Fundamental Rights: Cyndi Lauper

Grrrrrrrrl Power!
Cyndi Lauper

It's official. Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights!

Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist and activist Cyndi Lauper has designed and released her official “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights” t-shirt. Inspired by the menagerie of protest signs using this empowering slogan during the worldwide Women’s March that took place on January 21st, Cyndi has partnered with Omaze in honor of Women’s History Month to raise vital funding for Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.

“As I marched down the streets of New York City in January amongst a beautiful array of people of every sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and nationality, I was blown away to see so many people embracing the message of “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights’ on their handmade signs,” said Cyndi Lauper. “Seeing this anthem continue to empower so many people to speak out and get involved, I was inspired to find new ways to further spread this powerful message of equality and justice for all. I am hopeful that this t-shirt will raise much needed funds to support the important work of Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.”

Cyndi’s official “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights” t-shirt is available starting today at www.omaze.com/fun and can be purchased for $25. A sweatshirt is also available for $39. The net proceeds from each t-shirt and sweatshirt sold will be donated to Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.

About Omaze
Founded by Matt Pohlson and Ryan Cummins, Omaze is a fundraising platform that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive merchandise to raise funds and awareness for today’s most important causes. By leveraging the power of audiences and technology, Omaze is radically changing charitable giving and streamlining public participation with charitable campaigns to create impact in real time. Since launching in 2012, Omaze has impacted more than 200 charities and received donations from over 175 countries. For more information please visit omaze.com.

About Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California 
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the statewide public policy office representing California’s seven Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC advocates for sound public policy in areas of reproductive and preventive health care, family planning and comprehensive sexual health education and information. For more information about Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, please visit www.ppactionca.org.

About True Colors Fund
The True Colors Fund, co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, works nationally to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as LGBT. Yet, only seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Through a broad continuum of advocacy, training & education, and youth collaboration programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which all young people can be their true selves. For more information about the True Colors Fund, please visit www.truecolorsfund.org.  

"True Colors" Cyndi Lauper

Performing for LGBT Youth Tomorrow Night in Los Angeles, CA

The True Colors Fund is excited to announce the lineup and honorees for its sold out inaugural Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala, taking place at the Hollywood Athletic Club on Sunday, October 9th in Los Angeles, CA. The organization, co-founded by Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winning artist Cyndi Lauper to prevent and end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, will feature a keynote address from Secretary Julián Castro of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“The True Colors Fund is honored that Secretary Castro will provide the keynote at our inaugural Damn Gala,” said Cyndi Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund. “For the past four years, we have had the great privilege to partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to pilot and advance new solutions to prevent and end LGBT youth homelessness. We will end youth homelessness in America and, due to the strategic and innovative leadership of Secretary Castro and the team at HUD, tremendous progress has already been made.”

                                                              True Colors

The Damn Gala, which will feature performances by Ms. Lauper and True Colors Fund Board Member and Tony Award winning artist Sara Ramirez, will pay tribute to USA Network and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. James Paxton and Tyler Young, stars of USA Network’s upcoming series, EYEWITNESS, premiering October 16th, will be presenting the network with its award. The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s award will be presented by Marc Malkin, Managing Editor and Correspondent at E! News, and his husband Fabian Quezada-Malkin. In addition, Phoebe VanCleefe and Kahlib Barton, two of True Colors Fund’s extraordinary youth leaders, will present TED-style talks, while True Colors Fund Board Member and Emmy Award winning personality Carson Kressley will serve as the evening’s host.

“We are excited to honor USA Network and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, two of our longest and closest partners in the effort to end LGBT youth homelessness in America,” said Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO of the True Colors Fund. “For over 40 years, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has been a national leader in providing life-saving services for LGBT youth experiencing homelessness. USA Network has worked tirelessly to open countless hearts and minds through its programming and its public service campaign Characters Unite, which was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Both USA Network and the Los Angeles LGBT Center have been true leaders in creating a more accepting and affirming society for LGBT youth and we look forward to celebrating them at Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala.”

The Damn Gala is supported by Platinum Sponsors NCompass, Pride.com (National Media Partner), and Van Gogh Vodka (National Corporate Partner); and Gold Sponsors Angeleno Magazine, Jason Mraz Foundation, and Tylenol PM (National Corporate Partner).

The Damn Gala is currently sold out, but those interested in attending can join the waiting list by emailing RSVP@truecolorsfund.org. If tickets become available, they begin at $500, and tables of ten start at $5,000. For remaining sponsorship opportunities please contact rob@truecolorsfund.org. The net proceeds from the Damn Gala will benefit the True Colors Fund’s work to prevent and end LGBT youth homelessness in America.

To learn more about Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala, please visit www.truecolorsfund.org/damngala.  

Cyndi Lauper Continues Her "Detour"

On The Road Again
Cyndi Lauper

Turn right at the fork in the road...

Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper is continuing to take country music by storm with her Billboard Top Country Album DETOUR, which is still in the Top 40 and continues to spark sales at retailers nationwide like Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and more! Lauper recently stopped by the TODAY show to chat with Kathy Lee and Hoda about DETOUR and her collaborations with country music greats, including Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Jewel, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris. Click HERE to watch the clip.

Known best for her legendary pop icon status, Lauper is reigning in a new legion of fans with her new country-tinged album DETOUR featuring a collection of country covers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (track listing below). DETOUR debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

"These songs had a profound impact on me when I was a little girl listening to my Aunt Gracie's kitchen radio in Queens. I grew up listening and admiring Patsy Cline, Patsy Montana, Hank Williams - all the greats from the Golden Age of country. It was an honor to record those beautiful songs for DETOUR and I am so thankful for the fans and the country music community for welcoming me with open arms," Lauper said.

Lauper just returned from the European leg of her DETOUR tour and is currently in the midst of the second leg of her U.S. tour which takes her along the west coast before wrapping up October 8 at The Joint in Las Vegas. In addition, Lauper’s annual “Home for the Holidays” concert is scheduled for December 3 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Additional details – including special guests performers - will be announced soon. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets before this highly anticipated tour sells out in your area!

Critics are raving about the pop star’s unique approach to country classics:

“The singer confidently twangs and yodels her way through covers of everyone from Patsy Montana to Patsy Cline.” Benjamin Lindsay, Vanity Fair

“Her new release, Detour, an album full of classic country song covers, is less an indicator of the veteran pop star’s desire to change genres than it is a sincere homage to a dozen tunes she grew up listening to on a transistor radio in her aunt’s kitchen and falling in love with.” – Chapman Baehler, Billboard Magazine

“Lauper and Norman native Vince Gill work together to cover ‘You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,’ … The song is a rollicking and infectious version of the 1978 country B-side recorded by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.” Ben Luschen, Oklahoma Gazette


DETOUR Tour:
Sept. 18 Paramount Theatre - Denver, Colo.
Sept. 20 The Depot - Salt Lake City, Utah
Sept. 21 Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical - Boise, Idaho
Sept. 23 Thunder Valley Casino Resort - Lincoln, Calif.
Sept. 24 Agua Caliente Casino - Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Sept. 27 Vina Robles Amphitheatre - Paso Robles, Calif.
Sept. 28 Arlington Theatre - Santa Barbara, Calif.
Sept. 30 The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, Calif.
Oct. 03 Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay - San Diego, Calif.
Oct. 05 Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, Calif.
Oct. 07 Talking Stick Resort Ballroom - Scottsdale, Ariz.
Oct. 08 The Joint - Las Vegas, Nev.
Dec. 03 Beacon Theatre, New York, N.Y.  

Cyndi Lauper's De"tour"

Rhinestone Cowgirl, Cyndi Lauper
Photo: Chapman Baehler

CYNDI LAUPER KICKS OFF INTERNATIONAL 'DETOUR' TOUR IN NASHVILLE, TENN.

Lauper's 27-City Tour Includes May-July Dates

Detour Tour, say that three times fast. Do it, and do it now!

Music icon Cyndi Lauper will take a southern DETOUR across the U.S. and Europe during her 2016 tour as the Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning singer-songwriter promotes her upcoming country record (tour dates below). DETOUR, available May 6, includes her signature spin on a dozen classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s.   >> Cyndi Lauper sound bite: AUDIO | VIDEO << The 27-city tour kicks off in Nashville, Tenn. at the Ryman Auditorium. “There’s something so very magical about the Ryman and all the rich history there. Just to think it’s the same stage where Wanda Jackson and Patsy Cline performed so long ago and here I am singing songs they made famous on this record - it’s such an honor,” Lauper said. DETOUR features guest appearances from country music stars Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Willie Nelson. Lauper recorded the album in Nashville alongside a band comprised of the city’s top session players. Growing up, Lauper recalls listening to country music on her Aunt Gracie’s kitchen radio. “When I was a really young kid, country music was pop music, so this is what we grew up listening to. These songs are part of some of my earliest memories so it has been an absolute thrill to revisit them.” CYNDI LAUPER DETOUR TOUR: *denotes shows with Boy George May 09 Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, Tenn. May 11 Palace Theatre - Louisville, Ky. May 13 Carnegie Music Hall Homestead - Pittsburgh, Pa. May 14 Michigan Theater - Ann Arbor, Mich. May 16 Chicago Theatre - Chicago, Ill. May 17 Hard Rock Live - Cleveland, Ohio May 20 Mohegan Sun - Uncasville, Conn.* May 21 Wang Center - Boston, Mass.* May 25 Beacon Theatre - New York, N.Y.* May 28 Sands Bethlehem Events Center - Bethlehem, Pa.* May 29 Borgata - Atlantic City, N.J.* Jun 01 Wolf Trap Filene Center - Vienna, Va.* Jun 02 Charleston Music Hall - Charleston, S.C. Jun 04 Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts - Raleigh, N.C. Jun 05 Atlanta Symphony Hall - Atlanta, Ga. Jun 08 Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, Fla. Jun 09 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Orlando, Fla. Jun 11 Mizner Park Amphitheatre - Boca Raton, Fla. Jun 12 St. Augustine Amphitheater - St. Augustine, Fla. Jun 22 Symphony Hall - Birmingham, United Kingdom Jun 23 Royal Concert Hall - Glasgow, United Kingdom Jun 25 Newcastle City Hall - Newcastle, United Kingdom Jun 30 Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith - London, United Kingdom Jul 03 Jazz Fest Wien - Vienna, Austria Jul 06 Parco Della Musica Auditorium Cavea - Rome, Italy Jul 07 GRU Village - Torino, Italy Jul 11 Grand Rex - Paris, France

Meryl Streep "Listen, I Want You To Know, I Got You This F - - king Part"

The Woods Are Alive With The Sound of Music: Meryl Streep & Bill Magnussen

Meryl Streep really isn't an evil witch, she just plays one in Into The Woods. The Oscar winning screen legend played a part in landing her costar Bill Magnussen the lead role of Rapunzel's Prince in the film which opens Christmas day.

"I remember the first day coming into rehearsal," Magnussen told the New York Post, laughing. "Meryl was like, ‘Listen, I want you to know, I got you this f - - king part.'"

This is the kind of story that show biz dreams are made of. It just so happens that Meryl had seen the Broadway actor in Tony winning play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in 2013 and then lobbied producers for him to land the part in Into the Woods. 

Magnussen has been in the biz for several years, Into The Woods will be his first major movie role.

That's a pretty amazing Holiday gift, wonder what Bill is getting Meryl in return?

Take A Walk Into The Woods at: http://movies.disney.com/into-the-woods/

Valarie Pettiford Is Out For Blood - "True Blood"

This just in, "Entertain Me" friend and favorite Valarie Pettiford is out for "Blood"...!

I first interviewed Valarie about her collection of lullabies "Velvet Sky" on Chorus and Verse and for "ET" in October of 2012, you can jump to it here!

http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20121025A

Well the multifaceted Ms. Pettiford has landed herself a two episode arc on the hit HBO show "True Blood" read more!

Award-winning star of stage and screen, Valarie Pettiford, is joining the cast of HBO’s top-rated Sunday night drama, True Blood, in a recurring role for their sixth season. She will appear in a two-episode arc starting in Episode 7: “World Without End,” which is scheduled to air on July 28, 2013.

“Working on this show has been a delicious experience,” says Valarie. “It has been an absolute joy to work with a cast of this caliber. Everyone has been so lovely – they say it starts at the top, and on True Blood, it really does.”

From the Broadway stage to independent short films, from blockbusters to music video cameos, this Fosse-trained dancer’s work draws attention. Valarie has a long list of accolades, including a Tony Award nomination, NAACP Awards nominations and Best Actress honors for the festival short ‘The Response.’ Valarie’s resume boasts national tours (Dancin’, Show Boat), hit sitcoms (Half and Half, House of Payne) and big-budget studio films (Stomp the Yard, Jumping the Broom). Her second album, Velvet Sky, a collection of original lullabies, was released last fall. Additionally, she has been sanctioned by the Fosse/Verdon estate to reconstruct the maestro’s choreography for a new generation of dancers in master classes in New York City. She is teaching with fellow Fosse-alum Lloyd Culbreath.

True Blood airs Sunday nights at 9:00 PM on HBO.

Get "Bloody" with Valarie at: www.officialvalariepettiford.com.

Do "Bad Things" at: http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html

Valarie Pettiford: Is A Tease (and she can sing too)!

Valarie Pettiford is that rare breed, a triple threat. From the stages of Broadway to the sound stages of Hollywood, she has charmed audiences with her performances. A Fosse-trained dancer, Pettiford was Tony nominated for her work in the musical revue, “Fosse”, which paid homage to her mentor.

As an actor, she is most recognized as Big Dee Dee Thorne on the hit sitcom, “Half and Half”, and Aunt Geneva, whose rehearsal dinner musical number in “Jumping the Broom” pretty much stole the show from her Co-Stars.

Valarie has released her second solo album, “Velvet Sky”, a collection of original lullabies.. This new album, all of which were written especially for her by two legendary writing teams – Ron Abel (music)/Chuck Steffan (lyrics) and Michael Orland (music)/Jamie Wooten (lyrics).

Here to sing you a soothing lullaby as only she can is Ms. Valarie Pettiford...!

VP: Hey, it's Valarie Pettiford.

MS: Hey, how are you?

VP: I'm awesome how are you?

MS: Great! I was giving “Velvet Sky” a listen before you called, it's very nice, did your Mom sing you lullabies when you were a kid?

VP: She did. She has a beautiful voice, it's so nice to see her now with singing to her Great Grandchildren, she has always sang, and so does my sister. Lullabies have always been a part of my life.

MS: I always wondered if people really sang lullabies to their kids. (laughs)

VP: They do, they actually do. (laughs)

MS: There was something I read that stated you thought your voice was well suited to them, I agree with that.

VP: Thank you, thank you. People always ask me: “Valarie what do you usually sing”? Of course I do Jazz and Musical Theatre, but my heart is in Rock-N-Roll. But I just don't have a Rock-N-Roll voice, so I have thought about where my vocal sensibilities lie. I think they do lie in this particular vein.

MS: Interesting, because I wouldn't know by hearing you sing that you didn't have a Rock-N-Roll voice. Because as we all know Pat Benatar was trained as an opera singer and she has a Rock-N-Roll voice...so someone listening to you would not necessarily know you didn't have that type of voice.

VP: You're right, I mean I could do it, but it's not the way I want to do it. I would want to sound like Pat Benatar or Tina Turner, but I don't.

MS: Rumor has it you pretty much stole “Jumping The Broom”.

VP: (laughs) Somebody said that, not me. My role was very delicious, it was amazing to, I was surrounded by the best cast and had the best director. It was a wonderful experience.

MS: I heard you had an off color musical number in it.

VP: I did. (laughs) The movie is about a wedding and I did a song during the rehearsal dinner, that was inappropriate but, funny as Hell.

MS: Since I haven't seen it, can you tell me what it was?

VP: Well....the movie has been out for a while so it won't spoil it for anyone. But sometimes I hate saying it, because it will spoil it for people who have not seen the movie and still want to see it.

MS: Valarie you are a tease. (laughs)

VP: It's inappropriate, but funny as Hell.

MS: Now you are going to have to make me rent it.

VP: You can find it on DVD and on On Demand.

MS:Gee, thanks a lot Valarie! (laughs)

VP: You're welcome. (laughs)

Let Valarie sing you a lullaby at: http://www.officialvalariepettiford.com/