
I will be running the Hollywood Half Marathon on April 7, 2012 in her on honor and all those affected by Alzheimer's and to raise awareness and funds for alz.org.
If you can, please donate to my page at http://www.crowdrise.com/JoeyMcIntyre
Thank you for always supporting me in anyway you can- in your thoughts and prayers and deeds.
xo-jm

Sunday, March 25, 2012

NKOTB Town Hall Meetings - Recaps

Here is a list of blogs where you can read about the highlights of the recent NKOTB Town Hall Meetings:


New Kids on the Block greet fans in Greenwich by Lisa Chamoff
http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/New-Kids-on-the-Block-greet-fans-in-Greenwich-3432289.php#photo-2734058


Greenwich Town Hall Recap by 

http://nkotbsummer.blogspot.com/2012/03/greenwich-town-hall-recap.html

NKOTB Town Hall by Corey Ann

http://coreyann.me/?p=79

NKOTB Town Hall in Philly :) by Amy Cavenaugh

http://amycavenaugh.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/nkotb-town-hall-in-philly/

Cleveland Town Hall  by LisaA08
http://newkidsnetwork.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cleveland-town-hall?xg_source=activity

NKOTB Town Hall 2012 by DDGGW
http://ddubggw.com/?p=547

Pd: THANKS to all the bloggers for sharing the updates :)

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Greenwich Time: New Kids on the Block greet fans in Greenwich

From left, Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg and Joey McIntyre, members of New Kids on the Block, the boy band that enjoyed their greatest success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, enjoy a laugh while visiting with members of their fan club Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Arch Street teen center in Greenwich. Photo: Bob Luckey / Greenwich Time
From left, Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg and Joey McIntyre, members of New Kids on the Block, the boy band that enjoyed their greatest success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, enjoy a laugh while visiting with members of their fan club Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Arch Street teen center in Greenwich. Photo: Bob Luckey / Greenwich Time

Like most teenage boys in the late 1980s, Anthony Stabile wouldn't have been caught dead enjoying a New Kids on the Block song -- even "Hangin' Tough."
But on Saturday, Stabile, 35, proudly accompanied his former girlfriend to the Arch Street teen center in Greenwich, where three members of the reunited pop group appeared for a special event with their longtime, mostly female, fans.
"I think I always liked the old stuff, but as a 12-, 13-, 14-year-old boy, you had to put up that front," said Stabile, of Howard Beach, N.Y., whose then-girlfriend, Christine Darnell, took him to a New Kids show after the group got back together in 2008. He has seen them 11 times since then.
"I've probably been to a total of 200 concerts in my life, and they easily put on one of the most entertaining shows," Stabile said.
At Arch Street, it was as if 25 years hadn't gone by, with women in their 30s and 40s lining up outside the teen center for an intimate meeting with band members Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre and Danny Wood. Jordan Knight and his brother Jonathan couldn't make it to the event, billed as a town hall-style meet-and-greet with members of Block Nation, the New Kids fan club. Tickets were given out to winners of a contest on the group's website.
Some of the attendees, who came from around the tri-state area, carried homemade signs, while others wore the jumbo buttons they had stored away in their attic since 1989.
Yes, they'll really be loving them forever.
Eileen Perez, who traveled from Brooklyn, N.Y., said the group's music was still as "amazing" as it was all those years go. The main difference now is they don't need their parents to snag tickets to sold-out concerts, or give them rides to special appearances.
"It feels the same, but we're older," Perez said. "Now, we don't have to ask mom and dad if we can borrow money. We pay for it ourselves."
Maureen Harju, 67, didn't begrudgingly come with her daughter, Stephanie, from Westfield, Mass. Harju said she was a big fan of Wahlberg, who followed in the footsteps of his actor brother Mark, and now stars on the CBS cop drama "Blue Bloods."
Stephanie Harju said she was a member of the group's fan club in the 1980s, as well, but didn't get to meet any of the New Kids after concerts at huge venues in Syracuse, N.Y., and Boston. She's met them twice since they reunited.
"I wish I could have back when I was 12," said Harju, 36. "I just would have been screaming."
The event was put on by KingSize USA, an event production and marketing company owned by Matt Hanrahan. Kyle Silver, director of Arch Street, said Hanrahan had played with his band at the teen center years ago, and reached out about holding the New Kids event there. A similar event was taking place in Philadelphia on Saturday, and in Cleveland on Sunday.
Perez and others said the group is now much more accessible because they communicate with fans through Twitter, and take part in regular events like the one on Saturday. There is also a New Kids on the Block cruise from Miami in June.
Wahlberg and his bandmates talked about the cruise during their discussion with fans, which held true to its political theme, with Wahlberg referring to himself as a presidential candidate, and Wood as his running mate.
Discussing the band's upcoming tour of Europe and Australia, McIntyre quipped that "we can't be isolationists."
"We need to keep the trading borders open with our people overseas," replied Wahlberg.
Stabile used the format to his advantage, asking the New Kids for their assistance in convincing his friend Darnell to start dating him again.
"You guys are beautiful together," McIntyre said, after bringing in Stabile and Darnell for a group hug. "Start having kids together already."
After one fan said she enjoyed exercising to the New Kids' music, and asked whether the group would come out with a workout DVD, Wahlberg made a nod to the mega-merchandising of the late '80s and early '90s.
"What we don't want to do is make the mistakes of 25 years ago, when everything in the world has a New Kids on the Block stamp," Wahlberg said. "We only want to do it for the right reasons."

lisa.chamoff@scni.com; 203-625-4439; http://twitter.com/lchamoff

WPXI's interview with Jordan Knight in Pittsburgh (VIDEO)

WPXI.com's Rob Johnston talked to Jordan Knight before his concert in Pittsburgh. 
Watch the video here:

Friday, March 23, 2012

ShoesTV talk to Joey McIntyre at the "A night at Sardi's" red carpet (VIDEO)

ShoesTV crashed the red carpet at the 20th Anniversary Alzheimer's Association's A Night at Sardi's at The Beverly Hilton. The annual gala raises money and awareness for Alzheimer's and features performances by actors like: Joey McIntyre, the cast of "The Big Bang Theory," Lamorne Morris, Peter Gallagher, Marilu Henner and more.
Wait for Joey about the end of the clip ;)

Joey McIntyre & Howie D on 'Total Access' - UK 03.23.12 (PODCAST)


video thanks to

Wire FM to interview Joey McIntyre and Howie D today

Simon Morykin of  "Total Access" is going to air the interview he did with Joey McIntyre and Howie D last month, on friday night (03.23.12) during his show at 8:00 PM ( U.K. Hour)
Tonight on Total Access - Joey and Howie join Simon Morykin to talk life, ladies and living the dream performing at their ripe old ages!
Join NKOTB and Backstreet Boys Joey & Howie on Total Access, tonight from 8pm!

You can listen the show online here:
http://player.wirefm.com/

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Remember Betty's newsletter: Win Jerseys from Danny AND Donnie!

Win Danny Wood's Red Sox Jersey

Personalized & Autographed

 

Proceeds benefit Team Betty via The 3 Day

Team Betty will be well represented at several of the Komen 2012 3 Day walks this year! To help our walkers reach their mandatory fundraising minimum of $2,300 each, we're raffling off Danny's personalized & autographed Red Sox jersey! A $5 donation gets you entered in the raffle, and it is open to all countries. If you can donate, you can win! Donate soon, because this raffle ends next week! For full details or to enter the raffle, please click the image above. Team Betty thanks you for your support!

WIN A DONNIE WAHLBERG CELTICS JERSEY!

Personalized and Autographed by Donnie Wahlberg




Long time Team Betty member Barby Garcia will be participating in her first ever full marathon on June 23rd in Alaska! She has committed to raising $5,000 for the Luekemia & Lymphoma Society for this marathon. To help acheive this, she is auctioning off a personalized & autographed Donnie Wahlberg Celtics jersey. For more info on the auction, please click the image above or contact Barby on Twitter @Barby312


SOURCE

Joey McIntyre to run the "Hollywood Half Marathon: Run with the Stars" on April 7th

 
Run With The Stars! Photo

Joey is going to run on the Hollywood Half Marathon to benefit the Alzheimer's Association on the event Run With The Stars!
Here some details:
Joey McIntyre's Fundraiser: Joey Mac's running for His Mom's Memory
My mother suffers from Alzheimer's disease. She loved to walk everywhere. Never had a driver's license- so I'll run for her instead. Thank you for your support to Alzheimer's Association
You can join Joey's Team or be a donor here:
http://www.crowdrise.com/JoeyMcIntyre/fundraiser/joeymcintyre1

About the Half Marathon:
EVENT: Run With The Stars!
EVENT DATE: Apr 07, 2012
Mileage Tracker: 37.1 

For 2012, the Hollywood Half Marathon is reaching out to the entire community in an effort to raise awareness and money for charity. This year we're making it easier than ever to let all of our runners, volunteers and supporters get involved and help make a difference.

The Hollywood Half Marathon has partnered with Crowdrise to encourage the entire community to unite and fundraise for their favorite charities in 2012. Just imagine the impact the entire Hollywood community can have when harnessed to give back in a fun and compelling way!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Joey McIntyre at the "A Night at Sardi's" gala 03.21.12



videos by  
video by  
Joey McIntyre arrives at 20th Anniversary Alzheimer's Association "A Night at Sardi's" event, Hosted by Emmy and Tony Award Winning Actor David Hyde Pierce on Wednesday March 21st , 2012 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills,CA,United States.

Jane Seymour, Kaley Cuoco, Kristin Bell, David... por HTVEspanol
and here a couple of photos from today's photoshoot and during the purple carpet via @ALZassociation and @BeverlyHilton on twitter, and two more from Getty Images




To see more pics visit: http://newkidsnewspics.blogspot.com

Interview with Joey McIntyre and Howie D on Der Westen

The Men's Choir

21.03.2012 
Der Männergesangsverein
Mature boy bands: New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys are on tour together.
 
Only stormed the new kids the block, just ten years later, the boys took over the command from the backyard. Now the boy bands are fused to NKOTBSB. In this interview, Howie Dorough (38, Backstreet Boys) and Joey McIntyre (39, New Kids on the Block) tell of similarities, differences and toured in advanced age.

20 years ago, and your young fans came with their mothers to the concerts. Are today as grandmothers still in the process?
Joey: Yes, quite often. Many of then still have a connection to us, even if they only had to drive their children. Sometimes I ask for the audience, whether the daughters during this visit at least paid for the ticket (laughs).
You have become too old and therefore no more boy bands. What shall we call you now?
Joey: I do not care. If you find no name for us, we've overhauled almost even, and that's good. The boy band thing has bothered me in the beginning. I always thought: Wish us no stamp on. But now that we are a part of pop history.
Howie, did you hear in the 80s and 90s, NKOTB?
Howie: Absolutely! I also remember the fact that on the backs of their cassettes were often instrumental pieces. My mother brought me to rehearse it a karaoke number and send the recording to the NKOTB fan club. But I have not heard anything from them, they probably ended up in the trash can (laughs).
Joey, how do you feel about the Backstreet Boys as his successor?
Joey: It's simple: They had big hits, their music is good - I admire that, when the New Kids still had time to concentrate, we have made ​​some good music. But when it became too big, because we have the world can no longer continue to make a good album. We would have a bit more to deal with the music. But now we have a second chance.
Are you planning some with the Backstreet Boys, a new album?
Joey: Yeah - now I have betrayed it. We talk about it for a long time, and we take one step at a time. But the Backstreet Boys are as likely to continue as we are.
How did it come to your collaboration?
Howie: It does not take a rocket scientist to come up with this idea. Manager and promoter approached us and asked if we can imagine that. And since the two bands have long known, it was equally interesting. When we tested it in 2010 at a NKOTB concert in New York, people are immediately turned.
It was easier before to prepare for a tour?
Joey: Not necessarily. We are all more or less in form, the condition is simply there. And we do not run madly about the stage, but knowing what we do. It's easier for us, but no less spectacular.
Can not enter any other boy band with you?
Howie: No, it is enough for us. We now have a "street" and a "block" -  we do not need a city.
 

SOURCE: http://www.derwesten.de/freizeit/der-maennergesangsverein-id6482285.html

Boston Herald: The lowdown: Wahlburger boys taking it slow

By Inside Track
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Think Mark Wahlberg is getting ahead of himself? The Hollywood heavy, who opened a Hingham Shipyard burger emporium with his brothers, Donnie and Paul, last fall told a UK paper that the bros plan to “open a bunch of them in Britain and Ireland this year.”
Um, not so fast, Marky.
Donnie, who stars in CBS’ “Blue Bloods,” and Paul, a chef who owns Alma Nove across the street from the burger joint, said no one will be flipping burgers outside of Hingham — never mind outside of the country — for some time. In fact, the Fenway location that Mark told us about a couple of weeks ago is still in the planning stages, we’re told.
“We have a lot of interest from a lot of people who would like to franchise new locations, but we are a new business with a ways to go before we open location number two,” Donnie told the Track.
Paul’s spokesgal Mindy Valone said there are “no immediate plans for expansion at this time,” and “they’re talking about Boston, but nothing has been set in stone yet.”
The Brothers Wahlberg are “really happy with the success in Hingham,” she said. And no wonder.
“A successful burger place takes maybe $2,400 a day and a really successful one does $6,000,” Mark told the UK’s Metro. “We’re making $17,000 a day. There are lines queuing around the corner.”

SOURCE: http://bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1061118868&srvc=next_article

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Metro Radio UK to interview Joey McIntyre this saturday

Listen a excerpt from this saturday interview with Joey ( taped when he was in UK) on Metro Radio:
Ahead of their gig together at the Metro Radio Arena next month Joey McIntyre from New Kids On The Block and Howie D. from the Backstreet Boys take over Metro Radio to play some of their biggest hits and some of their favourites songs on Saturday 24th March from noon.
  NKOTBSB Takeover Trailer by metroradiouk

You can listen online Metro Radio FM (only for UK & Ireland) here:
 http://radioplayer.metroradio.co.uk/

Monday, March 19, 2012

98.5 KLUC FM: Jordan Knight On Old School Lunch Hour 03.09.12 (AUDIO)

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Jordan Knight from New Kids On The Block called in to chat with Yung Jon Que about his upcoming show here in Las Vegas! Picked a few songs and gave us a little info on the upcoming album…

Click here to listen:
http://kluc.cbslocal.com/2012/03/09/jordan-knight-on-old-school-lunch-hour/


or Listen it right here:
       
video by



Entertainmentwise interviews Joey McIntyre and Howie D. (VIDEO)


Entertainmentwise Meeets: Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block
Catching up with the iconic 90's boybands...


Having reformed for the hugely popular NKOTBSB world tour, we decided to chat with Joey Macintyre (NKOTB) and Howie Dorough (Backstreet Boys) ahead of their recent London shows.
With plenty of tales from their prime, talk about ex tour support act Lady Gaga and some advice for newcomers like One Direction it resulted in a brilliant pop lesson from two stars who have tasted the very top of the game. 
Watch it here:
http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/71857/Entertainmentwise-Meeets-Backstreet-Boys-and-New-Kids-On-The-Block 


or watch it right now in this video thanks to 

Jordan Knight on 100.7 Star Pittsburgh, FEb. 2012



video thanks to

Danish band " A friend in London" to opening the NKOTBSB Euro tour

A Friend In London have been given the honorable task of having to warm up for two of the greatest boybands. When two of the biggest boybands collide on a joint tour, it will be with a Danish touch.

The Danish group A Friend In London has been given a chance to warm up when the Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block to give concerts around Europe.

The European tour starts on 21 april in Dublin, Ireland, and the boys should both play in England, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and of course in Denmark.

A Friend In London, which won the Danish Melodi Grand Prix in 2011, singing at this year's competition their winning song New Tomorrow with Howie D from Backstreet Boys.

Now, they then allowed to teach him even better to know when they go on tour together.

A Friend In London's debut album is released internationally during the summer, but already on 16 april the band released the first single "Get Rich In Vegas". simultaneously published also the song New Tomorrow with Howie D. as a guest star.
Source:
http://www.fyens.dk/article/2047265:Kultur--Danske-drenge-varmer-op-for-Backstreet
Also in:
http://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/dkmusiknyt/article1728371.ece

Jordan Knight on 8 NEWS NOW -Las Vegas (VIDEO)


video thanks to

Q-music (NL): Interview with Joey McIntyre and Howie D (VIDEO)


video by  

Friday, March 16, 2012

Stuff Boston: Get close with Jordan Knight

Get Close with ... Jordan Knight

It's been a while since his Teen Beat pinup days, but Jordan Knight still elicits decibel-defying squeals from female fans. At least, that was the case when we caught up with the surprisingly still-swoon-worthy singer when he performed at the Estate during Dancing for Hope, a fundraiser for St. Mary's Center for Women and Children. Next month, he leaves for a tour of Europe, Asia, and Australia with NKOTBSB, the New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys über-group — but not before a final stop on his solo Live and Unfinished Tour, which will hit Showcase Live (23 Patriot Place, Foxborough, 508.543.0609) on Sunday, April 1. Expect songs from his most recent album, Unfinished, plus the requisite dose of oldies. For tickets ($35), visit ticketweb.com.

How'd you get involved with the St. Mary's event?
My wife is on the board. It's close to our heart because we both grew up in Dorchester. St. Mary's used to be St. Margaret's Hospital. . . . I'd go there when I was little with Donnie [Wahlberg]. His mom worked there, and we'd go to get lunch money or money for the corner store or subway. My wife asked me to perform last year, and I told her, “No, I really have no repertoire right now.” Now I'm on the road doing my thing, so she told me this year I have no excuse. I said, “Well, who's going to pay for the sound system and everything?” She said, “You are! 'Cause it's for charity! So get your butt up on stage and sing!” “Okay, okay. I got you!” [Laughs] But it's a great cause. We grew up in Dorchester and know how hard it can be. Some people have it rough in life, and all they need is a helping hand.
Your April concert is right by Gillette Stadium. That reminded me: didn't the New
Kids perform a halftime show at the Super Bowl?

We performed in 1991 at the Super Bowl, but it was cut off by coverage of the Gulf War. We did this big, elaborate performance piece. I think Mickey Mouse might have been in it, the whole cast of Walt Disney. [Laughs] It was a big, big production. We flew in the night before from the American Music Awards, we went on, and we thought it was great. Then when we got off, everyone was like, “We didn't see you on TV!”
Fast-forward 20 years, and the New Kids are back together. How is it touring with the group again?
 The whole reunion is a dream come true. Most pop teen groups, by this time they're on drugs or whatever. Being laughed at. Jokes. For us to be able to do what we did and band together, hold each other up and be strong, and have such a great city help us along and have our backs — it's a dream come true.
How is it working as an independent artist?
I love doing things independently because I control everything. I'm not a control freak, but it does feel good! It makes my experience in music very rounded. When I do the New Kids, we're a democracy. Then I do my own thing, and I get to control everything. It's the best of both worlds.
How has social media changed the business?
We can touch fans instantly with a tweet or on Facebook. For a group like us, with a fan base like ours, that's wonderful. They don't have to wait until we get on MTV or VH1. We can post a video or tweet a TwitPic, so they don't have to buy US Weekly. It's like our own magazine, our own network, our own everything.
Has fatherhood impacted your music?
 I did a song for Unfinished called “Never Alone” that was based around the whole bullying situation. Having kids in school, with them venturing on the Internet and stuff like that, that definitely inspired my songwriting for that song. It's tough, trying to keep it clean and trying to be a sex symbol at the same time, but I think I'm pulling it off.
Are you ever taken aback by how devout New Kids fans are?
It's very touching, and a lot of times the girls will show pictures of us. They'll say, “Look! Here we are, 20 years ago!” And it'll be a real picture of one of us with them that they took at a meet and greet or some event. It's like, holy crap — we're still here and they still really love us. It's a real gift, and a lot of musicians would die for that situation.
SOURCE: http://stuffboston.com/get/archive/2012/03/09/Get-Close-with-Jordan-Knight.aspx