Vote for CHRIS MANN! Here are the ways to vote for CHRIS MANN after the FINAL round on Monday, May 7th, 2012. You will have 12 hours after the show airs on the East Coast.

1. Use your Facebook account(s) & vote TEN times on The Voice’s FB page
http://www.facebook.com/NBCTheVoice
“Like” The Voice’s facebook page and vote!

2. Call by Phone TEN times from your landline and TEN times from any cell phone
The voting number for Chris will be announced on-screen after his performance.
Watch @One2OneNetwork for the voting number – we’ll post it as soon as we know it tonight!

1-855-864-2304

3. Vote through the NBC.com/TheVoice website
http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/
You can vote multiple times here as well!!!

4. If you have Sprint you can vote via text messaging
The number to text will appear on-screen after Chris’ performance
Your text vote will NOT count unless made via a Sprint cell phone

Text ’4′ to 979797

5. Buy Chris’ NEW song performed on tonight’s show on iTunes
itunes.com/chrismann
You can “gift this song” to 10 friends for 10 votes!
Click on the arrow next to the price and click “gift album.”
***Only purchases of TONIGHT’s song count as votes***

**Remember – don’t buy the song until AFTER The Voice is over tonight or the vote doesn’t count!!**

Using all methods you can VOTE 50 TIMES!!!

Hours you can vote:
Performance episode airing May 7, 2012:
Time Zone/State Voting Window

Eastern 9.55pm Mon – 10.00am Tues
Central 8.55pm Mon – 9.00am Tues
Mountain 7.55pm Mon – 8.00am Tues
Pacific 6.55pm Mon – 7.00am Tues
Hawaii 3.55pm Mon – 4.00am Tues
Puerto Rico (ET) 9.55pm Mon – 10.00am Tues
Alaska (PT) 5.55pm Mon – 6.00am Tues
Arizona (PT) 6.55pm Mon – 7.00am Tues

Did you know that #ChrisMann has trended EVERY TIME he has performed on The Voice? Let’s keep that trend going! Live tweet tonight during his performance. Use these hashtags: #MannFans, #Vote4ChrisMann, #OperaSwag (new!)

Suggested tweets:

It’s #TheVoice FINAL round TONIGHT! #MannFans this is the moment we’ve been waiting for! #Vote4Mann #OperaSwag

Are you ready to #Vote4Mann on #TheVoice tonight? He’s the last MANN standing on #TeamXtina! #MannFans #OperaSwag

I’m joining the #MannFans & watching #TheVoice tonight! Can’t wait to #Vote4ChrisMann! #OperaSwag

It’s time for #TheVoice! #MannFans cheering & voting for @IAmChrisMann tonight! #Vote4Mann

#TheVoice #Vote4ChrisMann begins at 9:55 pm ET for 12 hours – #MannFans Get your vote on! http://bit.ly/VoteMann

See all the ways you can #Vote4Mann on #TheVoice tonight! http://bit.ly/VoteMann #OperaSwag

For the past several weeks, O2O members have been attending and reviewing Mat Kearney’s concerts as he travels around the U.S. on his Young Love Tour. And last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending his concert in Nashville*. The member reviews absolutely raved about Mat, proclaiming him to be a fantastic live performer who interacted well with the crowd and sang his heart out. Their reviews had me quite excited about what to expect.

Mat played to a sold out crowd in the Cannery Ballroom in downtown Nashville. Mad props to the tour manager for giving me a photo pass because I was able to squeeze my way up through the crowd (flashing my badge all the way) and hang out right next to stage for the entire concert! I was only supposed to take photos during the first three songs but I got so caught up in the music that I lost track of how many songs had been played and the security guard had to give me the “cut it out” signal. I was thoroughly embarrassed. Fortunately, I had befriended said security guard before the music began and since I immediately put my camera way at his signal, our relationship was still on solid ground.

Mat lead right in with songs from Young Love and then mixed it up with selections from previous albums. Being so close to the stage was exhilarating and well, loud! My poor ears. The music was wonderful but there were a few times when I had to cover my right ear with my hand (side closest to the bass and the drum set) to preserve my hearing!

All the member reviews indicated that at some point during the performance, Mat makes his way into the audience while singing and interacts with the crowd. I looked around at the packed room and seriously doubted that would happen but he proved me wrong! There was at least a three foot gap between the stage and the crowd control barrier but Mat leaned forward, reached out his hand to the people in the very front, grabbed a hand, put a foot on the barrier rail and disappeared into the crowd! He made his way through the fans and back to the stage which he hopped onto (it’s four feet high!) with the greatest of ease.

I think the only way I can accurately describe Mat and his band would be “energetic”! Even the slower songs held an unmistakable energy. Mat and company where completely focused and absorbed in the music the entire night.

Mat finished out the evening with a 3-song encore of Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” (performed with Leagues, the show’s opening act), “Ships In The Night” and “Hey Mama”.  As the opening bars of “Hey Mama” began, Mat turned and started singing the song directly to his wife, interjecting at one point, “She’s here tonight!” (and she was, standing backstage, about six feet away from me). It was a very fun moment.

The Fall 2011 portion of the Young Love tour ends next month in Minneapolis. According to his website, Mat will be touring throughout 2012 as well, so be on the look out for new 2012 dates and locations to be announced!

Here’s a little round-up of quotes from some of our members who reviewed attended concerts in their neck of woods:

• Tracy (Jacksonville, FL) of Cotton Pickin’ Cute – “During the concert Mat had conversations with the audience and livened up the crowd quickly. This was a small venue for them to play and he really made it feel personal. Walking out into the crowd he was all over the floor greeting the fans while singing. As he headed our way I threw my hand up in a high five way when his eye caught mine. You can imagine my shock when he high five’d me back and threw his arm around me while singing.”
• Bianca (Athens, GA) of Slick Housewives – “Mat Kearney took the stage and from the first song, I was blown away! Mat has an amazing talent not only vocally but switched between an acoustic guitar to electric guitar, and piano. Many of the songs were upbeat and hip and the audience was dancing and singing along. … He surprised everyone when he jumped off stage and made his way around the room. I have a short video where he sat right beside me. Throughout the night, Mat was friendly and engaged the audience with jokes, conversation and heartfelt stories!”
• Fadra (Carrboro, NC) of All Things Fadra – “I am thrilled to report that Mat sounds better in person, has an amazing voice, switches octaves with the greatest of ease, needs no backup on vocals, has great onstage presence, and TOTALLY played to the audience. That was my favorite part. He actually walked out into the crowd and played. He did a little freestyle rap mentioning both Tarheels and Carolina on My Mind. The crowd of proud North Carolinians went wild. He has an amazing energy and the whole show felt, well, happy. Everyone was smiling and having fun.”
• Brandy (Charlottsville, VA) of Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 – “From the first song, I was blown away by just how much raw talent Mat possesses. His voice is smooth and mellow, and he has an astounding vocal range. He also puts a lot of emotion into his singing, which was evident by his soulful performance. Mat also switched seamlessly between an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, and piano. (Like I said, he’s one talented individual!) Many of the songs were upbeat and fun, and the audience was dancing, singing along, and really feeling the music. I was impressed how Mat Kearney could go from a fun, upbeat song to a mellower, slower ballad type song without missing a beat. … Mat and his band had a wonderful, almost effortless energy about them, and it was clear that they truly enjoyed what they were doing. He was friendly, and engaged the audience in a lot of conversation. It was almost as if he were talking with friends, which gave the concert a more personal feel than a lot of shows I have attended in the past. Mat even jumped into the crowd and made his was all the way to the upstairs balcony, greeting the fans who were seated at the bar tables, all while singing.”
• Melissa (Milwaukee, WI) of A Broken Compass – “The concert was simple but intense — in a classy and engaging way. Mat (as if I’m on a first-name basis – HAH!) even ventured way out into the crowd at one point, interacting with the audience in a way that was endearing and not “showy.” And while many concerts I’ve attended include the artist having something of a monologue going during a live performance, Kearney didn’t go that route at all. Frankly? He didn’t need to. His music was it. Sincere.”
• Cherie (Bloomington, IN) of Queen of Free – “Kearney is just so darn likeable in concert.  It seriously feels like you’re sitting in his living room having a little chat.  And whether you’ve listened to his music over and over again or are experiencing it for the first time, a live experience like that will certainly make you a fan for life {and you’ll find yourself singing along in both instances, too}. … The evening was filled with so many fun memories . . . like the fact that Mat Kearney came into the audience and stood next to me while singing for a bit.”
• Ann (Pine Mountain, GA) of Mundane Magic – “As soon as Mat started his set people rose up out of their chairs and headed toward the stage area on the sand. Boyfriends took their girlfriends by the hand and kids were dancing along in the sand. it was clear that some in the crowd had come to see him specifically, but I am sure he won some new fans that day. Callaway’s beach was the perfect setting for Kearney’s well-written words and heartfelt singing. As the set transitioned through both familiar and new pieces, Mat Kearney delivered a crowd-pleasing performance at the Harvest Moon Festival.”

Thanks to all the members who have gone out to the shows! If you’ve attended one of Mat’s Young Love concerts, what was your experience?

If you’d like to see more photos from that night, I have more on my Flickr page.
*All the tickets given to O2O members were provided courtesy of Warner Records. My tickets to the Nashville show were purchased by One2One Network.

Mat @ Blissdom

I first heard about Mat Kearney from my friend Sarah. She takes guitar lessons and often learns his songs. Then Barbara and Alli announced that he would be performing at Blissdom. When he started singing at Blissdom, I was an immediate fan! And I was super excited when I learned that we would have his new album project for our members. I knew it would be an instant hit. Sure enough, the albums had barely reached CD players and iPods before we started getting excited tweets about how much they liked loved the album!

And then the reviews started coming in:

“I would highly recommend this album for some new tunes in your ear. Mat’s unique voice will remind you of the joy of young love that should continue on as young love matures.” Jen @ I Believe In Love

“When I popped the CD into the car player the other day the whole family was riding together and it didn’t take long before the kids were jamming out to “Hey Mama” in the back seat.

Kids car-dancing is like one of the cutest things ever, right?!?

And then I was singing the catchy chorus before the first play of the song was over. (we may have played it just a FEW more times since then…)” Elaine @ The Miss Elaine-ous Life

“If you haven’t heard the new song ‘Hey Mama‘ (and easily the best song, beat and lyrics on the album), then maybe you should check and see if your house has turned into a rock that is not letting any sunlight into your world. Because YOU NEED THIS SONG in your world! I first heard it on Pandora, and it literally made my day better and I could smell lilacs.” Carissa @ Good N Crazy

“I had never heard of Mat Kearney before and I asked my sister (total music-oholic) and of course, she had heard of him and liked his stuff. So, I gave it a listen…

…and another listen…

…and now it’s what I listen to (on repeat) while I bake. Love it!

It’s got an interesting blend of hip-hop/rap and melodic alternative. So it’s fun and pop-y and then calm and relaxing. Perfection in baking music.” Caroline @ Chocolate & Carrots

“We have had this music on non-stop since I got it in the mail last week. The music is fun and catchy and they lyrics aren’t just fluff. ‘Count On Me’ is full of brilliant play on words and it took listening to it several times and reading the lyrics before I finally caught it all.

It is not often that I can say this: I like every single song on this album.” Bridget @ The Ivey League

And then there was this:

I have to say, I completely agree with Bridget, I like every single song on this album. I asked on Twitter and Facebook a few days ago which song was everyone’s favorite and stated that if I had to choose, I’d say, “Ships In The Night“. But you know what, I think it really depends on what day you ask, even what time of day you ask. It changes all the time; they’re all my favorite.

This graphic to the left is a widget that will take you to all things Mat Kearney: his website, Twitter, Facebook, iTunes (to buy the album) and more!

Mat will also start touring next month! Check out his schedule and see if he’ll be near you!

Mat @ Blissdom photos by me.

There’s an exciting new television show set to debut next month on ABC. It’s “Pan Am” and it follows the lives of the classy, elite Pan Am stewardesses during the height of the airline’s popularity in the early 1960s.

Passion, adventure and espionage… They do it all – and they do it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in a thrilling and highly original new series, “Pan Am,” premiering SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, on the ABC Television Network.

Welcome to the Jet Age. It’s 1963. WWII and Korea are history. A new kind of war, a Cold War, is underway. The world is poised on the brink of a cultural revolution, and everywhere change is in the air.

In this modern world, air travel represents the height of luxury, and Pan Am is the biggest name in the business. The planes are sleek and glamorous, the pilots are rock stars, and the stewardesses are the most desirable women in the world. Not only are these flyboys and girls young and good looking, but to represent Pan Am they also have to be educated, cultured and refined. They’re trained to handle everything from in-air emergencies to unwanted advances – all without rumpling their pristine uniforms or mussing their hair. These pre-feminist women form a powerful sisterhood, as they enjoy the rare opportunity to travel outside the country — something most women in this age can only aspire to – and one of the few career options that offers them empowerment and respect.”

Pan Am will take flight on ABC Sunday, September 25 at 10 pm ET/PT.

On Saturday evening, Sony Pictures Television treated us, and several of our friends and colleagues, to a screening of the pilot episode of “Pan Am” at The University Club atop Symphony Towers in San Diego. We were greeted with flutes of champagne, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, and a breathtaking view of San Diego.

Then we settled into comfy chairs and plush sofas to escape to the friendly skies full of romance, intrigue and espionage!  This show has fantastic casting including one of our faves Christina Ricci.  The premiere episode has lots of unexpected twists and turns so if it’s any indication of the rest of the series, we’re in for some fun!

When the screening was completed, we were directed to our dinner by two lovely ladies dressed as Pan Am stewardesses!

@busydadblog getting properly addressed by the Pan Am stewardesses

Dinner was buffet of culinary delights: gourmet salads, steak, lobster tails and sushi!

At the end of the evening, lovely PanAm bags w/goodies inside were distributed by our dinner/in-flight attendants!

O2O's own Barbara, Paula, Amber, Linda & Malia striking a pose.

Experiencing this fun event with great friends made it a fabulous evening!

The bulk of our gratitude extends to the wonderful people at Sony Pictures Television! Not only do they know how to make exciting TV shows (Pan Am, Community, Damages, The Big C and more) but they also really know how to throw a classy event!

Are you ready to board Pan Am this fall and see the world? We know we are!  Thanks for flying with us. Bye. Buh-bye now. B’bye.

(Follow @PanAmABC to get the latest news, pics and behind-the-scenes info and check out the trailer currently on our sidebar.)

Photo Credits: Jen Tilley & Malia Carden

See more photos (by Jen) here!

Bowling with my Dad. I'm about five years old in this picture.

Bowling has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember. I bowled with my Dad as a kid, there were youth group outings to bowling centers, the student center at my college had a bowling alley (great for taking a break from studying!) and as a parent, I’ve had the opportunity to share this fun, family activity with my children. Bowling is one of those activities that can be enjoyed when you’re alone or in a big group and you don’t have to be a good player to have fun.

Summer is here and in many places it’s already really hot outside. Lounging by the pool or lake or on the beach is fun but sometimes, you just need to be inside where it’s cool. And if you have kids who are out of school, you also have that perennial challenge of finding activities to ease the “There’s nothing to do!” blues. This summer, go bowling! And there are no excuses because it’s FREE*.

AMF Bowling Centers around the country have launched Summer Unplugged, a program that allows kids 16 and under to bowl two free games everyday from May 30 to September 5, 2011. You simply sign-up on their website and each week you will be emailed a pass for free* bowling. Adults can get in on the fun, as well, for a drastically reduced rate. Just $27.95 buys four adults (17+) a summer’s worth of games so that you can show off your fancy footwork and artistic stylings. That is an amazing deal!

We’d love to hear about your experiences with AMF Summer Unplugged! Let us know in the comments! Did your kids beat the socks off of you? Where they “bowled over” by your mad skills? We just know you’re going to have fun!

Like AMF on Facebook to keep up with all the latest in summer fun!

*Shoe rental not included.