Leaf Garden Press has accepted and Published 2 of my poems, Sandman and Embattled, this is a nice bit of news as I have also sold 2 copies of my book, Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller on LULU Press as well.
Check out Leaf Garden Press and Let me know what you think.
http://leafgardenpress.blogspot.com/2012/01/leaf-garden-issue-12.html
http://www.lulu.com/items/volume_73/11958000/11958958/2/print/11958958.pdf
Filed under Blogs I Follow, Books, Books and Literature, Events, son of a gun
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Piano Virtuoso Rudolf Budginas |
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Arroyo Grande, CA The Clark Center Association kicks off their 2011-2012 10th Anniversary Season with San Luis Obispo piano virtuoso Rudolf Budginas in Concert at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 8pm. Rudolf Budginas and a special guest rock guitarist, present a crossover show of classical hits such as "Beethoven’s 5th", Khachaturian’s "Sabre Dance" and Tchaikovsky’s "Black Swan." These rock, pop and jazz-inspired arrangements for piano, guitar, bass and drums take classical music to surprising and unexpected directions. Hailed in the press as "A young hip Victor Borge-like entertainer," the Lithuanian born and internationally renowned concert pianist has delighted audiences worldwide and acquired a slew of international awards and honors. Budginas’ movie star-like personal charm, charisma and sense of humor allow him to consistently connect and interact with his audiences. Budginas (pronounced bud-guinness) began his studies at the age of four and made his debut at nine with the Lithuanian National Symphony. He soon rose to international prominence performing solo concerts throughout the world. After moving to the U.S. in 1994, he discovered his true passion: giving classical music a broader audience appeal. Transplanted to California after accepting a full scholarship at USC to complete a PhD in music, Rudolf settled in, took up surfing and developed a passion for expanding the accessibility of classical music to American audiences. Budginas currently resides in the San Luis Obispo area and is a professor of music at Cuesta College and the Conductor of the Chamber Orchestra at Thomas Aquinas College. Don’t miss this entertaining evening that will delight audiences of all ages and kick off the Clark Center’s amazing 10th Anniversary Season on September 17!
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Tickets for Rudolf Budginas in Concert are $38-$48 and are on sale now. Call (805) 489-9444 for tickets or come to the Clark Center Box Office at 487 Fair Oaks Avenue in Arroyo Grande. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.clarkcenter.org. For more information on Rudolf Budginas, visit http://www.rudolfpiano.com/. The Clark Center for the Performing Arts… |
Filed under California, Entertainers, Entertainment, Events, Events and Happenings
For four decades, comic genius Mel Brooks and talk-show king Dick Cavett have partnered to give the world scintillating conversation and sidesplitting humor.
On Dec. 7, 2010, they reunited onstage at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles to share show-business memories and hilarious stories for loyal fans and a new generation of viewers.
On Friday, September 9th at 9pm, HBO will debut an hour-long special from this footage.
About the Comedy Greats:
Mel Brooks won an Oscar for writing the 1968 film “The Producers.” Among his other classic comedy films as director, writer and sometimes actor are “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “High Anxiety,” “History of the World Part 1,” “Spaceballs” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” Brooks was a frequent guest on Cavett’s program.
Dick Cavett hosted his own late-night program on ABC from the late-‘60s to the mid-‘70s; from 1977 to 1982, “The Dick Cavett Show” appeared five times a week on public television. “Talk Show,” his most recent book, was published in 2010. Cavett will be seen on an episode of the HBO comedy series “Bored to Death” this fall.
Filed under Entertainers, Entertainment, HBO, Television
Interview with Christian Ferretti.
Designer of Men’s Fashion, Visions of Style – Perfection of Pure Imagination.
Los Angeles, the west coasts mecca of the new, the now and the trendy – only in Los Angeles can a person be nobody at 7:00 am, world famous by 1:00 pm and out of style by midnight. California is known for its “would be” personalities and “has been” life stories, and in the world of fashion, it is just as marvelous and cold as in Hollywood.
One shining star in California’s design rich skyline is a young and insightful designer named Christian Ferretti, designer of an exclusive and highly imaginative clothing line for Men, that is flamboyant but within a realm of sensible styling.
Christian, originally from South America, came to the United States 13 years ago, looking to build his dream of being a fashion designer. Obtaining his degree in Los Angeles, he worked with other designers and established design houses to further perfect his skills in the craft. Christian has been steadily gaining notoriety and his designs are sought after by those who value individuality and personal style over trendy and cookie cutter design or shoddy craftsmanship.
The Ferretti line is high end couture for men, sometimes his designs reflect lines and cuts from the 50’s and 60’s, slick workings and conventional colors, but blended to resemble modern fashion looks. Christian will also work on modern pieces or styles that reflect a more fantasy rich appeal, not directly “Gothic” but the designs has a dark side which gives it a purely original edge to it.
Filed under Designer to Watch, Fashion, Interviews, Men's Fashion
Filed under Designer to Watch, Fashion
Concert Review and Photographs by Jessica Martinez
It’s was a beautiful summer evening at the Santa Barbara Bowl, Eddie Vedder, front man for Pearl Jam would be performing for his fans at a sold out show at one of Santa Barbara’s most popular venues to support his most recent solo album Ukulele Songs . The sun was up with clear skies and a slight breeze that made for a perfect day at this open air amphitheater. When I arrived at the bowl, some fans were gathered at the plaza, socializing, lounging and making merry, while others took their seats awaiting the start of the evening’s performances.
As the opening performer, Glen Hansard took the stage; fans flocked from the terrace to the theater. Hansard, who’s is well known for his Academy and Critics Choice Awards song, “Falling Slowly”, from the Once Soundtrack, followed up this hit with other originals "Leave" and "Low Rising". Glen then surprised the audience with his cover of Van Morrison’s "Astral Weeks." Throughout these songs, Hansard belted a range of vocal notes which sounded amazing to hear live. Hansard finished his set and left the stage to a standing ovation; fans stood up and applauded with much appreciation.
During the preparation of equipment for Eddie Vedder, fans headed back to the plaza for drinks and other accommodations. It seemed the longer the wait, the more excited some fans became. Sporadic burst of laughter occurred throughout the crowd while socializing at the plaza which clearly indicated they were having a great time. It was about 8:00 pm, with the sun still lighting up the skies, when Eddie Vedder took the stage. He was greeted with a standing and a roaring crowd. With Ukulele in hand, Eddie Vedder began with "Can’t Keep," from his solo album titled, Ukulele Songs. After performing the opening song, in a bantering way, Vedder says, "Feel free to buy me a Drink”, fans were very quick to oblige.
He continued to play songs from his solo album, and then played some Pearl Jam favorites, “Wish list", "Unthought Known", "Parting Ways" and "Off he goes". As Eddie switched to an acoustic guitar for the fifth song, he says, "Everybody get comfortable. We’re going to be here for a while."
Eddie continued to play for the next couple of hours, he performed some cover songs, such as "Hurt," by Nine Inch Nails, Redemption Song," by Bob Marley," "You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away," by the Beatles, and Needle and the Damage Done," by Neil Young.The concert ended with duets from Vedder and Hansard which included "Falling slowly," and "Dream a Little Dream of me”.
The combination of both their vocals was a perfect end to this event.
Filed under California, Concerts, Concerts and Events, Entertainers, Entertainment, Music, Reviews, Reviews and Previews
Jewelry and Fashion Designer to the Stars
By Joseph Timmons – Groove Studio One Journalist
There is an unfortunate trend in the design world where the truly gifted and talented artists are shadowed by the trendy and over popularized mavens that grace the magazines and television with their images. It is often the case that said artisans never see their work accepted and appreciated, but not so with Josette Doyle-Redwolf, a very skilled and truly talented artisan presently living and working in her Florida studios. Josette is herself a vision of beauty and puts herself in everything she creates, coming from a family with Fashion in their blood, she creates stunning fashions and accessories that push the boundaries of modern with the balance of nature. Groove Studio One recently had the opportunity to talk with Josette and find out what makes her who she is and her creations so unique.
Josette’s mother was a well-established television and runway model whom made her mark in fashion history. In her own words “I used to watch her decked out in amazing capes and suits and dresses walking the runway. I remember seeing one particular outfit on her and I was hooked on capes. It was butter soft baby blue enhanced leather cape with a silver fox collar. She looked amazing and I’ve always kept my love for the outrageous ever since”. Since her youth, Josette worked with many famous musicians and both in the studio and on the road, designed and created one of a kind wardrobe items. For many years she created stage clothes, hair styles, and makeup and was a “general road mom” even though she was far younger than many of the rockers, during this time on the road, she was in a relationship with the late Eric Carr of KISS and was deeply saddened at his passing. Josette worked with names such as Quiet Riot, Armored Saint, David Lee Roth and recently has worked with Sandra Bernhard, Ana Patricia Gonzalez, Tanya Charry, Gloria Gaynor, Lynda Carter, Gary Busey and many more.
We asked Josette if there been any times where you found it difficult to bring her ideas into form; her reply was something we did not expect
“Yes, I constantly am trying to teach myself new ways to do things. Being that I broke my neck and have worked my way back from semi paralysis and have a debilitating disease called Mixed Ehlers Danlos and degenerative bone disease. In addition to my own illness, and am raising a son with the same debilitating disease and home school him I don’t have the luxury of being able to afford a specialized school .I would love to go to fashion and design school but financially it hasn’t been the right time. Then my jewelry just started to get very popular and now I am busy doing shoots and dressing celebs. So I have to teach myself when I want to do a new design”.
“No one really wants to help you and if they find that you do have real talent they definitely don’t want to help you because they find you a threat. So you are forced to have enough determination to teach yourself everything. With the frustration of all of that I created DARE TO DREAM A NEW REALITY which is a nonprofit that helps other disabled artists to learn an art that will help them make ends meet. We have a success story with Freda Harris who is one of my disabled artists. When I first met her she would make comments like "I’ve had a good life", "I’m just waiting to die." She was having a terrible time getting around and walking with a walker and leg and foot braces. Today she walks on her own without the use any assistive device. She constantly has smile on her face and just got her line of jewelry into the Hilton Gift shop here on the island and has meetings coming up with the Marriott! It’s a hand up not a hand out”.
Never before have we met such a designer that has not only had personal heartbreak, but like the mythical phoenix, risen from “the ashes” to spread beauty to the world. When we talked about inspiration, Josette referred to it as “A Slideshow in her head” It’s almost nonstop seeing designs and parts of designs. Sometimes Josette sees clothing, much of the time its amazing jewelry and then she would have to figure out how to make what she saw. What are some of the milestones you have achieved in your career?
Well the jewelry business is new to her, Josette has had her jewelry on Good morning America en Español 3 times in the last month and on fashion TV shows in Texas with the Latino community of which she is growing very popular with. Josette currently has had an article in People Magazine-en Español Online which is up for best dressed Against Kim Kardashion. Ana Patricia Gonzalez is wearing her spider necklace which was featured on the red carpet at Premios Juventad along with my Geode necklace on Tanya Charry another Latino star. She truly feels she is fortunate enough to have her jewelry gracing the red carpet of the PREMIOS TEXAS and that should lead to more jewelry appearing in people and other fashion magazines. I have made friends with Sandra Bernhard who is advertising her website now, “She is a sweet dear”.
![clip_image002[7]](http://rantbabble.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/clip_image0027.jpg "clip_image002[7]")
Josette loves to work with natural elements like gorgeous butter soft leathers, huge fluffy furs and feathers and in the jewelry designs, in addition she works with amethyst and huge crystals and geodes. Josette stated her favorite design season is winter, even though she dislikes the cold weather. We asked is that is why she moved her operations to Florida –again, we were stunned, “I miss home, I had a celebrity friend and we had a beautiful little boy together. I went to Georgia to visit family and while I was there waiting on him to join us for Xmas, He passed away. I was in such a deep depression; I never went back to LA. I stayed in Georgia and found a home in the sticks; I ended up being miserable there. When my son got ill, the doctors told me that the only specialists in the country that knew about his disease were in Miami. I packed up the car and we drove to Miami and have been here ever since. I was diagnosed with the exact same rare disease. As soon as we can we are moving back home to LA. I love Miami don’t get me wrong but the fashion style just isn’t here not like NY or LA”.
Josette has been asked to do the eco fashion show for New York Fashion week and is preparing for that now. When working with other designers, she is constantly doing collaborations for magazines. Recently her creations were in magazine shoots for GQ South Africa and Maxim Magazine where the model was wearing nothing but her jewelry and accessories. Candidly, she stated that she didn’t realize how good a woman looks drenched in nothing but jewels.
Presently Josette is planning 3 major photo shoots coming up for my outrageous clothing designs and her jewelry lines for men which is super chunky, she will be using celebrity fashion stylist and TV personality Christian Ramirez as the face for the men’s line and for the women statement pieces which will turn every head. Her plan to have at least a few pieces on celebrities for every red carpet event coming up through 2012, which would be a phenomenal feat for any designer. Josette is preparing to create a bi weekly downloadable catalog for boutiques to purchase from nationwide. Absolutely all of jewelry designs are one of a kind or part of a limited edition series. The other thing is to make everyone aware the difference between a regular jewelry designer and herself.
“My son and I go on mining trips as often as we can to mine the stones ourselves. Since he got ill I have made contacts and have mining teams that dig for me, one of which leaves for Madagascar in just a few weeks. I think the most important thing about my jewelry is its fresh from the earth. We mine the stones, cut them and create one of a kind wearable art for you. I find incredible other artists in faraway lands to make things like brass beads of which are made especially for my designs and I in turn help that artist family with their needs. We have good karma brewing and the jewelry oozes that. I hear all of the time by empathic people what high energy the jewelry has”.
Josette Doyle-Redwolf Fashions and Jewelry designs can be found in original boutiques and on http://www.josetteredwolf.com, being as her creations are literally “One of a Kind” and no two items are the same, we suggest you view her online catalog as soon as possible or see if there is a local retailer near you that can obtain her wearable works of art.
Filed under Designer to Watch, Fashion, Women's Fashion, World Fashion News
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CCVisualArt Network CCVisualArt Network
We’re HELPING P.E.T.S!
A Fashionable Women’s Clothing Line
that saves dogs from Euthanasia.
Royal Bitch Couture is a fashionable women’s clothing line committed to helping save dogs from euthanasia.
Founded by big time dog lover and philanthropic entrepreneur Shane O’Neill, this Brentwood, California cause based company encourages people to help in saving the millions of dogs that are euthanized each year. Royal Bitch Couture has pledged to give back fifty 50% of the proceeds from the sales of their clothing line to various spay and neuter organizations across the country.
I’m giving back fifty percent 50% of the proceeds to spay and neuter organizations across the country," O’Neill said. "I’m calling the initiative, HELPING P.E.T.S., an acronym for "Prevent Euthanasia Through Spaying."
Out of the six to eight million homeless animals entering shelters each year in the United States, over four million of them are euthanized. "Roughly 80,000 animals are killed a week; this number is way too high and it that has got to stop," says O’Neill.
In collaboration with a group of innovative woman’s fashion designers and some of Hollywood’s top celebrity stylists, O’Neill has created an everyday women’s wear clothing line. Royal Bitch Couture is custom designed clothing using only the finest materials made here in Los Angeles, CA.
The line features extra soft formfitting cotton tee’s, French loop terry hoodies, short shorts, low-rise workout/yoga pants and dresses, making the fashion collection a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
Each piece boasts the motto "HELPING P.E.T.S." sewn on a small demask tag located on the side corner of each item. The Royal Bitch Couture hang tags also feature different breeds of cute little puppies which are advocates for this important cause.
"The reason in developing this woman’s clothing line was that I wanted to come up with a way to help lower the number of animals that enter shelters each year thus lowering the number of dogs that are euthanized.
I know we can all make a difference say’s O’Neill. I thank you, and the dog’s thank you for your support"!
http://www.royalbitchcouture.com/
http://www.facebook.com/royal.bitch.couture
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Filed under Commentary, Events, Events and Happenings, Fashion, People
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