Thursday, July 31, 2014

Traci Lords Is A Punk Rocker

Look! It's Traci Lords
Hey readers guess who stopped by recently? That's correct peeps, friend and favorite on "Entertain Me" Ms. Traci Lords is in the house!

The Ramones fan stopped by to discuss her latest project The Ramones Go To Heaven on FOD, that's Funny or Die for the uninitiated. There are also several other things that she is up to, or that crossed her mind during the course of our one on one that just might surprise you, or perhaps not.

When the two of us get together it's anything but boring...

Shall we get this party started with a big Gabba, Gabba, Hey?! Yep, I thought so, here she is the girl with the most cake, Traci Lords!

TL: Oh my God Honey, I'm sorry I was late.

MS: That's OK sometimes people space out, I know I do. (laughs)

TL: Yeah, I don't know if it's old age, distraction, or what it is (laughs)

MS: So what have you been up to besides your recent video on Funny or Die

TL: What have I been up to besides the video? I am in the process of writing my next book. 

MS: Dish. What's it called? What's it going to be about?

TL: Um, I don't have a title yet. I'm not going to tell you anything about it, it will be a surprise. (laughs) I want to keep it under my hat for a moment.

MS: Well that's most likely one of the reasons you are distracted. When you write, time does not exist.

TL: You can appreciate that. Once you sit in that chair, I don't think a lot of people really understand that writing is really a physical act. You have to put your ass in the chair and write.

MS: And you let your brain flow, doesn't it surprise you what pops out on the written page?

TL: Oh yeah, and sometime it surprises me the way I feel about things. I mean, I know that I feel that way about them, but then I read back what I've written and I'm like, wow, that's kind of intense. 
The Ramones Go To Heaven

MS: So my dear how did The Ramones Go To Heaven video for Funny or Die with Dave Foley come about?

TL: Actually it came directly from Funny or Die - and I wondered, because I had Tweeted about Tommy Ramones death a little bit, when I heard that he had passed away it was a moment like: Wow! they are all gone. There was that time I thought it was so strange that they are all not on this earth. It made me think about life. That as you carry on with it, if you are lucky enough to, that you see people go before you, people that you know. I don't know if you have ever lost somebody that you are close to, somebody that you know? It makes you think about your own mortality. 

MS: Oh Yes.

TL: Maybe it's why it's that uh, huh moment. It made me think of the Limelight and how The Ramones were always there. More than anything I think it marked a certain time in my life, and that was a really fun time, but life goes on and things change and now it's completely different. I don't long for the past, but I love the memories. 

MS: I get it, I don't long for my past either, trust me not in a million years, but you do have those memories that are always going to be good. The Ramones were a good memory for a lot of people.

TL: Did you know I sang back-up on their song Somebody To Love

MS: No I didn't, was that the cover of the Jefferson Airplane song? 

TL: Yes, that's the one!

MS: What was your first exposure to The Ramones

TL: My first exposure to them was probably, oh, the late 70's.  

MS: Was it  Rock N Roll High School ?

TL: It was Rock N Roll High School - I had never heard anything like it before and I was like: What is that?! We have this whole history together, Gary Kurfirst who was their first manager and is no longer on this planet signed me to do my first album 1,000 Fires, I was influenced by the artists he represented like The Ramones &  Debbie Harry and then to go into this world of dance music...
My Name Is Traci, I'll Be Your Mistress Tonight

MS: Your dance music was always edgy it was not typical.

TL: And I can hear it in my first single from the album, Control it was a heavy metal riff that inspired that song. It wasn't fluffy or bubblegum at all.

MS: That's why I gravitated toward your dance album, I like my music edgy.

TL: Oh thank you honey.

MS: By the way, I  think your work in the film Excision was as good as anything I have ever seen nominated for an Oscar.

TL: I appreciate that. I have to tell you I am very proud of that film. In my opinion that is some of the best work I have ever done. That and my stuff on the Profiler was really good. It's such a shame that the stuff that I have done that is really good, nobody's seen. (laughs)

MS: Although I told you this a while ago I was rehearsing a play at the time, I came home and turned on the TV and Profiler was airing. I saw this great actress in a guest starring role and I could not place her, yet she was familiar, you did have a black wig on, then it registered it was you!

TL: You were like, ah ha! (laughs)

MS: Name your favorite Ramones song.

TL: I don't know if I have a favorite.

MS: That's fair.

TL: Although I don't know that I have a favorite Ramones song, but the theme song I had for my time in the 1980's was I Wanna Be Sedated.

MS: I'm partial to Sheena is a Punk Rocker.

TL: I love that one too. I mean who didn't want to be Sheena?!

MS: I know I did! (laughs)

TL: I did too! (laughs) I would have fought you for it! (laughs)
Cry-Baby/Johnny Ramone Tribute Screening
L-R: Joe Dallesandro, Traci Lords, John Waters, Johnny Depp, Ricki Lake
MS: Let me throw a quote at you that I would like some clarity on, when the Cry - Baby reunion/Johnny Ramone Tribute screening came up at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery this quote was attributed to you about the incarcerated actress Amy Locane who was in the film: "Amy Locane, the female lead, was 17 -- she wanted to get out of high school. Now she's in prison." This seems out of character for you, was it taken out of context?

TL: You know it's funny. The way it came across in print I was not happy with,  I truly wasn't trying to be insulting to Amy Locane - what happened with her could have happened with anybody. Thank God that has not been my journey in life. I think where the quote came from is I said everyone on the set was trying to escape from something. She was only seventeen when she did that movie and she did a fantastic job! I was not trying to disrespect her.

MS: I didn't think you were, but I wanted to give you the chance to clarify your intentions for those who might have. 

TL: Oh good, when I read it it made me cringe because I though it made me come off a little bitchy. 

MS: Well since you had a certain stigma attached to you at the time...

TL: Yeah, there is that stigma, I can't believe how much I have pulled off! Hollywood has been an amazing playground for me, I've gotten to do some amazing things. I am amazed and grateful for every opportunity I have had. Wow! What a ride! I'm just now moving into the next phase of my career and my life.  I'm moving into producing & directing. I will have the opportunity to act or not act in my projects, to make music for them or not, it's a whole new world for me and I am excited about being a female filmmaker! The possibilities are absolutely endless, I am happy about that.

MS: So shall we call it Traci, what number are we at? 3.0 I am guessing?

TL: (laughs) I think that's where I am, it might be more.

MS: What is the greatest role you have ever played?

TL: It's not one that's been filmed. I have this amazing child, my favorite role is being a Mom. It's the most juicy, satisfying character I have ever played! 

Go "Punk" with Traci at:
https://www.facebook.com/tracilords
https://twitter.com/thetracilords
http://www.tracilords.com/ 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

"Lucy" In The Sky With Diamonds


"Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly, A girl with kaleidoscope eyes" - Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, The Beatles 

These lyrics from the classic Beatles song, sum up Luc Besson's gonzo film Lucy.

Besson never met a genre he didn't want to deconstruct and he has really gone all the way with this Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Action/Acid Trip hybrid.

Based on the myth that most human beings use only 10% of their brains, the title character portrayed by one Scarlett Johansson becomes a forced drug mule for some mobsters in Taiwan.

Without giving too much away, once the drugs are implanted in her they somehow leak into her system, then she starts developing superhuman powers and intellect. It sucks being the smartest one in the room, doesn't it?

Besson has always been a favorite Director of mine, out of his many films my personal favorite was The Fifth Element with La Femme Nakita a close second. 

Add one of my favorite actresses Ms. Johansson, who can bring gravity to the most outrageous of premises to the mix and now I have another favorite Luc Besson creation.

With a dash of Morgan Freeman's soothing presence as what essentially is the narrator of this opus...what more could you want?

This was the most fun I have had at the movies in a long time! It made me think, the action sequences were exciting and hey I got to take an acid trip without doing the actual drug!

Consider this writer blown away!

Keep pace with Lucy at: http://www.lucymovie.com/

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Miley Cyrus Weekend Wrap Up

Pharrell: No Twerking Allowed Miley
For those of you who follow her, Miley Cyrus never slows down and continues to make entertainment news week after week.

This week I pulled out my two favorite Miley tidbits - since yeah I am a fan...

Let's start with the coolest bit first and then give the runner-up it's due. The coolest? Her video for the song she collaborated on with Happy hit maker Pharrell Williams Come Get It Bae a fun, tasteful video and song that really does make you want to get up and dance!

So glad she toned it down, her talent as a vocalist and performer really come on strong in this.

Yay! Pharrell Williams, for utilizing her abilities quite astutely.

Miley & Floyd: Puppy Love
On a lovely note she also hired a psychic to contact her beloved dog who died Floyd. This item is from the heart and really shows you what a sweet young woman Ms. Cyrus truly is....

Hey Miley, I hope you make contact with Floyd, I honestly mean it.

                                                                    Come Get It Bae

Miley at: https://www.facebook.com/MileyCyrus

Pharrell Williams at: http://pharrellwilliams.com/

Friday, July 25, 2014

Are You Good Monsters Or, "Hollywood Monsters" ?


King Kong, Godzilla, King Kong, Godzilla...My Sister, My Daughter...


AVAILABLE NOW FROM MVD ENTERTAINMENT GROUP 
Hollywood Monsters - Big Trouble

Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, grab Hollywood Monsters by the toe...

Featuring Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus - on bass), Don Airey (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Michael Schenker - on keyboards), and Vinnie Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath - on drums)

Hollywood Monsters are the brainchild of vocalist, guitarist, composer, Stephane Honde, a French expatriate, who after living in Los Angeles since 2012, recently moved to Sacramento, California) Honde first became noticed when fronting Mamooth, subsequently garnering a well-deserved reputation as a guitar virtuoso when playing in Cafe Bertrand, a French rock group he joined in 2004. The band toured, playing humongous stadiums such as the Stade de France, with an audience capacity in excess of 80.000 - performing with classic rock giants such as AC/DC and Deep Purple, the latter for whom they opened on thirty-six dates across Europe in November 2006, and another 12 in March of 2007.

Honde recorded two albums with Cafe Bertrand - both critically acclaimed and commercially successful - "Les Airs Empruntes" (2005) and "L'Art Delicat du Rock'N'Roll" (2008), before leaving the band in 2011. Honde then embarked on a length tour with Paul Di'Anno, oriignal voaclist with Iron Maiden before absconding to California. Once in Los Angeles Stephane Honde befriended Tim Bogert, coaxed him out of retirment and convinced Bogert to play on his debut album...and voila, the Hollywood Monsters were born.

Stephane Honde recently signed an agreement with Mausoleum Records for the release of the debut album entitled "Big Trouble" by his new band: Hollywood Monsters. The talented Hollywood Monsters line-up on "Big Trouble," besides Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus) - on bass, additionally welcomes the performances of some more of Stephane's talented pals, including: Don Airey (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Michael Schenker and dozens more - on keyboards), and Vinnie Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath - on drums), the latter for whom Stephane had written the song "Village Of The Damned" as an hommage...before ever meeting Vinnie!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Fifty Shades Of Grey - Trailer


OK, here comes something I feel obligated to post as it is all the Internet rage right now the first official trailer for the movie based on the wildly popular E.L. James domination epic Fifty Shades of Grey.

Hey sex sells and this will increase traffic to my blog so here goes my two cents worth on it, OK it's more like fifty cents worth.

First of all my only familiarity with the novel is it's own notoriety, I have not read it, nor could I pick out author E.L. James in a line up.

That being stated, I found the trailer interesting, although the dialogue is rather stilted, but I am a big proponent of supporting films that explore sexuality in an interesting, adult, erotic and sexy manner.

Having just made that statement that is territory best left to independent filmmakers, the last time any Hollywood studio made good films regarding sexuality in an adult and frank manner was, a quite golden age of cinema to me, the 1970's.

Also an interesting fact, when I heard the unique version of Beyonce's Crazy In Love adding ambiance to the trailer I assumed Universal paid someone to cover it so they would not have to pay through the nose to license it. Only to find out not only did they license the song, they paid Queen B to re-record the vocals in a lusty manner herself.

Uh, Wow! That's a big vote of confidence, they are really marketing this film like a summer blockbuster sure to add some sort of something extra to your Valentine's Day 2015.

Universal did smartly choose two little know TV actors Dakota Johnson from Ben and Kate as submissive Anastasia Steele and Jamie Dornan from Once Upon A Time as dominant Christian Grey. Therefore they come into the movie with no baggage of an already preconceived notion of who they are to the world at large.

Rumor has it that Universal has an R and NC-17 version of the film they are going to release. The trailer does intrigue me enough to rate it an "I'm curious to see it" on my need to see meter.

But should I actually make the effort to go remains to be seen and if I do, it will be the NC-17 version all the way!


Go "Grey" at: http://www.fiftyshadesmovie.com/

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Called Out! Rachel McAdams Is A Class Act


Keeping It Real: Rachel McAdams

Although they have had wildly different careers - Rachel McAdams proves what I have always suspected about her, she is a class act.

When the subject of her Mean Girls co-star, Lindsay Lohan came up in a recent chat she spills that she was in fact "in awe" of her.

Ms. McAdams told Allure Magazine  for their August issue that she was impressed by Lohan's natural ability. "I looked at her as this experienced actor, and she had great comedic timing, so natural. It's just funny to hear that because you never know what people are thinking. We all try to act like we've got it together."

As far as her own career? McAdams is looking forward to a roller coaster ride. "I'm hoping it's going to be complicated and have lots of dead ends and corners and sharp turns. I hope it can't be summed up too easily when I'm done."

Love it! Thanks Rachel when asked about working with someone you kept it real and didn't dish. You also let everyone know that nobody's ride is smooth in the world of show biz no matter what public perception is...Signed, A Fan For Life!

Rachel on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Le Jazz Hot: James Garner

James Garner 
I know James Garner was known as Bret Maverick on the hit TV show Maverick long before he was known as Jim Rockford on the even bigger hit, The Rockford Files, but that is the show I know him from as a youngster.

Yes, James Garner was the epitome of cool, classy, handsome and sexy, he also made acting look downright effortless, which means he was great at it!

I can see why my Mom had a crush on this guy , he was a man's man who could also charm the pants off of any woman.

Among the many things he did other than The Rockford Files, the other personal stand out for me, although there are many great performances from this guys, guy - was his turn as King Marchand in Victor/Victoria.

James Garner & Julie Andrews: Victor/Victoria 
James was simply the best as the sexually confused gangster in this wonderful commentary on what makes a man or a woman in society. It is one of the late great Director Blake Edwards best!

The story stars Julie Andrews alongside Garner as: A woman, pretending to be a man, pretending to be a woman...say that three times fast.

He was always a class act and kept it real among all of the Hollywood glitz & BS.

R.I.P. Mr. James Garner and thanks for a lot of amazing memories. 

James Garner on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001258/?ref_=tt_cl_t2

Monday, July 21, 2014

Dolly Parton, There's Gold In Those Hills

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Dolly

Dolly Parton Strikes Gold With Blue Smoke – The Best Of 

Parton Earns Precious Metal with 'Better Day'


Dolly just keeps getting better with age and proves there is still plenty of gold in those hills...!

 
Dolly Parton earns, yet, another sales award as her 42nd studio album, Blue SmokeThe Best Of, has been certified Gold by the BPI and remains #3 on the official UK chart in its sixth week of release.

“Dolly could not be any happier,” says Dolly’s manager Danny Nozell, CEO CTK Management.  “She has worked very hard over the past several years to create the momentum that we have going.  Everyone at Dolly Records and Sony Music has done an outstanding job with making Dolly’s new music available and the sales prove it.”

Blue Smoke – The Best Of, includes her latest studio album Blue Smoke featuring "Home", "Blue Smoke" and new duet with long- time collaborator and friend Kenny Rogers and even a Bon Jovi cover!  Alongside her greatest hits on disc 2 featuring the classics such as "Jolene", "9 to 5", "Islands in the Stream", "Little Sparrow", "Here You Come Again" and "I Will Always Love You" plus many more.

“Blue Smoke – The Best Of is officially Gold in the UK, which is a massive achievement for Dolly Parton and the team,” says Faye Donaldson, Sr. Marketing Manager/Sony Music.  “The response to Dolly after her Glastonbury performance has been amazing and having new music available at the same time has created a reaction that I've never seen before.  It’s been just perfect.”
 

 
   

Saturday, July 19, 2014

It's A "Mad Men" Party



Sing Along With: Mad Men
With the end of the final season of Mad Men drawing near and fan anticipation growing of how the series will end, did you ever wonder how the cast celebrated the taping of the final episode of the Emmy Award winning drama?

Drink excessively? Chain smoke until dawn? Smoke pot and have a Bacchanalian orgy? You know the way they do on the show.

Christina Hendricks recently gave Vulture the 411:

“We partied for about a week straight,” Hendricks spilled. “We’re all surprisingly into musicals,” she explained “There was a lot of singing of "Little Shop of Horrors," ‘Defying Gravity’ (from Wicked), and a little bit of "Frozen.” The secret is out now, the cast of Mad Men are musical geeks “I wish we were cooler.”

Thanks Christina for that bit of fun information, what a great way to move on from a great show, that although I am dying to know how it all ends, I will be sad to see it, the cast and Jon Hamm's bulge go.

Go "Mad" at: https://www.facebook.com/MadMen

Friday, July 18, 2014

Bend It Like Paquin

Sookie Stackhouse Is No More
This item is more muse than news, hey it's Friday time for some fun! That being stated I felt inspired creatively when I came across this image of one of my favorite actresses, Anna Paquin with purple hair.

Immediately I started thinking of all things cool and purple: The Prince Movie Purple Rain, Flying Purple People Eaters, Ursula The Sea Witch, Tinky Winky and last but not least, Barney...

And now Anna Paquin is on that list. It also made me wish when I had hair and was bleaching it platinum blonde that I had tried purple hair too while I was at it.

What an awesome send off to the final season of True Blood and her character Sookie Stackhouse!

Anna took to her Twitter about her color with this statement:

"@Auracolorist just fulfilled my teen dream of being a mermaid. @_smoyer whatcha think?"

Awesome Anna glad you get to live out your mermaid fantasy, word of caution watch out for Ursula!

Anna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaPaquin

Thursday, July 17, 2014

It's Thursday, Time To Get "Tacky"

Yeah We're Tacky: Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho & Eric Stonestreet
Photo: Ken Phillips
If you're tacky and you know it, clap your hands, it you're tacky and you know it clap your hands...

Yes, that's right people I hereby declare, today, July 17th Tacky Thursday in honor of the King Of Parody - Weird Al Yankovic and his latest a riff on Pharrell Willaims Happy and yes it's called Tacky, duh!

Weird Al has assembled himself quite the list of co-stars including. Friend and Entertain Me staple Margaret Cho, Aisha Tyler (did you know she and Margaret attended High School together?) Jack Black & from Modern Family Eric Stonestreet.

Also exclusive only to Entertain Me is the photo taken on the set of the video above, courtesy of my friend and Margaret's publicist extraordinaire, Ken Phillips

So, break out your most garish clothes, spout vulgar inappropriate things from your lips and take all the obnoxious selfies you want, give in, you know you want to get Tacky, oh wait you already are!!!


                                                                   "Tacky"

Get "Weird" at:

http://www.weirdal.com/home.htm

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Seriously Rose McGowan?! Wow!

The Cooler, Than Cool, Rose McGowan
I was kind of in shock and awe when I saw this item recently via the Huffpost, although I am not sure why.

My attitude towards women is a little more respectful than this, in fact I like them more than men as they tend to be way more interesting and intelligent.

Look at all of my amazing, beautiful, talented and intelligent female friends who have visited me here on a regular basis: Margaret Cho, Traci Lords and Naama Kates , to name a handful.

In all honesty the most shocking thing about this story is a woman said this to another woman, um, excuse me, I thought there was such a thing as sisterhood, in this tough business called show, maybe not?

Let me recount the tale of one of my favorite actresses and people Ms. Rose McGowan.

Two years ago, Rose McGowan says she was stifled by an agent for speaking too well.
The fact that she is an intelligent woman intimidated people — particularly men — McGowan says. She said that did not go over too well in production meetings.
"I had an agent that told me not to speak in meetings because I was too intelligent and it was stressing to the men," McGowan told HuffPost Live host Ricky Camilleri, recalling a two-year-old meeting. "It was a woman that told me that."
Wow! That woman who told you that really needs to learn a thing or two about men. A friend recently told me I was a bigot, I scratched my head thinking: "WTF does he mean?"

He continued: "You don't like unintelligent people"

Ya know what? I believe he's on to something.

Be on the lookout for her Directorial, debut Dawn a short film about a "young teenager who longs for something or someone to free her rom her sheltered life." It will play at the 2014 Sundance Festival early next year.

Rose you are welcome here on Entertain Me anytime you like.

From a man who is non-stressed about you.

Check out my favorite televised Rose McGowan moment below going off on the then Governator of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.


Go Rose! On IMDB:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000535/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Has Naama Kates Ever Been "Souled"?


Once upon a time... 

Singer/Songwriter/Actress Naama Kates had a chance meeting with Cyrus Melchor, an award-winning producer/composer, resulting in the release of her first album, The Unexamined Life

The Unexamined Life was a critical success, earning rave reviews from national and international press. The single “Before You Lose It” was featured on the CW's drama Ringer, and heard on the hit show, CSI

Kates' self-produced second album, King for the Day, mixed and recorded by three-time Grammy Award-nominee Scott Fraser, was another critical success, which helped Kates earn a new following in South America and Europe. In 2014, she reunited with Melchor for her upcoming third album, Souled.

I recently got together with Naama at Intelligentsia in Silverlake, CA to discuss Souled, Kate Bush, her movie Reinventing Chloe and why we both hate flying.


MS: Hey Naama, it sounds like you have more production value on Souled than you did on your previous efforts.

NK: Well I'm glad that it sounds that way. A lot of things didn't cost nearly as much as my first record. It was a lot of myself and Cy working together on sounds, even though there are some bass players on it. The mastering job was a top new hot up and coming guy, The Unexamined Life was my most expensive effort  Souled is a lot more electronic and done in the studio.

MS: It sounds more produced than King for the Day.

NK: I produced that myself. It was basically a really good live recording. I didn't really have the time or the means to do all of that production. I'm not really a Producer, I'm not sure how I end up in the Producer role all of the time. The musicians were great! The album was recorded by a real bad ass Producer, Scott Fraser, he did two songs on Souled - the last record since I produced it myself, how much could that have cost? (laughs) But The Unexamined Life in terms of how much it costs? A lot more than this one, it's my most expensive album to date.

MS: Souled has a really awesome Kate Bush influence to it.

NK: I love that! 


MS: OK, since you are much younger than me, how do you know her music?

NK: You know? I would be really miserable if the only music I knew, was the music that came out after I was in my teens.

MS: I hear that! So how did you first hear Kate Bush?

NK: Someone awesome, I can't remember who, did a great cover of Running Up That Hill.

I was like, "Who did this bad ass song?" so I checked it out.

MS: Too bad she only tours overseas, she is afraid to fly.

NK: Is she English?

MS: Yeah.

NK: Oh, I didn't know that.

MS: Flying doesn't bother me.

NK: Me either. Well it does now actually, because of all the nonsense you have to put up with before you board the plane. 

MS: That is annoying, but as far as the actual act of flying, no big thing.

NK: I agree. 

MS: The thing I don't like about flying is it is so claustrophobic.

NK: It's sooooooo claustrophobic. I've actually flown a plane, it's really fun and it's really easy.

MS: Oh wow! That sounds fun, I would love to do that! Also I would love to parachute out of a plane.

NK: I've done that a couple of times. It wasn't an adrenaline rush for me, maybe for some people it is, it for me was actually very peaceful.

MS: For some reason I have really taken to the title track of your latest record, Souled.

NK: That's not a bad thing, I obviously feel rather strongly about it, since it's the title track. Everyone has their favorites with this record and really strong opinions as to what song that is. Which is really great. it's not that one song is better than the other, it's a matter of taste. People's favorites from the album also change, certain songs are growers, not showers. (laughs)

MS: Chat a little more about the song Souled.

NK: Do you get the lyrics and what I am saying in that song? 

MS: Yes, the lyrics are below the song on the play list on Sound Cloud.

NK: The play on words confuses a lot of people, but if you have the lyrics in front of you and have read them...

MS: I did, I get it, it's a play on words.

NK: Good for you! A lot of people don't get it even if they know what the explanation is. When it comes to my music it matters to me if the listener enjoys it. I don't write songs in that regard thinking about how others will like it, but when it's finished and they are hearing it of course I care.

MS: Are you performing live anytime soon?

NK: Yes, on August 6th at the Silverlake Lounge at 9 pm. It's going to be the first time with the new material, we're going to have projection, a DJ and a back-up Keyboard player so I don't have to play on everything, I can stand up and not be behind the piano all the time. (laughs)

MS: Awesome! I am so going to be there! What about your film Reinventing Chloe hows that going?

NK: Reinventing Chloe is a movie I acted in, produced and wrote. The director is a friend of mine Princeton Holt. It's very autobiographical. It's about a singer that comes to Nashville, the songs I am playing in it are from The Unexamined Life - we submitted the film to a bunch of film festivals and it won nine jury awards, Best Feature, Best Actress and Screenplay. That was pretty awesome! 

It got a lot of attention and the film is getting picked up for distribution by a production company.Chloe will be released later this year.

Get Souled with Naama at: 

https://www.facebook.com/NaamaKates

http://www.naamakates.com/

Go Chloe at: 

https://www.facebook.com/ChloeMovie2014

Monday, July 14, 2014

Go Cruising With KC & The Sunshine Band

KC Is Hopping On Board The Soul Train Cruise To Spread Some Sunshine
Photo: Webster PR

KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND SET TO SAIL AS PART OF "THE SOUL TRAIN CRUISE" 

It's time to shake your booty and get on the Soul Train Cruise with KC & The Sunshine Band...who knew?!?!

While you are at it also check out my  interview with KC I did last year, it's a groovy time!

Interview Link: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2013/03/shake-your-booty-kc-and-sunshine-band.html

The Soul Train Cruise unveils a star-studded lineup for its 2015 voyage, which travels through the Caribbean from February 22, 2015 through March 1, 2015 with more than 30 R&B superstars performing nightly concerts and interacting with cruise guests during over 25 special events. The fourth sailing of the hippest trip at sea will star KC and the Sunshine Band, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Gladys Knight, James Ingram, The Spinners, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Regina Belle, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., original 5th Dimension stars, Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson, Will Hart of the original Delfonics and comedian Alonzo Bodden.  Also joining the cruise are Hitzville: Las Vegas Style Motown Revue, Chicago’s  legendary R&B record store merchant “Uncle George” Daniels and cruise host Tony Cornelius.  Held aboard the luxurious Holland America Eurodam, the Soul Train Cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale, FL for Turks and Caicos, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, the Bahamas and the private island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

"Many times during the '70s we appeared on Soul Train with Don Cornelius," said Harry Wayne 'KC' Casey.  "I only wish he could still be here to share this magic moment we are going to have on the Soul Train Cruise.  I'm looking forward to bringing our music alive once again, as we did so many times on the TV show."

"This cruise has become the ultimate luxury vacation for fans of great R&B music," says Michael Mitchell, StarVista/Time Life Vice President and Executive Producer of the Soul Train Cruise “If you grew up watching Soul Train, this cruise will bring back all the memories-the great artists, fantastic songs, the dancers, the fashions and most of all the fun!" Chris Hearing, President of StarVista/Time Life, adds, "Our guests return time and time again for the music and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out with the biggest names in R&B history."

The Soul Train Cruise not only offers more than 30 concerts throughout the seven-day voyage, but also invites travelers to meet the stars during over 25 special events, ranging from cooking demonstrations to dance lessons, Q&A panel discussions to tribute shows, a gospel hour, musician seminars, wine tasting and personal meet and greet sessions.  The cruise will also film interviews with artists in front of a live audience, airing on television on a future date.  And Soul Train Cruise partner SIRIUSXM will be aboard once again, recording exclusive radio shows with the artists and giving fans a backstage view into the excitement and the music that fill the ship while CENTRIC television also returns as title sponsor, hosting a number of the cruise’s most popular onboard activities.

Soul Train has been an integral part of popular culture since its debut in 1970 and continues be a vital force in entertainment with its all-star Soul Train Awards shows.  Soul Train is also one of the most successful shows ever created, holding the record for the longest, first-run, nationally syndicated television show ever and remains popular to this day.  Vintage episodes have aired on CENTRIC in recent years, nearly 500,000 DVDs have been sold, and the Soul Train Awards draw international superstars to its annual ceremony.

Reservations for cabins on this cruise may be made now by visiting SoulTrainCruise.com  or by calling (toll free) (855) SOUL TRAIN (855-768-5872). Cabin rates start at just $1975 per person and include all meals, concerts, entertainment and onboard activities.


KC and the Sunshine Band On Tour:
07/09 Newport, RI - Newport Yachting Club
07/10 Stamford, CT - Alive At Five Concert Series
07/11 Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama
07/12 Salamanca, NY - Seneca Alleghany Casino
07/18 Manson, WA - Mill Bay Casino
07/19 Airway Heights, WA - Northern Quest Resort & Casino
07/24 Grand Rapids, MI - Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
07/26 Wisconsin Dells, WI - Crystal Grand Music Theatre
08/01 Biloxi, MS - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
08/02 Choctaw, MS - Arena at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
08/07 Santa Ynez, CA - Chumash Casino
08/08 Cabazon, CA - Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
08/09 Modesto, CA - Gallo Center for the Arts
08/15 Lynn, MA - Lynn Auditorium
08/16 Atlantic City, NJ - Tropicana Hotel & Casino
08/21 Palmer, AK - Alaska State Fair
08/23 East Meadow, NY - Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre
08/24 Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
08/29 St. Charles IL - Arcada Theatre
08/30 Duquoin, IL - DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
09/13 Kansas City, MO - KC Power and Lights District
10/03 Lincolnville, ME - VinFest at Cellardoor Winery
10/31 Norman, OK - Riverwind Casino

To learn more about KC and the Sunshine Band and to find more details about their upcoming tour dates, visit heykcsb.com.