SEPTEMBER 2015 p6 Tom’s Rockin’ Facts p8 Artist Spotlight: Karen West’s Beltatude by Alexxis Steele p12 Tony Bennett by Bob Klein p14 Ron White by Bob Klein p16 Hall & Oates by Alexxis Steele, photos by Bob Klein p20 Roman’s Rants: Were You Drinking Sir? p24 Summer Model Spotlight-Emma p32 Model Mika Romantic photos by Gracie Thorpe p41 Dave Barbarossa: Mud Sharks by Nikki Palomino p44 Marlowe B. West Takez Manhattan: Interview with Bla Zes p52 Marlowe B. West Takez Manhattan: Interview with Sesu Coleman p57 Brodian’s Banter p58 The Whirling Worldz of Marlowe B. West: Miss Trullee Fike p68 The Whirling Worldz of Marlowe B. West:Interview with Kath Cambell p77 The Whirling Worldz of Marlowe B. West: Interview with Cosmic Blues
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p82 The Whirling Worldz of Marlowe B. West: Interview with Lola Avana p87 Still “Frantic” After All These Years by Scott Brandon p91 Poetry by Yvonne Sotomayer p96 Film Review: To Write Love On Her Arms by Jerry Saravia p98 Film Review: Going Clear:Scientology and The Prison of Belief by Jerry Saravia p100 Pandora’s Box: MusikFest Amish Outlaws & Bastard Bearded Irishmen by Kelly Mitch p104 Bongo Boy TV Episode 1055 by Karma Moonbeam p106 Bongo Boy TV Episode 1056 by Karma Moonbeam p108 Bongo Boy TV Episode 1057 by Karma Moonbeam p110 Smiling at Ghostbusters for 30 Years by Jerry Saravia p112 Ant-Man by Jerry Saravia p114 Album Review: Miriam Linna by Dana Saravia p115 Music Review: Vibeke’s ‘The World Famous Hat Trick’ by Dana Saravia p117 Album Review: Los Dudes ‘Hipster Retirement Home’ by Dana Saravia
STAFF
Alexxis Steele - Publisher/Editor in chief Guido Colacci - Assistant Editor Frederick Jerant- Proofreader/Copy Editor Mick Reynolds- Proofreader/Copy Editor Keith Boisvert- Cover Design www.steelnotesmagazine.com
Social Media Facebook: /SteelNotesMagazine Twitter: @SteelNotesMagazine Google+: Steel Notes Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHERS Sheri Bayne Bob Klein Mike Dorn Gary Preis Brian Smith Brian Matus Bill Des Jardins Gracie Thorpe Derek Mitch Rhonda Van Buskirk Lisa Koza Alan Ottenstein Larry Dell Harriet Kaplan Brian Limage
STAFF WRITERS Marlowe B. West Dana Saravia Jerry Saravia Guido Colacci Rhonda Van Buskirk Sheri Bayne The Gypsy Poet Mick Reynolds Miss Elizabeth Kelly Mitch Tony Angelo Victor Colicchio Mike Dorn Drama D Karma Moonbeam Bob Klein Harriet Kaplan
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VIDEOGRAPHERS Lisa Koza DarkOne Skip Freddy Williams Larry Dell
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is a monthly magazine featuring what is happening in the art, music, entertainment, and fashion industry. Copyright is reserved. Re posting is whole or in part on other sites and publication without permission is prohibited. All right to photos belong to their respective owners.
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Thomas Richmond
TOM’S ROCKIN’ FACTS
1987, U2 scored their second US No.1 single from their ‘Joshua Tree’ album with ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. The song received two nominations for the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988, for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
1981, MTV broadcast its first stereo concert with REO Speedwagon who performed in Denver, Colorado, having just released the album Hi Infidelity and the hit singles, ‘Keep On Loving You,’ ‘Take It On the Run’ and ‘Don’t Let Him Go.’
1969, The photo session for the cover of The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ album took place on the crossing outside Abbey Road studios. Photographer Iain McMillan, balanced on a step-ladder in the middle of the road took six shots of John, Ringo, Paul, and George walking across the zebra crossing while a policeman held up the traffic. The band then returned to the studio and recorded overdubs on ‘The End’, ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’ and ‘Oh! Darling’.
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1996, Kiss appeared at the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio on their 192 date Alive World Tour. During this show a fan threw his fake leg on stage, which all the members signed and handed back to him.
1992, Madonna went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘This Used To Be My Playground’. A No.3 hit in the UK, the track was taken from the film ‘A League Of Their Own.’
Thomas Richmond Owner HTTP://GLADIATORHITS.COM Admin http://GoneClicking.Com
http://www.prolifick.com/
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT by Alexxis Steele:
BELTATUDE BY KAREN WEST A.S When did you first get interested in your craft? K.W. I’ve always been a designer at heart. When I was a kid I would grab old letterhead from my mom’s work and draw clothing. Mom made most of our clothing so I spent a lot of time in the fabric section of the old TG&Y store and I was happy as a clam looking through the pages of pattern books. It wasn’t until I had to quit my day job due to illness that I finally had the time to dream and sketch again. My sketches worked themselves into cool bustier and vests for women. I love music and had many friends who were musicians and many friends who were bikers so I saw a lot of what they were wearing and was inspired by that scene. I bought differ-
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ent style chains and leather and was ready to go. I had a friend who was a seamstress that wanted to work with me. And that’s when I hit a road block. Things didn’t work out with her and I had tons of supplies. What was I going to do with them?! A wise friend told me, I needed to keep things simple and work small. Start with things I could physically make myself. So I started to play with the chains and worked out a way to attach them on to belts and they looked super cool! But what was I going to do with the deer skin leather? That’s when Beltatude came to being. Summer of 2012, I came up with the idea of having an attachment that could be embellished with chain. It took many attempts to get the design right and I finally realized the deer skin leather was
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too light to use to hang chain but the idea was still a good one and I rolled with it.
A.S . What inspired you? K.W. Beltatude was inspired by the rock and biker scene. People who love life, love music, love the road, and are not afraid of expressing themselves. People with attitude. The chains or embellishments on the design are the exclamation mark on that person’s style. I’ve been drawn to fashions with asymmetrical hemline so having the chains hanging down on the side gave that illusion which is attractive on most body types. I’ve also found most people who wear the accessory enjoy the feel of the chains as they move on their body.
A.S. What type of materials do you like to use? K.W. I prefer to use leather to work with. It is durable and most belts are made of leather. Beltatude becomes a better extension of the belt when it’s made of the same material. Also, to hold the chains you really need a heavy material or they will rip out.
A.S. How long does it generally take to finish a project? K.W. From start to finish it takes a couple of hours to make each Beltatude. If I am doing a custom piece there are numerous hours researching materials for the beltatude, then ordering etc. Custom work can take weeks depending on what I’m making and if I have the embellishments in stock.
A.S. When did you start putting your ideas into action?
A.S. What is your pricing structure?
K.W. In 2012 I made my first Beltatude samples and was extremely lucky enough to meet up with Lita Ford.
K.W. Beltatude runs from $70/$80 and $100 and up for custom work and anything with high end materials such as Swarovski crystals.
She had my first work. She wore and gave me feedback on the design. So I figured out what worked and what didn’t. I knew if it withstood her touring and meet and greets then regular wear and tear would be just fine. I also, realized quickly I needed to protect the idea so we started the patent and trademark process in 2013.
A.S. What are your long term goals? K.W. My long term goals are to have Beltatude manufactured and in department stores and shops throughout the US and abroad and have a design showroom and distribution center!
A.S. Where is your shop located?
A.S. Where can people find you?
K.W. My shop is currently only online. I work out of my home for now and keep a small stock of belts and Beltatude accessories. I like to make from scratch when I can and really love making custom, one of a kind pieces.
K.W. www.rockoutridehard.com www.facebook.com/karenwestdesigns www.facebook.com/beltatude www.twitter.com/karenwestdesign
A.S. What does your work entail? K.W. Each Beltatude is hand cut from genuine leather, loops hand riveted and holes for the chains to hang and grommets placed. The chain is hand cut to desired lengths to either drape or hang as fringe. Everything is done by hand.
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SINGER TONY BENNETT- STATE THEATRE EASTON, PA PHOTOS BY BOB KLEIN
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COMEDIAN RON WHITE- STATE THEATRE EASTON, PA PHOTOS BY BOB KLEIN
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HALL AND OATES PPL CENTER, ALLENTOWN PA MAY 5TH 2015 By Alexxis Steele
great band that is always a joy to see and hear, with the right chemistry of seasoned musicians. The PPL Center, which offers the opportunity for a marge larger crowd, then does the Event Center.
HA LL AND OATES SET LIST PPL CENTER ALLENTOWN PA 1. Maneater 2. Out of Touch 3. Method of Modern Love 4. Say It Isn’t So 5. Back Together Again 6. Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song)
Hall and Oates performed their first appearance at the PPL Center on May 5th 2015 to a near capacity excited crowd, ranging in various ages from twenty somethings, baby boomers, and beyond. Daryl Hall opened the night’s show by stating- It’s good to be back in this area again, because it feels like home!!! Those words raised the roof as applause and cheers came from the appreciative crowd. Last year February 2014, they appeared at the Sands Event Center , Bethlehem Pa, with a more toned down show, compared to the PPL Center, which was more lively, but did not include the two female back up singers that performed with them previously.
7. She’s Gone 8. Sara Smile 9. Wait for Me 10. I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)
Encore 1: Rich Girl You Make My Dreams Encore 2: Kiss on My List Private Eyes
Daryl Hall and John Oates did not disappoint their crowd, and pulled out all of the stops , playing all of their familiar hits that the audience could sing a long with and dance in their seats. Of course adding to Daryl and John’s sound is their
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ROMAN’S RANTS
WERE YOU DRINKING SIR? Roman Of course I was drinking! I had just came out of a swanky night cub, watching live music, meeting chicks, and I had dropped a bundle of dough having a good time. It was my night out. “I may have had one or two....” I blurted out in an attempt to sound honest and pitied. But I just doomed myself by admitting drinking anything at all. “OK sir, well then I’m afraid I have the right to try to permanently ruin your life.” Crap! “OK thank you officer.”
So this is what it comes down to. Boy, you better be polite to that officer because get an unlucky break here and you’re literally ruined. You can lose your license, which means you lose your job, which means you are broke, plus embarrassed in the local paper, and you still owe fines. Your wife (and kids, when applicable) leave you to find better financial support. You get depressed, REALLY hit the bottle, and become a bum. You are the scourge of society. This happens to someone every night. Family and social structure as we know it fails. Our National Defense breaks down. Homeland Security fails. Terrorists finally have us at our weakest and take over. America falls and we are all victims of slave labor and torture. And it all started with you and your damn DUI!
OK I’m going a little overboard here...I know the DUI laws are there for a reason...one good effect is saving lives. I’m sure the statistics reflect it. And your life isn’t always ruined by being pulled over (at first) but obviously another good reason to enforce the DUI laws is that it is a great money maker for the little community that has a shoestring budget for the police force. Maybe too much so.
I live in a small town that’s pretty tame so the cops are hoping to have something to do. Not that
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there isn’t crime, the drug problem is in any town, everywhere, starting in the right neighborhood. But busting the drug dealers doesn’t provide revenue. Headlines maybe, but it probably wasted man-hours and yielded no real profits, especially if the dealer has nothing to his name.
Busting a guy in a Porsche though...that’s lucrative. Or some girl in a nice car that they obviously didn’t pay for (or work to get.) So they pay a fine, pay for a “driving course” and owes court costs (unless they’re the friend or family of a judge or cop himself.) Yeah, it’s a real racket. Better than catching guys speeding. But you know, I bet that runs a close second...I’ve seen some pretty clever speed traps. (There’s one in my town that is a 55 mph limit down a hill that is reduced to 25 mph halfway down. Unless you live here and know that, you’re busted!) And looking back, all of the points I got were speed limit violations....times were different. I guess that’s also partially what this is about.
Hey, I’m not against saving lives, I know it’s necessary to teach that young drinking, driving teenager a lesson. But is discretion flying out the window for the sake of meeting the township budget? More man-hours wasted and no income with giving out a warning.
I also see my income, as a musician, dwindling, and I can say the same for many of the clubs I play. They can’t get any business. Everyone is afraid to have more than two drinks. No one can afford a band by limiting customers to only two drinks. Too risky to over-serve. Too risky to go see a band. Too risky to have more than two and try to wait two hours without drinking at all before you go home. Too risky. It’s safer to stay at home.
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DRINK RESPONSIBLEY. Oh, THAT’s how its done. Just drink a LITTLE BIT. I guess drink, but absolutely no “buzz.” Yeah, like the the billboards say”Buzzed driving is drunken driving.” Then there’s the cop behind the billboard, near the bar. Ha. Ok, fine. Except that clubs, like the musician, are in the business of selling alcohol. Make no mistake about it. Why? It’s profitable and LEGAL, and that’s how people make a living. That kills me. It’s legal to sell alcohol in a bar, just don’t be caught drinking it. Or not too much anyway. What the hell is that? Do you set up a store to sell tires but it’s a three-tire limit? How are you gonna stay in business? My wife is a bartender and it’s a constant worry that if she does her job selling drinks that the guy may go out, smash up a car, and then she gets in trouble and her employer gets sued.
Ugh! I don’t know the answer. Sell pot in a bar instead, which is actually close to becoming a reality believe it or not. But oh yeah, selling pot is illegal. When I grew up, boy, pot was the township money maker. Like booze is today. Your life was ruined if they found a pot seed in your car. Times have changed I guess. But whether it was booze or pot, it was leverage to do great damage to your reputation and career. Hey, stoners don’t drive into trees, they love them. They don’t plow head-on into a car in the other lane, they drive too slow or sideswipe a parked car trying to do a bong while driving. Actually somebody texting is more dangerous, they rear-end you and they’re not even stoned or drunk! They just needed to text THAT BADLY.
filter, doing the timing, changing and gapping the spark plugs, and fine tuning a six pack. Then we’d all go out and race! Awesome! Or, in the vernacular of the times, “BOSS!”
Soon we were all meeting, splitting a case of beer, swapping out tranny’s to do wheelies on the dragstrip or just cruising the circuit...but we took the beer with us. F*** yeah. What if you met some some chicks? Or have a good natured drag race for a beer? Regardless you were getting totally stoked running your new well-tuned machine in quarter-miles or whatever and no-one thought anything was unusual or wrong. Well, not too wrong...there were speed limits for a reason too!
Oh we would still get pulled over. But the cops were pissed because we were racing, not drinking. They would see a half case of empties rolling around on the back floor and not even flinch. Well, a real prick cop might take the beer you had left. But we weren’t worried about having our whole
I GREW UP DRINKING AND DRIVING. That’s right! I learned to drive while drinking. (I also learned to drive doing a bong, but that’s another article.) But yeah, even before I had a license, I was helping dad tune the family car in the garage and was being treated to the occasional beer from the fridge under the tool bench. At sixteen me and my buddies were changing the oil
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life and future career put into jeopardy. You know what we DID worry about? The cops telling our parents. OMG, that was a scary thought.
You’re not gonna believe me if you’re a younger reader but when we did have too much to drink at night, and we obviously were driving under the influence in front of a cop, he would pull you over and ask if you needed help. Yup! That meant he would make a judgment call as to whether he should follow you home, or DRIVE you home. But, OMG, you hoped your parents wouldn’t fine out.
Anyway, I digress. DUI’s, or being caught drinking and driving are the new incomes for the borough instead of busting you for pot. Hmmmm, it makes me wonder, do I miss the good old days? I mean, hell, I don’t even drink now. Damn I drank so much though back in the day, racing our hot-rod Camaro’s...untill I discovered pot made me a safer driver....but now I have that police record. Hmmm.
Finally I’ll leave you with this gem that my friend’s Grandfather told her: “My kids never saw me drunk because I drove around until I wore it off.”
Again, way worse was getting caught with pot. It’s hard to believe in this day and age that at one time you did jail time if they found a trace of it. Yeah that was a scary thing. Plenty of people thrown in cells with real criminals just because they got “high.” Hippies! Serves ‘em right! Get a haircut! Hey! They didn’t hurt anyone, and now they’re real, card-carrying felons with a record. I know, I’m one of them. I wasn’t a tough guy, I just got high. But after doing time, I was a tough guy. Yup. “Mandatory College” was MY education. I’ve been carrying around a record ever since. You f***ers!
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SUMMER MODEL SPOTLIGHT-EMMA photos by Brian Limage Hi I’m Emma and I am 17 years old. I am from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Some of the things I am interested in are cooking, fitness, fashion, and cars. But the one big passion in my life has always been modeling. From the time I was a young girl I’ve wanted to be a model. I was the little girl who wore sparkly, frilly dresses every day of the year. To say I was a “girly girl” is an understatement, and I am still that girl today.
I believe in looking my best every single day, so I dress for it. I got my first modeling gig at age 8. I posed with butterfly nets and live Monarch butterflies for a nature and science store. Ever since then I have seized every opportunity to further my modeling career.
My favorite modeling jobs are at car shows. I get to do what I love -- modeling -- with something else I love… fast and beautiful cars!
A few of my modeling goals are to become a recognized face in the professional modeling world; having the opportunity to do a music video; and commercials. After my modeling career ends, I plan to pursue a career in the legal field. I hope to get married and start my own family. No matter what the future holds, I plan to meet it with class and style, impeccably dressed and looking my best!
Follow me on instagram: @emmalene_rebecca
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
Mika Romantic Burlesque Artist and Pin-Up Model Mika Romantic is an international award-winning burlesque performer and pin up model. Romantic is a traveling showgirl and has performed at some of the hottest venues and festivals in the world. She just returned from London where she performed to sold out crowds and was named one of the hottest Burlesque Performers to follow by GQ magazine. Romantic has a signature 1950’s classic burlesque style, dazzling the crowd in glamorous vintage gowns and costumes. Mika recently won the Pennsylvania Regional Burlypicks and will represent the Keystone State in the finals which will be held in Los Angeles in September.
Mika is the Artistic Director of the burlesque troupe, “The Looking Glass Revue”. A classic burlesque and comedy group that have entertained at venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe and at exclusive celebrity Lounges during the Sundance Film Festival.
You can follow Mika on Facebook: Mika Romantic
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE THORPE
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Dave Barbarossa: Mud Sharks By Nikki Palomino Looking back is not always a bad thing if it brings perspective to why one ends up where they are. As the case with Dave Barbarossa who chose to write a novel Mud Sharks based on his experiences with the English 1980’s New Wave band Bow Wow Wow after playing with Adam and the Ants. Instrumental in creating the tribal drumming trend in American and British bands, Dave’s primal sound influenced post-punk groups like Jane’s Addiction, Korn and Slipknot. “I use timbales, but not in a traditional Latin way. I like the tones and rim shots you get from them. I use them as you might a hi hat sometimes, other times, like a tom, other times a snare. I like the way they influence my playing,” says Dave. And as to why he chose the drums? “I think because they looked more like a sports car or a space ship than the other instruments. You’re more like a pilot on the drums. They are so imposing and noisy. It’s kind of a challenge mastering them. They sound beautiful as well.”
In the 1970’s more than half of London’s inner-city docks had closed. Manufacturing declined. Unemployment rose from 196,000 to 400,000 by 1976. Not surprisingly, kids searched for a precise musical connection as a way to avoid the same path as their parents. Economic collapse turned the streets gritty and dark so one was left to his own ingenuity. Dave says of the UK scene when he got started, “Late 70s, the cauldron of punk rock. It was a grey time in Britain. The Tory’s were determined to bland everything out. Punk Rock was a multicolored slash of rebellion that ignited the youth.” Dave dept which is like subbing in the US for Adam Ant’s regular drummer, and Adam asked him to stay. “I played for Adam for four years until Malcolm McLaren asked the Ants to form a band of their own. Bow Wow Wow was born.” Both Adam Ant’s band and Bow Wow Wow had similar drum-driven sounds. “Well, I did a load of demos for Adam. When I left him, he kept the demos. His band had a very similar sound to ours for obvious reasons.” The music industry has always been a business to
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But why not an autobiography associated with punk literature instead of fiction? “I’m not a great fan of biographies; they are a little dry and invariably unsurprising. I’m driven to be creative. I feel that is where I’m at my best.” “Like you I was, like me you’ll become,” he growled as if he’d just categorised me amongst the low crawling things in a drained lake or an Old Testament lesson. Mud Sharks The title Mud Sharks came from an experience on the road with Bow Wow Wow. At Edgewater Inn in Seattle, Washington there was a fishing tackle shop in the middle of the lobby where you could hire a rod and actually dangle it out of your hotel window until you got a bite. The boy who ran the shop said what they’d likely catch. “Mud Sharks,” he said. “What real sharks?” He held his hands about a foot apart. “Yay,’bout so big.” So there we sat, late afternoon, pre-sound-check, bags unpacked, gazing at the grey ocean waiting for a bite from one of the mud sharks. Mud Sharks 2012 Mud Sharks first came out but circumstances brought Dave to New Haven Publishing Ltd UK. Why? “Because (Publisher) Teddie Dahlin’s belief in my book and my writing.” capitalize on young talent according to Dave. “It was always about the bottom line…So what’s new? Times were much wilder back then. I was just happy to be in a good band. I couldn’t believe my luck!” And Bow Wow Wow’s most popular US hit was the New Wave staple “I Want Candy” originally a 1965 hit by The Strangeloves. Bow Wow Wow’s version was featured in an early music video on MTV. The rigors of touring finally takes its toll no matter the success.
And what is Dave saying to his readers? “I think I’m saying that when you are young and your life (family, friends, school, society and the future) seem bleak and hopeless…if you have a passion and you can dedicate yourself to it, you can break the negative cycle and…have a right fuckin’ laugh!” And he says it well in the veins of his past. My dedication bordered on the holy. Mud Sharks
We follow the full circle of life within the pages of the novel. We watch a boy become a man who struggles with the remnants of his own father’s “I wrote Mud Sharks after a huge US tour,” says hate for his lot in life. We watch the boy become a Dave. “I’d become disenchanted with touring and man and in the end his understanding of what is the the ‘life’ but still wanted to do something creative. I’ve always loved reading books. I thought I’d have a most important reason for existence. go at writing one. No one was more surprised than Through the drums, Dave found hope and is workme by how well it has been received.”
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ing on a second novel. The mathematical dovetailing of beat over beat, layer upon layer was for me a glimpse of perfection. Mud Sharks Currently, his projects include Barbarossa Beat: https://soundcloud.com/arcadeponyrecords/ arcade037-dave-barbarossa-barbarossa-beat His band ‘Cauldronated’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tFyhnBCnzo In the world of stale biographies from all sorts of artists, Dave gives the reader a little piece of his heart. That effort for a reader is worth the time to turn a page.
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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of all ages ... My name is Marlowe B. West and I am your ringleader ... When I was a little kid over at my Saint Nana’s house and my grandfather would come home drunk and unbearable, she would tell him to “Go to blazes!” ... That was her polite way of saying “Go to Hell!” ... ahaha ... Nowadays, when someone goes to Blazes they are in for a rare treat ... For Blazes is now the ultimate rock star ... and if you didn’t already know, you are about to find out for yourself ...
MBW: I have seen your videos and caught your incredible show on the boardwalk in Coney Island ... From what I gather you take Coney Island personal ... Doing benefits and concerts for its preservation ... I think the world of people like you ... Do you mind if I ask ... What is it about Coney Island that means so much to you ??? B.: Thanks Marlowe .... Its people like you that inspire me ... Coney Island inspires me ... The Blazes was born there ... Blazes is the personification of Coney Island ... The glitz ! ... The Glamour ! ... The
lights !
MBW: Would you like to tell us the story about The Blazes image ... It is like that of no other ??? B.: The image of The Blazes started with my music ... It started with my most popular song ... Far Off Galaxy ... I wrote that song on my acoustic guitar ... It was while writing that song that I imagined what the consummate star should look like ... Blazes was born .
MBW: You are so unique ... Are you influenced by anyone in particular ??? B.: Well it started in theater back when I was a teen ... the whole idea of marrying theater with popular music is so New York ... I have been influenced by New York City legends Jayne County, Ruby Lynn Reyner and Penny Arcade ... Their boldness and
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The character Blazes has been an evolution ... The name Blazes was taken from a character in James Joyce’s Ulysses ... Blazes Boylan was the well endowed stud ... I just liked the name ... Now, of course, it fits my image perfectly .
MBW: What is your goal ??? B.: My goal is to spread fun and joy the New York way ... with excitement and glamour ... I want everybody to know who The Blazes is !
MBW: How about the studio ??? B.: I would like to record more songs in the studio ... I am open to new ideas and to collaborate with other artists .
MBW: Tell us about living in New York City ... Like what are your favorite nightclubs ??? B.: I have never lived anywhere else in my life but NYC ... Nightclubs come and go ... I like any place that appreciates uniqueness and art ... I don’t really go to one particular place ... I have probably been to them all .
brashness has had a direct influence on me ... I learned style from my dear friend Tony Mansfield .
MBW: When and where did it all start ??? B.:
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MBW: How about food ??? ... Do you have any favorite foods and places to eat ??? B.: I grew up on DiFara Pizza in Midwood, Brooklyn ... I remember when it was a regular pizza place ... Now you have to spend an entire day there to grab
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a slice .
MBW: How would you describe a perfect day and night in Manhattan ??? B.:
B.: You need to find a special niche in order to work as a pro musician ... I think that musicians have better dice making it as a live act rather than as recording artists .
MBW:
The perfect day is walking through the various neighborhoods ... The perfect night is entertaining the people of New York .
Where would you be if all the obstacles cleared out of your path ???
MBW:
No obstacles? ... I would be playing stadiums and recording a full length album once a year .
Do you have any advice for up and coming musicians ??? B.: My advice is don’t take advice from anyone ... I have always followed my heart and instincts to do what I think is right .
MBW:
B.:
MBW: That’s so awesome Blazes ... I have one more favorite question for you ... If I could grant you three wishes ... What would they be ??? B: Health ... Happiness ... and eternal fabulousness !
Tell us about your most memorable gig ??? B.: My most memorable gig was a few years back at a Brooklyn club called “The House Of Yes” ... A battery burst on my costume and burned my back leaving this permanent scar .
MBW: What do you have to say about todays politics as far as doing gigs and getting paid ??? B.: There needs to be a better union for local musicians ... Some of the most talented musicians that I have ever seen in my life can’t even make a buck .
MBW: How about music as a profession ???
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Sesu Coleman Interview 52 | Steel Notes Magazine
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MBW: Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of all ages ... In case you did not already know ... my name is Marlowe B. West ... I am your ringleader ... Manhattan is my big top ... and today I am proud to present ... right here in the center ring ... a guy who has been blazing merry golden trails ... while unknowingly pioneering the legendary grounds on the Lower East Side that have come be known as the birthplace and home of some of the most colourful, fun lovingly powerful, successful and often imitated music giants in the business ...Take it away, Sesu ...
SC: I’m Sesu Coleman, otherwise known as “Sesu Tramp,” drummer for the Magic Tramps and here’s a little history. The Magic Tramps began as a mystical vision by a crazy kid who had a dream to change the world with music, and in 1968 an experimental band arose in Hollywood California, a place that would nurture three bohemian souls. And a “Messiah” was born—a band that played instrumental, experimental, underground, theatrical rock and roll. We played at a club on Sunset Blvd called the “Temple of the Rainbow,” where we decided to change the way everyone viewed music forever. I played drums with shamanistic fervor with Lary Chaplan on Electric Violin. He brought a classically trained ear with rock and roll licks, and Young Blood filled out our sound on guitar, making our music sound edgy, melodic, ethereal, enchanting, and mystical all at the same time.
show, a name, and type of genre that people would not soon forget. Young Blood had a friend who had previously been in Hollywood filming a movie for Andy Warhol. His name was Eric Emerson, a friend of Brian Jones and Jim Morrison. He could sing, he could dance, he was good looking, had charisma in spades, and he had a personality that just leapt off the stage. We all knew he would complete the circle of our vision, and maybe we could do something that others had not dreamt of yet.
We quickly became the Temple’s house band, but playing there wasn’t enough. We had the insatiable appetite for music and we played anywhere we could. Many nights we found ourselves playing the blues in bars all over the city and in the Valley. Since it wasn’t our original material, we used a different name other than “Messiah”. Thus, the Magic Tramps were born. Although we loved our mystical music, we wanted to take it further, to create a new multimedia
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camp and new age. We could easily fit our personas into the package people wanted to call “Glam Rock,”—where theater and Technicolor meets rock and roll dreams.
This is during the time that the Vietnam War was in full Swing, Martin Luther King, and Robert F. Kennedy had been assassinated. Music was confused, or else it was - peace, love, and psychedelics. 1968 saw the Rolling Stones release Beggar’s Banquet, and a year later they would loose Brian Jones. Bob Dylan having recovered from a motorcycle accident had turned country with John Wesley Harding, leaving many wondering where music was heading. While Led Zeppelin was busy being born, the British Invasion was dying, and the Beatles just put out “The White Album”—The Magic Tramps found Eric Emerson during a time of musical and political change, and we knew we could do something that would leave people scratching their heads and wanting more. We found our sound and our look. Eric was the Magic Mystery Man, changing his look with his moods. Lary became the medieval classical maestro, while Young Blood donned the role of the neon space man. I choose a Shaman Indian Warrior, a role close to my heart-soul and roots, and together we became the theatrical rock and roll band headed for the bright lights and the big Factory. New York City here we come. We had - “Magical mysteries and Indians” - and “Medieval minstrels and futuristic spacemen” and a sound no one could classify. 1971 brought the sights, sounds, and smells of the big city. Eric introduced us to Andy Warhol, someone who would come to appreciate our eclectic vision. We showed up on the doorstep of Max’s Kansas City, a derelict club upstairs that had not been used since the Velvet Underground. We found a home upstairs with legendary ghosts. We had something to say and people were going to listen. We did our first showcase at Max’s with Warhol and his factory entourage in tow. We soon learned to tow the line between theater and rock and roll,
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I began to wear ‘white face’ makeup, and we brought in Satan the Eternal Fire Eater from New Orleans. We began to play at the Coventry on other nights. I can remember one time I went down to my dressing room where my ‘white face’ makeup was stored and found two people handling it — they would later become the members of Kiss. This was the beginning of a new sound in New York. Kiss, Blondie, the Talking Heads, the Ramones and the NY Dolls were just arriving on the scene, not even having formed who they would become. We played Max’s, the Mercer Art’s Center, and off Broadway plays for Warhol—anything to get exposure and play our sound. We wanted to give everyone a show they would never forget. One show I will never forget is being in the Mercer Arts Center when it collapsed around us. We had to find a new place to play. We found a place called Hilly’s on the Bowery, we begged him to play. Hilly said if we could build a stage in his Hell’s Angel bar we could play. We were thirsty for music, and had an appetite for more, so we got a hammer and nails and started to create a make shift stage. We played there often and soon it would become known by another name, CBGB’s. It would later become the stuff of legends,
where Television, the Talking Heads, Blondie, and the Ramones would launch their careers. Of course there are many more things that
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happened on that dusty road from California to New York City and beyond. Many more people contributed to what the Magic Tramps became, but you will have to wait to read it in the Tramps upcoming book. For now, the Tramps live on into the 21st century after having evolved from various line ups. Now Lary and I are the only two remaining from the original Magic Tramps, and we commit to various projects that highlight the amazing scene we were lucky enough to be a part of. The Magic Tramps had a vision: to change the way people viewed music—To not just listen but to hear it with your soul—To be a part of the show, and enjoy the whole experience—To make music a multimedia idea. I still live by that vision and I want others to enjoy the history of such an era that produced some of the most illustrious bands and music from the New York underground scene. We invite you to be on the look out for never before heard Magic Tramps music, along with my ‘memoirs’ being written for release. I currently am playing percussion on various music projects for ‘Whiplash’ records. Recently the Magic Tramps released a CD called “Mental Moron” & “Children of the Kingdom”, along with a narration about the band. We also have a song on “Whiplash” 2014 Christmas CD, Halloween CD, along with various projects such as “Straight Jacket” – “Another Pint” – Dr. Scott’s Moonshine Band” (blues CD just released this week called “Pass the Jimmy-John”). Chris Stein of “Blondie” featured the “Magic Tramps” in his new photo book release & we’ll be featured in a R&R book being released in the near future by Steven Blush.
MBW: After the Magic Tramps, Sesu recorded 2 LP’s with ‘Alan Vega’ of (‘Suicide’) called ‘Collision Drive’ & ‘Saturn Strip’. They toured Europe & the USA with the ‘Pretenders’. Sesu played drums & Lary Chaplan - violinist from the ‘Magic Tramps’ played bass, on both recordings & tours ... You can Google Sesu Coleman and/or the Magic Tramps and experience the spell that was cast over the outrageously fortunate inhabitants of the New Bohemia ... Thank You for the tour, Sesu ... I am so happy to have touched into your golden history ... MBW ...
http://www.attractionsmodels.com/
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BRODIAN’S BANTER Stewart Brodian I’m hearing everyone from the president to the pope talking about reducing mankind’s carbon footprint.
Archaeologists, have found building foundations at the bottom of the English Channel.
That’s a nice thought, when you consider things like how there’s no longer motor vehicle traffic allowed near the Roman Colosseum in Rome due to the detrimental effects that soot has had to the structure over the years.
That means that what is now the English Channel was, at one time, a great valley between what is now England and France.
However,... Global warming will continue even if every motor car is shut off tomorrow. I remember seeing a graph in my 4th grade science book. It showed the estimated extent of the glacier cap about where the great plains states are now. The book explained how the polar cap has since receded. Our teacher explained that it is still receding - that it hasn’t stopped.
They are the type of building foundations that people made 10,000 years ago.
Other archaeologists have found that the Jamesburg settlement, in Virginia (first settled in 1607) extended a little further east than where it is now. That eastern portion is now under the Atlantic Ocean - and that’s only 400 years ago. Reducing our carbon footprint is a good idea - especially in cities where there is a high respiratory problem. But, the Earth is a constant living organism. It has it’s seasons and it’s trends. There is nothing mankind can do to stop that.
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The Whirling Worldz of Marlowe B. West Presentz The Serpent Queen ... Miss Trullee Fike
MBW: Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of all ages ... This promises to be a most phantasmagorical interview ... I am your Ringleader ... Marlowe B. West ... and now ... Here ... After waiting an Eternity ... With the utmost patience and anticipation ... I beckon the sound of trumpets ... A boisterously long and loud drum roll ... As skirted barefoot Egyptian ushers roll out the lapis lazuli and gold carpet ... and the curtains rise on the center stage ... She dances like Shiva there before a Pyramid’s of Giza backdrop ... Slithering and glimmering in her own hand embroidered, beaded and sequined, stitch witchery raiment ... emblazoned with snakes and grapevines and magic symbolism ... The Serpent Queen herself ... Miss Trullee Fike ...
Say something wonderfully magical to our readers here at Steel Notes Magazine and to the World, Miss Trullee ...
TF: Oh! Listen up out there!! Don’t let your dreams die. Tell the people who say “grow up” ,”Put it
where the Sun don’t shine baby!!” We reinvent our selves continuously, like the Serpent that bites it’s tail.Over and over ,what we are is who we are,who do you want to be??? Well.... DO IT!!!
MBW: On that note ... My dear Trullee ... I understand that you are reincarnated from a previous time and place ... I find this curiously interesting and must say that I find your recollections fascinate me ... It is always comforting and reassuring to converse with someone who is subject to such harsh and narrow minded scrutiny for speaking of such untold truths from deep within your very being of existence ... I, myself, have on numerous occasions, hazily re-experienced the unmistakable De Ja Vu of two distant past lives ... One distinctly soggy and foggy ... the musty mildew smell of a basement flat somewhere in England ... The other comes briskly alive when walking barefoot on a cold marble floor ... which triggers a familiar vivid memory ... I am taken back to Egypt where I am led to lie naked upon a cold marble slab and covered with a sheet ... the memory is similar to that of a doctor’s appointment ... there’s always this fragrant opulent atmosphere ... suggesting royalty ... I don’t care what response I might get for sharing this because I treasure the unspeakable pleasure I receive being capable of
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awakening these thoughts and feelings within my consciousness ... Please feel free to speak on this subject and tell us what mysteries lurk behind your unbelievable ancestry ???
TF: Egypt, bright beneath a burning sun. I remember the scent of lilies and children laughing. We call them Easter Lilies now and there is almost no scent at all, but then they were wonderfully sweet. I was a child and played with Pharaoh’s children in Gardens as beautiful as any Garden this side of Paradise. I loved the tall Sycamores with their fig like fruit. We always whispered that the Goddess might still be there and not banished. I loved the dancers who could snap their fingers in time to the music and move so gracefully. We hid behind the linen curtains quiet as mice to watch. There were other times there, some in poverty,some in better situations, time and time again. Then there were times of England. I was the daughter of a well landed Gentleman who favored the Yorkist side but was wise and married me off to a friend who he knew to favor the Lancasterians thus saving our family. Smart move for those days. I became mother to his daughters, only slightly younger then I, but I gave him a son.
I was an actor once, and once a dancer, and once I wrote bad poetry and died from lung disease. I had money and I was poor, the Eighteen eighty’s were scary in Arizona and back in England the Twenty’s were good times. I remember I was called Christabell, and had two brothers David and Peter. I used to dream of them. London in W. W. II. The sound of siren’s still make my skin crawl. Then in 1941 I turned up here! Still having dreams of bombs falling.
MBW: How did you acquire your most befitting title as the Serpent Queen ???
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TF: Ah,yes. Ye old Serpent Queen. In the Sixty’s of course every one had different names, there was Elephant Man, half a million called Hobbit this or that and I liked Snakes. I had brass Cobras all over the house and Egyptian statues everywhere. It just seemed to happen, and when we moved to Hollywood it was me. I had Serpents on my boots, my vests, my earrings and again, all over the house. I still do and now I live in the Desert where I always longed to be. Listening to my records from the Twenties on my Victrola and drinking sweet wine from my hand blown goblet, life is good.
MBW: La dee da !!! ... I know you are a witch !!! ... I have witnessed a curse you put on a certain someone using three black crow’s feathers and some sort of cree cree bag ... and ... I saw it backfire ... seriously ... Actually I really dug it ... I won’t name any names but she had it coming ... Would you care to speak openly about the occult ???
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TF: TF: Well really all I did was to turn her nastiness back on her, she really did have it coming, I just made it so that as long as she kept doing what she was doing, she would seem to have two left feet every time she tried to dance. She got the message and it stopped,simple as that. I usually only did love charms and dream readings.I still do but seldom now there is just no time and the Herbs for love charms are hard to find here in the desert. It takes weeks to make them and every thing has to be just right, even what you think while you do it!
MBW: ... and astral projection ... You guided me through one of the most cosmic experiences of my life ... I was flying ... like Peter Pan ... Arms outstretched high over Los Angeles ... It was dreamy and free ... I was as one with the breezes ... When I abruptly found myself tugging arm over arm along a waist high golden rope down the center of Fountain Avenue ... You giggled when I described this to you and were so delighted to inform me that I had succeeded in astral projection and that the golden rope was similar to the umbilical chord connecting my astral body to my physical body ... You added that had I not completed my return to my physical body when I did there was a threat that another spirit could anxiously take over ... I never did anything like that again ... but would like to know how you know so much about such things, meditation etc. ???
Astral projection. Hard to do and can be dangerous! Meditation however is very good for you, and can make life much more pleasant. Almost every Religion uses it in one form or another. Once you find your way it’s all the more wonderful. As for how I know about these things, books! I spent hours in the old LA City Library, learning every thing I could, and I still read at least three books a month.I’m a major Book Worm.
MBW I have been, and always will be, an avid, die hard fan of Jim Morrison ... since day one ... I must admit I felt a bit doubtful about a lot of the things you would say when we first met ... Like your past lives and your being a witch and especially about your being friends with our beloved Lizard King ... and I thought you were so full of baloney when you would go on and on about your friend “Jimmy” ... that is until I saw your incredibly beautiful photographs ... and then I had to look into your bottomless ancient eyes and realize that you ... my dear ... are truly extraordinary ... Please go on and tell my Steel Notes Magazine readers all about you and your god-like friend ... the immortal lead singer and songwriter of The Doors ... The uber legendary Jim Morrison ???
TF : It was an odd thing meeting Jim, I had never even heard of The Doors. I got a phone call from a friend. She was in a panic,she had tickets to a concert at
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the local High School and her ride got sick. It was Whittier and The Doors were playing with the Standells and The Coasters in the school Gym. I said OK, I can get my husband to drive you. Oh, you have to go with me I cant go alone.So there I was in a High School Gym, with every one in neat little chairs in neat little rows like nice, neat little boys and girls dressed in there nice, neat school clothes.Teachers walking up and down seeing to it that everyone stayed that way. I was wearing a Poncho, beads and bells, I stayed in back and leaning against the wall, it was a friendly wall and my dears there was no way I was going to sit down. I was not a nice little girl. I watched I listened, it was a good show. Then The Doors came on and I knew these guys were different. Even before they began to sing there was a ripple in the air,I looked up and there he was. I walked right up the middle aisle to the front passing the irate Teachers and looked up into Jims eyes. He was not your every day rock and roll singer, he was a force of nature and I was stunned. A girl next to me said “I know him, want to meet him ?” I certainly did! A week or so later I took my first photos of him at the Fantasy Fair. I’d been taking photos of other bands for a long while but Jim was the wildness and I loved the wildness.
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MBW: Lovely ... Got anymore Jim Morrison stories ???
TF: Stories? I got to the Doors office one after noon and found that Jim had gotten a Video camera, he was so jazzed up he started running up and down the street filming as he went. “Show me some of your photos!”, he said, grabbing me and spining me around. I had a few wallet shots and showed him. “Is that all!!!” and he pulled me to the side walk and started tickling me. “ More you need more!” I couldn’t stop laughing. Later he said “I like them, all but that one. I look drunk or stoned or some thing.”
MBW: Will you kindly please tell our readers about some of these other awesome photographs ???
TF:
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The guy in white is John Kay,the lead singer in Steppenwolf. Here is one of Frank Zappa .It’s light because it was shot in a very dark room. The Whiskey. The next one is Alice Cooper at the Newport Rock and Roll Festival. Would you like Tiny Tim? One of The Door’s John Densmore on the drums. Chambers Brothers. I have Cher and a bad one of Jimi Hendrix.
MBW: No such thing as a bad foto of Jimi Hendrix !!! ... How about more Jim Morrison stories ... Huh ???
TF: Let me look into the past on my trustee crystal ball. All is cloudy and grey. Uh ... Here comes some static. A patch of light. Haha. The Doors were going to play Bakersfield. So we drove up there. We spent the night with a firend of my sister Lacy’s. Then the next night we went to the concert. I’ve lost all the film from that night except one shot, but... we went to the party afterward. One of the girls started popping out with the F-bombs and Jim told her there were ladies and children so to can it. It was getting late so we said goodbye and headed to
the old Blue Corvair. Bill followed us out and said he’d gotten a room for us. Jim said it was too late to drive back to LA. It was a place called the Cactus Motel. So we headed to our room and on the way ran into Jim sitting on the floor out side his room. He said, “They threw me out!” So we took him to our room. There were six of us so it was a bit tight. We dumped Jim on one of the twin beds and he wanted a beer. So my husband, Ken, went and got him some. He took one drink and fell asleep. Lacy covered him with her jacket and we all turned in. We were like sardines, on the beds, on the floor. Next morning Jim woke up, threw the blinds open and woke us all up. He wanted breakfast! So we got breakfast in our room. Jim also had two Bloody Marys. I told him about my stories. I’d just started them. He said he was the King so we asked what the King wanted. He wanted to go on a Picnic! He rounded every one up and said we should all meet at the Kern River. He kidded Ken about our old Blue Bus. Then asked if I could leave the cameras for the day. Like a fool I did. We went down to the River and a bit later Jim came runing down the trail with wine bottles hanging on his belt, yelling ‘Where’s Annette, where’s Bobby? Like it was a Beach Blanket movie. The band, Comfortable Chair, was there now and a lot of his friends and followers too. By then half were half dressed and some nude. Everyone was swimming or wading. Jim jumped into the river and went to the other side, but when he tried to climb out his pants kept making him slip. So he took them off. There he stood. Beautiful on a rock, stark naked. Later he asked if I’d gotten photos. I said, “No, you said not to. “ He said, “ Next time don’t listen to me. So thats the story. My little sister wrote about it for a school paper. The teacher was not thrilled. It was a wild trip.
MBW: My cousin Marquise de la Lillibridge came to Hollywood with Group Therapy ... who had come from NYC to Hollywood to play the Whisky a go go ... There you were photographing the bands ... Your awesome photographs were splashed on the walls in a dizzying slide show of rock stars ... Do you have any memory of that night ???
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TF: I do remember that night. It was an enchanted night. I had been up in the Light Show Booth with John and Jerry, then came down to do photos of Group Therapy. I do believe that is about the time I met you and the beautiful Marquise. It was all strange and so perfectly right. I was sure I’d known you forever. From some where, some when, I could swear I caught the faint sweet fragrance of Egypt in the air.
MBW: How about the night you invited us all out to your gorgeous home and we ended up having a séance ... I will never ever forget it ... Wondering what, if anything, you have stored in your memory of that ???
does not even fit ... The séance was back on ... You said “If there are any spirits present please give us a sign!” ... a single key on the piano in the empty adjoining room was heard loud and clear ... “Does anyone know someone who used to play piano?” ... Marquise and I looked at each other and in unison said “Nana!” ... Our beloved grandmother had just recently passed on into eternity ... “If we have contacted the spirit of Marquise and Marlowe’s grandmother please give us a sign!” ... Marquise and my joined hands began to raise together up up up above our heads ... trembling and frozen together ... as if someone had a grip on them ... lifting them ... until it let go and our hands crashed down on the table before us ... scattering all the jewelry ... all that remained beneath our clenched fists was
TF: Hey! That was an awesome séance. Awaw came in and gave us all great advice and after we sat and talked for hours. You gave me the best advice. You said I just had to move to Hollywood.
MBW: Witch you did. Damn !!! ... But you are leaving out the best, most intensely unbelievable part ... Let me refresh your ancient memory, my dear ... It was you, me, Marquise, Tommy and Gerry of the band Group Therapy ... You led us into your innermost chamber, lit some candles and had us sit around a table ... You then told us to take off all of our jewelry and place it in a pile in the center of our circle ... You said in order to enter the spirit world we had to remove our material possessions ... Then we held hands ... You chanted awhile and then stopped ... the candle light flickering in your wise eyes as they scanned our faces ... and said “Someone of us in this circle does not believe and is blocking us from entering the spirit world!” ... so we thought it was over ... the gold and ruby ring Nana had left to Marquise A stronger word than ‘peculiar’ is needed here to describe what next occurred ... When your eyes met ... Call it heresy ... Call it what you will ... but ... Tommy’s he sat back and fell asleep ... ‘Astounding’ there is no skeptic gonna ever be able to explain
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away what occurred that night ... Okay now ... So let’s get on with the show ... Please tell everyone about your photography ... You were the most professional photographer I ever witnessed ... The original Paparazzi ...You were always there on the Hollywood scene with the most and best cameras and equipment capturing it all for posterity ... I know you had your own lab and developed your own photographs right at home ... Had you gone to school for photography ???
TF: No never went to school for it. I just picked up a camera and pointed. I had no clue about what I was doing. I just did it. Remember few people had cameras back then. They were very expensive and not every kid on the street could get one, so it was an opening for any one who could get a camera and had the know how to get into the shows. I set my heart on doing it and I did. Getting in free every where was a gas. From San Diego to San Francisco. The clubs, the concerts, the after show partying. I loved every moment of it. I took photos of everyone who would hold still. I wanted to record it all. I knew it would all go away some day.
every time!
MBW: Indeed I do ... I think my favorite was on Easter Sunday ... I was a court jester ... We had arrived the day before and partied , oh so gala, into and throughout the glorious night with the beautiful kind hearted peasants, the shop keepers, craftsmen and women, the wenches, the knights and even the royalty ... We all watched the magnificent sunrise together, as we gathered on the mountaintop, and the sky turned purple, pink then yellow into Easter Morning ... Do you still have your wonderfully nostalgic blog called Hollywood Hangover ... Will you please explain to our readers what Hollywood Hangover is and if and where they can find it ???
TF: It’s still out there and I am still a part of it. Dee runs it and a lot of people send in there memories to share. The photos are wonderful and the things they bring back into mind are priceless.
MBW: Love you for that ... You are still a fixture at the Renaissance Faire ... You are right at home in your custom clothes of that time period ... Your outfits and accessories are always so unique and authentic ... Can you verbally paint us a picture depicting a perfect day back in time ???
MBW: Talking about nostalgia ... Do you think you could share your description of “the days” ???
TF: TF: I go to all the Renaissance Faires I can get to and now the Steampunk Faires also. I have outfits for all of them. Remember the day you went to the Big Renaissance Faire? The perfect day? They were all perfect Marlowe, the excitement of getting ready, of driving there and then to leave the so called real world and entering pure Fantasy and to be with all the others who believed in the magic, we were transported into our own world and it still happens
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I’ve said it time and time again! It was a time apart from time. It was a dream come true and a few very lucky people lived it. Think of starting a day that could go anywhere. An art show, a trek up to the Observatory stopping for a smoke before heading up Fern Dell, maybe just hanging around in Laurel Canyon with our friends. As night falls the real rush begins,we start at the Whisky a go go or Thee Experience dancing, a little drinking, a few other things, if that was, as they said, your bag. I was never into the other things. I didn’t need them.
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I was on a natural high all my own. I was living in a dream. After the clubs closed we went on to a party or an after hours Club then as dawn came we moved on to the Hyatt House restaurant for Hot fudge Sunday watching the Sun come up.
MBW: Do you have any future plans ... I know you write epic tales and this tired ole world could use some good old fashioned magic to stir things back up again ???
TF: You, I know, have seen my Belinda story’s, where Myth and Magic come together in another world. In forests where Green Surrys chirp and the Cree move among the trees, beautiful in their golden spotted other worldly forms Where Belinda the Serpent Queen fights to save the human born son of the King of On, her life long friend. Only a human can rule in On, in this magic world the ruler must have none. I’m getting close to finishing it.
MBW: If I could grant you three wishes ... what would they be ???
TF: That I could go back and take more photos, that there were more Faires and that you lived closer!!
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The Kath Campbell Interview 68 | Steel Notes Magazine
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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of all ages ... My name is Marlowe B. West ... Today, after too many years of being kept in the dark ... and having been misled by the monstrously misinformed, confused and bogus media ... The same media that is being used as an advertising campaign to spotlight and capitalize on the rising interest and awareness in transgender by some new shows on television ... I bring you Kath Campbell and her true mind blowing story ... It is not about glamour and heroism ... It goes deeper inside where the real struggle lies ... She is about to take you through twenty long dark, sometimes brutally horrifying, yet ultimately courageous years ... Once you take this most awesome journey you are going to have a more educated view of true Transsexuals and the fakes ... Kath Campbell has stepped forward to me with her most enlightening story called Through The Darkness ... I have immediately embraced Kath as my dear friend with love and understanding ... I am happy and grateful to Alexxis Steele & Steel Notes Magazine for giving me this platform for which I can share and help educate others with this serious, often denied and rejected reality in mankind ... In doing so there is hope that I may move another step closer to bringing us all together ... We, as human beings , have been so misguided by the media for too long ... It is time we all came to realize that we are each an individual ... We have all allowed ourselves to be thrown into groups and categories with labels ... Each group is taught at birth to oppose another group ... Open your eyes ... You are unique and beautiful ... each and every single one of you ... It is designed to keep everyone separated and weak ... For our togetherness is too powerful ... We are being kept apart from each other so we are more easily manipulated into making money for the people controlling the media ... The division between these groups and categories are fake ... Step up and out of the darkness ... See how this person fought to be who she really is despite all complicated and forbidding obstacles ... Love is what we are all born of ... Allow it to radiate from within and without ... We are all stars ... and our galaxies are glorious ... together ...
MBW: Today I am speaking with Kath Campbell who was a transitional Transsexual in the mid nineteen nineties. Her book blew me away and I just had to
interview her. She recently self-published a free PDF book discussing her Transition from Male to Female. The Book is called Through the Darkness, and it is a personal horror story wrapped up in a textbook that should read Transsexual 101 with a side trip to hell.
KC: My primary reason for writing Through the Darkness was simply out of frustrations caused by all the half-fast theories and rhetoric being spouted by those on both sides of the argument today. I have not spoken publically about my transition in over twenty years, and I can no longer remain silent.
MBW: Kath when did you know you were not male?
KC: I knew by age seven. I also knew there was no one to help me understand these why I had knew. I surrendered to this fact by the time I was nine years old. A doubt never crossed my mind my entire life. What continually chinked at my armor was personal denial and keeping the truth locked away deep inside me. The fear of others finding out held me captive, it terrified me.
MBW: were you ever married?
KC: yes I was.
MBW: Did your wives know your secret?
KC: My first wife did beyond that I never confided in the others.
MBW: Were you married when you started the transition?
KC: No, I had been divorced for several years.
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MBW: With your permission, I would like to talk about marriage. I want to address several issues having to do with both the Transsexual and the spouse.
KC: At the start of transition or even before, if married, the Transsexual should do the right thing buy their spouses and sit down and talk don’t just pick up and leave. You want understanding and love then show some!
MBW: How did your family react when you told them about your transition?
KC: I had three supportive family members one was my supportive auntie who passed away years ago. As for everyone else, they were extremely unhappy with my decision and made this crystal clear.
MBW: How do you feel about that? with finding medical care? KC: The majority of those in my family are toxic. Every time I became involved with any of them it caused me grief. If any are perchance are reading this consider it my thank you and past due farewell. 2
KC: In the nineties the local MDs and hospital staff in Bedford, Pa caused me, a great deal of mental anguish. One of the M.D.s located in that area of Pennsylvania area refused to treat me citing religion, and there were others.
MBW: Were you ever bullied for being different?
KC: Brutally, my childhood was living hell the constant beatings and emotional abuse drove me to several suicide attempts. Before I sought professional help and dealt with my Gender Dysphoria, being an adult was another nightmare minus the physical abuse.
MBW: During transition, did you have any problems
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A Doctor located near the Maryland border gave me a sermon on how I am an abomination to God. I was thrown out of another doctor’s office after he accepted me as a sight unseen patient, six months into transition. At another time I was told to leave simply because another patient in the waiting room was upset or as she said ’there’s something not right with that person, “I think it may be a man” note she called me IT.” This was not the last time I had been asked to leave a doctor’s office.
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I feel most of these women were intimidated by someone who is statuesque, well groomed, well spoken, polite, well versed in film, music, and world affairs. It’s my opinion that If I had been holding a twenty five gallon drum of mountain dew in one hand, a bag of potato crisps in the other, was unclean, had a poor understanding of the English language, and wearing a ketchup stained tee shirt that read ‘You don’t believe in Jesus get out of my country” I may have met with their approval.
MBW: Did they change your medical records to make things easier after you complete transition?
KC: Regardless of Male to Female or Female to Male sexual re-assignment surgery, your medical records will always state born male, or female. Disclosing your Gender Identity in a hospital is not an insult or an infringement on your right to privacy. When a doctor has a flashlight and they are looking up your name and address how private is that? This information can save your life. I argued the point with several MTF True Transsexuals in the nineties and was told, all I need to do is take my clothing off, and they know I am a female. Physically yes, however a MTF true transsexual still has male internal organs.
Things have become easier for me over the years one reason being according to doctors and nurses they would have never guess I was transsexual if they had not read my medical files. It may surprise you that many of these people politely ask me questions about my transition because they have a healthy interest in learning and understanding time permitting I accommodate them. The recent takeover of the majority of medical centers in my area by UPMC has made life a lot easier for everyone including myself. Many of the doctors are now a part of UPMC also and UPMC is an inclusive health care facility.
MBW: Are Transsexuals sexual deviants?
KC: I have seen no evidence to support the claims
being made that True Transsexuals are sexual deviants, or having practiced deviant behavior. However, ‘Transgender’ individuals may be the origin of deviate behavior. I am not labeling all Transgender people as potential deviants; another important fact is the word Transgender is being used by individuals who are not True Transsexuals. 3
MBW: Are Transsexuals mentally ill is it a mental illness?
KC: It should be noted that the term Gender Identity Disorder as so noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM) doesn’t qualify gender dysphoria as a state of emotional distress caused by how the gender someone was designated at birth conflicts with the gender identity as a mental disorder. This condition only affects some Tran’s people. The DSM regarding Transsexuals was changed to Gender Dysphoria in twenty thirteen by the American Psychiatric Association. This was done in order to remove the stigma, disorder, attached to Gender identity. By doing, so this established the fact that Gender dysphoria is a treatable condition not a permanent disorder. However, if left untreated it can lead to suicide, depression and a host of other problems.
It is understandable that a stigma is attached to the word disorder, as being a mental disorder. Society assumes a mental disorder to be a permanent mental illness when in fact it is not.
MBW: I hear the word Transgender a lot is there a difference between Transsexual and Transgender.
KC: Yes there is
To begin with, the clinical definition of Transsexual is based on Gender Identity, Dysphoria, whereas a Transgender individual may be diagnosed or self-diagnose as genderqueer, two spirit, pansexual and
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cis gender etc. The term Transgender was created with the intent to be an inclusive of Transsexual. By shoving the Transsexuals under their Transgender Umbrella, they opened the door to social exclusion of the True Transsexual even farther. Many Transsexuals find the term Transgender offensive as it obfuscates the unique issues regarding the True Transsexual. The term further encourages societal exclusion of the Transsexual because of the ambiguity and stigma that has been attached to the Transgender term. The negative image presented to the public by some in the Transgender community will require decades to repair. It may not surprise you that much of the negativity emanates from the self-diagnosed Transgender individuals not those clinically diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria.
MBW: During your transition, didn’t you have certain amount of time to make changes to all your legal documents including your name?
KC: Yes, I was afforded roughly three to six months by which to legally change my name. An important step aside from name change in transition is a Hormone replacement therapy letter. They are hesitant to issue this letter unless you change your legal name, and can present legally documented proof of having done so. I was able to change all of my federal documents before the commonwealth changed my Drivers’ License. This was a long and drawn out friggin nightmare. When the time was up on my original license they sent me a renewal, or shall I say two renewals one in my old name and one in my now legal name this caused me years of misery.
MBW: What is an HRT letter?
KC: A Hormone Replacement therapy letter is a large step forward in the transition process. After the letter came into my hands, I located and scheduled an appointment to see an endocrinologist. This doctor would administer my female hormones and the male hormone suppressants. He would
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also order frequent blood test, monitor, and track my overall physical progress. It should also be noted that Male Hormone suppressants are also administered to block the male (or female for FTM) hormones. 4
MBW: Is there a Transsexual agenda?
KC: If you mean a movement by Transsexuals to be treated equality and fairly as with all oppressed people, there is an agenda. As to the rumored Transsexual people, wanting to indoctrinate kids into some sick lifestyle, that is a fabrication and a blatant lie. As a matter of public service, I feel everyone should be informed that being Transsexual is not a lifestyle and never has been.
MBW: Are transsexual’s child molesters?
KC: I have found no evidence to support these claims. The majority of pedophiles are straight men and women. I suggest those in interested look up minddisorders.com then search the index for Pedophilia.
MBW: I understand the procedures some Transsexuals have will break a piggy bank is this true?
KC: Yes, it is. However, not all transsexuals undergo all procedures including surgery. My entire transition cost me every penny I had. Today’s procedures and related cost can be found online.
MBW: You mentioned transsexuals not having surgery is this because of the cost or are there other reasons?
KC: The financial cost of transition can be over-
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whelming and there are some who opt out of surgery for other reasons, the surgery us dangerous and there may be post op infections and so forth. There are True Transsexuals who do not feel a need for surgery they are just as happy without it.
MBW: If a Transsexual does not have the surgery are they still male female?
KC: Speaking for myself it was because I was living a lie, I was suffering inside with female brain in a male body, and it was tearing me apart.
MBW: Are transsexual people gay?
KC: Anyone can be gay. KC: I am so glad you asked me this question. Your mind gender will not change simply because you do not have corrective surgery. You cannot define someone by his or her visible sex organs alone. Our physical birth gender is not always equal to our mind gender I am an example of this fact. If you want to define a male and a female simply by their physical appearance or what is below their waist how about this, say a woman loses her internal re-productive organs to cancer is she no longer a woman, because a woman is defined as having a vagina and internal reproductive organs. She knows in her mind she is female, she has no doubt, and mind science will reaffirm her assertions. If a man loses his testicles to cancer is he no longer a man? We all know that a man has a penis and testicles. Mind gender is not a theory or a myth it is a fact that has been proven scientifically. All anyone needs to do is a bit of research and do not gather information of this nature from bloggers as they tend to state opinions mixed with truths then paint them as entire facts.
MBW: If they do not have the surgery can they still change the gender on their birth certificates?
I would like to point out that the Transsexual should not expect to change the gender on their birth record without GRS, name yes, gender no. However, there are states that will amend the gender on record prior to GRS after you have provided legal documents listing a surgery date.
MBW: Can a transsexual marry someone of the opposite sex after having the sex change surgery?
KC: A Transsexual is now free to marry anyone. Since the recognition of equal rights as guaranteed by the 14 th amendment post op, Transsexual women and men can remain married to their spouses. I am aware of spouses continuing to live side by side as best friends after all if they were not friends why did they get ever married. As to the question of a transsexual marrying a sheep or a cow, I have seen no evidence supporting the claims that any nation recognizing same sex marriage has been petitioned by anyone in order to marry a friggin farm animal; the suggestion is revolting. What is the pathology of someone who even thinks in such terms? What manner of low creature goes about daily life with such ugly things eating at their sick twisted minds?
MBW: What is Transgender pride?
KC: I have heard Transgender people use the term ‘Proud to be Transgender’ as if the words were somehow magical. Whereas, the moment these words sprang from their lips all would bow before them and if by some miraculous intervention of the flying Gilded Yak in his gold canoe, ahhh yes all would understand or even give half a shat as to what their issues are.
MBW: Why would anyone want to have a sex change?
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A Transsexual should not be waving or wearing their identity as if it were some flippin badge of honour, a golden ticket that admits one to a super elite club it is not. If you are a Transsexual, it should be paramount that you strive to blend in and be included in society. Why then are some of you excluding yourself by waving a flag that says ‘Proud to be Transgender’ or look I’m over here? When I hear or see Transgender or Transsexual people doing this I cannot help but ask do they realize how contrary they are to themselves and their own mandate? Do their therapists know they are behaving in this manner? My being born with gender dysphoria was a millstone. This was not a prize it did not inspire me to create a flag or start a club daring the public to criticize me. My advice to the True Transsexual is complete your transition and start anew. Find your niche in a reputable vocation that will support you, fall in love, get married, or remain single and live a happy, happy life. MBW: You and I talked about death and the Transsexual would you care to share your views everyone? KC: I would It is possible that a family member more specifically my son, may get control of my corpse and defiantly strip my last wishes to the wind. You see this is how the public treats Transsexuals in death. Because of religious and social dogmatists, transsexuals are considered out cast and abominations to God in life and death. Right now, there are but few states or counties that have accommodations protecting the Transsexual after death. Until the laws are changed in favor of all equality and then implemented as protocol the stark reality is that a stranger can change an F to an M and with a simple stroke of a key render me Kathryn to have never existed.
These people are astounding they research by proclamation not investigation. They are so utterly brilliant that say wait, don’t bother us with facts our minds are already made up. I have heard so much about this it has become a thrum in my frIggin forehead.
The bizarre accusations about child molestation and perverted behavior as qualifying legal exclusions pertaining to a transsexual’s right to use a public bathroom are absurd. How is it that a Male to Female Transsexual would be in a men’s bathroom when their place is in the ladies room? How could a pre op Male to Female True Transsexual sexually assault someone in a ladies room with a penis that’s only workable function is to urinate? When I transitioned the most ridged part of me was my friggin big toe. What about those who have completed transition do you think everyone is going to molest women and children with a surgically constructed vagina? How is a pre op Female to Male Transsexual going to molest someone with a vagina or penile implant? Does the public really think that someone would walk through the fires of hell transition just so they could molest someone in a public bathroom?
The arguments sent forth by the collective sexually obsessed are the dumbest uneducated hypothesis of this millennium. Listening to these sanctimonious asses ramble gives me concern for the grandchildren I will never meet. My God keep these individuals away from children, sheep, firearms, and farm equipment! People with this mindset are somewhere between a manic dog chasing its own tail and that white stuff that gets caught in the corner of your mouth when you’re thirsty.
MBW: What is the issue with Transsexuals using the public restrooms?
MBW: What do you think of the anti LGBTQI Political and Religious and their positions on the issues regarding Transsexuals?
KC: Did you know there are house bills in several states that would exclude Transsexual and Transgender persons from using public restrooms?
KC : Every time a politician or religious leader hears the word vagina they want to know where it is and how soon they can stick their nose in it and if that’s
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not enough they want to spend the rest of their lives with their hands down the pants of LGBTQI America? Isn’t it time we the people told them they need mental health counselling, badly? These same people talk about sex with animals, quite frequently, could this be a Freudian slip ?
MBW: What are your feelings about Cait Jenner as a Transgender Hero?
KC: Laughter, I may not be very popular after answering this question and I knew you would ask me eventually, laughs.
The Transgender community can call Cait a hero speaking for myself someone who no longer identifies herself as Transsexual I say it will be a cold day in hell when I call or recognize Cait as anything other than an Olympic hero. Grandstanding, attending social functions to rub elbows with the elite, photo ops, and then sitting down with several Transgender individuals in order to speak with the so-called hoi polloi of the Transgender community. What financially obtainable image is Cait presenting to Transgender and Transsexual individuals? The documented facts are the majority of True Transsexuals live on or below the poverty line. Finding work or keeping a job while in transition and even after can be nearly impossible. Finding health care is often difficult, locating housing is a major issue because of laws permitting discrimination, and finding total acceptance, at this time, well look around are you feelin the love here, and sarcasm.
I feel the Transgender and Transsexual community made a poor decision in choosing Cait to be their spokesperson let alone role model. In what reality does someone who has been a life- long staunch Republican have an epiphany and declare they are truly a liberal stuck in a conservative body. To be angry with Cait simply because she is being who she is in my opinion is misdirected
exasperation.
Furthermore, I cannot fathom the injudiciousness being exercised in the Transgender and Transsexual community as being anything short of hopeful desperation. I pray people use common sense and opt to embrace the need for positive progress not pageantry. They may do so by addressing real issues in the real world instead of waiting for Caits next media scripted appearances.
Will Cait who is already comfortably wealthy remove the lions’ share of profits from her purse and donate them to the Transgender community. Cait is an unhealthy infatuation, when the pubic loses interest the media will move on to the next flavor of the week. To compare Cait to myself or those I knew in the nineties would be an injustice, much like the incorporative term Transgender. This further contributes to the ongoing expungement of Transsexual history the gradual forgetting and the leaving behind of its true heroes.
MBW: Do you think Transsexual people take advantage of government aid programs?
KC: No, I do not; I feel there are not enough aid programs. What we should be asking is why are we not raising awareness through education and public service messages that’s designs are conducive to Transsexuals being self-supportive financially and no longer in need to these programs. How can a Transsexual support themselves in finding a job when the job is non-existent because the employer is transphobic? How do you work with that?
A person can have every qualification in the world and in the majority of states and or commonwealth; a prospective employer can refuse to hire them because they are a Transsexual. How can anyone say these programs are being taken advantage of by Transsexuals when the programs which are
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supposed to be temporary, are the only life raft in a something you would think of happening in some sea of indifference created and administrated by the faraway place ruled by religious fanatics. I never people who are the indifferent? thought that such as place would be my America. If Americans would lose their unqualified hatred and open their arms instead of opening fire on anyone, MBW: Kath’s book is only available on PDF and it is they see as different everyone could develop a free. Drop a note with your email addy to kathcamppositive dialog and there would be no need for bellbooks@gmail.com for your free copy. the massive amounts of money used to fund these programs. The psychotic logic employed by the insufferable status quo is just that psychotic. The elitist and recently hailed heroes that sit offering lengthy opinions attempting to micro manage and minimize the damage being done by their own snobbish acrimonies are clueless as to what is going on in the real world. America is a divided nation not because of hate but because of ignorance that evolved into fear and then into hate. Hateful people are not strong they want to drag everyone into their loony tune reality because hateful people are the weak. More to the point I feel the majority of them suffer from dick fear!
MBW: Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
KC: Yes, There is still one fact that stirs my emotions today and that is, someone may yet kill me for living my truth as a whole and complete person. Odd as this is
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COSMIC BLUES
Brother Dave, lead/rhythm player, serves as musical director of the Cosmic Blues Band along with me.. He has his own pro band called Brother Dave and the Brave.
by MARLOWE B. WEST
Marlowe B. West: Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages ...My name is Marlowe B. West ... and I am your ringleader ... Today we are pitching our monstrous Big Top tent on the LES ... Lower East Side ... of Manhattan ... My latest rage and craziest current stomping grounds ... Zoning in for a bird’s eye view of a brand new band on the scene which has stopped me dead in my tracks already ... Make way for the Cosmic Blues Band ... Hurry hurry ! ... If you’re mad into blues ... don’t snooze ! ... I lucked out ... as usual ... following an invitation from my gracious friend Anne Husick ... who books acts at the Sidewalk Café ... on 6th between A & B ... Amongst an incredible line-up ... including the Rewd Ones, the Frankedelics, Adventures in Bluesland and the Hipp Pipps ...We find my buddy Cosmic Ray and his Cosmic Blues Band ... I had planned to join them at their own personal studio uptown ... where they will be getting together for practice ... and because it became impossible for me to make it ... I drew up this interview and sent it on ahead in hopes they might take the time to shed some light on their musical activities and bring us in for a closer look and feel into this awesome groove they’ve indubitably got going on ... What do you say we start out by introducing yourselves, individually, to our Steel Notes Magazine audience?
Cosmic Ray: My name is Cosmic Ray, ring leader of the Cosmic Blues Band. Singer and lead guitarist. Big lover of guitar-based blues/rock music because it helps me express myself the best. I started playing acoustically for a while, learned all the MTV unplugged stuff. Did the singer/songwriter thing for a while. But when I got plugged in, it changed me forever. Got the blues running in m vein. Some say I look like Stevieor Jack White but I prefer to be Cosmic Ray.
Considered by many to be the best killer guitar this side of the Mississippi. Brother Shaune Allen, lead/rhythm player, holds down the 12-bars with elegance and groove with his Telecaster. His solos are passionate and moving.
Brother Soup Can Eddie lays down the bottom groove with vigor, keeping the pulse of the band moving. His playing is simple, yet essential.
Kenneth James Craig is the drummer for the Cosmic Blues Band. He holds down the rhythm. But look, there is magic in those hands. He has a great sense of timing and style to boot!
MBW: How long have you been together?
CR: Under 7 months and in a serious way. I find it really cool, one of the guitarists from another act called us the best live blues band he has ever seen. I have been blown away by all this attention in such a short time. I am so grateful because we are onto something magical. I am looking forward to bigger things.
MBW: Tell us about your music ... Where do your songs come from?
CR: My songs come from the soul and heart. From places we are too scared to look into. My songs are blues-based with an old-school ruckus swagger and a modern edge.. Yet at times it can be soft and sensitive.
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MBW: Your solid chemistry is very evident in the sound you deliver ... What brought you all together?
CR: The love of the blues… It’s a feeling, a vibe you connect with. I sometimes feel I am just a vessel to channel that feeling. The whole band is like an organism ... you touch, say, a finger -- and your head knows. We love practicing together. We also get along, which helps.. Everyone in the band is caring and sensitive to the music and very supportive of the singer so it works.
MBW: What kind of information can you share about recording?
CR: That is what really started for me in a serious way. I put out some experimental blues songs on Soundcloud.com and then a fairly large label started to follow me, so I got serious. Currently, I only have been doing some demo work -- but we are planning to make an EP this year with some great new
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material.
MBW: How about influences?
CR: Too many to list, but here are a few: Rolling Stones; Animals; Cream; Animals; Jack White; Black Keys; Howlin’ Wolf; B. B., Freddie and Albert King; Taj Mahal; Muddy Waters; Kimbrough JR; RL Burnside and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Did I mention the Animals? ... ha.
MBW: The gig at Sidewalk Café caught me by surprise ... Where else have you performed and do you have any shows lined up?
CR: My first show was at the Bowery Electric on November 12, 2014 to celebrate Frank Wood’s birthday. Since then, we have played a number of gigs by request only. The band is working on an original
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inspiration, because they are like parts of a dream you can soon forget when you wake. So I record them, then go back and work that material into a song. I also look outside of myself for inspiration and have looked at doing some collaboration on a few songs.
MBW: What has been your favorite gig so far?
CR: My favorite gigs so far have been the shows that Anne Husick sponsors. Largely, because it’s like one big family when we get together to play. It’s a very supportive atmosphere which happens to draw a great crowd.
MBW: As for your future ... give us some plans ... your ultimate goals ... what is your status as far as recording contracts if any etc.
body of work, so we are largely at my bass player’s private studio in Manhattan. We are planning to do most of our work in the studio until September with a series of shows at the Bowery Electric, Sidewalk and the Beast of Burdon in Brooklyn starting in September. I do anticipate the possibility that we might put on a show or two during the summer to help promote our September shows.
MBW: Can you give me an idea of how you go about putting a song together?
CR: My best songs come out of somewhere deep down. I can’t just go and then write out the lyrics and music. What I do is record these moments of
CR: We would love to produce a few records. We have label interest, and our ultimate goal is to bring the music to masses once we release an EP this year. We might start recording it on our own ... in a DIY way. However, I think once we get a few tracks out we will shop the work to be professionally done. It make a big difference in what you hear when you work with the right folks.
MBW: Do you hang out often as a group? ... Where do you like to socialize here in Manhattan ... or elsewhere?
CR: Mostly East Village or Lower East Side.. If I do hang out , I like to support live music. So I am out at Sidewalk, Bowery Electric, Otto’s and others. Trying to balance my going out .. Been doing it a little less because I like to work on my craft first. When we are ready, we will be out a bit more. Especially in September.
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MBW: The first time I met Cosmic Ray was on this past New Years Eve in Brooklyn at the Beast Of Bourbon ... an unforgettable launching pad for a most rocking new year ... Surprisingly, it was very reminiscent of the long-gone good ole Max’s Kansas City vibe ... Walter Lure and the Waldos, the Rewd Ones and the Bowery Boys ... to mention a few ... solidified the atmosphere ... Will the Cosmic Blues Band be playing that awesome venue?
CR: Feel free to hit me up on these sites. Band Page: https://www.facebook.com/ cosmicbluesband?fref=ts Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100004445208003 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cosmicbluesband/ cosmicbluesmusic@gmail.com
CR: Yes, we have been invited to play by the owners. Definitely in September or maybe sooner.
MBW: Oh yeah ... I’d like to know where you guys like to go out for food, too?
CBB: Love all kinds of food. Mostly a basic kind meat-and-potato kind of guy. When we do get fancy, eating Japanese is my favorite.
MBW: What is your favorite pastime when not practicing or performing?
CR: I love science, and have a passion for physics and computer technology. So, I am active on the latest iteration of quantum string theory. Go figure.
MBW::... and my favorite question to ask everyone is ... If I could grant you three wishes ... what would they be?
CR: Wish people would be more kind to one another. Reduction of world poverty. Wish I could heal people. No particular order.
MBW: I know you got to get back to band rehearsal so I won’t linger on and on much further ... Perhaps you will give us your contact info?
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an interview with LOLA AVANA by Marlowe B. West 82 | Steel Notes Magazine
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Marlowe B. West: Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages ... My name is Marlowe B. West ... and I am your Ringleader ... When I was a tot my Dad had a workshop down in the basement ... That’s where I first met Marilyn Monroe ... Dad had her pictures around and you could tell he was in a good mood when he looked at her ... Mom thought he would be excited when he came home from work one day and she was no longer the brunette he married ... but a bleached blonde with red lipstick ... He did flip ... only in reverse ... He made her cut all her hair off and she had to wear a babushka for three months ...
This was my earliest experience with the “Marilyn Monroe Syndrome” ... That goddess, sex symbol extraordinaire, has been gone since 1962 but not really! ... Marilyn is still very very much alive and well and still making tons of money and influencing the masses -- the film, beauty, make-up, fashion and every other thriving industry imaginable ...
Right now I am about to introduce to you an incredible beauty named Lola Avana ... amongst her many awesome attributes, Lola is a Marilyn Monroe impersonator ... I met her some months back at my good friend Nick Lion’s glamorous new nightclub in Queens called Icon ... It was The Night of a Thousand Marilyns and everything oozed in that distinct color and most specific shade of Marilyn Monroe ... She was everywhere ... Girls and boys tried looking like Marilyn ... it was crazy ... lots of Marilyn T-shirts and blonde wigs etc. ... such a laugh riot ... but Lola was the highlight, who came out in the spotlight doing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” ... My heart pounded in shock ... like Marilyn had come back from the dead ...
It gives me much pleasure to have you here with us today, Lola ...Tell me and our Steel Notes Magazine readers what it feels like having the spirit of Marilyn Monroe taking over your entire being?
submit to her creation. I feel she is very proud of what she created. Whether all people approve of it or not, most people adored it -- but she met with a lot of adversity in her time and I meet with it now. She had a lot of courage.
MBW: It kinda bothers me to skip right over Lola Avana herself and jump right into Marilyn Monroe ... but I had to set the stage ... please forgive me ... Would you be so kind as to tell us all about Lola the actress ... the disco queen ... the girl next door? LA: Oh, how boring! You just said it all, I’m a disco queen, actress, girl next door -- oh, and a DJ!
MBW: What inspires you to do all you do? LA: People like you, music, art and artists. They teach us so much about ourselves and meet with so much adversity, and yet they go forth. With courage.
MBW: Can you describe for us one of your most exciting gigs as a performer? LA: Going to Times Square and meeting people from all walks of life, who are NOT in the entertainment business, was unreal. I am going to make a short film of it, because it’s not what I expected. People were so excited and the experience I saw reflected in them is that of complete disbelief. It’s amazing, people are really surprising.
MBW: When and how did the lights go on for you to pursue show business? LA: Both of my parents were in the acting field; my mother was a terrific singer and Broadway actress, my father is an actor. My grandfather and great-grandfather, all performers. It’s in my blood! I’ve tried doing other things, but I just can’t, I am miserable doing anything else. I don’t know if I’m pursuing it, I just have to find an outlet to do it. Does that make sense?
Lola Avana: It is wonderful and I feel blessed that she allows me to do it at all. I get out of the way and
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MBW: Tell us some of your outside interests ... Do you have a goal or target? LA: To be fully present every single day. So, I guess yes and no...
MBW: I think it would be interesting and lots of fun to hear about all that goes into preparing for your amazing transformation into Marilyn Monroe. LA: A full life time of adoration. My mother was a starlet, and that helped a lot. She went out with Frank Sinatra AND Elvis Presley! She embodied the type of woman that Marilyn made so famous at that time. Marilyn created such an incredibly strong persona that I can tap into, and that creation is still very powerful. Marilyn brought a very deep goddess energy onto the earth, so I think every woman can tap into this feeling, if they don’t reject it. But you are probably talking about the physical transformation! A lot, many years of study and many hours of hair and make-up, it’s almost impossible. I can’t believe what Marilyn Monroe went through every time she made her creation come to life... it is very difficult and a lot of work.
MBW: I love your sincerity and your sweet disposition ... Is there anything you could tell the world on the subject of being happy and uplifting to others? LA: That’s an important subject! And what a great question to ask of someone who portrays Marilyn Monroe! MM really worked hard on creating just that! And she did have sincerity and a sweet disposition, along with being salty and having a fabulous sense of humor. I think it is a choice and I think it is a gift to give to one another, so why not give it? Why make it harder for anyone when it’s already so hard? Why not choose to be giving happiness in that moment? Even if I’m feeling blue, or red, I can always come out of it and bring a better mood to whoever is in front of me. It makes me feel better too, so it’s really a two-way street!
LA: I would say the craziest experience -- and it happens quite a lot -- is when people really, honestly believe I am Marilyn Monroe and treat me as such, telling me things they would LOVE to tell her had she been in front of them. It is also THE BEST! Other times are when older men (from her generation) treat me the way she was treated. One man actually said to me, “Can’t you see I’m with my wife?” on one of the jobs I was doing, promoting. That was pretty crazy.
MBW: I have seen different really beautiful photographs of you as a fairy ... Only certain people could ever be successful at that ... Do you mind if I inquire as to what, if any, philosophy allows you to seemingly float on air? LA: You are precious, thank you. Believing I can and then trying to do it!
MBW: You also remind me of Kylie Minogue from Australia ... Ever hear that before? LA: YES! YES! I have gotten it before! And what a huge honor, she is AMAZING! She is stunning and so talented, I don’t understand why more Americans (other than the gays of course) don’t know who she is. The only reason I know is because I lived in England for three years and was introduced to her there. She is remarkable! I can’t believe you saw that in me. YAY! She is one person I don’t mind being identified with AT ALL!
MBW: Where do you come from? LA: Born and raised in Hollywood, CA. But of course! Growing up on the streets of Hollywood taught me a lot, and gave me my style! But I just adore NYC, I’m spoiled by it now. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
MBW: What makes your planets whirl? MBW: What was the craziest experience you ever had in your profession?
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LA: Ketamine. Just kidding! Getting older, I think! As every day I seem to become more sensitive and more aware of how amazing the world is and
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creation is and where it stems from. My mind tends to become more and more open and much more quickly; I’m not as thick-headed I guess! Life is truly mind blowing. I can’t believe all the things I learn and see in one single day...
MBW: Can you tell us about your social life here in Manhattan? LA: It’s incredible. One of the reasons I’m so spoiled here. There is something to do ALL THE TIME, I feel like I evolve here faster than I would anywhere else. There are so many terrific people to meet, ALL THE TIME! Even walking down the street is a new adventure here. And all the culture, art, music and entertainment -- it’s just handed to us here. But as New Yorkers know, we do pay the price for living here. But I think it’s worth it. Of course, at the same time, I wish it was easier!
MBW: How about food? ... I always enjoy finding out where my stars go out to dine ... Do you recommend any places here in Manhattan? LA: I think it may be the best place to eat in the world. It’s overwhelming and mind-bending how many fabulous places there are to eat here, I can’t even begin! And I discover new, incredible places to dine ALL THE TIME! One of my favorite pastimes in NYC and the boroughs is to dine out; I could do it every night! Great places to eat are everywhere you look here.... Sorry, I’m not answering that question very well, am I?
MBW: Okay! ... This is what you might call a loaded question ... Do you believe in magic? ... Astrology? ... What sign are you? ... What’s your favorite color (I know that is a very very teeny-bopper question) ... Who is your favorite designer? ... Celebrity? ... and place to shop? LA: Do I believe in magic? Well, it depends on how you define it, but YES! VERY MUCH! Astrology? I don’t believe in fate, I believe in free will! But, YES! Astrology is a science we can pay attention to, a tool to help us navigate, if we should want one.
What sign am I? Cancer with Scorpio rising! Mercury in Gemini! Venus in Cancer. Now you have made me curious, what is yours?
My favorite color? Purple and shades of lavender, LOVE IT!
And teeny bopper questions are excellent! I love teeny boppers too... As for designers ... Some of them are so awful, the emperor’s new clothes! But some are so exquisitely beautiful as to be amazing works of art. By movement and fabrics and colors, clothes can actually wear you! I can’t even begin to pick a favorite designer! But, I love THE BLONDES, Garo Sparo, Roberto Cavalli, Bob Mackie, so tacky! Thierry Mugler, Gaultier... did you see his exhibit at the Brooklyn museum? It was incredible. Finally, they are depicting designers as artists that should be in museums, so we mere mortals can actually see them in the flesh. It’s wonderful!
MBW: What is your favorite kind of music? LA: I have worked at music venues my whole life because I adore music so much and wanted to be exposed to all kinds, all the time. Music has helped me identify with others and realize I am not alone when I am suffering. It is therapy for me. I would say my go-to music, when I am at home, is Paco de Lucia. The kind I simply CAN’T suffer is death metal -- it brings my vibration to a very dense energy level, which some people want to experience, but I just don’t!
Favorite celebrity? In what field?? I am inspired by so many incredible people that are considered celebrities. It’s amazing what they do, how they get there, and how hard it is once they are there. It seems to me they work very hard to get what they have and then keep it, and then live with all the things that come along with it. It’s not all fun and games; I have met many famous people and have seen firsthand what goes along with it. Very difficult on a personal level, I think they have to be incredibly strong to put up with all that comes with it, or maybe it makes
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them stronger, or weaker...
Place to shop? NYC BABY! One of my favorites is Pat Fields, I have a Field day in there! Trash & Vaudeville is always fun too...
MBW: Thank you so kindly, Lola! ... That was a mouthful, darling ... So sorry to feed it all to you like that all in one lump ... but ... you flew right through it ... beautiful fairy girl that you are ... I have seen you at work ... I mean doing your job ... being the most incredible living Marilyn Monroe ... and I have to tell you and all of our readers how overwhelming a presence you possess ... how not only the whole stage lights up but the entire studio glows when you step into the picture ... and you never lose character for a moment ... Marilyn stays present the whole time ... your humor tickles me to death
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... you left me speechless and breathless on April 25th when I co-hosted the Rew & Who Show and you were my very very special guest ... You asked my sign ... I am Libra/Scorpio ... born on Marloween ... I have one final and favorite question before we part here today, my love ... If I could grant you three wishes what would they be?
LA: I wish that we could stop abusing the Earth and her resources. I would give my life if it meant it would help. I wish we could get rid f pollution and reuse all of the abundance we have already instead of being a society that throws so much away. I wish that we would treat our animals with love, kindness and respect. They are so beautiful and sacred, but humans treat something beautiful and sacred as if they have power over that, and I guess they do -- but it’s just horrifying. So, that is my final wish. I wish it could be true...
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Positively Energized By Scott Brandon Scott Brandon
Still “Frantic” After All These Years Scott Brandon is a local radio and DJ personality.
Back in the 1960’s the Lehigh Valley was taken by storm by a fast talking radio DJ named Freddie Milander. Freddie played hits on stations including, but not limited to WHOL, WAEB and WEEX. It was during a remote broadcast that the location DJ, turning things back over to Freddie in the studio, announced on the air, “And now, back to the frantic one.” From this moment on, Freddie was known as Frantic Freddie Milander. Later in his career, Freddie changed his DJ personality name to Frantic Freddie Frederick.
Freddie’s father owned Milander’s Market in Coplay, Pa. which was a fish and meat store selling the “best cuts at the fairest prices,” according to Freddie during a 1999 broadcast of Lehigh Valley radio legends on Easton, Pa’s Oldies 99.9. That same broadcast revealed that back in his radio heyday, Freddie had pre-recorded sound bytes of a lady complaining how he had messed up on the air, to add some comic relief to what would otherwise be pretty embarrassing moments for the DJ. The lady on those tapes was none other than Freddie’s mother, Ruth Milander.
While Freddie hosted radio shows and sold air time to local businesses, he also became a recording artist, singing such dynamite songs as “Charmaine” (written by King Henry & the Showmen’s Joey Colarusso and backed by The Pro Teens) and “Why
Can’t They Understand,” among others. A piece of vinyl I will forever treasure is Freddie’s album “Music Power,” on which he autographed me a note wishing me luck in my radio/DJ career. If you look up “Charmaine” on Youtube, you will actually locate two different recordings of it that Freddie has done. The better of the two versions was included in the locally-produced 2006 compilation CD “Absolutely Allentown.”
As Freddie’s success continued, he started his own mobile DJ company, Sound Celebration, based in Whitehall, Pa. Sound Celebration hosted weddings and other private parties throughout the area, as well as many public dance parties like the Sound Celebration Summer Pool Parties, which traveled to different area pools on a different night each week. The pool parties included, but are certainly not limited to, Palmer Pool on Mondays and Meuser Pool on Thursdays, both of which were in Easton, Pa. Alpha Pool in Alpha, NJ also hosted a Sound Celebration pool party night.
Sound Celebration DJs included co-owners Freddie, Jerry Deane and Joey Mitchell, along with other known radio personalities including, among others, Michael Anthony and eventually Freddie Frederick, Jr.
These days, Freddie is still entertaining dance crowds at events around Lehigh Valley, be
they private parties or public gatherings. A recent visit to one of his dance parties had my face aching from uncontrollable smiling, as I was taken back to the days when I first observed one of the best mentors any DJ could ask for. Freddie was never shy
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about giving advice when asked, and has always been a very personable gentleman with his audience.
Freddie books himself directly, and also covers events for his son’s company, Freddie Frederick Jr Entertainment.
One of the best tips Freddie ever gave me was “Be a personality.” And after about 50 years entertaining audiences, Frantic Freddie Frederick can still make your party “Boss! Outta sight! Got to be alright!”
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POETRY BY YVONNE SOTOMAYER THE INNOCENTS The hollowness you fill, you empty The love-surge you give, you take The damp caress you make, you remove The fond memories you create, you destroy The soft embrace you share, you keep to yourself The kind words you say, you lie The heights we soar to, come to a crash The sensual whispers become roaring screams The pictures reflect a fantasy of smiles The home that we share is a museum of happy long ago’s
And self-remorse Returning from my wounded soul And someone else’s misery Undocumented slugs and arrows Only to be felt and carried Therapeutically removing Each individual thorn Until the healing will complete me I know there is hope I know there is love I know there is joy With each step I float
Our hands that professed true love clench in the mire
With each hug I grow
Our legs that intertwined in lust quickly sped us away
Into the garden I wanted to be
The time that we spent in joy is now wasted in pain May we find our blessed way back
With each kindness I bloom
Into the woman I always admired Into the life I almost missed
Forgive the transgressions And trespass against all evil habits
ACROSS MY TIME Misguided and apprehensive
LETTING My beautiful sunshined love In your eyes I can see My beauty and my calm Returned from banishment
Full of tremulous love Forbidden happiness The luck of losers Stupid optimism led astray When will the bravado cease? Unfounded and ungrounded
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In the beauty that she is That she may never see Soulful and witty They tell her deafened wall Put up and destroyed many times over And so she wilted and died But lived and told stories Carcassing through life Beaten and crucified For her sins uncommitted Yet she took them all Believing to be stained and damned And dumb and blind Until the seed of love Grew fast and held her stance Escaping the lunges towards her She felt she deserved no more Resurrecting with slivers of hope Unfoolish to dream and want more Learning the velvet ropes of life Through an unsuspicious mind Horrid habit to keep She walks through the self and other-created muck
IMMOBILE ESSENTIA Disillusionment stands Looming in my direction My heart cannot endure The lies conjured for a pretty face Unnecessary hurt Unapologetically told Caused by your façade Truth would’ve wiped all clean No matter the shortcomings I deserve the joy of truth Why put me through your pain? Do you feel better— What have you to gain?! My soul chipped away— You’ll not be let in You’ll need to get a pass First and last time I let you make me feel like an ass
Always peeling painful memories away Allowing healing’s forever-slow process To gently lead and calm the surface Of an insecure beneath And so I turn to life With timid open arms And quaveringly embrace This bright new hopeful world
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IN REVISION I am beholden in love Wrapped in its warmth Cool to the touch Its lavender ensnares me As the petals gently drift Down my sighing body
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I am in the midst of love Only faith will lead me on The senses I relied on
INNOCENCE DISROBED
No longer fit the scheme
I am love
I thought I was mistaken
I am pain
Refuting every stage
I am misunderstood
Lost and misbegotten
I am angry
I’d never felt this way
I am sweet
Cradled and consumed
I am frustrated
Voluptuously violent
I am soft
Morbidly mortified
I am hard
And innocently incapable
I am complicated
My soul angrily rejoiced
I want care
And sinfully rejected
I want fairness
The unknown scope and breadth
I want to be informed
That was quietly overtaking
I need trust
Happily caught and still understanding
I need faith
I am still emerging
I need to be consoled
From the carcass of old
I choose to improve
Letting that old toxic friend go
I choose to learn
She tried to guide and console
I choose not to give up
As we figured out the world
I yearn for calm
But alas her trip has ended
I yearn for peace
Though she tries to lead me on
I yearn to let it go
I’m sure her travels are cautious
I seek patience
Almost to suffocation
I seek quiet
But I’m enjoying my new ride
I seek stability
Which just might be my salvation
I lack balance I lack control I lack serenity I am concerned
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I am unsure
You call my special name
I am discombobulated
You touch my heart
You gave me hope
You touch my thoughts
You gave me love
You touch my fragrant skin
You gave me room to try
You help me dream
You hold me close
You help me cope
You let me go
You help me coalesce
You hold and let me be
You are wild
You speak through your heart
You are rampant
You speak through your ass
You are my gentle babe
You speak to my soul
I am in a change-up
You call me out
I am in my story
You call me back in
I am awaiting better chapters!
www.veroconcepts.com
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Film ReviewKat Dennings Writes Love on Her Arms Reviewed by Jerry Saravia (Pseudo Film Critic) A movie about a young woman cutting herself to feel something, or to escape from her own fake reality, might not be fitting for average viewers. I always preferred Roger Ebert’s truthful statement about cinema, where the most depressing movie is a bad movie. Surprisingly, for a gritty independent film, “To Write Love on Her Arms” is not a depressing movie and hardly an unremittingly bleak one. It is not exactly upbeat but it does have the spunky attitude of Kat Dennings to carry the movie on her shoulders and give it a piercing heart.
Based on the true story of Renee Yohe and the global movement her story spurred, Dennings tackles the Renee role, playing a woman who has two close, devoted friends, Jesse and Dylan (Juliana Harkavy and Mark Saul) who watch over her. Sometimes, Renee is sucked into the world of partying with people who do not have her best interests at heart. She ingests cocaine, ecstasy and imagines a creative world where a drug dealer is sprouting wings! She envisions wondrous sights and has pastoral visions and imagines high-school students dancing and singing along to her favorite songs -- any and everything to demolish her inner demons. Renee is sometimes photographed as a princess with a glow to mask her darkness, and other times she is reclusive, hiding beneath her hoodie and her headphones in a cold, brutal harsh world.
“To Write Love on Her Arms” eventually segues into the rehab world where Renee has to struggle with
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ending her drug addictions and making the right choices. Can she lift herself up from her doldrums, from her inability to cope with what’s gnawing at her? Remarkably, and thankfully, the movie never settles on a resolution nor is she willing to accept that her story should have initiated a movement. Jamie Tworkowski (played with a winsome beat by Chad Michael Murray) sees Renee as a dominant force that others can look up to. He writes a blog about her story and a movement is born. In a tricky and powerful scene, we see Renee’s confusion after getting out of rehab and seeing Jamie again who now has a girlfriend -- one surmises that she hoped for a romantic relationship with Jamie. The scene does not end the way we expect -- Kat Dennings consistently keeps us on our toes and we hope she doesn’t keep injuring herself when things don’t go her way.
The film ably swings from dark tones to far darker recesses of Renee’s fantasy world (she imagines cracks forming in her bedroom mirror) to a supposedly sunnier disposition, at least visually when Renee is shown in sun-drenched, rosier images. Dennings starts to look less inhibited and less willing to hide from herself, but these are still baby steps. Swiftly directed by Nathan Frankowski, the film never sugarcoats rehab or addiction. When Renee can’t work up the enthusiasm to read emails from those who have suffered like her, she is more willing to help another recovering addict, David (Rupert Friend), a stressed-out band manager who lets her stay in his loft provided she stays clean for five days prior to rehab entry. The heartbeat and soul of “To Write Love on Her Arms” is that a recovering addict with bipolar disorder has looked outward as well inward. Renee develops compassion and freedom and it isn’t a free ride.
“To Write Love On Her Arms” occasionally preaches its message with religious underpinnings. Dennings makes it down-to-earth and real. It is a struggle for the movie, but definitely a struggle we can stand to hear about more often.
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Film ReviewGoing Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015) Reviewed by Jerry Saravia (Pseudo Film Critic, amateur filmmaker) The real question in “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” is whether Scientology is a religion or a cult, or both. I would say both -- but I beg to differ that it is much of a religion. Alex Gibney’s forceful, scarily provocative documentary “Going Clear” sees Scientology as a tax-exempt institution of physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and downright stupidity. One can argue that the religion offers comfort for those who want a world of joy and no war, but one could also argue that its stringent methods against those who wish to leave or stay are of a cult of personality.
The late science-fiction author L. Ron Hubbard (who wrote “Dianetics,” the foundation behind Scientology), is depicted as an abusive lout of a man who threatened suicide if his first wife left him. During his tumultuous marriage, during which he even kidnapped their baby, he decided to create The Church of Scientology, a religion that would be tax-exempt, thus allowing him to charge people high rates for joining. Eventually, the church (which had its roots in Camden, New Jersey) grew and expanded to Los Angeles and around the world, attracting many people including celebrities such as John Travolta and the virtual spokesman himself, actor Tom Cruise.
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People who are indoctrinated are subjected to “audits” where they are interviewed in a therapy session and their emotional responses are measured by an “E-meter.” Any traumatic past memories are brought to the table and examined, and re-examined and re-examined, until the subject is free and “clear.” What is noteworthy is that, according to actor Jason Beghe, an ex-Scientologist, these audits would continue on and on. When a Scientologist would reach a certain level -- OT 3 -- a hand-written document was removed from a locked briefcase and presented; it told the story of Xenu, the galactic overlord of 75 million years ago who had brought alien souls to Planet Earth and that humans inhabit their souls, or some such thing. It is what I always thought -- aliens have always been here and Tom Cruise is a supernatural alien being indeed.
Based on Lawrence Wright’s book, there were sections of “Going Clear” that made me laugh and other moments that made me cringe and feel a tinge of horror. Watching Tom Cruise in an audience of thousands salute a picture of L. Ron Hubbard is both laughable and scary at the same time -- what is with this military salute? Even the top-level Scientologists are shown in military uniforms that look like they are ready to conquer Poland. Ex-top-level Scientologist Marty Rathbun explains the torment he had to suffer by the hand of David Miscavige (the current leader), how he had to spy on the SPs (Suppresive Persons, those who leave and criticize the religion), set Tom Cruise up with a girlfriend (that remains the creepiest episode) and even tap Nicole Kidman’s phone! Most telling is writer-director Paul Haggis (“Crash”) who had been a member for 35 years yet -- when he learned of the mythology surrounding it -- laughed and could not take it seriously. Still, why did it take 35 years to reach that OT level where you say, “What in God’s name is going on here?”
“Going Clear” has already been deemed as anti-Scientology propaganda by, you guessed it, spokespersons of the Scientology movement (no current members were interviewed for the docu-
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mentary). But it is hard to believe that ex-Scientologists, who have decided to take a stand and inform the public of this pseudo-religion, are untrustworthy or have an ax to grind. How can one disbelieve that members perform menial jobs for 40 cents an hour? How can one disbelieve that people who leave the religion are spied on, and for what purpose exactly? How can one disbelieve that Travolta and Cruise are two superstar celebrities who are in too deep to ever just willingly walk away, thanks to endless audits that are far too personal and possibly damaging to their reputations?
One lesson I learned from this stunningly edited and extremely eerie documentary is this: if you are going to start a religion, make sure you fight tooth and nail to keep the IRS out of your backyard. The war is over for them, but the war on this most damaging religion has just begun. That, and now this film has ruined Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody� for me.
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AMISH OUTLAWS & BASTARD BEARDED IRISHMEN AT MUSIKFEST By Kelly Mitch – The Goddess Pandora photos by Derek Mitch I would like to say that I can determine if Amish Outlaws were something I would see other normal circumstances; however, I was not given the chance. Musikfest was incredibly packed that first Saturday, Aug.8 – it was so packed, I couldn’t even get close enough to see the band. I saw the straw hats bouncing on the stage, and the guitar riffs for “Walk this Way,” which was pretty impressive. It had the crowd definitely moving and singing along to the lyrics. Even though I could not get close enough to witness the band performing, the music itself was pretty crowd-pleasing. Everybody was standing so close to each other under that tent in the Wells Fargo Festplatz, there was no choice but to dance to each song. From rock to R&B to pop music to rap, the band is definitely has a wide range of music to appeal to every person. Making my way to Volksplatz, where the crowd wasn’t as terrific, Bastard Bearded Irishmen took the stage. First thing I noticed, the guy can really rock the viola. The name of the band speaks for itself. Rock, punk and Celtic sounds are definitely the inspiration, as you not just hear the viola, but mandolin and accordion playing backup to
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the lead singer, dancing around in a black kilt. The Pittsburg-based band would definitely be an attraction to catch if they stop by Musikfest within the coming years.
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Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show Presents “Indie Music Videos From Around The World” by Karma Moonbeam http://www.paulaboggsband.net/
Ep 1055 “Hopeful” Is Amazing
https://www.facebook.com/thepaulaboggsband https://twitter.com/plutorevenge
Online free access to the TV episode - https://vimeo. com/133685818
Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show series in on National Television in the USA. It broadcasts on 10 cable companies and can be seen on Channel 9 in Nashville with NBCUniversal Comcast and in many other cities and towns in the USA. This TV episode aired on National TV with several music videos off The Team Pool Label from Switzerland and let me just say they are simply amazing!
Moving on to Nice, France, Xavier Boscher is another on The Team Pool Label in Switzerland with his latest music video “L’origine de mon bien-etre,” translated as “The Origin Of My Well-Being”. Written and composed by himself, it intertwines a beautifully composed melodic piano and his flowing voice. Music Video Director: Michael Resin http://www.xavierboscher.com https://twitter.com/orfeolab
Starting off this episode is Betty Chrys. Originally from Lyon,France, she is with the most active Swiss record label, The Team Pool Label. Her music video is called “Dis-Moi,” which translates to “Tell Me” and certainly had me curious for translation. The whole feel has me thinking she is a lady deep with desire and they are caught between Heaven and Hell.
The next video -- “Jessica” -- is from Bruce Lev ft. Juice Lucafo (aka “Juice”), singing this beautiful rendition in-studio with the amazing Mark Foreman playing the baby grand piano, and all mixed with some authentic family footage of baby Jessica herself. This is a very touching, heartwarming video and you can feel the love just listening to the lyrics.
Music Video Director: Michael Resin
Music Video Director: Bruce Lev
http://bettychrys.jimdo.com/
http://www.reverbnation.com/brucelev
https://twitter.com/bettychrys
https://www. facebook.com/ BruceLevMusic
Next from Seattle Washington, the Paula Boggs Band and “Carnival of Miracles” Her voice reminded me of Tracey Chapman and almost has a Gospel feel in this uplifting beautiful music video, with a concept we all should take to heart: “paying it forward”. Music Video Director: John Logsdon
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https://twitter.com/ LevDoctor
With this exclusive debut from Swiss recording artist,
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also on the Team Pool Label, Michaël Resin has a haunting tantalizing industrial kind of feel in his new music video, “Point Of No Return” and can be seen on American Television.
the singer.
Music Video Director: Michael Resin
https://twitter.com/tea_true
http://blogtalkradio.com/gypsypoet https://www.trueteamagazine.com
http://www.michaelresin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MichaelResinArtiste https://twitter.com/MichaelResin
Rounding out the Team Pool Label for today, Swiss artist Benjamin Karmer returns with a brand-new exclusive music video – “Hannah” -- mixing a light techno/edm dance and depicting scenes of feeling trapped in a strange dream.
TV Sponsored Promo spot by WHO IS THE SINGER TV spot -- a website where artists and musicians can be featured and reviewed as they share their latest music online. The site, “WHO Is The Singer”, is open to all Bongo Boy TV guests that apply to their web site and use the promo code, “Bongo Boy”; theywill be featured on their site automatically and be entitled to a free exposure on social media. Web Site:http://www.whoisthesinger.com
Music Video Director: Michael Resin
https://www.facebook.com/guess.whoisthesinger
http://www.benjaminkarmer.com
https://twitter.com/whoisthesinger
https://twitter.com/Benjamin_Karmer https://www.facebook.com/djadbenjaminkarmer
TV New Music Promo spots by Jon Mullane and his single “Body Rock” as his single is making its way to Asia this summer. http://www.jonmullane.com https://facebook.com/jonmullane https://twitter.com/jonmullane
The other new music promo spot is by Christian rock band Hizreturn and their focus track “Forever More” from their latest debut album Deliverer. http://www.hizreturnband.com https://twitter.com/MikeAngelette
TV Sponsored Promo spots by Gypsy Poet Radio “Bringing Back The Golden Age of Radio and Hollywood To A New Generation”, True Tea Magazine “Never Late, Always On Time”, WHO is
The Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces and distributes the Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show which spotlights indie music videos from around the world in the USA, The UK and Canada. Each episode broadcast on television on cable networks such as: NBC Universal Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, Verizon/FiOS, RNC, Charter Communications, AT&T and Suddenlink at primetime in the USA. The show can also be seen Go Indie TV Roku Channel and always 24/7 online at https://vimeo.com/channels/bongoboytv and on Bongo Boy TV’s web site http://www.bongoboytv.com. There are currently 2 broadcast regions which an artist can place their music video for heavy rotation which includes promotions by Bongo Boy TV.
To submit your music video email direct link to mailto:submit@bongoboytv.com More info at http://www.bongoboytv.com
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Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show Presents “Indie Music Videos From Around The World” by Karma Moonbeam Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show No.1056 “Bring It On” Online Free access to this TV episode https://vimeo. com/134479999
Moi’ (meaning ‘Tell Me’) has you captivated with forbidden love. Music Video Director: Michael Resin www.bettychrys.jimdo.com
Conceptz is back with a brand new music video ft MelodiQ, flashing you back to an almost ‘20s setting with a styling beat in “Funky 5.”
Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show Presents “Indie Music Videos From Around The World.” With seven Music Videos..
http://ConceptzMusic.net/
Ep. 1056 “Bring It On” was broadcast on television with rotation in Brooklyn, NYC on Channel 34 Time Warner Cable, Channel 67 Cable Vision, Channel 82 RCN, and Channel 42 Verizon in all New York City’s five Boroughs. This episode also broadcast in August in Manhattan, NYC on Channel 67 Time Warner Cable, Channel 85 RCN and Channel 33 FiOS. You can always view this episode on GO INDIE ROKU Channel and always 24/7 online at https:// vimeo.com/channels/bongoboytv and on Bongo Boy TV’s web site.
French Artist Xavier Boscher performs his song “L’origine de mon bien-etre” (The Origin Of My Well-Being) Written and composed by himself, it intertwines a beautifully composed melodic piano and his flowing voice.
Starting off this episode we have an innovative Russian neo-pop music show, NEOPOLEON and their song “Sorry Glory.” NEOPOLEON has a unique vision all of their own with their style of dress and playful attitude.
Music Video Director: Chirs Stickland
Music Video Director: Michael Resin www.xavierboscher.com
“Jessica” by Bruce Lev ft Juice Lucafo is a very touching, heartwarming video and just listening to the lyrics you can feel the love. Music Video Director: Bruce Lev www.reverbnation.com/brucelev
The band: Antonio Reoli – vocal, guitar
Music Video Director: Mikhail Morkov and Antonio Reoli
Swiss-born Michael Resin appears once again with yet another compelling and attractive video composition that has a haunting tantalizing industrial kind of feel with “Point of No Return.”
http://www.neopoleon.net/
Music Video Director: Michael Resin
Mikhail Morskov – piano, vocal
www.michaelresin.com/ Next, French-born Betty Chrys with her song ‘Dis-
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Benjamin Karmer’s (in conjunction with The Team Pool Label from Switzerland) music video titled “Hannah” mixes a light techno/edm dance and depicting scenes of feeling trapped in a strange dream. Music Video Director: Michael Resin www.benjaminkarmer.com
Music promo spot is by Christian rock band Hizreturn and their focus track “Forever More” from their latest debut album Deliverer. www.hizreturnband.com
Promo TV spot by True Tea Magazine “Never Late, Always On Time. www.trueteamagazine.com/
fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces and distributes the Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show which spotlights indie music videos from around the world in the USA, The UK and Canada. Each episode broadcast on television on cable networks such as: NBC Universal Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, Verizon/FiOS, RNC, Charter Communications, AT&T and Suddenlink at prime time in the USA. The show can also be seen Go Indie TV Roku Channel. There are currently 2 broadcast regions which an artist can place their music video for heavy rotation which includes promotions by Bongo Boy TV. To submit your music video email direct link to submit@ bongoboytv.com More info at www.bongoboytv.com
Promo TV spot by Crankit-up http://www.crankit-up. com/ Promo TV spot by Gypsy Poet Radio “Bringing Back The Golden Age of Radio & Hollywood To A New Generation” http://blogtalkradio.com/ gypsypoet
TV Sponsored Promo spot by WHO IS THE SINGER TV spot -- a website where artists and musicians can be featured and reviewed as they share their latest music online. The site, “WHO Is The Singer”, is open to all Bongo Boy TV guests that apply to their web site and use the promo code, “Bongo Boy”; theywill be featured on their site automatically and be entitled to a free exposure on social media. Web Site:http://www.whoisthesinger.com https://www.facebook.com/guess. whoisthesinger https://twitter.com/whoisthesinger
The Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is
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Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show Presents “Indie Music Videos From Around The World” by Karma Moonbeam Music video director: Benjamin Jones
Ep1057 “What About You” Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show Presents Indie Music Videos From Around The World with seven indie music videos by international recording artists that were featured on television with heavy rotation starting on August 8, 2015. This episode was aired on national channels in the USA. The episode is also available on GO INDIE ROKU Channel and always 24/7 online at https://vimeo.com/channels/bongoboytv and on Bongo Boy TV’s website.
This bi-weekly episode “What About You” starts off with a classy black-and-white investigation in Shayna Leigh’s “Last Criminal”. When it comes to matters of the heart, this video shows she’s clearly made up her mind. Kudos. Web Site: http://www.shaynaleigh.com Music video director: Virginia Crawford
Jumping right into “Love in Free Fall” from Lunden Reign, this rocker ballad is in full swing and clearly has potential on the charts. Web Site: http://lundenreign.com/ Music video director: Jonathan Lawrence
Moving on The Mrs. Band, their music video “You Told Me” portrays life through the eyes of growing up and adult perspective among generations of women. Web Site: http://www.theMrs.com Music video director: Greg Olliver
From France comes Yona Pax and her latest music video, “Pretre Rosso,” sung in her native language, with an opera-meets-modern-music feel. http://www.yonapax.fr/ Music video director: Roger Loubet
Barley Station and their music video “Younger Summer Memories” with a catchy rockabilly sound taking you back to the good old days. http://barleystation.net/ Music video director: Poppy Zhu
Rounding up this episode is “If I Could Change Anything It Would Be You!” (starring PlayboyTV host Erika Jordan) by Cory Charles (a/k/a Cory Lerios). It definitely made me laugh with the many moods a woman can go through.
Kicking it off next is Xavier Toscano and his latest music video, bringing the old adage of “Apologies Wasted” and capturing some underwater footage drowning in emotion.
http://corylerios.com/
Web Site: http://www.xaviertoscano.com/
TV Promo TV spot for Jon Mullane and his hot single going to Asia “Body Rock”. Released on Bongo Boy
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Music video director: Cory Lerios
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Records. www.jonmullane.com
Promo TV sponsor spot by True Tea Magazine “Never Late, Always On Time. www.trueteamagazine.com Promo TV sponsor spot by WHO is the singer. - TV Sponsored Promo spot by WHO IS THE SINGER TV spot - a website where artists and musicians can be featured and reviewed as they share their latest music online. The site, “WHO Is The Singer”, is open to all Bongo Boy TV guests that apply to their website and use the promo code, “Bongo Boy”. They will be featured on their site automatically and be entitled to a free exposure on social media.
and distributes the Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show which spotlights indie music videos from around the world in the USA, the UK and Canada. Each episode is broadcast on television on cable networks such as NBC Universal Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, Verizon/FiOS, RNC, Charter Communications, AT&T and Suddenlink at prime time in the USA. The show can also be seen on Go Indie TV Roku Channel. There are currently two broadcast regions in which an artist can place a music video for heavy rotation, with promotions by Bongo Boy TV.
To submit your music video email direct link to submit@bongoboytv.com More info at www.bongoboytv. com
Web Site: www.whoisthesinger.com www.facebook.com/guess.whoisthesinger
The Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces
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Smiling at Ghostbusters (1984) for 30 years Reviewed by Jerry Saravia -- Pseudo Film Critic and amateur filmmaker
them in a storage facility while going out on calls in their Ecto-mobile. If all this sounds too silly for words, well, it is -- and that is part of the movie’s charm.
“Ghostbusters” could have turned into a runaway special-effects show where the effects trumped its own story. Unlike its obscenely bad, charmless sequel that thought “endless mania” = “laughs,” “Ghostbusters” has three delightful, likable characters at its center (and only a teeny-weeny role for
Has time been kind to the 1984 comedy classic “Ghostbusters”? Is it as spirited, witty and even slightly scary as it once was? Hmmm. My answer is a resounding YES! “Ghostbusters” is a special, upbeat piece of pop moviemaking, both maniacally funny and spookily frightening. It is one of the best combinations of horror and humor ever, without sinking itself to the level of dumb, sophomoric humor and gory images. No, there is not one drop of blood spilled throughout the entire film. The horror is more tongue-in-cheek -- yet still keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Most audiences today are well-versed with the film’s plot and its iconic characters. Three parapsychologists whose university studies are considered hackneyed at best are thrown out of Columbia University: Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman, a jokester who seduces young college women while giving an ESP test with electro-shocks administered if the wrong answer is given (of course, Peter never shocks the girls); Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Raymond Stantz, and Harold Ramis as Dr. Egon Spengler, are the two other parapsychologists who are more knowledgeable than Venkman.
The trio decides to rid New York City of ghosts that are tormenting and sliming everyone at establishments such as libraries, hotels, and ancient apartment buildings in Central Park West. With the use of their nuclear-powered proton packs, the Ghostbusters aim to capture the ghosts and keep
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the wasted Ernie Hudson, the movie’s one major flaw) and uses practical, realistic effects, such as the stacks of books that reach the ceiling of the library, when anything else would’ve been less effective. Of course, we do have flashy special-effects for the anarchic ghosts that could not have been created any other way, such as the Slime monster who consumes copious amounts of food, or the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, one of the more amazingly funny and far too memorably spooky gags in the entire film.
But at the heart of “Ghostbusters” are the human characters that we root for and sympathize with. Bill Murray shows a sweetness and sincerity that is a cut above his smart-aleck roles in “Stripes” or “Meatballs” -- it is the genial romance he develops with Dana Barrett (a very appealing Sigourney Weaver) who is the Ghostbusters’ first customer that adds heart to the film. Ditto Harold Ramis and his brief flirtation with the Ghostbusters’ secretary (Annie Potts). Dan Aykroyd has never been as sharply animated as he is here, and is far more lively and human than most of his crude, cartoonish caricatures in other, lesser films. Also unforgettable is William Atherton as an EPA spokesman who senses an environmental disaster waiting to happen in the Ghostbusters’ headquarters, and David Margulies as Mayor Lenny who will have saved the lives of “millions of registered voters.” “Ghostbusters” has a goofy sensibility that would be difficult to duplicate today -- it is still fresh, consistently hilarious, endlessly quotable and perfectly cast. It also wears its heart on its sleeve.
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Ant-Man is a macroscopic entertainment By Jerry Saravia (Pseudo Film Critic) Some Marvel comic-book movies may seem interchangeable, but personality distinguishes the best of them. “Thor” was a thunderous epic picture, with a hero wielding a hammer and a beer with the same glee. “Captain America” was an adrenalized dose of nostalgia, while “Iron Man” had the delectable witticisms of Robert Downey, Jr. to keep it afloat. If it weren’t for the shrewd casting, these movies would barely get by with their CGI effects. “Ant-Man” has the distinction of being the funniest, the loopiest and the most entertaining of all these movies. It is not a typical summer blockbuster with CGI fireworks to keep everyone awake, and it is not standard-issue Marvel fare either.
As I said, personality separates the solid efforts from the weaker ones -- “Ant-Man” coasts along with a high humor quotient and the always charming Paul Rudd taking center stage. Thank the Marvel Gods for having faith in Paul Rudd -- he is a charismatic actor who brings Ant-Man to vivid life.
Rudd is Scott Lang, a master thief (he prefers cat burglar) and sometime electrical engineer who is released from San Quentin prison after a three-year stint. No sooner than you can say “pussy burglar,” Paul is lured by his cellmate pal, Luis (Michael Peña, always a hoot-and-a-half), back into the burglary business when he has to rob a wealthy man’s residence. Problems persist when he’s caught with his pants down and then realizes there is an ulterior motive. The wealthy man is actually Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), a retired entomologist and physicist who had summoned the unknowing Scott
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to his residence in the first place. Dr. Pym had developed a chemical substance that allows one to shrink to the size of an ant (marginally smaller than the Incredible Shrinking Man) and he is worried that his protégé Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), who now runs the company, may discover the secret to shrinkage and use it for military application. Why does every villain nowadays want to use such incomprehensible technology for war? Pym only uses ants to place sugar cubes into a cup of tea. That is more like it.
Pym hopes to use Scott as his Ant-Man to infiltrate the top-security of his former company and steal the Yellowjacket (the new shrinking suit created by Darren), and not without some rigorous training. Scott’s hope is to redeem himself in the eyes of his young daughter and be seen as something other than a felon by his ex-wife (Judy Greer). Pym has to confront his own lies about his late wife to his daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly, with a black bob haircut that recalls the cinematic sirens of the past) who works for the same company that is creating the Yellowjacket. Hope also helps Ant-Man train and delivers a knockout punch without breaking a sweat (2015 is the summer of women who can kick ass as swiftly as men, witness Charlize Theron in “Mad Max: Fury Road”).
“Ant-Man” has all the existing tropes and clichés of the typical comic-book movies (protagonist is the Everyman trying to survive, summoned to do good, training montages, etc.). What rises rather than shrinks “Ant-Man” is its easygoing star, Paul Rudd, and a far less epic feel than most of these overblown movies. The effects are jaw-dropping yet they still possess the clumsiness of its reluctant hero -- when he first tries on the suit, he escapes a near-drowning from water filling up a bathtub to practically being stomped on by partygoers, to making an LP skip while a DJ hosts a party, to being swapped while sliding down a newspaper and so on. It is all nifty without being overcooked, and a fiery finale involving the Thomas the Tank Engine made me smile.
A workable and enriching screenplay by Edgar
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Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay and Paul Rudd help to create a sense of pathos and enough spurts of eye-filling action (always centered around the plot) to make “Ant-Man” one of the liveliest and funniest of recent comic-book films. It is virtually comical throughout (thanks to wry turns by Michael Pena and Tip “T.I.” Harris), makes a mockery of the large-scale action of “The Avengers,” and has enough digs at corporate billionaires to swing just barely past the liberal meter. Michael Douglas lends gravitas to the proceedings, and there is something
bewitching and startling about Evangeline Lilly -- it is as if she has something to hide and that suspicion about her makes the character more interesting. It is Paul Rudd, though, who steals the movie, shrinking its epic feel to his indie-level charms. He is swift, likable, smart, vulnerable.
So is that army of ants.
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Album ReviewMiriam Linna By: Dana Saravia, Lifelong rock & roller, current music critic & Girl From Baltimore As a long time fan of the A-Bones, I was familiar with Miriam Linna’s skill as a drummer and backing vocalist. When I read that she was finally going to be the center of attention with her own solo album, “Nobody’s Baby,” I couldn’t wait to hear it.
Not only was it more than worth the wait, it’s an LP that’s enthralling from the first listen.
Full of many well-chosen covers and obscurities as well as one original composition, Miriam has recorded an album that is retro, yet fresh and original. Side one starts off with “My Love Has Gone,” a Del Shannon cover that features delicate instrumentation and a sweet melody that provide a superb counterpoint to the sadness and longing of the lyrics. “So Lonely” features emotionally charged -- especially the minor-key section -- lyrics that are beautifully sung by Miriam and enhanced by the fine guitar work of Sam Elwitt. Covers by two wellknown iconic artists immediately follow: “So You Say You Lost Your Baby” by Gene Clark and “There Goes My Babe” by Neil Young. Perfect and interesting choices to cover and, for this listener, a real thrill to hear them sung from a female perspective. The latter cover is equal to the original for me -- the emotion is achingly present in every note, especially the lines “Now my heart lies empty and still again.” It’s heartbreaking and truly makes this version unforgettable. “Cut and Come Again,” a bittersweet charmer full of longing is next, followed by “Walking Down the Street,” another of my favorites
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here. A cover of the Pretty Things/Electric Banana song, it’s danceable and fun and should be blasting out of speakers everywhere. A perfect choice to close out the LP’s first side.
Side two begins with “I’m Nobody’s Baby Now,” a classic breakup song that will be stuck in your head immediately and definitely not unpleasantly. “I Never Told You” is next, followed by my favorite song on the album, “Let Him Go Now.” An original composition co-written by Sam Elwitt and Miriam Linna and featuring lyrics such as “Is it so bad/To be out on your own/The way he hurt you, girl/You’re better off alone,” it’s like a musical pep talk from a best girlfriend. An absolute gem & a song I very much look forward to hearing every time I listen to the album. Immediately following is a modern take on the Tim Buckley classic “It Happens Every Time,” which is not only a great cover choice but a really well-done take as well. The guitar work grabs you from the first note and Miriam’s vocals express the lyrics’ emotions perfectly. Next is a cover of the Ramones’ “Questioningly.” This version brings out the nuance and beauty of the song so well, it’s a very pleasant surprise. Haunting and captivating, it’s now among my favorite Ramones covers of all time. An excellent cover of the Bobby Darin song “Not for Me” is the perfect choice for the final song on the LP. Though “Nobody’s Baby” has a running time of just over 30 minutes, it is a very solid half-hour of quality music. Hearing these songs, all of which were written and most originally performed by men, from a female perspective is rare and welcome and is a bit reminiscent of the female “answer song” and “sequel singles” that were popular in the past. Miriam’s vocal performance recalls the attitude and strength of some of the best tough girlgroup vocals of the past, like the Angels or the Shangri-Las, while still remaining modern and original. I was thrilled and impressed with this
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album from the very first listen and my appreciation has deepened each time I’ve listened to it since. “Nobody’s Baby” is a fantastic album and a wonderful reminder of the power of female vocals and emotions. Very highly recommended, a top album in every way.
**Available on vinyl, CD, and for digital download at www.nortonrecords.com & Amazon**
Music Review Vibeke “The World Famous Hat Trick” Reviewed by Dana Saravia -- Lifelong rock and roller, music critic and Girl From Baltimore I listen to a lot of music and have done so for many years, so it can be difficult to find an artist that I haven’t heard extensively before, and who is making music that stands out from the crowd on the first listen. It’s even rarer to find an artist whose work becomes more deeply compelling with each song on an album where every song is detailed and expressive with something memorable to say. Vibeke has done all those things with her album “The World Famous Hat Trick”.
“He’s Peculiar” is the song that starts the album off. The song’s sharp, driving pop paired with detailed lyrics add up to a song that’s both hummable and memorable from the first listen. Well chosen as the first single, it also gives the listener an idea of the intelligence and energy the rest of the songs bring. The next song, “Keep on Dreaming” is one of my
faves on the album. Detailing the feelings of having a long time crush on a musician, it’s a fast-paced three minutes of fun on a subject many women have experienced, though most haven’t written about it and certainly not this perfectly. “Close the Door” immediately follows. Including lyrics such as “I want to have what’s mine/And I know/What makes me feel alright”, this song about a woman that knows herself well enough to know what she wants, and is brave and decisive enough to get it, is another example of Vibeke’s gift for writing about subjects and emotions that aren’t often heard from a woman’s perspective and nearly never this expertly. The next song “No, I Won’t” is a defiant statement about wanting success, but wanting it on one’s own terms and not compromising to or for anyone else. Next are “Until the Sun Comes Out”, which pairs a bittersweet melody with a fully realized cinematic narrative and “Meant To Be With
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You”, including lyrics like “I was so alone when I met you/I set my heart out to get you/I knew the second my eyes saw you/I was meant to be with you” that express the thrill of falling in love without being sappy or cliché.
****CD and download available through CD Baby and Amazon****
“Tonight”, the song that follows, describes keeping up a brave front while hiding the messy post breakup feelings when running into an ex. “Waste Another Day” is an expertly descriptive song about throwing off the mediocrity of routine and the comfort of the familiar to experience being truly alive. Vividly brought to life with lyrics such as “Won’t waste another day/No selling out or compromise/ Now it’s time to leave it all behind” paired with fast, angular music, it says a lot in under three minutes. Next is “Stupid”, a song about holding on to who and what you want no matter other’s opinions. “All For Now”, the song that follows, starts with the lyrics “I spent one day in euphoria/You stepped into my heart/And jumbled everything in my life” and builds musically and lyrically from there. The lyrics that start the chorus “I guess that’s all for now” are alone sung with such emotion that is moving and unforgettable. From the opening guitar to the lyrics that start the next song “Know You Now”, it’s a song that exudes self-confidence and joy. “You Don’t Go Away” is the cover song that closes the album. Vibeke brings out many layers of emotional depth on this track of heartache and longing, it’s a great choice for the final cut.
“The World Famous Hat Trick” is an album full of songs that are nothing short of excellent. The lyrics are smartly written with a unique perspective coupled with music that is edgy and melodic, adding depth and color to each song. Fully realized and incredibly well written, Vibeke Saugestad has created an album that truly stands out.
This is not only one of my favorite female solo albums of the past few years; it has over many listens become one of my favorite female solo albums ever. Definitely an album to add to your collection ASAP, powerful stuff from a great songwriter with a lot to say.
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Album Review Los Dudes “Hipster Retirement Home” Review by Dana Saravia-Life-long rock and roller, music critic, & Girl From Baltimore After so many years of listening to rock and roll, it’s rare for me to hear a band that can still create music and a lyrical style that’s striking and stands out from the crowd on the first listen. Los Dudes manage to do that by just being themselves on their second and latest album “Hipster Retirement Home”.
From the opening drumbeats and snippet of surf guitar that start off the first song, “Pink Bikini”, this is an album that immediately demands your attention. The lyrics then tell a short story, deeper and different from what you might expect given the title and song’s sound. The next song is Los Dudes’ version of “Let’s Get the Band Back Together” -- the tempo and lyric changes give it a very different feel than the Andy Shernoff version. (Side note: I definitely recommend hearing both versions, one after the other. Almost like two band members considering reuniting a band with the same conclusion, but with different shading in the emotions approaching it.)
The third song of the set, “TV Nut”, is one of my faves on the album. Including lyrics like “Why did TV lie to me? Suggesting things OK/With assassinations and racial riots/Just twenty miles away”, this song mixes both personal and broader issues into a strong and memorable song that sounds especially
timely considering recent events in the news. “Here I Am” musically has a classic feel, but is a breakup song for grown folks. There’s no melodrama or artifice, it impacts the listener by being honest & emotionally descriptive. Next up is the title track, a song which brilliantly describes getting older and the attitude that comes along with it. Containing lines such as “There are people that make you steak/And there’s people that make you buy them steak”, this song has some of the best lyrics on an album that has several moments of lyrical genius as the music shades in the emotion. “God Bless Me I’m Falling”, a song whose intense lyrics are nicely counterpointed by an upbeat sounding musical backing.
“Long List” is the next song and it’s my favorite on the album-in fact, it’s one of my favorite songs this year. From the first line “Life’s just a long list of what could have been”, the lyrics create a scene that’s familiar to everyone, but rarely thought much about, spoken of, and even more rarely captured in a song so memorable and creative. “Harlem”, a song of feeling out of place, not only specifically in a neighborhood, but with life in general is next. “Light-Hearted Love Affair” follows. A fun, upbeat song, catchy as a cold and totally hummable with some excellent and standout guitar work in the bridge. “Kansas City”, the next track, is a song of
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acceptance about lovers going their separate ways. Much like a short story in song form, it describes the situation with the lyrics and allows the music to provide the emotion. “I Don’t Know”, a fast-paced song about one that got away, lines like “You think you made some gains/I just think you gave too much away” give the song’s story great focus and tell another fully realized story in just over three minutes. A strong way to close out an incredibly powerful album.
brilliance of Los Dudes and their songwriter, Jesse Bates, is that he writes in a way that allows the listener to add their own experiences to the songs. The music is well-written and skillfully performed, adding a truly rich and emotional backdrop to some of the most brilliant lines and lyrics I’ve had the pleasure to hear on any album. A very impressive and accomplished collection of songs from start to finish and one you’ll look forward to visiting repeatedly. I know I always do.
Much like the very best of films or short stories, the
****Available as a CD or digital download****
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