American Horror Story: Hump Day

It's In His Kiss
Finn Wittrock & Lady Gaga

Happy American Horror Story: Hump Day Everyone! It's that time of the week when we all tune into FX and get our freak on with American Horror Story: Hotel.

Personally I am loving this season, the shows best since Murder House and Asylum. To all of you out there who thought Lady Gaga couldn't make the grade, suck it!

The story has been unfolding slowly, it is one you had to stick with until around episode three for the motivations, addictions and flaws of the characters truly started to be revealed. Wow! Is all I have to say, and this is the first season since the first two that I have actually found the material to have visceral and truly disturbing undertones. 

Here is an image from an upcoming episode of Lady Gaga and Finn Wittrock producing steam for their AHS: Bad Romance, hey is there ever such thing as a Good Romance in the "Horror Story" world? I think not!

Enjoy your check in to the Cortez tonight!

Get Your "Horror" on at: 

https://www.facebook.com/americanhorrorstory/

Matt Zarley Is A "hopefulRomantic"

Broadway veteran, Billboard dance sensation and People Magazine’s first-ever gay “Hottest Bachelor” Matt Zarley has received critical acclaim as an LGBT artist for over a decade since his debut on the music scene.  As one of the first openly gay male artists in music, a lot has changed in the world for the LGBT community. In his latest endeavor, hopefulROMANTIC, Zarley has created an original musical film about one man's emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and healing. It's a universal story about loving, letting go, and holding onto faith that there's somebody for everybody.  In addition, the film also features film and TV icon, Star Trek star and LGBT activist, George Takei. 

The project consists of not only the film but, the original soundtrack and pop album titled “hopefulROMANTIC – The Deluxe Edition,” featuring new, acoustic renditions of songs featured in the film, as well as a bonus video duet with Jeb Havens – all available now!!!

Say Hello, Matt.

Matt Zarley

MS: I was just watching the trailer for "hopefulRomantic" for the third time when you called, it's gained a lot of fans.

MZ:  Yeah, well, thank you. It's really cool.

MS: So, what was the inspiration for the project?

MZ: Originally I was writing a little CD of love songs. Very fond and very sweet, I was in love at the time, in a relationship, very happy. I wrote a song called "Somebody For Everybody" it's very up and fun, and I wanted to stay on that path. A couple of weeks before the writing process for the EP my relationship ended. I was sideswiped, I didn't see it coming, it ended very abruptly. It really broke my heart. Well, than when that happened I wanted the EP to be really different and I wrote the song called "Constantly" which is featured in the film. It's about when you break-up with somebody and you run into each other in the future, you don't want them to see you dying. Your heart is broke and you don't want then to see you like that. All of it is completely opposite of what I meant the EP to be. This message was what was relate able to me at the time and everybody, universal. So I started finishing the songs with that idea in mind. In that process I re-connected with Ben Pollack who directed my "Trust Me" music video. He called me and said: "What's going on?" I sent him the demo for "Constantly" and he said I'll direct this music video for free. So I told him I had an idea for three music videos for a project with one narrative. That's how it started. As I was finishing the song, as every writer I started to fall in love with my stuff. I started to think it would be great if this chorus would transition into this next song, so before I knew it all the songs were connected and it became an actual short film. 

MS: Very cool.

Oh My!
Matt Zarley & George Takei

MZ:  I wanted to have a figure in the film that represented a sort of mentor figure. The thought was to get George Takei, that would be a home run, that would be it! 

MS: Yeah, I was going to ask you about that, I thought, look! It's George!

MZ: Stafford Arima, who is the director of George's show on Broadway right now "Allegiance" is a really dear friend of mine. I was I New York, he was in New York and we were going to shoot a song and I asked him: "would you feel comfortable doing an E-Mail to George? I would love him to be involved in this project if he is interested."

MS: That's great!

MZ: Honestly, I didn't know if he was going to have the time. He was enjoying a revival in his career and all these incredible things are happening. Not to mention he has taken over social media.

MS: Yeah, he really has taken over social media. (both laugh)

MZ: The stars were aligned I guess. It just worked out. The whole shoot was an incredible experience. It's a very personal project, but I also learned in the creative process how much I am not married to my own stuff, which is very important for me to learn about myself. It also made me aware of a lot of skills I didn't realize I had. It's been a wonderful two years for me, it has opened my eyes a lot to where I want to go with my career.     

                                                       "hopefulRomantic" Trailer

MS: How do you think social media affects romantic relationships?

MZ: I think it depends on how much you buy into it and put yourself out there. My last relationship was a little more out there than I have ever been before. I keep a pretty private life I think, for the most part. But people knew who he was. We were just a little more visible I guess. I would not do that again. Because if it doesn't work out, you have to explain yourself and everyone gets in your business. You have all these snarky comments why people thought it ended. It's like: "None of you know." I'm not the type of person to air my laundry for everyone to know. It's not my scene, I don't need to do that for my own game.

MS: You're preaching to the choir on that one.

MZ: I can't stand people who post on Facebook, their single, their in a relationship, it's constant status changing. When they break-up with someone and air their whole fight on social media. It's just so tired. I don't get it and it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

MS: Mine too!

MZ: I don't even voice my critical opinion on pop culture. I never really voice my critical opinion on anything. Not only because you don't know who is going to read it and how it could back and bite you in the ass number one. But who cares what I think?! (both laugh)

MS: Ditto. 

MZ: When you're in love it's fine to share it. It's when you break up and shit comes down, and you get to the minute updates on stuff. That's when I'm like, ugh!

MS: I agree. Is it safe to assume Matt, that you are still a "hopefulRomantic?" 

MZ: Yes, I am. This project really helped heal me in a very personal way.  

hopefulROMANTIC (the short film and recording) is available on iTunes and other digital outlets. For more information visit MattZarley.com or hopefulROMANTICmovie.com.  

Follow Matt on Social Media at:
https://instagram.com/mattzarley/
https://twitter.com/mattzarley
https://www.facebook.com/mattzarley/

Kelly Mantle: "Your Keystrokes Won't Destroy Me"

Kelly Mantle Releases “Keyboard Courage”, The Debut Single From Her Upcoming “Duality” Album

Cyber-Bullying is a terrible thing, I myself as a public person have been on the receiving end of it. Like Kelly Mantle, I too am able to brush it off. However when you are young and have yet to develop coping skills, it can lead to devastating results - Here is the 411 on Kelly's single Keyboard Courage.  

First, Prince William and wife Kate Middleton announced plans to tackle cyber-bullying; now, a queen is joining the fight.  RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Kelly Mantle’s new pop track, “Keyboard Courage”, is intended to be an anthem for anyone who has been harassed or stalked online.  “I’ve been called every name in the book,” she reveals.  “One person tweeted ‘Kelly Mantle is so ugly.  She looks like a burn victim going through chemo.’  Luckily, Kelly’s strong sense of humor allows her to brush off many of the personal attacks, but she wrote the song after meeting young fans being victimized online by kids in their schools. “Not everyone can laugh it off. It’s a scary thought that someone’s heartless, mindless words could drive another person to take their life.”  Kelly Mantle’s  “Keyboard Courage” is available on iTunes now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/keyboard-courage-single/id1052893996.

                                                              Keyboard Courage

“My hope is that Keyboard Courage can be that song kids listen to and be reminded to not get discouraged by online bullies,” continues Kelly Mantle from her Hollywood home. Produced by Steven Phillips, who also produced Mantle’s last album Satellite Baby,  “Keyboard Courage” is a high energy, 80’s inspired pop track.  It’s fun but with a powerful message.  The lyrics include actual negative comments that Kelly Mantle has received.

It isn’t the first time Kelly Mantle has reflected on real life in her music.  She followed her elimination from RuPaul’s Drag Race with a song called (what else?), “Eliminated”.  

“One of my favorite things to do is to sit down with my guitar or at my piano and create a song about something that just happened to me,” she explains. “I get off on turning life experience into lyrics.  Ya know, figuring out how the rhythm behind the words can convey what happened.  I’m all about turning life into art.”  

Kelly Mantle’s  “Keyboard Courage” is available on iTunes now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/keyboard-courage-single/id1052893996.   For more information, visit  KellyMantle.com. 

Ph-Ph-Ph-Ph-Ph Photobomb!

The Mad Photobomber
Diane Kruger & Jared Leto

No gala would be complete without a Joker, photobombing someone. Even thought Suicide Squad has wrapped apparently Jared Leto is still staying in character as The Joker, since he did just that to actress Diane Kruger at LACMA's 2015 Art+Film Gala on Saturday.

When Diane saw what had happened she responded on Instagram saying: "Just you wait, I'll get you back f.....@jaredleto." 

I bet you can guess which "F Bomb" she was implying in response to her being Photobombed. "F Bomb" Photobomb - say that tongue twister three times fast I dare ya! 

This is not the first time Leto has done this. He also did it to Ireland Baldwin and Kevin Spacey when they were taking a selfie at last year's Oscars. He also ambushed Anne Hathaway at Vanity Fair's Oscar Party after.

Gotta love that Joker!

Jared on Istagram: https://instagram.com/jaredleto/?hl=en
Diane on Istagram: https://instagram.com/dianekrugerperso/?hl=en

Everybody Run, Julianne Moore Has A Gun!!!

Hands Up Or You Get Puffed!
Julianne Moore

WTF?! One of my favorite actresses armed herself recently on the British chat show TFI.

Yes, Julianne Moore was toting large with a gun, don't be too freaked out it shoots cheese puffs of all things. Will the wonders of technology ever cease?! 

Moore is one of my favorite actresses having appeared in one of my favorite indie films of all time, Todd Haynes Safe.

I actually encountered her at a Rexall Drug Store in Los Angeles, CA  once upon a time and chatted with her briefly about my love of her and that particular movie, but I'll save that for my book. 

With a resume' full of eclectic roles I guess now Julianne can add gunslinger to that list.

Have a "cheesy" Saturday! 

Julianne on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000194/?ref_=nv_sr_5

"Light Of Day" Turns "Sweet 16" Today

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016 SEASON OFFICIALLY STARTS TODAY

WITH SIRIUS/E STREET RADIO SPECIAL, AND CANADA TOUR KICKOFF

WILLIE NILE, JOE D’URSO TO GUEST DJ ON SIRIUS FOR ENTIRE HOUR

AS 16^th SEASON OF GLOBAL BATTLE VS. PARKINSON’S DISEASE

‘THROUGH THE AWESOME POWER OF MUSIC’ BEGINS

The Light of Day turns "Sweet 16" today, join them in the battle against Parkinson's. 

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016 season officially kicks off today with a special one-hour block of programming on Sirius XM’s E Street Radio (Channel 20), and further north, the launch of Light of Day Canada. It’s the start of this year’s campaign to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases through “the awesome power of music.”

Willie Nile and Joe D’Urso, both of whom have been performing at LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST since its launch 16 years ago, will be guest DJs today at 4 p.m. for the full hour on E Street Radio. They’ll be playing songs from artists playing this fall in Canada and Europe – including themselves – as well as those scheduled to participate in LIGHT OF WINTERFEST 2016, such as Ed Manion, The Hooters, Joe Grushecky, JesseMalin, Jake Clemons, and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen is a long-time supporter of the Light of Day Foundation, most visible through his annual WinterFest performances 11 of the last 15 years.

LIGHT OF DAY ON E STREET RADIO premieres TODAY (Friday 11/6) at 4 pm ET. Rebroadcasts are scheduled for Saturday 11/7 at 12am ET; Saturday 11/7 at 8am ET; Monday 11/9 at 4pm ET; Tuesday 11/10 at 12am ET, and Tuesday 11/10 at 8am ET.

Meantime, LIGHT OF DAY CANADA gets started today with a five-show, four-day schedule, and artists including Blue Rodeo, Miss Emily with Rob Baker and Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with Eddie Manionof the E Street Horns, Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls and Bobby Mahoney.

Light of Day Canada Schedule 2015/2016

November 6 - St. Catherine, Ontario, Canada

November 7 - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (day)

November 7 – Toronto, Canada

November 8 - Toronto, Canada

November 14 - Kingston, Canada

Just Around The Corner...
Photo: Jeff Ross

In other Light of Day WinterFest 2016 news …

·        Expect several show announcements throughout November, as Light of Day adds more diversity and performance options than ever before, making 2016 the biggestWinterFest ever.

·        Up next and new this year is Light of Day Westchester, being held Nov. 15 at theEmelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, NY. It’s an evening of rock ‘n’ roll that includes many popular regional performers from Westchester and Rockland counties and is hosted by Board Vice President Joe D’Urso and his band, Stone Caravan, and Larchmont favorites Sway.

·        Also this month is the launch of Light of Day’s10^th anniversary European tour — an 18-day, 16-show holiday run in 10 countries (Nov. 27-Dec. 14), including five shows throughout Italy. Artists on board include Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, Rob Dye, and EricBazilian (The Hooters). Stay tuned for further details!

Tickets for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016 events, with the exception of Bob’s Birthday Bash, are on sale NOW for the Asbury Park portion of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016, where the bulk of the action will occur, being held Jan. 8-18, 2016 at such fabled rock venues as the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, and the Wonder Bar, among others. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. A wide variety of combination ticket packages – as well as single tickets to each show – will be available.

Concert goers can purchase tickets for individual shows, on an a la carte basis. Tickets range from Free to $45. There will be approximately 50 events just in Asbury Park alone. Beyond Asbury Park, shows will be held in New York City (Jan. 13 @ The Cutting Room), North Jersey (Jan. 9 in Montclair), and, for the first time, Philadelphia (Jan. 8 @ World Café Live). They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew to 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Ticket prices DO NOT include any fees and/or service/convenience charges.

Admission to all Light of Day Asbury Park events is subject to capacity restrictions at their respective venues.

Individual event ticket prices:

Friday, JAN 8

LOD “Philadelphia,” The World Cafe, Upstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., Fri,. Jan. 8, 7pm, $TBA

Saturday, JAN 9

LOD “NORTH JERSEY” Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, Sat, Jan. 10, 7pm, $TBA

Sunday, JAN 10

LOD "COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS", Stone Pony, Sun, Jan. 11, All Ages, 1pm, $20adv/$25dos

Monday, JAN 11

LOD “HAPPY MONDAYS”, Wonder Bar, Mon., 21+, $TBA

Tuesday, Jan 12

LOD’s “LAUGHSTOCK”, The Stress Factory, New Brunswick, NJ; NY Comedy Club, NY, NY, Tues., $TBA

Wednesday, JAN 13

LOD "NYC", The Cutting Room, Weds., Jan 14, 18+, 7pm, $75 VIP Reserved Seating, $45 GA Reserved Seating, $25 GA Standing

Thursday, JAN 14

LOD "FIRST NOTE", The Saint, Thurs.,18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM", Wonder Bar, Thurs.,21+, 7pm, $10

LOD “SWEET LITTLE’ SIXTEEN KICK OFF", House Of Independents, Thurs.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos (All performers have to do a Chuck Berry tune!)

LOD “MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY’S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS”, Langosta Lounge, Thurs., All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 15

LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION", Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 6:30pm, $25adv/$30dos

LOD “REMEMBER JONES: THE BACK TO BLACK/AMY WINEHOUSE", House Of Independents, Fri.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos

LOD "ROCK HEAVY", The Saint, Fri,18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "OPEN MIC", Wonder Bar, Fri., 21+, 6pm, $12

LOD “NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY", McLoone’s Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $TBA

LOD "LATE NIGHT FRIDAY" Langosta Lounge, l, Friday, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION

LOD "TBA” Paramount Theater, Fri., All Ages, 8pm, $TBA

Saturday, JAN 16

LOD "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH," Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, SOLD OUT.

LOD "ROCK",The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/ $12dos

LOD "ED MANION", McLoone’s Supper Club, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD “TBA”,McLoone’s Supper Club, Sat. 1/17, 18+, 7pm, $TBA

LOD "LATE NIGHT SATURDAY", Langosta Lounge, Sat., Jan. 17, 21+, 10pm, FREE ADMISSION

LOD "TBA", House Of Independents, Sat., 18+, 8pm, $TBA

LOD "ASBURY BLUES", Wonder Bar, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $12/$15

LOD "SURFER’S GARAGE", Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $12/$15

LOD “DOWNTOWN – ASBURY UNDERGROUND," curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon – 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 17

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", McLoone’s Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm, $20

LOD "KID'S ROCK", Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD "MUSICIANS ON A MISSION", The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10

LOD "LAST NOTE", The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

Monday, JAN 18

LOD "GOODBYE BRUNCH," Toast, Mon., All Ages, 10:30a-1:30p.

Gwen & Blake, Sitting In A Tree...

Don't Do Anything I Wouldn't Do!
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani

K-I-S-S-I-N-G! The prosecution can now rest in the case of: The People v Stefani & Shelton. After much speculation by the general public it has now been confirmed their a couple and they are doing it.

Phew! Glad that's been put to rest! Hey where there is smoke there is fire, and while it was a little hard to tell if all their open flirting on The Voice was in good fun, or because of actual sexual attraction, well now you have your answer.

While the pairing may seem a tad odd, you must admit they are both lookers, not to mention they are both a living definition of the terms feminine & masculine.

Hey, whatever the case, he is a far cry from Gavin Rossdale and she and Miranda Lambert could not be more different.

I suspect that for both of them at this moment, that's a good thing.

Some Like It Hot! The Voice at:

www.nbc.com/the-voice