STEEL NOTES MAGAZINE'S 8TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!

8th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

THE AMAZINGLY TALENTED

ANGIE BOWIE BONNAROO FESTIVAL 2022 BY DON ATERS MARLOWE B. WEST INTERVIEWS NYC MODEL WENDY STUART INTERVIEW WITH TANTRIC VOCALIST HUGO FERREIRA PLUS MUCH MORE!

CREATIVE COMBUSTION PARTNER RICK HUNT

Steel Notes Magazine February 2022 steelnotesmagazine.com

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Steel Notes Magazine 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.

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURED

STAFF

p4 p 36 p 58 p 60

ADMINISTRATIVE

STAFF WRITERS

Alexxis Steele Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Marlowe B West Jerry Saravia Scott Saxon Josie Janci Luca Cerardi Monique Grimme Scott Aber Nikki Palomino Jennycat Rex Maurice Oppenheimer Todd Sobczak JR Peterson Christopher Annino Domenic Marinelli Dawn Belotti Don Aters Jim Allford Sam Leighty Angela Graham Dex Shellhammer Johnny Reed Steven M. Kalish Nikki Palomino Scott Saxon Nick Christophers Sammi Z

The Amazingly Talented Angie Bowie Creative Combustion Partner Artist Rick Hunt Bonnaroo Festival 2022 by Don Aters Marlowe B West Interviews NYC Model Wendy Stuart p 76 Interview with Tantric Vocalist Hugo Ferreira

MORE p 86 Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan Presentz Manhattan Superhero Edgar Bidot p 94 Alt Rock Band Fuel Returns for Hometown Show at Musikfest Cafe p 104 Model Josi Kat p 122 Cherie Currie Pictorial by Rhona Jean Vanbuskirk p 106 Freaky Valentine’s Day Cards by Johnny T. p 142 Valentine’s Day in NYC by Victor Collichio p 144 The Colors of my Soul by Gail & Kenny Gilchrist p 146 Young Love Dex & Katie Shellhammer p 151 The Robber by Rex Maurice Oppenheimer p 152 Tia Marie Williams: Emotional Artist p 174 Tour De Palm Springs by John McMinn Patterson p 192 Tribute to Don Aters

POETY CORNER p 135 Bilingual Poetry by Yvonne Sotomayor p 138 My Dark Valentine p 140 Ramblings of a Yorkshire Lass

CD REVIEWS p 151 Superkreme by Jim Allford p 152 The Cellarbirds by Jim Allford p 153 The Jellybricks by Jim Allford p 154 Wonderlust by Jim Allford p 155 Supergiant MD by Jim Allford

Josie Janci VP of Business Development Kristy Jamison of Sparrow Forge Branding House Layout

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Klein Sheri Bayne Ron Shirey John Turk John Millington Gary Preis Mike Dorn Brian Limage Larry Dell Rhonda Jean VanBuskirk Dave Hummell John Warner Nick Christophers John Turk Melody Tallarico

VIDEOGRAPHERS Lisa Koza Larry Dell John Turk

THE AMAZINGLY TALENTED

Angie Bowie

By Alexxis Steele

Many people may only know Angie as the first wife of musician David Bowie, who along with him influenced the glam rock culture and fashion of the 1970s, but she is so much more than that!

Angie is one beautiful and amazingly talented woman! This successful and savvy business woman holds many titles to her credit which include: Author, Musician, Poet, Actress, Model, Journalist, publicist and historian, just to name a few, and the list goes on!

I had the pleasure of speaking with charming Angie about many aspects of her life.

She is a prolific writer, and has penned Seven Books: 1. FREE SPIRIT 2. BISEXUALITY: A POCKET GUIDE 3. BACKSTAGE PASSES, LIFE ON THE WILD SIDE WITH DAVID BOWIE (Also available as an audio book on Audible) 4. FANCY FOOTWORK POETRY AND LYRICS (Illustrated By Rick Hunt) 5. LIPSTICK LEGEND WHEN BOYS BECAME GIRLS (KIM FOWLEY) (Also available as an audio book on Audible) 6. CATASTROPHE 7. POP.SEX

Angie herself has interviewed many important people in the entertainment industry, among them was producer icon Kim Fowley, who said Angie was the architect of theatrical rock in the 2oth century, and endorsed her book Lipstick Legends, where Angie spills on the many musicians she has encountered along the way.

Angie is one beautiful and amazingly talented woman!

This successful and savvy business woman holds many titles to her credit which include: Author, Musician, Poet, Actress, Model, Journalist, publicist and historian, just to name a few, and the list goes on!

I had the pleasure of speaking with charming Angie about many aspects of her life.

Angie herself has interviewed many important people in the entertainment industry, among them was producer icon Kim Fowley, who said Angie was the architect of theatrical rock in the 2oth century, and endorsed her book Lipstick Legends, where Angie spills on the many musicians she has encountered along the way.

One of the most fascinating people in history that Angie has had the opportunity to interview is sex symbol and actress Mae West!

Angie explained she was writing an article about her for Penthouse, and Mae said don’t you have a question to ask me?

Angie hesitated because she did not want to offend her, so Mae quipped that people had been calling her a Drag Queen since she was 14, and not to feel bad about asking her that question. Angie also explained that in the 1930’s Mae West was the 3rd wealthiest person in the United States! They talked about Broadway and movies and all the different people that she worked with. She was grateful that she went through with the interview because Mae West was one of the most important role models in her life besides Oscar Wilde. I told Angie that landing Mae was a real catch that not many people could ever say they had the delight to meet and interview.

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That speaks alot for Angie’s charm! Angie is a former model and is a fashionista, and fellow lover of hats like myself, which represents a strong woman which is quite evident by all the things she is involved in.

I had the opportunity to listen to some of Angie’s music from her Moon Goddess album. One of my favorite songs of hers is called Fires are burning in the forests of our youth. The song has great music and is a really catchy tune that gets into your head and is easy to sing along with. If you have the opportunity to do so, check out her music, you won’t be disappointed!

Besides her music, Angie has written books of poetry, and on our interview she delighted me by reciting one of her poems beautifully in both English and in French...

I asked Angie if she would submit some of her poetry for our readers and she graciously sent me some of her poetry for the magazine, which will be posted here.

Fancy Footwork, and Cat Astrophe is some of her collections of poetry that are illustrated by artist Rick Hunt. Their collaboration is called Creative Combustion, and includes both book projects and illustrations. I would highly recommend buying all of Angie’s work in books, music, and poetry.

You can purchase Angie’s books and music by going to her website at: www.angiebowie.net

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God and Mr. Big

Silly Satan

I have composed a letter To ask a common question.

Whether to live life better Or is it mere suggestion That remaining puritanical Will end in heaven’s leisure Or should we be mechanical?

Silly Satan, you’re a clown.

Never will you make me frown.

As you play your silly tricks.

Words and tuned play with sticks.

Should we heed your beck and call?

Pay tithes, say prayers and go to church?

Before earth’s final fall Leaves mankind in a lurch You are privileged and wise; You are older than us all Time and fate are your best mates You’ve watched mighty empires fall.

I know you have a trick That is a Chinese puzzle game.

As we tire grow old and sick Gradually we learn it’s name.

Questions asked are what you want Your answers given are so diverse That with philosophy you taunt Man’s quest for spiritual rebirth.

As you cast your fiery spells Conjure up your tired old hells; I can tell you plain and straight Your promises are too late.

You pretend to make them rich While their souls are black as pitch You cannot win while I laugh aloud, I will not join you, I am too proud.

I will stamp on your tail and pull off your horns, Jump on your back and avoid your thorns.

When I am close to those I love, I require the peace of the dove You are banished as of now.

Out you go, kerpow!

Mary-Angela Bowie Barnett 1979

Dear You up in the sky I have had a try; And now methinks It’s time to quit, Forget charades and mental skits I love you for the care you take When we acknowledge our mistake Asking questions you will not answer.

They have become our intellectual cancer.

Mary-Angela Bowie Barnett

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Soul House

King’s Cross

In my soul house, There’s a place Shady rest for a daytime face.

No-one enters in that temple.

My heart alone aligns the zone.

For you are my peace, The keeper of my eternal lease, The lover who makes this body warm.

What a Dilemma! What a Predicament!

Someone’s soldered my soul to sentiment.

Stir up the waters, I am in suspension.

Reformed, a new substance born by reflection.

Now I’m standing very still, Heart, mind and soul to accommodate.

The time for love is here.

I leave solitude Way in the past.

Maybe I’ve learned at last You are right.

I may be day, You’re surely night.

So trust in this promise I now make, It’s easy to give, far less than take.

Mary-Angela Bowie Barnett Recorded by ROY MARTIN for TRACK RECORDS 1976 (?)

What an exciting stress-filled moment, To further confuse and confound my torment.

I crave your brain but that takes time and And time is something “there is just too little of.”

No time to play in your brain, No time to be driven insane Time was for collecting memories, In a jelly jar for looking at, under the bed at night, with a flashlight.

No time to play in your brain, No time to be driven insane.

Time was for collecting memories.

My memories are the written word, Crouched under the covers, never heard, And those words enliven me still They are my “Enter” My software for life.

I like your words and I like your brain But you’ve already driven me insane.

I am fire and you are ice; Got to give each other space…

Or emotions will spill onto your face.

You know how you hate that Like the Greek boy who after he came, Said, “Sorry I have dirtied you.” Really?

Kind of like emotions and you.

Mary-Angela Bowie Barnett 1999

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WHEN FAMILY COMES TO TOWN! Family arrives and time stands still….

A flurry of camaraderie and memory buds.

We recall our childhood and our youth.

We speak of young married days; how poor and scanty were our possessions….

How fat and rich is the passion that cleaves us to our loved ones.

Marriages and Birthdays, Anniversaries and Celebrations, Births and deaths, Sickness and Divorce, Prosperity and Accomplishments, Enthuse and fill the parachute, the fabric of our lives.

Smooth or tangled, crocheted or knitted, printed or stamped – The end result is a thumbnail of our lives in one sweet visit.

Recall is necessary to stamp us into the flow of our time span We enjoy the repetition amongst friendly and welcoming faces The faces of family reward a life well-lived, by the Adventures undertaken, hardships endured and the satisfaction of never having missed a day of being thoroughly and fully committed to the time and tasks required to make a living, make a family, make an open and giving atmosphere from where to conduct our consciousness.

Focus the emotions, dismiss the ugly or negative and build on the strength and security.

it is no longer my home.

I had a son whom I adored; he was taught to dislike me.

He believed the lies; he is no longer on my radar.

The one thing that you can rely on life, is this….

You will be disappointed beyond belief By those you held close, their behavior unfathomable.

You will rise above the devastating sorrow that fills your mind, The thud of each blow as it’s dealt to a prostrate body.

You will song this song: Momma, Jesus, Allah, Om mani Oh Any God deliver me from this pain.

Then you recall, this is what sponsored the stupidity of religions – Hopeless desperation and the cure?

It’s Germanic, it’s organic, it’s the laughter cure.

Just whoop it up…..have a laugh, Have a party, have a dance, do the prance, Jockey for position and then do it all over again.

Because if not, once you’re dead…. it’ll be Hooves Up! Party’s Over. Lights Out. The Big Sleep.

These folks are our kin. When we choose to stay we are opening up the dam of abundance from the reservoir of love that comes from birthing and nurturing.

There are years of steadfast loyalty, being there for counsel or support.

Thus our down days are diminished and our optimism is replenished.

We have a place to share and ignite the delight of our fellow travelers on our journey through life.

Cooking and feasting, discussing and sharing wisdom and experience learning and enlightening the time before us.

All this joy comes calling when the family comes to town.

When other conduits disappoint, our purpose and social structure is sticky-riced to last forever by grand architects of design who wished to bequeath us their wisdom and experience.

What a grand event…… when families come A’calling!

This party is not over yet!

Each life is a party, a celebration of our consciousness I had a friend who called me a drama queen; he is no longer my friend.

I had a life that was fake and humiliating, I left that life.

I had a home that was invaded by the enemy;

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THE ELECTRIFYING BESTSELLER

”BACKSTAGE PASSES: Life on the Wild Side with David Bowie

”

NOW IN AUDIO!

AUDIBLE LINK TO ORDER: https://adbl.co/3i6uBLC

Hear the amazing true story...in Angie’s own voice!

There are countless books about the great rock/pop icon of the 20th century David Bowie. But there's only one written by the woman who met him aged just 19, married him, had a child with him, and helped shape his image and the early stages of his career.

In one of the great rock 'n' roll exposés, Angela Mary Hartnett Bowie gives a riveting account of her years with Bowie and his progress from aspiring young singer to international rock stardom. She emerges as a witty, powerful personality in her own right, and as his partner of 10 years, she has insights into his background and personality that are exclusively hers.

American, educated in Cyprus, Switzerland, the US, and then London, Angie brought her confidence and sophistication to the young David’s life and is credited with conceptualizing the costumes for the Ziggy Stardust stage show, which was his breakthrough to success.

This is a fascinating glimpse into the music and club scene of early-'70s London, and later the rock lifestyle in New York and Los Angeles. Angie knew everyone and gives a colorful, wry account of the ambience and her brushes with other giants of the decade - Jagger, Elton John, Lou Reed, the Jacksons, and members of Led Zeppelin, to name just a few. Her story gives a unique take on life with the inscrutable Bowie, and she recounts the dissolution of their marriage and his descent into cocaine addiction, with courage and charm.

history, social revolutions have emerged which challenge accepted conventions in every A master ofThroughout many trades and talents, Angie Bowie has earned respect and aspect of life: Science and the environment; medicine; family; arts; human rights; sexuality; gender renown asreligion; a poet; journalist; essayist; musician; actress; stage roles; law; politics; all that determine the course society and culture follow.

When the status quo performer/technician/impresario; public speaker; fashion designer; publicistagent; cultural and historical scholar; businesswoman and social activist.

The scope of her accomplishments couldn't happen by talent alone; they require courage, dynamism, constant learning and considering no task as too great or too small in accomplishing a goal, individually and with others.

Angie contributed to shaping a remarkable time in history, combining her achievements with the rare ability to observe and chronicle events of the times with the perceptiveness and far sight of an historian-visionary who recognises no limits.

“Lipstick Legends” is autobiographical; but the focus, as the title describes, is on select others who through their own unique talents and dedicated work, converged in a creative community that shaped and defined the Glam Era. A true historian gives an account of factors that determine a specific cultural time; while recognising previous catalysts which led up to it. Angie gives an overview of the first glimmerings of Glam in the early 20th century (not the least by featuring an interview with Mae West) and the subsequent times when forces for progressive change went dormant...then surfaced again with bright new material sewn into the fabric of society through arts and activism. Through living and working in the times, Angie presents a personal stories of some of the most brilliant talents in history...both by those who became the faces of the times and those who did the unglamourous and invaluable work to bring the talents of the celebrated artists to the world.

Angie and David began to build the Legend and were married in March 1970, and had a son who is now film director Duncan Jones.

They cranked up the machinery of fame and acceptance.

In ten years Angie and David Bowie completed 11 albums and when they split up, David was successful and powerful enough to command a 20 million dollar advance from EMI. Angie contributed to David Bowie's kaleidoscope of stage personas, including: David Bowie Man of Words, Man of Music; The Man Who Sold the World; Hunky Dory; Ziggy Stardust; Pin-Ups; Aladdin Sane; Diamond Dogs; Station to Station; Young Americans; Low; Lodger and Heroes.

Working at Beckenham Festival, 1969 The first eight albums were recorded in five years and “That was the time We were most productive for each other.”

Angie has often been referred to as the power behind Bowie's meteoric success.

The cultural impact of David and Angie Bowie in the 1970s and beyond, cannot be overestimated.

Following the divorce in 1980, Angie had her second child, Stacia, with the punk musician Drew Blood. She settled in America, concentrated on bringing up Stacia, and writing. While in Atlanta she met Michael Gassett. They reside in Tucson.

Power Couple: David and Angie Bowie Angie has authored seven books: “Free Spirit”; “Bisexuality: A Pocket Guide”; “Backstage Passes: Life on the Wild Side With David Bowie”; “Fancy Footwork”, a book of Angie's poetry and lyrics illustrated

by Rick Hunt; “Lipstick Legends”; “CatAstrophe”, illustrated by Rick Hunt; and “POP.SEX”, Angie's historical opus of Sexuality throughout time in various places.

Angie has written evocatively about the heady time in the '70's in “Free Spirit” and “Backstage Passes, rumoured to be the inspiration behind he film “Velvet Goldmine”.

ANGIE ON THE SCENE After the great success of “Lipstick Legends” Angie has taken several tours signing books, doing readings and meeting and greeting her many fans who feel like they're with a longtime friend. Appearances turn into parties with fun, stories, and always new friends who demand her return!

ANGIE BOWIE BARNETT Angie Bowie is a writer and entertainer. She is also a “style Icon; singer; song-writer and producer. Well-read and informed,independent and self-sufficient, her cosmopolitan perspective was ensured by her birthplace, the island of Cyprus. Angie's father, Colonel George M. Barnett was a mining engineer at a copper mine run by CMC. Mary Angela attended St George's School in Switzerland and graduated in 1966.

She went on to Connecticut College for Women and then to England in 1967 to study at Kingston Polytechnic.

Angie's lesbian affair at Connecticut College for Women established her commitment to fight and focus on LGBT equality.

In between acting in plays, studies and school politics—such as The sit-in at LSE and various friends, Angie had a busy schedule.

“I was working with Calvin Mark Lee, head of A&R for Mercury Records, London to get a job with that company when I finished at Kingston Poly studying Marketing and Business. Calvin wanted to sign David Bowie, and I closed the deal with Mercury Records. There was much opposition from the European head of Mercury Records' talented producer, Lou Reizner. I triumphed with the help of Irwin Green, the president of Mercury.”

LIPSTICK LEGENDS: FEATURED INTERVIEWS

Mae West MAE WEST

Kim Fowley KIM FOWLEY

CHRIS Chris ROBISON Robison

Mark MARK BEGO Bego

Lindsay LINDSAYKemp KEMP

GLENN Glenn HUGHES Hughes

CherryVANILLA Vanilla CHERRY

Chick Cashman CHICK CASHMAN

ALICE AliceCOOPER Cooper

Amazon Authors Site: Angela Bow

LIPSTICK LEGENDS

FANCY FOOTWOR K “”CAT-ASTROPHE” and “FANCY FOOTWORK” with RICK HUNT

POP.SEX

CAT-ASTROPHE

BACKSTAGE PASSES FREE SPIRIT

BISEXUALIT Y

ANGIE BOWIE AND RICK HUNT

Acclaimed Artist Rick Hunt

Angie & Bitsie

Fancy Footwork!

Acclaimed Artist Rick Hunt“Angie & Bitsie”Rick & Angie on book tour

The Poet & The ArtistUnsung Hero The Lipstick Legend

At The Little Grille

“Unsung Hero” The Great Collaborators

Sites Angie Bowie: Official Website Official Facebook Page Official Twitter Page

Videos Promotional Official Trailer: "Lipstick Legends " Kim Fowley On "Lipstick Legen

ds" The Ray Darcy Show R.T.E Irish TV Official Trailer: POP.SEX Angie Bowie: The Prettiest St ar

Interviews

Eric Blair--On "Lipstick Legend s" Tara Rez & Segs Jennin gs William S. Tribell: Spectru m Rock In The Seam s Studio Ten: Backstage Pa ss Sky News The Angel Casas Sho w Broadcast 21/05/201 Radio 7 The Skip E. Lowe Sho ThewZiggy Stardust Intervie ws

Some of Angie's own Legends (sans lipstick!)

Media Links (cont.)

Videos (cont.)

Angie Bowie, Musician Recordings Obsession Fires Are Burning Michael Gassett

I Just Want To Have Something To Do Crying In the Dark (w/Chico Rey) With Jude Rawlins: The Last Time

Live Some Of My Best Friends Are Strangers Chico Rey

Crying In The Dark--Angie and Chico Angie Bowie & Adam Ant

Select Magazine Interviews The Artful Vagabond The Ziggy Stardust Companion Jim Waters & Chick Cashman

The River-Kingston University Madeline Bocaro Hot Press

Film Angie Bowie IMDb Eat The Rich The Mick Ronson Story Rick Hunt

Design and Partial Text: Sally Sharp-Paulsen Mama Bear Enterprises, Ltd Photos: Angie Bowie & Rick Hunt; Public Domain

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RICK HUNT

A Brief Biography

By Alexxis Steele

It’s often been said of Rick Hunt that he walks between two worlds.

In the title of an event at the Abbe Museum in Maine was entitled “Twisted Path: Contemporary Native American Artists Walking in Two Worlds, in which Rick was one of ten esteemed featured artists who depict unique artistic expressions of living in two worlds; both Native American and contemporary culture. I would say Rick walks in many more worlds than two.

His works cover so many topics, experiences and people and places that a complete overview of his work would fill volumes and still only touch the surface. But one quality of Rick’s art that’ Whether he illustrates scenes of his own New Hampshire home; or London in the ‘60’s or any other time or location—the overall impression is that he isn’t drawing on what he’s heard or seen in media or through a knowledge of history...but that he’s actually has channeled the area and people and spirit of the times and experienced them himself.

Even if he hadn’t experienced them physically, somehow, he really was there. The complete lack of artifice or pretense in Rick’s works, combined with his ability to transcend his own rich and colorful world, time and experiences are part of what gives his art its hypnotic power.

Music as well as other arts figure largely in Rick’s art; and like his great friend, mentor and champion, iconic artist Marijke KogerDunham, he is one of the few visual artists whose illustrations of the musicians and songs which resonate with him express them so well that the sounds of those lucky artists whose works he expresses through his pens and paints can be heard by seeing them even if the viewer has never heard the music!

Rick’s art clearly reflects his rich life and experiences; his remarkable family and friends; his own imagination and background, which he’s covered briefly in his below words... and continuously and fully in his visual genius, life and art unlike any other. --Sally Sharp-Paulsen IN A NUTSHELL…

I was born an only child on a freezing day in Littleton, New Hampshire, in February of 1955, eleven months before Elvis was first on TV. My childhood was magical and was illuminated by a rich imagination fueled by comic books, movie monsters, and my constant companion, my dog, Rebel.

I completed elementary school as my parents were divorcing which set the tone for chaotic, emotional, and confusing middle school years...It was, “The summer of love”, and I was swept up by an older crowd who insisted that I grow up fast. I had already been influenced by ART and the Art World.

I primed myself as a serious artist at age twelve. I started High school and felt as out-of-place as Archie Andrews in the Haight Ashbury. I didn’t fit in comfortably with my peers and I hitch hiked about, proud to be a vagabond all over New England. Somehow I survived the people,places,and experiences that I drifted along with. The only thing that was sure was that I was committed to my life of being an artist.

The only thing that was sure was that I was committed to my life of being an artist.

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I was the youngest student at college.

I bounced around living with a rock band in Maine, then to Boston, then back up in the North Country. In the 1970’s I began a career as a mental health counselor and evolved into a therapist after getting a psychology degree an life experience in many different milieus (sp.:mil;;-yooz) ...Went back to art school in the early 80’s and married into an ethnic Italian family. In 1991 my son was born.

I became a single parent after his mother struggled with seizures caused by a brain tumor. A few years later she died. I focused my entire energies into parenting and also being a productive member of my tribal community.

Meanwhile I continued to create,draw, and paint. In the nineties I married Carolyn and we traveled near and far as, “The Laughing Couple”, sharing the stories of the northeast Native people, as I spontaneously illustrated them as large murals. We did this for ten years and up until the time of her health issues. I have been working as Angie Bowie’s, “Creative Combustion” partner and we have been creating together going on nine years.

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RICK HUNT (1955 - ) ART ::: Thank you, Rick....

A fitting way to start this piece on artist Rick Hunt. I was turned on to Rick when Angie Bowie started sharing his pieces casually on Facebook and I was immediately spellbound, and admittedly a bit overwhelmed, albeit in a very righteous way. Rick’s art at first drew me in with lines that flowed endlessly while at the same time completing each image as an entity in its own. These images combine to produce a masterful work that tells a story.

Take your time when you soak in his creations, they're not something to glide through. It's a study whether you like it or not, and well worth the time invested. He is constantly working, as he puts it, "I would rather create than talk about art..."

Rick was born and raised in New Hampshire, and apparently quite a test for his teachers as an artistically gifted, free-spirited adolescent. Rather than elaborate, I think Rick's press kit says it best...

"To absorb a Rick Hunt piece is to jump onto the barreling momentum of a freight train or the relentless charge of a moving current. Electric and always in motion, the stream-of-consciousness color and energy of each draw- ing or painting is at first bewildering, and then insanely compelling. By the time you've gotten your bearings, you realize you've arrived in the middle of the conversation and are already wondering where the next turn will be.

Rick's early childhood interests in drawing and art, combined with an active and constantly curious imagination fueled an almost inevitable career as a painter and artist, much to his mother's despair. At school, his teachers were confounded and helpless in the face of his impish humor and insatiable need to turn perspectives upside down.

"I would draw Egyptian hieroglyphs on my exams," he chuckles. "Then I'd turn them in."

It was almost a foregone conclusion that an office job would be tantamount to purgatory. Taken under the wings of mentors such as Kenneth Westover and Claude Brusseau, Rick discovered a love of Picasso and intrigue with Dali, curiosity with Da Vinci and a querulous exasperation with Man Ray. His

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own artistic style - a mix of psychedelic madness and stream-ofconsciousness humor, is both overwhelming and engaging while also keeping a healthy sense of whimsy and humor. Having worked as a substance abuse counselor and seen the plight of the less fortunate in society, that might seem a difficult prospect. But he points out that even the darkest experiences can have joy and color in them. "All of my life experience is food for my art," he explains. "Without dark, you can't have light. Van Gogh knew that. That's why even his saddest paintings have hope in them."

With strong ties and ancestry to the Abenaki, Rick travels New England with his wife, as the "Laughing Couple", presenting and performing integrative Native storytelling and art to schools, museums, and other organizations. He also collaborated with fellow artist and writer Angie Bowie on Cat-Astrophe, an innovative children's story about an abandoned cat who finds a new home and makes a new family with fellow misfit adventurers.

"The story of Pooh Kitty is a story about finding value in yourself, and discovering that family isn't necessarily in who shares your blood," he says.

"It's about who shares your heart. And really, that's what a lot of my art is about. I'm always exploring and searching for connections."

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From Rick's "partner in art-crime", Angie Bowie...

"I am sure to reach out to all my friends during the course of assembling IN YOUR EAR: DAVID BOWIE, AN APPRECIATION. There is Rick Hunt art, the photos from my collection and the prose from Annette Witheridge and the recall from me of everything that I can unlock from my mind's archives.

IN YOUR EAR shares the thoughts and memories of how that soundtrack was a call to a NEW way of thinking, new action, new enjoyment!

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Then THE ADVENTURES OF LILY BOUNTY is just too much FUN. Michael and I are co-authors on this book and I am thrilled to have M.'s technical and engineering expertise to bend the drama and excitement of this first ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE NOVEL. RICK HUNT & I will present CAT'ASTROPHE 2 and RADIO PORTRAITS in the next 24 months. RICK'S ZANY & UNSTOPPABLE, MAGICAL VISIONS are also included in the BOWIE APPRECIATION IN YOUR EAR. THE ROLLER-COASTER of CREATIVITY never stops! WE are POSITIVE PROOF OF LIFE!!!!!!!!!

Hahahahahaaha LOVE TO YOU ALL!" Plans to tour America with AN EVENING with ANGIE BOWIE Angie Bowie are in the works. We will announce dates soon. Looking forward to seeing you."

And this piece would not be complete without the Rick Hunt timeline, chronicling his emergence as a beautiful artist, man and philanthropist; this is taken from his bio: "At age 16, an internationally renowned artist, Ken Westhaver, took Rick under his wing and offered him private lessons in his local studio. Rick also spent half of his high school days attending Franconia College to further his art education with more formal training. During this time, Rick was sought out by many area bands and a local music hot spot, The Galleon, to create show posters as well as painting drum sets and guitars. He also began showing his work in sidewalk art shows.

At age 19, he ran a crisis intervention hotline in northern NH. After 5 years, he attended Leslie College (now University) for a BS degree in Psychology.

He worked as a substance abuse therapist for many years, incorporating art therapy with his extensive clientele.

In 1979, Rick attended the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA. Here he studied Illustration and Fine Arts. Sharpening and defining his unique style even further, he learned the importance of Portfolio Presentation. As a freshman, Rick was selected by Art News Magazine, out of thousands of entries, to be one of 150 emerging new artists to show at Madison Square Garden at the International New Artists Show."

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A TWISTED PATH THROUGH MANY WORLDS: THE LIFE AND ART OF RICK HUNT

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RiCK HUNT: A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY It's often been said of Rick Hunt that he walks in two worlds. In the title of an event at the Abbe Museum in Maine was entitled “Twisted Path: Contemporary Native American Artists Walking in Two Worlds, in which Rick was one of ten esteemed featured artists who depict unique artistic expressions of living in two worlds; both Native American and contemporary culture.

I would say Rick walks in many more worlds than two; as his works cover so many experiences, people, culture places and eras that a complete overview of his work would fill volumes and still only touch the surface.

But one quality of Rick's art that's consistently referenced is his ability to evoke the times and places he expresses in his works. Whether he illustrates scenes of his own New Hampshire home; or London in the '60's or any other time or location—the overall impression is that he isn't drawing on what he's heard or seen in media or through a knowledge of history...but that he's actually has channeled the area and people and spirit of the times and experienced them himself. Even if he hadn't experienced them physically, somehow, he really was there.

The complete lack of artifice or pretense in Rick's works, combined with his ability to transcend his own rich and colourful world, time and experiences are part of what gives his art its hypnotic power.

Music as well as other arts figure largely in Rick's art; and like his great friend, mentor and champion, iconic artist Marijke Koger-Dunham, he is one of the few visual artists whose illustrations of the musicians and songs which resonate with him express them so well that the sounds of those lucky artists whose works he expresses through his pens and paints can be heard by seeing them even if the viewer has never heard the music!

Rick's art clearly reflects his rich life and experiences; his remarkable family and friends; his own imagination and background, which he's covered briefly in his below words...and continuously and fully in his visual genius, life and art unlike any other.

--Sally Sharp-Paulsen

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COLLABORATIONS Rick is distinctive in that he not only works alone; but also in cooperation and creative fusion with other artists whose creative expression ranges from storytelling, written stories, poetry and music.

For many years, Rick and his wife, Storyteller Carolyn Black Hunt performed all over New England as The Laughing Couple. Together, they shared tales in the Native Northeast Woodland Tradition with Rick creating spontaneous,improvisational murals as Carolyn shared the stories from memory, often improvising interpretations of the stories along the way.

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For many years, Rick has been collaborating with writer and cultural icon Angie Bowie on several electrifying books, with Angie writing stories and poetry and Rick illustrating her words. The “Creative Combustion” continue as vibrant as ever, with a new book, “Fire Drawn Music”, featuring Rick’s illustrations of musicians and works that inspire them.

Music has played a great part in Rick’s life and artistry; and not surprisingly, he’s been sought after to create posters, album covers, and portraits of some of music’s greatest legends. Rick is even a member of a band, which came about when he became friends with Kevin Wallbank and Sally Sharp-Paulsen of the international music duo, The Dream Foundry, He channeled their music through his art, and they were very honoured when Rick accepted their invitation to become an official member, as visual artist. Rick’s own instruments are his paints and pens; he provides the vision to their unique sound; while his art and inspiration has brought a whole new dimension to their music, www.steelnotesmagazine.com

“The year was 1955. It was a freezing February morning colder than a loan officer. I was born with a black eye and I peed all over the doctor after he slapped my butt. This seems to be a theme that has colored a lot of my life. I do have to say that things got much better.

My Cousin Butch taught me to draw the profile of Elvis on a huge wallpaper sample book when I was four. This moment set me on course with my lifelong obsession with drawing. I was the kid in elementary school who usually won all the community poster contests. I won a bicycle horn for a bicycle. I didn't have one at the time.

Then, when I was about 8yrs old, the art class teacher placed a vase of flowers on a desk and asked us to draw it. I drew a picture of the Beatles. She snapped it out of my hands and held it up to everyone in the room and stated: "You'll never get anywhere drawing this!" I can say with conviction now to that teacher wherever she may be,"REALLY??!!" HAHAHA!!

Age 11...The pretty elementary school librarian fresh out of college noted that I was fascinated with Picasso so,GIFTED me with her very thick and full of pictures ART HISTORY BOOK!!! I CHERISHED that book and carried it everywhere I went for a couple of years. No kidding.

Age 12 all my hormones kicked in and I started noticing GIRLS, waitresses, and the tanned and sleek art school students and painters walking the bustling streets of Cape Cod's Provincetown.

I was brought there for a day by a painter, Jean Callus,who took me to galleries,studios,and a wondrous art supply store! Roman sandals and the smell of linseed oil everywhere....I returned home declaring myself a ,"serious artist",from that moment on.”

– Rick Hunt

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MEDIA LINKS MOCCASIN TRACKS RADIO SITE: RICK HUNT FEATURE

https://bit.ly/3g5Kgcs NEW HAMPSHIRE MAGAZINE ARTICLE: “ARTIST AND STORYTELLER RICK HUNT”

https://bit.ly/3g5ZG05 THE NEW YORK OPTIMIST MAGAZINE ARTICLE: “A PEEK INTO THE QUIRKY LIFE & ART JOURNEY OF RICK HUNT

https://bit.ly/32ImAHW MOTHERLODE TV ARTICLE & INTERVIEW: RICK HUNT

https://bit.ly/3o3To5p JOOMAG MAGAZINE FEATURE: RICK HUNT

https://bit.ly/3KU49kE ARTFUL VAGABOND FEATURE: A YODELING COWBOY AND LAUGHING INDIANS

https://bit.ly/3g6dQ1f ABBE MUSEUM ”TWISTED PATH” CURATOR: RICK HUNT

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VIDEO: “CREATIVE COMBUSTION WITH ANGIE AND RICK”

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Graphics: SJS-P. Mama Bear Enterprises Ltd www.steelnotesmagazine.com

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Since this time, Rick has participated in many group, gallery and solo shows.

His work has been featured in several books, museum collections, and in private collections. More recently, Rick has worked with a variety of US (Birds of Paradox) and International bands and musicians (Chris Dair, Andy Hearn) to create cover art for singles and CD covers. His latest project has been illustrating a fund-raising coloring book in collaboration with Angie Bowie called Cat'astrophy.

In addition to all of this, Rick has also been a co-curator with the internationally recognized Native museum, The Abbe Museum, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Acting upon a dream he had one night in 2008, Rick contacted a friend and then curator, Rainey Bench. He described his dream of walking through a modern art gallery filled with contemporary art by Native American Artists. Mrs. Bench, excited by Rick's vision, took the idea to the Board of Directors. Equally excited by the idea, they secured funding from the National Endowment of the Arts to bring this dream to reality.

With Rick creating the theme and signature piece of the show, Twisted Path: Native American Artists Walking in Two Worlds was born. Not only did this open a new direction for the Abbe Museum, public response was so great that the six month show was extended to a full year! In addition, the Twisted Path Show is now a bi-annual event, bringing in and showcasing not only Native Artists of the Greater Northeast Region but nation-wide and has included Native Canadian artists as well.

The current incarnation, Twisted Path III: A Question of Balance opened February 8th, 2014 and remained open to the Public for a full year. Further, because of the new direction as a Contemporary rather than historic Native American museum, the Abbe is now affiliated with the Smithsonian!"

Rick Hunt has emerged as an internationally recognized and treasured artist without the usual trappings of the 'artiste de rigueur', he works consistently and continues to produce pieces and concepts that spur the imagination and take his fans to places they would otherwise not experience. Thank you Rick, don't stop!

Be sure and visit Rick and his wife Carolyn's website www.laughingcouple.com to view additional pieces and keep up with them on their journey together.

- Dennis Allen

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We are looking for contributors!

Love the music scene? Want to share your story?

We are looking for diverse contributors from all over the world.

Do you love to write or are you passionate about photography?

Email steelnotesmagazine@gmail.com for more info Want to help support our magazine?

Consider buying ad space!

As always, thank you for reading and sharing our magazine with your friends. www.steelnotesmagazine.com

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2022

By Don Aters Patti Griffin Photos By: C Michael Stewart

Comparisons abound for every event of magnitude regardless of demographics and type of entertainment.

Woodstock in 1969 would evolve into one of the three greatest events of an entire generation and the tomes of Yasgur’s farm and the icons of those four days continue to echo through the ages and generations.

A requiem was on the horizon in 2002, an event that was an epiphany of Ashley Capps ( AC Entertainment ) and augmented by Ken Weinstein & staff of Big Hassle Media in New York City. Collectively, these are the doyens of contemporary music, a cacophony of vibrant sounds mixed with aging icons to neoteric bands with hopes of climbing the ladder of success via exposure from this generations answer to Woodstock.

The “Hippies”, yippies”, survivors of ‘The Counter Culture” and random attendees address the path of highways and byways in search of those of the same ilk, a mirrored image of “Rainbow Warriors” of yesteryear.

What was once perceived as an urban myth is a smalltown in Tennessee ( Manchester, Tennessee ) but a few years later have adjusted and welcome the 60,000 80,000 forays from across the globe.

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Both Ashley Capps and Ken Weinstein have capitalized on the term “pervade” with the same content, happiness rather than the acrimony with less ethereal events that ravage the country. The aura of Woodstock now permeates the air and bristles through the trees in Manchester, memories with “free” concerts in Golden Gate Park by Monsieur Bill Graham and my friend Chet Helm, a tinge of the ghosts of yesteryear that now walk amidst the musicians of today and this century who bring the euphoria back to the masses thanks to AC Entertainment ( Live Nation ) and Big Hassle Media. Plant & Krauss, Stevie Nicks and The Chicks ( formerly Dixie Chicks ) will be there.

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All of these are icons that have been at Bonnaroo -Jack Casady Plant & Krauss, Chet Helms and a crowd image from Woodstock in 1969

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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of All Ages ... I am about to bedazzle you all with my latest Manhattan discovery, Miss Wendy Stuart.

There is certainly no need for me to try and describe her because if ‘every picture tells a story’, here’s 24 of them. I bet these fotos leave you all curious so let’s find out what is happening with this Bombshell.

MBW: Hi Wendy ... Would you be so kind to tell us about yourself ?

Wendy: Why thank you, Marlowe, I’d love to. Hmmm, now where shall I begin?

MBW: Well Nick Lion tells me you wrote a book.

Wendy: Nicky??? ... ahaha ... He’s been talking behind my back? That boy is my biggest fan.

MBW: Yes, he adores you. We all do! So tell us about your book.

Wendy: Oh Marlowe! You got me blushing like a silly schoolgirl. “She’s The Last Model Standing” is my book available on Amazon. It’s the story of my life, opening up with me living in Nigeria unaware of the Boco Ha ram who were everywhere, to Studio 54 to, to becoming a successful model, actress, standup comedian, club MC, TV Host, Interviewer, and Film Maker! That’s a lot of hats! I’m sure I left something out!

the LGBTQ Community, like activists, lawyers, medical experts, entertainers, religious leaders. We cast a very wide net. And then January 2021 I started “If These Walls Could Talk” live streamed from the infamous Pangea Restaurant on the lower eastside, with cohost The charismatic Tym Moss, interviewing guests from the entertainment and arts world, musicians, actors, producers, authors, singers, writers. In 21 months, I reinvented an entire career to go virtual! That is no easy feat! “ Triversity Talk” originated from the LGBTQ organization I have been a part of since we started it 10 years ago to service the LGBTQ+ community in PA, NJ, and upstate NY. As part of Triversity-The Pride Center, where I am on the Board and host events, I am able to not only offer support, and information, my biggest skill set is used to bring people together to have fun at our events. I believe the active name is “networking” but that implies intention. I prefer to think of it as “conduiting” or “linking” bringing people together. On all of the shows I host, and with the guests I have on, I always try and hit some emotional response with my audience that anyone watching can identify with and say, “I remember feeling the same way”. I try for authenticity in all of my interviews and want to make sure all of the guests have a good time. And this is what I do in my actual life as well!

My ultimate career goal is to be on much larger platforms with my shows. YouTube is great but with algorithms and so many people on there now it is difficult to build both audience and sponsorship. I can reach bigger audiences on the larger streaming and TV platforms. Currently talking to distributors, show runners and development people. For me it’s all about creating product. And I’m the product! Check out my YouTube Channel WendyStuartTV.

MBW: Whoa ... busy busy !!!

Wendy: The Pandemic shut NYC down and all of the above stone cold stopped. So no less than 36 hours later I started my first online show “Pandemic Cooking with Wendy”. Because with restaurants closed, Wendy had to cook!!!! In the early days of the Pandemic even takeout was limited. So, by starting my own cooking show I not only got to cook, I got to do everything I listed above!

Because I get to wear my performance costumes, do my makeup and hair, be funny, make political innuendos, cook with other chefs and interview them while we cook and I’m an MC in my own kitchen where the show is taped and edited by my husband who I make films with! Then by mid-July 2020 I rolled out “Triversity Talk” where I discuss LGBTQ issues with my cohost Steven Bloomer Teague and incredible guests in

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MBW: Sounds like you are extremely involved with so many people and groups. Very outgoing.

Wendy: As an activist I am so blessed to be with The Imperial Court of NY a non for profit that consistently raises funds for other organizations through entertaining shows, with members of the Court who are performers, as well as their signature fundraiser “Night of 1000 Gowns” which is coming up March 26. The major focus of the Court, a worldwide organization, is philanthropy.

The Court is all about fantasy, with Empresses, Emperors, Dukes, Barons and Baroness. I am one of the newest members and I am Lady Wendy Darling.

We’ve only started to do live events again because we did taped ones during COVID. I got to be part of Barnyard Duets where Tym Moss and I channeled Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood in a lip sync of “Something Bad”. It was over the top and very funny.

My first live event was at Stonewall this performing my original parody “Vaccine”, taken from the song “Jolene” made famous by Dolly Parton”. These performances can be found on my YouTube Channel WendyStuartTV along with “Pandemic Cooking with Wendy”, “If These Walls Could Talk” The Imperial Court is the perfect fit for my personality, with their focus on fundraising, and social and performance opportunities.

MBW: You’re making me dizzy.

Wendy: You know I am in a different place than I was before the Pandemic. With the new platforms I’ve developed, and such an online following I intend to take everything I am and have created to reach bigger audience. This global world in front of us has actually become smaller, as we had to connect with people all over in the past 16 months. I actually expanded my social and career base hugely during the Pandemic.

I want to move forward with the shows I’ve created, both on livestream and TV, and do a lot more interviewing online and live with a bigger client base. I am getting more auditions now and modeling work as that part of the industry continues to recover.

MBW: Well, what were you doing B4 the Pandemic???

Wendy: Before the Pandemic I made documentary films in remote parts of the world, telling stories about the wildlife and people, that you might not be aware of.

“Fragile Beauty” was about three tribes in the Southern Omo Valley in Ethiopia. Their way of dress, belief and lifestyle has not changed all that much in decades, but now is being impacted in a huge way by industrialization and cell phones. Not to mention

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children still dying of malaria. “Whisperers and Witnesses: Primate Rescue in Cameroon” which won Best Documentary at The Chelsea Film Festival, tells the story of poaching and bushmeat and what happens to baby chimps and gorillas when their parents are slaughtered.

Organizations like Ape Action Africa, and Sanaga Yong Chimpanzee Rescue, save the babies and I tell the story of the people who are the rescuers.

MBW: That is an entire ton of work.

Where do you get all your energy?

How can you keep up with yourself ???

Wendy: Are you kidding? I’ve only just begun!!! And here’s to putting the final touches on “Working Dogs: A Love Story” which we anticipate releasing this year.

I will continue to be a guest on many podcasts as I enjoy meeting all of these hosts all over the country. And as more things go live, I will be MC ing again. I wrote so many parodies during the Pandemic and am especially excited to be performing them at Stonewall, Industry, and Pangea. I love being with the Imperial Court because every show or event we do is to raise money for other non for profits. They truly define what philanthropy is. I have to say that the world is definitely a different landscape than it was, with so many new opportunities.

And I intend to take advantage of every one of them! I am so ready!!!!

MBW: I’d love to see you live.

Wendy: Feb 12 at 9:30pm I will be performing in “50 Shades of Gay” hosted by comedian Ike Avelli celebrating my birthday afterward!

MBW: Sounds very exciting and I intend to be there.

Wendy: Great !!! ... gotta run now ... I’ll see ya there.

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Tantric at the Gin Mile ND JANUARY 22

By Sheri Bayne

On January 22nd Tantric stopped in Northampton PA to play at the Gin Mill.

Tantric is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky.

The group was founded in 1998 by former Days of the New members Todd Whitener, Jesse Vest and Matt Taul, who added frontman, Hugo Ferreira, the following year.

Ferreria is the only remaining member of the band from the original lineup. The members have changed through the years but the heart of the band remains the same. Current lineup is Sebastian LeBar (guitar/vocals) and Jaron Gulino (bass/vocals ) entered the band in 2017.

Drummer John Loree is the newest member, joining in 2020.

And of course Hugo Ferreira still as lead vocalist. They are currently on tour in support of their latest CD "The Sum Of All Things".

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I was able to speak with singer Hugo Ferreira before the show that night. "I don't remember not having music. My dad and mom always had instruments around me.

So I always remember knowing how to play at least a piano.

But I only stuck with it because it was easy for me to learn. To me it was something fun to do. Some kids wanted to go out and play baseball. I just wanted to play with my instruments. Only in my early teens did I think maybe I could do this to make money.

I was too stupid to know that I couldn't do it. So that's probably why I succeeded.

In addition to piano I play guitar, bass and drums. I play enough so that I can lay down the idea of a song and then I get the other guys to pick up from there and have them play it better. My thing is to put melodies and songs together.

Regarding my influences I had many.

Because I grew up Portuguese I grew up listening to Big Band, Latin, and European music. And since I grew up in Boston and Detroit I had some Hip Hop influence.

I'm also a big fan of Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, grunge, and post grunge. That all gets mixed up in your subconscious, whether you know it or not they are influencing stuff you're doing as you’re writing it."

Tantric played to a sold out audience that night. So that should speak for itself. As to how many people the music speaks to.

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Show us what you’ve got!

Show us what you’ve got! If you would like to contribute to an upcoming issue of Steel Notes Magazine, reach out & let us know!

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Manhattan Superhero Edgar Bidot www.steelnotesmagazine.com

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MBW: LADIES & GENTLEMEN & CHILDREN OF ALL AGEZ ... MY NAME IS MARLOWE B WEST & I AM YOUR RINGLEADER ... THIS VALENTINE’S ISSUE MARKS MY 8TH ANNIVERSARY HERE AS THE STAR REPORTER OF STEEL NOTES MAGAZINE ... NATURALLY CORRESPONDING TO THE SAME 8TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR GREAT MAGAZINE AS WELL ... TODAY I HAVE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE LIST OF FABULOUS SURPRISES I’VE COME ACROSS ON MY CONSTANT TREASURE HUNT THROUGHOUT THE WILDLY OUTRAGEOUS STREETS OF MANHATTAN ... TO BE OR NOT TO BE??? THAT IS THE QUESTION!!! (((SHAKESPEAR))) EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING, AN INTERMISSION, AND AN ENDING. ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE A GLAMOROUS CHARACTER WHO “DEFIES” THIS STATEMENT BY IMPLEMENTING “5” MEANINFUL WORDS. “IT NEVER ENDS…IT BEGINS” AS HE QUOTES FROM THE SECRET!!! WELCOME TO STEEL NOTES MAGAZINE MR. EDGAR BIDOT, WHOM IN MY OWN HONEST PERSONAL OPINION, CONTRIBUTES TO A REAL LIFE “SUPERHERO” GOTHAM CITY’S HIDDEN “TREASURE”, A TRUE “JULE OF THE NILE” IF YOU CATCH MY THRIFT. A LOSS PREVENTION DETECTIVE SUPERVISOR WHO TAKES ON THE ROLE OF (((VIGILANTE))) TO A WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE AND ADMIRATION… A REAL CRIME FIGHTER IN THE MAKING, EAT YOUR HEART OUT “MARVEL & DC COMICS” YOU’RE LATE. CAN YOU EXPAND TO OUR VIEWING AUDIENCE EXACTLY WHAT IT IS THAT YOU REPRESENT AND HOW? *EB* THANK YOU FOR YOUR HIGHLY PRAISED WORDS OF WISDOM MARLOWE, AND “KUDOS” TO YOU ALL AT STEEL NOTES MAGAZINE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ELABORATE MY SINCERE PASSION TOWARDS OUR ONGOING FIGHT AGAINST “SHRINK & CRIME” ... I AM SIMPLY A PROACTIVE [[[BODEGA CAT]]] LOOKING FOR MICE IN AN UNDERCOVER RETAIL SETTING, AND ON OCCASIONS I BUMP INTO THAT “BIG FAT RAT” THAT NYC IS WELL KNOWN TO HARVEST & FOSTER DEEP WITHIN OUR CITY STREETS AND DEPARTMENT STORES SUCH AS MACY’S…SAKS…GUCCI…NORDSTROM…LOUIS VUITTON…ROLEX…H & M…BURLINGTON ETC…NOW YOU MAY ASK YOURSELF…WHAT IS SHRINK???

WELL, SPEAKING FROM A “LOSS PREVENTION” POINT OF VIEW or ASSET PROTECTION…AND WHAT NOT TOMATO-TOMATOE…LOL…SHRINK IS NONE OTHER THAN AN EXPRESSION FOR SAFEGUARDING A RETAIL CORPORATION’S EXTERNAL STOCK/FLOOR MERCHANDISE FROM IT’S INVENTORY & SAVY SHOPLIFTERS. ALONG WITH ALSO PROTECTING THE “CASHFLOW ASSETS” FROM INTERNAL DISHONEST EMPLOYEES, GENERAL MANAGERS, ASSISTANT MANAGERS WITH ACCESS TO THE SAFE ROOM WHERE THEY COUNT MONEY DAILY. FURTHERMORE, REGISTER SALES ASSOCIATES, ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME MEMBERS… (ORC) & THEIR FRAUDULENT CASH & CREDIT CARD ACTIVITIES ABROAD OUR DELIGHTFUL CITY. I RESOLVE THESE ISSUES BY IMPLEMENTING AN “AVID STEADFAST” FLOOR PRESENCE, LIKE A HUNGRY LION ON THE PROWL FOR DINNER IN THE CONCRETE JUNGLE... EXTERNALLY??? I OBSERVE BEHAVIOR PATTERNS FROM “POTENTIAL” WOULD BE SUBJECTS SUCH AS: *BODY LANGUAGE, JITTERY RANDOMLY SELECTING STORE ITEMS WITH DISREGARD TO SIZE, PRICE or VALUE. *THEIR PERSONAL HYGIENE & OWN CLEANLINESS, DIRTY RUN-DOWN SNEAKERS or RIPPED SHOES, *OUT OF SEASON CLOTHING ON A “HOT” STEAMY SUMMER DAY AND HE or SHE IS WEARING A LONG LEATHER TRENCH COAT, HUMMM-WHY?? I SEEK ADDITIONAL RED-FLAGS LIKE: *DARTING or ROAMING “EYES” FOCUSED MORE ON THE FLOOR ASSOCIATES & EXIT DOORS FROM WITHIN THEIR SURROUNDINGS, THAN FINALIZING THEIR PURCHASE!!

I CONDUCT MY ANALYSIS WITHOUT PREJUDICE or STEREOTYPES OF ETHNICITY or RACIAL PROFILING… FURTHERMORE, WITHOUT INCIDENT IF POSSIBLE, SO HELP ME GOD, SHIELD THAT GUIDES ME BE MY GUIDANCE OF PROTECTION AMONG THE SEA OF CRIMINAL BOOSTERS & DRUG RELATED MAGGOTS THAT FEEL ENTITLED TO POSSESS OTHER PEOPLES PROPERTY. NOT ON MY WATCH…AS I ALSO MAINTAIN A VALID COMRADERY WITH MY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SUCH AS THE (((N.Y.P.D)) & NYC’s DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE DOWNTOWN. THE LAW IS REASON FREE FROM PASSION “ARISTOTLE” FOR DISHONEST EMPLOYEES??? I CORRECT THESE DISCREPANCIES THAT COME ALONG WITH MY JOB DESCRIPTION BY UTILIZING METHODS SUCH AS THE “WICKLANDER ZULAWSKI” INTERROGATION SKILLS & TECHNIQUES (certified 2010) JUST LIKE AN EPISODE OF LAW & ORDER, WHEN THE DETECTIVES ASK… AND INTERROGATE A WITNESS IN THAT SMALL LIKE WALKING CLOSET “ROOM” THAT’S BIGGER THAN YOUR AVERAGE NYC APARTMENT…HAA’HAA… I RATIONALIZE WITH THEM BY CREATING AN AVERAGE PSYCHOLOGICAL COMMON GROUND UNTIL I BREAK INTO THEIR MINDS LIKE “PSYCHO” AND THEY THEN START TO SING LIKE “CANARIES” THROWING EVERYONE THEY CAN UNDER THE CORPORATE BUS & WE THEN HAVE EMMM’ CONFESS IN WRITING A STATEMENT OF OMMISSION & WE “TERMINATE” THEM.

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MBW: DO YOU EVER GET BORED AT WORK LIKE MOST PEOPLE DO AT TIMES??? *EB* NO…I’M ADDICTED TO SHOPPING MYSELF, SO A DAY OF “WORK” FOR ME IS AN ADVENTURE… NOT A BURDEN LIKE IT IS FOR OTHER CORNBALL “FAKE” WANNA-BEE’s WHO “PRETEND” DAILY TO BE LOSS PREVENTION DETECTIVES, SUPERVISORS & MANAGERS, BUT JUST MILK THE CORPORATE CLOCK TO GET A PAYCHECK. THEY’RE SCARED TO ENGAGE IN THE REAL “ART OF WAR” AGAINST SHOPLIFTERS CAUSE THEY SIMPLY DON’T HAVE THE [[[COJONES]]] TO IMPLEMENT & DO WHAT THEY WERE ORIGINALLY HIRED TO DO…AND THAT MY DEAR FRIEND IS CATCHING CASES & APPREHENDING “BAD ACTORS” WITH JUSTICE PREVAILING ON YOUR SIDE. IT’S JUST ANOTHER DAY IN “PARADISE” FOR ME, SINCE I’M PLAYING A NATURAL CHARACTER UNDER THE WATCHFUL “EYE” WE CALL ((C.C.T.V)) CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION. IT’S LIKE BEING IN A MOVIE SET DAILY FOR “9” HOURS!!! AS A MALE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 1969 WHEN I WAS BORN, I GREW UP ALWAYS WANTING TO PLAY THE ROLE OF STARSKY & HUTCH…LOL I CAN PROUDLY SAY LIKE “EMINEM” I’M NOT AFRAID …TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE RETAIL WORLD AND BE “ALL THAT I CAN BE” & THEN SOME… LIKE AN ARMY SOLDIER!!! YO SOY GUERRILLERO HASTA LA MUERTE PAPI…AIN’T NO HALF STEPPING LIKE THE BIG DADDY KANE…CAUSE AIN’T NO SUCH THING AS… HALF WAY CROOKS…SCARED TO RUN…SCARED TO LOOK LIKE MOB DEEP. FEEL ME??? I WILL BRING YOU DOWN TO LADY JUSTICE MYSELF, BLIND FOLDED & ALL… YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME COMING CAUSE I’M JUST BETTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE BOOSTER IN “DISGUISE” BEHIND A MASK. FOR ALL THOSE TEAMPLAYERS WHO HAVED “WORKED” WITH ME IN THE PAST…I WISH YOU WELL AND SAFETY IN YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE WALKS OF LIFE. I HOPE YOU LEARNED A THING or TWO FROM THIS (((BODEGA CAT))) ALWAYS REMEMBER: ONLY THE JOURNEY IS WRITTEN…NOT YOUR DESTINATION…GODSPEED YA’LL!!

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ALT ROCK BAND FUEL RETURNS FOR HOMETOWN SHOW AT MUSIKFEST CAFE

By Alexxis Steele

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I have been a long time Fuel fan, since the 90’s when drummer Kevin Miller, and then lead vocalist Brett Scallions hung out at Casey’s bar on Front Street in Allentown . ( Formerly the Green Pine Inn).

Kevin Miller left the band in 2014, and Scallions in 2020, to pursue their own thing. In between that time, founder Carl Bell wrote a country solo cd, from his longtime home in Nashville.

Miller, had several successful bands over the years, starting with early 90’s band Shotgun Wedding, then Fosterchild, and most recently his band, Pop Rock Party Band “Smashed”.

It was in his most recent band , that he hooked up with the great players that would come to be the new reinvention of Fuel. With the new addition of vocalist John Corsale, guitarist Mark Klotz, and bassist Tommy Nat, he knew he had a winning team of musicians.

Kevin, who was Fuel’s original drummer and friend, contacted Carl Bell, Fuel founder and told him he had the perfect band, and all Carl had to do is write.

With Covid restrictions, this was the perfect project for Carl to focus on, and sink his teeth into. The results were worth every minute he spent, and he was excited because this was to be the best lineup of musicians he had ever worked with.

The question was: Could Brett Scallions replacement on lead vocals, John Corsale cut it for both the old Fuel sound that fans had come to love, and the new 2021 sound? Could the band pull off the Fuel hits, and sound good on the new material?

The answer is a resounding yes! Corsale , who had vocal training with local musician, Connie Edinger, had nuances of Scallions vocals, while maintaining his own identity. Not only did he have great stage presence, but also played great guitar as well.

The anticipated appearance of the new Fuel lineup and music, drew a crowd of standing room only fans, which fell slightly under the 1000 capacity mark.

There was much appreciation evident by this crowd of faithful Fuel followers, that sang along to all their hits, as well as songs off their new Cd Anomaly.

The band was a tight knit unit, moving flawlessly from one song to the next, starting with “Last Time”, and ending with all time favorite Fuel song, “Hemorrhage In my Hands”.

Fuel Setlist

Last Time

Jesus or a Gun

Ozone

Shimmer

I Should Have Told You

Falls on Me

Hard

Scar

Untitled

Sunburn

Bad Day

Landslide

Down

Empty Spaces

Prove - Dazed & Confused Jam

Encore:

Bittersweet

Don’t Say I

Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover) (Mark Klotz on vocals)

Hemorrhage (in My Hands)

With this new lineup, and what the new cd says about Fuel, is to not discount them out of the current music scene, because they are back with a vengeance!

I look forward to hearing more music from Carl Bell and the boys, and seeing future concerts as well!

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Model JOSI KAT

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Cherie CURRIE

by Rhonda Jean Vanbuskirk

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Freaky VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS

By Johnny T

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Show us what you’ve got!

Show us what you’ve got! If you would like to contribute to an upcoming issue of Steel Notes Magazine, reach out & let us know!

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Poetry Corner

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Punk Rock Bi-Lingual POETRY Romance!

Romànce!

By Yvonne Sotomayor

By Yvonne Sotomayor

Love-locked and clenched Beyond my heart’s desire Ensnared in the rapture Unwinding trail True are the colors In despair’s eye Entranced and loving I am held within you Each a separate corner Retreating and waiting Recoiling and flying across Bursting at the seams What now seems forever Is but a moment in time Darkness wanders the sky Thinking thoughts unsaid Where are we going?

A vision in green I see you now Gentle kind and sweet The roman of my dreams Piercing cuts through me Bleeding heartache and love Arms and legs abound Twisting juncture at the core Meeting always Dusty trails behind Smiles and tongues at the ready Give and take the rocking beat A lullaby of two opposed But always won

Amor bloqueado y apretado Mas alla del deseo de mi Corazon Atrapado en el gozo Camino desenrollando Colores verdaderos En el ojo del desespero Cautivada y amorosa Estoy dentro de ti Cada uno en su esquina Retrocediendo y esperando Reculandonos y disparando p’al otro lado Reventando la costuras Lo que ahora parece siempre Es solo un momento temporal La oscuridsd vaga por el cielo Pensando pensamientos no mencionados A donde vamos?

Una aparicion en verde Te veo ahora Tierno, benevolo, y amable El romano de mis suenos Cortes penetrantes me traspasan Angustia sangrante y amor Piernas y brazos abundan Coyuntura revuelta en el nucleo Encontrandonos siempre Sendero polvoroso detras Sonrisas y lenguas listas Toman y dan el ritmo rockero El arrulo de los dos opuestos Pero siempre unidos

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On Love

Sobre el Amor

By Yvonne Sotomayor

By Yvonne Sotomayor

Love is willful And compassionate and raw Love is confusing and meddling Irritating and treacherous It makes you cry when you have it and cry when you don’t It hurts it expects it rips apart the pieces of your brain because there is no sense It makes you insane with joy and fear And pushes you to do things you’ve never dreamed of doing or saying-good and bad But…..

When you have it When you truly have Love It is boundless, tameless energy It doesn’t consume you It propels you to a better life A fuller sense of you A tenderness you have never seen Patience and care for every fiber that is you An understanding calm that soothes you to your core It brings you comfort when you don’t even realize you need it It is company when you’re lonely And space when you’re beside yourself Love is a warm blanket spread across you, A story told at 3am, a humidifier filled up for you, A joke text sent in the middle of the day, a look, a touch Love is all

El amor es voluntario Y compasivo y crudo El amor es confuso y entrometido Irritante y traicionero Te hace llorar cuando lo tienes y llorar cuando no lo tienes Duele, espera, desgarra los pedazos de tu cerebro porque no tiene sentido.

Te vuelve loco de alegría y miedo Y te empuja a hacer cosas que nunca soñaste hacer o decir, buenas y malas.

Pero….. cuando lo tengas Cuando verdaderamente tienes amor Es energía ilimitada e indómita. no te consume Te impulsa a una vida mejor Un sentido más completo de ti Una ternura que nunca has visto Paciencia y cuidado por cada fibra que seas tu Una calma comprensiva que te alivia hasta la médula.

Te brinda consuelo cuando ni siquiera te das cuenta de que lo necesitas Es compañía cuando estás solo.

Y el espacio cuando estás fuera de ti El amor es un cálido manto extendido sobre ti, Una historia contada a las 3 am, un humidificador lleno para ti, Un texto de broma enviado en medio del día, una mirada, un toque.

El amor es todo

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Hi, I’m Dave…

I am a photographer, musician, and a former recording studio owner & engineer here in Australia. I enjoy cycling and running to maintain some level of fitness and peace of mind. I have been shooting photos and playing some sort of musical instrument since I was about eight years old. My main instrument has been bass guitar for most of my life, and I love it! I always dreamed of being on a world tour with a band, rocking with thousands of fans every night and documenting the whole journey in photos.

Despite my efforts, my rock star dream is still pending. Meanwhile I am here to meet your imaging needs.

If it’s fine prints to hang in your home or office space, or photos of your staff & business space for your website, I am here to help.

Do you own a rental property or AirBnB? Do your current photos show it well? Musicians! Need promo or live gig photos? If I can’t be on the stage playing bass, I want to be near it capturing images of you. What can I shoot for you today? https://www.facebook.com/DaveBaunPhotography https://davebaunphotography.com.au

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MY DARK VALENTINE IT’S BEEN 3 YEARS SINCE WE FIRST MET WHAT SEEMED BRIGHT WITH PROMISE QUICKLY TURNED INTO REGRET

AND I DID SHATTER BUT TO YOU IT DIDN’T REALLY MATTER YOUR CONSTANT TWISTED TALE OF LIES CUT LIKE A KNIFE SO IT’S NO SURPRISE

I FOUND THE DRIED ROSES THAT YOU GAVE ME I THOUGHT IT WAS A SIGN OF WHAT OUR FUTURE WOULD BE BUT THAT WAS BACK WHEN I THOUGHT IT WAS LOVE LOOKING LIKE A SIGN FROM ABOVE BUT INSTEAD THE THORNS DRIPPED WITH MY BLOOD

THE WORDS YOU SPOKE I CANNOT ERASE RESPONSIBILITY YOU CANNOT FACE YOU WON’T STOP UNTIL YOU HAVE YOUR WAY BUT I CAN’T DEAL WITH THIS ANOTHER DAY

I LOOKED AT THE CARDS THAT YOU SENT ME THEY WERE BLANK INSIDE I SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE WARNING OF THE HORROR YOU HAD TO HIDE

STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO RUN MY LIFE YOU SAY IT’S TOO HOT IN HERE SO GO BACK TO YOUR WIFE!

IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNEW NOW I WOULD CHANGE THE COURSE OF OUR HISTORY SOMEHOW BECAUSE YOU CHANGED ME IN SO MANY WAYS AND CURSED ME WITH THE DARKEST DAYS NOTHING EVER CHANGES NOTHING EVER WILL I’VE BEEN GOING IN CIRCLES FOR FAR TOO LONG AND I CAN’T MAKE TIME STAND STILL I CAN’T BRING IT BACK TO BETTER TIMES THEY ARE JUST DISTANT MEMORIES IN MY MIND I THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS GOING TO LAST BUT INSTEAD I HAD TO RUN AWAY FAST CAN’T DEAL WITH THE JEKYLL AND WITH THE HYDE AND THE EVIL THAT LURKS ON THE OTHER SIDE HATEFUL, VENGEFUL, JEALOUSY YOU COULD NEVER SEE THE GOOD IN ME YOU WANT TO HURT AND GIVE ME PAIN COS YOU SAY IT’S LOVE TO GO INSANE YOU BROKE ME LIKE GLASS

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I FEEL IT

By Angela Graham

Gazing into Your deep brown eyes And hearing Your exquisite sighs I know you want me I feel it Place your strong hands Around my waist Pull me into A sweet embrace Then, feel my breath Upon your face Trace your fingers Along my spine Unite with me And forever, be mine I know you want me I feel it

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DO YOU REMEMBER

I Was There

In I3th Century time We lovers, holding hands Walked the castle walls You taught me bow and arrow I watch you jousting You fell from your horse And never awoke That day, my soul died

“Teach me” he said His American voice A purr...

My lover’s words soothing I pulled at the buttons On his shirt Removed his denim jeans And laid him bare

Do you remember…

In 16th Century time Our souls reunited You taught me to sword fight I was your wife; we lay entwined...

Together, on a four poster bed As you held me tight You kissed my eyes, and I slept

He lay in my arms Staring at the chandelier The tip of my tongue Tracing the nape Of his neck My magic fingers Stroking his inner thighs Exotic, his sighs-erotic

At dawn, I awoke To the sound of clinking armour As you dressed, I pressed myself Into your cold metal chest, and wept My lover, my husband, my Knight

How I longed For his touch...

His pale hands Caressing my breasts His manhood, throbbing Against my skin

Mounting your horse Sun reflecting, on your armour Dazzled, I watch you ride away Over the hills, into battle You never, came back That day, again my soul died As Centuries pass Forever, I am searching Visiting new places Looking at faces Longing only, to be reunited With you, my love I, now trapped in 20th Century time Guided to a foreign land Where I met with a man When he held my hands Looking into his eyes I felt within him – you I am asking, show me...

Is it you…

In his bed with passion We loved Smothering kisses On lips and limbs My strong hands, felt him Into him, I melted I watch him, as he sleeps Love yearning Lust burning Gently blowing On his face, he awakes...

And it all begins Again and again I was there...

Angela Graham ‘Ramblings of a Yorkshire Lass ‘

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Valentine’s Day IN NYC

Valentine’s Day in NYC by Victor Colicchio

By Victor Colicchio

Hey guys if you think of taking your loved one out to a noisy restaurant o Hey guys if you think of taking your loved one out to a noisy restaurant on Valentines Day learn to cook. More intimacy and you can actually talk to each other (no cell phones allowed).

to cook. More intimacy and you can actually talk to each other (no cell ph Dress for the occasion & don't forget flowers. Put on some soft music & dance...look her in the eye and let her know how beautiful she is & how much you love & adore her.

Dress for the occasion & don't forget flowers. Put on some soft music &

eye and let her know how beautiful she is & how much you love & adore And celebrate on Saturday night instead of Monday, and she might let you and your dumb drinking buddies watch the Super Bowl on Sunday.

And celebrate on Saturday night instead of Monday, and she might let y drinking buddied watch the Super Bowl on Sunday.

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The colors of my soul Sing a cheerful melody As I face the challenges love will bring And the changes I'll behold -Kenny Gilchrist

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10 Happy Things for me this month: Walking the dog Smelling the crisp air Super Bowl Sunday Cozy pajamas Truffles Fire in the fireplace Conversations with Mom

Long soak in the tub Cuddling Laughter with friends

To commission Gail for work or to purchase this painting or others she has, please contact her at forwardthrust@yahoo.com Website coming soon: ColorDimensionsbyGG.com

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Young, LOVE

Dex Shellhammer, vocalist for band, Ash Asylum, and his wife- Artist Katie Shellhammer

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Thank You for Your Support Let’s make 2022 our best year yet.

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THE ROBBER

By Rex Maurice Oppenheimer

He hunched against the woman and pushed the gun hard into her stomach. Her purse already hung over his shoulder, but he was digging in her coat pockets, looking for more. Her body, tense with fear, twisting away from his sweaty face, her mouth open, gasping quick, shallow breaths, her eyes frozen wide with terror.

Maybe we could have jumped him. But one move and he would pull the trigger. Yeah, we might get him, but the old woman would certainly be dead, and maybe he’d kill us all. We’re not tough guys.

He kept thrusting his hand into her pockets. The air was so thick with dread it stuck to our skin. There was no place to hide. Everybody was trapped. We dodged his darting, rat-like eyes and stole cowardly glances; praying we wouldn’t catch his attention.

It was while avoiding his glances, and as my own eyes moved across faces and things, channel surfing for another reality, that my gaze caught on his sneakers.

I found myself staring at the angle of his feet on the floor. They were at about a 45-degree angle, his weight leaning to one side.

I remembered this morning seeing my 11-year-old son standing in the exact same position, and I also remembered that it had triggered a strange succession of thoughts, which had given me a quirky feeling. I had been overcome with the sense that he was an independent human being. That he would have to make his own choices in the world, and I was fearful for his happiness and safety.

Now, when I stood looking at this brute’s sneakers, although his feet were at this angle because he was rifling the old lady’s pockets, his stance somehow seemed vulnerable. Tentative.

Innocent. His feet quivered with a restless fear that made me think of a little boy, with an inherent and underlying sweetness. For a moment, I was struck with the incongruent thought that this man ready to kill and terrorizing everyone in the store, contains goodness.

Human beings are capable of the utmost horror.

Infants have been pried from their mothers’ arms and had bayonets thrust through their tiny, unformed bodies. Children are molested; fathers rape their daughters, and even kids can be cruel to each other.

It must be naive to think we are all good, that only circumstances lead us astray.

We have free choice. We can choose good or bad, God or the Devil. Life begins or ends, worlds emerge or explode, in a moment, one breath, one choice.

Looking at this criminal’s sneakers, I thought of my little son. Of how I want to help him make the right choices to be able to fulfill his dreams. How I want him to feel satisfied and happy, to glow in the safety of love.

I don’t know why, at that moment, my eye traveled from the Robber’s shoes to the hand that held the gun.

He was digging into the woman’s pocket so feverishly, thinking because of her expensive clothes and jewelry, there must be something more, that in his sweaty nervousness, his finger was no longer on the trigger. He was holding the big gun like a little boy might, all five fingers clasped tightly around the handle.

Before another thought could come into my mind, I jumped him. Without his finger on the trigger, he couldn’t get a shot off fast enough. I tore the old woman free from his grasp and grabbed the gun, my hands snapping shut with the force of an alligator’s jaw.

He was bigger and stronger than I am, and he ripped the gun loose from my grip. I saw his finger find the trigger and the barrel level with my eyes. I jerked my head to the side. The deafening blast unwound like a slow-motion roar. As I screamed, I could sense my arm swinging out like an iron bar, striking his hand, and knocking the pistol flying from his grip.

Like an angry ape, he flung me across the room. My hand shot out for the dirty, black pistol lying there on the floor. I was in a storm. Atmospheric pressure closed in on me. I heard thunder, inside me, all around me.

My heart was pounding like a jackhammer. My tongue tasted like metal. Breath caught in my throat.

Then, I felt as if I’d just sat up, startled from sleep; a dream disappearing like a bird in the corner of the sky.

I heard cheers. Shouts of happiness filled the store.

Hands clasped me, patting me on the back. I heard people saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Skinny, old Jim told Frank, “He shot the bastard nine times. Emptied the gun into him.”

I was looking at a pair of sneakers. They were very still.

Nothing more than canvas and rubber.

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Tia Marie Williams EMOTIONAL ARTIST

Tiamarie Williams is a visual artist of many faces. Her work can be found on Snap Chat, Tik Tok and Facebook.

She is a published Curvy model with Model Mayhem, as well as Steel Notes Magazine, and has many other talents as well.

Besides her modeling, she is a photographer, web and graphic designer, a clothing and jewelry designer. Recently, she has broadened her horizons as a lyrical writer and vocalist as well!

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CD REVIEWS 166

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SUPERKREME

By Jim Allford

SUPERKREME is a 4 piece band that hails from Cleveland, Ohio. I expected this band to make ‘superstar static’, but it never happened. The band members are: MATT SOBOL-Guitar, vocals; SUSAN RASCH [RIP]-Guitars, vocals; PAUL LEWIS-Bass and JEFF HARMON-Drums.

Their amazing pop abilities are compared to R.E.M., Pavement and Velvet Crush, but still maintaining a favor of their own. This 1998 12 song CD was produced by Mitch Easter.

This CD kicks off with a song titled, ‘I’LL BE AROUND’ which has a ‘raw tone’ to the song. The band is tight as ever with it’s melodic pop beat and their high energy throughout the song.

MARY JANE highlights Susan’s vocals and she shines from the very first note. Females will definitely relate to this song as she tells the story about being a ‘plain jane’, but wants to become a top model in the magazines.

LETTERS GOING NOWHERE has all the hooks in the book and melody that is strong as ever. Listen very close to the lyrics and there’s a very good chance you can relate to them. This song should have been on the TOP 10 Billboard list.

NIAGARA reminds me a bit of The Cranberries with Susan’s strong vocals, which also includes Matt’s harmonies.

This song has a very punkish flavor to it. BLUE MAN has a funky, choppy, backbeat that you’ll be swaying to each beat as the song goes on Once again, the pure rawness of the band shines through.

LONG ROAD GRAVITY brings this amazing CD to end with the sadness that the band does not exist anymore.You can find the band at: AllMusic, www.susanraushfund.com, Amazon Music, Alibris and Pinterest.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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THE CELLARBIRDS

By Jim Allford

THE CELLARBIRDS should be a familiar name to you. The band hails from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area and is quite well known. The band members are: BRET ALEXANDER-Guitar, vocals; PAUL SMITH-Bass and RON SIMASEK-Drums.

Do their names ring a bell? They are three members of The Badlees. This 2001 10-song Cd was Produced. Recorded and Mastered by Bret Alexander and Paul Smith and Mixed by Dave Goodermuth.

This CD has been way underlooked for years and a lot of attention and listening. PERFECT SMILE has a great melody as you can hear a moog synth and e-bow as the 12 string guitar is strumming away hard.

HAPPY HOME is one of those hit or miss songs with distorted guitars blasting and a sweet wah wah pedal going.

This song has everything thrown at you: anger, revenge and the list goes on.

OPEN ENDED has a great Tom Petty guitar riff and the song tells you about the highs and lows in life and just a matter of getting through them all, one way or another.

TIME FOR PRIDE has a loud and proud guitar riff that reminds me a lot of The Raspberries plus a sweet synth riff that you’ll fall in love with. This song is as sharp as things can get.

YOU ANNOY ME brings this very underrated CD to an end. The song has a punkish favor with a melody that will remind you of The Replacements. The CD is filled with everything and is flawless and in your face from every direction. Also, I would like to mention some of these songs were co-written by Mike Naydock with Bret Alexander.

THIS CD is a MUST TO HAVE. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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THE JELLYBRICKS

By Jim Allford

THE JELLYBRICKS is one amazing pop rock band that hails from Harrisburg, Pa. The band has recently signed with Wicked Cool Records that, also, has signed Michael Des Barres, The Mistakes, Kurt Baker Combo and quite a few other artists and bands.

SOAP OPERA was released in 1999 on Rite Off Records and was their first release.The band members are: LARRY KENNEDYGuitar,vocals; BRYCE CONNOR-Guitar, vocals; GARRICK CHOW-Bass, vocals and TOM KRISTICH-Drums, vocals.

This 14 song CD was Produced by Dale M. Epperson and The Jellybricks.Also, I’d like to mention the band has been together 26 years and that says quite a lot for the band. SPEECHLESS is quite a clever rock song that has a great intro as they rock away with all their heart and soul. Crank it up and enjoy the ride.

BITTERSWEET DAY reminds me a bit of XTC meets Crowded House and they is quite a excellent combination for a U.S. band. MITE takes a whole different level for the band. This song is quite raunchy and raw, which is so, so sweet.

STUPID ONE is like listening to a Joe Jackson song which will have you singing along, loud and proud.Check this one out. MY FAVORITE FEAR is quite superb as the harmonies are a real gem in this song. This song, definitely, has a great punkish feel.

PREREQUISITE ROCKER is great with a amazing guitar riff throughout the song. Crank this one and rock out, because this song with in your head for days. ONLY SMILE brings this amazing CD to end. A sweet, short ditty is as sweet as ever. You can find the band at: www.jellybricks.com, You Tube, Facebook, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, iHeart, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Amazon Music and Soundvapors.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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WONDERLUST

By Jim Allford

WONDERLUST should not be confused with the band, Wanderlust, from Philly. Wonderlust hails from Athens/Atlanta, Georgia. The 3 piece band is KEN WILL MORTON:Guitars, Lead and backing vocals, keyboards, kalimbo:DAVE STIFF: Bass; KEVIN WARFORD: Drums, percussion and backing vocals.

This 13 song 1999 CD was Produced by Greg Gentry and Wonderlust and Mixed by Greg Gentry and Mastered by Rodney Mills. If you love Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, this band is for YOU. STABBING kicks off this CD in a mellow, dirty sound of an acoustic guitar and gnarly vocals and BAM, you get slapped in the face with the greatest melody that will stay with you for a long, long time.

A GREAT RELEASE is the epitome of the heart and soul of this band that will have you wanting so much more. Their lyrics and melodies are as clever as ever. SOAPBOX is laid back as the vocals have a sound of torture and defiant.This song will reach down into your soul and have you wondering where it comes from.Turn it up loud.

WORLD COLLIDE is amazing as everything in the song is Nivana down to ‘T’ .You could swear it’s Kurt Cobain, himself, singing this song. You’ll get the chills and feel all the hurt and pain just seeping out in the song.

CRYSTAL CLEAR is a true pop rock song with every hook in the books. You have to give this one a listen. HARBINGER ends this amazing band’s CD and the song is quite long. Once you have a taste of this band, you’ll, definitely, want more. The band was very short lived and broke up as they were asked to play on the Van Warped Tour. You can find the members on Facebook. Also, beware of other bands with the same name. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Dave Stiff for being in touch.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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SUPERGIANT MD

By Jim Allford

SUPERGIANT MD is a 4 piece punk band that hails from Baltimore, Maryland. The band members that played on 2001 CD are: BRYAN-Guitars, vocals; JOE T-Guitars, vocals; CHAD-Bass and Travis-Drums.

If you happen to be a big fan of Green Day or Simple Plan, this band is for you. I saw the band play live in a ‘basement’ in Harrisburg during the MMC and I was impressed with their energy and stage presence.

This 12 song CD is Produced, Mixed, Mastered by Nick Rotundo and Supergiant MD. SHOWOFF kicks off this CD and they are in your face from the very first note. Turn this song up loud for full effects.

Wake up the neighbors, too!

AT THE MOVIES is quite different and you’ll be wondering if it’s the same the band as the intro will throw you off a bit.

Once ‘you feel it’, you’ll get into it.

IN STEREO has quite a nice intro and then they pick up the pace and are in your face once again. Close your eyes and just imagine you are there watching them play. You’ll live every minute of it.

THE WAY IT USE TO BE reminds me a bit of The Replacements with their nice acoustic playing in this song. This one will stay in your head for days.

RANDOM METAL GUY is a fast tempo song which will rock your socks off with some great lyrics to boot.

UNDER brings this rockin’ CD to an end and you’ll be wanting to hear more.This band is, definitely, worth checking out.

You can find them on: Facebook, Interpunk, Discogs, Apple Music, Last.fm, Joe Teague Music, Bandcamp and Spotify.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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Tour De PALM SPRINGS

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A Tribute to DON ATERS

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By Alexxis Steele

Sometime in 2017 I was introduced to the work of legendary photojournalist Don Aters. Don spent alot of time shooting photos of the Woodstock era , among many other great artists over the years, and was revered by his peers.

In 2018 through a mutual associate in the industry, I organized an interview and show of the work of this legendary photojournalist, at the Sheraton Jetport Hotel in Allentown.

From that one show on September 21st, 2018, started a long business relationship and friendship. Don started contributing to our magazine by sending me various narratives and photos from shows he attended, and was always a pleasure to work with. Don was well known in the industry , as his work speaks for itself.

He has photographed the worlds most prestigious entertainers in the field, from John Lennon and Paul McCartney, to Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, and Janis Joplin to name a few.

Just recently Don had submitted a narrative and photos for Bonnaroo 2022, his final review and photos, which will be in our upcoming 8th Anniversary magazine issue.

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Shortly before he passed away, he sent me a few text messages that had just photos in them, and I meant to call to ask him where he wanted them to go, but I was too late.

I was on Facebook when a saw a post by Grateful Dead keyboardist “TC”, Tom Constanten, who Don introduced me to so I could do an interview with him for my IHeartRadio show called Music 101 With Alexxis Steele.

I had to look at it a few times before reality set in, and I called TC to confirm his passing and find out the details.

I was very shocked and saddened by the loss of this very talented photojournalist, whom I had the pleasure of calling friend.

The world has lost a very special man, and a well revered photographer by his peers. I will miss the emails and messages about the shows and narratives Don wanted to do for the magazine. but most of all I will miss the telephone calls and hearing the voice of my friend, Don Aters. RIP

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