10 Random Thoughts: Eric Himan

Eric Himan is a musician whose star is on the rise. The crooner of such popular songs as "Gonna Make It Work," "Little Boy Blue" & "Dust” is about to release a concert DVD “Under The Ink”- which refers to amongst other things, Eric’s many tattoos.

This writer had the pleasure of catching Mr. Himan in concert at Room 5 in Los Angeles, CA recently on what ended up being the evening of Whitney Houston’s passing.

OK, Eric, the time has come for your 10 Random Thoughts…

MS: It was great to finally catch a show of yours at Room 5, I have heard about you for a while, it was a great gig!

EH: Thank you.

MS: How wild it happened to fall on the evening of Whitney Houston’s death.

EH: Yeah, it was nice to come on stage though and do something in her honor considering it was something that was on every body’s mind.

MS: Ready to get random?

EH: Sure!

MS: Tulsa, OK

EH: Indie

MS: Psychology

EH: Mathematical

MS: Thumbcrown Records

EH: Eric Himan

Photo: Jeremy Charles

MS: Fort Walton Beach, FL

EH: The Beach

MS: Madonna

EH: Timeless

MS: Whitney Houston

EH: Sad

MS: Tattoos

EH: Expansive

MS: Pride

EH: Proud

MS: Performing

EH: Live

MS: Under The Ink

EH: Tender

MS: Oh, Eric that was soooooo random.

EH: Ha!

Get under Eric’s ink more at: www.erichiman.com
“Under The Ink” is out on DVD March 6th

"Geek Out"! Geeks - The Musical

They're here, They're ....uh, Geeks, get used to it! I hereby declare, March 1st 2012 shall forever go down in Theatre History as the premiere of: "Geeks - The Musical".

And it's about time, we have had everything in the history of the whole world turned into a musical, from "Cats" to "Spiderman" but what about the Geeks? What about the Geeeeeeks?!

Well, woot, here it is! You may remember my chat with one of it's stars, and self confessed "Geek" Jonathan "JB" Brett prior to the opening - you don't?! In the words of the delusional Mariah Carey speaking of those who did not know her dog's name was "Jack"  "You must be living under a rock"....

So here it is, get yourself some! http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2012/02/checking-in-with-jonathan-brett.html

All geeks celebrate and be celebrated - Every March 1st shall be National Geek day from here forward. "Entertain Me" has declared it so.

www.geeksthemusical.com

It's A "Spunk Pumper" Mr. Duffy ...!

"Entertain Me"s favorite "Homosapien" - Matthew Duffy, became the proud father of his very own little " Spunk Pumper" today....it's time everyone...unite!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MATTHEW DUFFY

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE!

AVAILABLE DIGITALLY

2-28-2012

Matthew Duffy is back with his latest collection of music, SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! For SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE!, Matthew has created music art that fuses sound, imagery, & life into an instrument of rebellious energy. Duffy conceived, wrote, played, and produced SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! in NYC. The collection is kicked off by HOMOSAPIEN, originally recorded in 1981 by Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks. Duffy's new version is an invitation to question acceptance and champion diversity.

"I just hope and pray that the day of our love is at hand. You and I, me an you we will be one from two understand?" -HOMOSAPIEN

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about celebration.

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about liberation.

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about kicking ass.

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about right here, right now.

Let's be free. Let's dance. Let's get loud.

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE!

EP release date: February 28, 2012

REVIEWS:

"about to explode with tension that is palpable in the music" -arjanwrites.com

"a pioneer of indie electronica" -eqmusicblog.com

"hot, hot, hot artist" -aerialnoise.com

LINKS:

FACEBOOK:

http://www.facebook.com/matthewduffymusic

SOUNDCLOUD:

http://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music

ITUNES:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/matthew-duffy/id65368752

FREE DOWNLOADS:

http://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music/man-out-of-u-spunky

http://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music/homosapien-the-sanfernando

CONTACT:

matthew@matthewduffy.com

www.matthewduffy.com

T.G.I.F: Jennifer Aniston Gets Her Star

Wednesday the 22nd I received a really cool invite from my friend Jim McConville to meet him at the W Hotel on Hollywood and Vine to see former "Friends" alumni  and now mega-star, Jennifer Aniston get herself one, a star that is, in front of the W on the Hollywood Walk of Fame....

Thanks Jim for the invite and wished I could have been there! As usual I was busy, working....boo!

Jim took these really great photos of Ms. A and her star - oh and let's remember "Wanderlust" opens today - discuss.

T.G.I.F!

James Durbin Takes A Stand Against Bullying

AMErican idol's JAMES DURBIN to be

celebrity spokesperson for

anti-bullying alliance, be a STAR

Me, James & Brittney

STAMFORD, Conn., February 23, 2012 – Rock musician James Durbin announced today that he will serve as a celebrity spokesperson for the be a STAR Alliance, an anti-bullying initiative, cofounded by The Creative Coalition and WWE. The former American Idol Season Ten fan favorite joins more than 50 alliance members, including GLAAD, STOMP Out Bullying, Scholastic, Inc and United Federation of Teachers in an effort to prevent bullying in schools and communities around the world.

Having been a victim of bullying while dealing with Asperger's Syndrome and Tourette's Syndrome, Durbin’s refusal to be sidelined by medical hurdles lends an inspiring image to the core message of be a STAR, which stands for “Show Tolerance And Respect.” In his role, Durbin will contribute to be a STAR’s mission to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through education and awareness.

“I’m honored to align myself with be a STAR in the effort to change the way people treat each other,” said Durbin. “Having been a victim of bullying, I’m excited to share my story and encourage people to put an end to bullying.’”

Durbin will begin his advocacy by visiting Los Coyotes Middle School in La Mirada, CA today to address 650 students about bullying’s severe consequences and effects. Also speaking at today’s event, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Two and a Half Men star Angus T. Jones, WWE Superstar The Miz and WWE Diva Eve.

In addition, Durbin recently filmed a PSA for be a STAR that will air nationally on WWE’s weekly programming in the spring.

About be a STAR Alliance

be a STAR (beastaralliance.org) is an anti-bullying alliance co-founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE. Its mission is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. be a STAR, which stands for "Show Tolerance And Respect," promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourage people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right.

Ariel Beez: "Snow White" Goes Solo

Ariel Beez formerly of “Snow White & The 7 Slutz” is now flying solo - ya know, the usual band disbanded for various reasons sort of thing.

This weekend she has a gig at “Hillbillyhip” in Topanga, CA, Saturday February 25th 2012, let’s check in with the now Slutz- less “Snow White”.

MS: So what happened to the Slutz?

AB: Well, our bassist moved to Orange County, and I kind of wanted to pursue solo stuff.

MS: Cool, so are you still going to be doing punk at your upcoming gig?

AB: Yeah, the upcoming show is like a punk/folk show - my part, I’m not really sure how to describe it, I play ukulele, I am opening for a big band on the punk scene called “Ramshackle Glory” It’s a good opportunity to be opening for them. Part of the show is electric and part of it is acoustic.

MS: I love acoustic! Do you remember me from your childhood at all? It has been a while.

AB: Were you in Uncle Phil’s (Esposito) acting class?

MS: Yes, I was that is how I met your Mom (Nina Savelle- Rocklin).

AB: Vaguely, I was really little.

MS: I’ve actually met your Dad too (Matt Earl Beesley, Producer on
“Revenge“) and “Revenge” is one of my favorite shows.

AB: Oh, that’s awesome!

MS: Speaking of Phil, you, like myself, love tattoos and your first one was honoring him, tell us about it.

AB: Phil was very important in my life, he was like a Father Figure, he and his partner Joseph. The tattoo I got to honor him is on my forearm, it’s an infinity sign, but I had it done like a vine, and it has his birth date written in the infinity.

MS: Very nice.

AB: Also I have another quote tattooed on my back, it’s from “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” the quote is “It’s the truth, even if it didn’t happen”. It has to do with my past and the fact that I’m a writer. So to have such an amazing piece of literature on my body by such an amazing author like Ken Kesey is really important to me.

MS: Obviously you write all your own songs.

AB: Yes, I do.

MS: That is awesome! So other than acoustic what can people expect from your show this Saturday?

AB: All around the show is going to be an amazing time, because it is so many different groups of artists. One of the bands is my boyfriend performing with a friend of mine and an accordion. My music? I wouldn’t really know how to categorize it, I wouldn’t call it punk, it’s more quirky and a little bit whimsical. Folk/Punk is something I really like, it’s fun to take punk subjects like: Drugs, Sex & Rock-N-Roll and then put them across in a folky way.

MS: Sounds Great! I am making a point of being there Saturday.

AB: Thank you so much for this opportunity, hope to see you there!

Get hip this Saturday: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002517776293

For Immediate Release: James Durbin Keeps On Rockin'

James & Mick Mars

Wow! "Entertain Me" favorite James Durbin is one busy guy - check in and catch up with everything he's been up to lately....Rock On James!

American Idol’s James Durbin Cracks The Hot Adult Top 40 chart with his “Love Me Bad” single

James Receives a Best Lead Vocalist Nomination from the Golden Gods Awards

Revolver Magazine names James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars”

February 2012- Los Angeles, CA – American Idol finalist, James Durbin, shot to fame in 2011 and then released his Wind-Up Records debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. The album broke into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart at #8 and #36 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart. Meanwhile, his current single, “Love Me Bad” has cracked the Hot Adult Top 40 chart this week and Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster is quickly approaching 100,000 in sales.

Click here to watch the “Love Me Bad” video: http://www.vevo.com/watch/james-durbin/love-me-bad/USWV41100047

Revolver magazine recently named James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars” alongside other rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons and Dave Grohl. In addition, Revolver announced today that James has been nominated for a Golden Gods Award in the Best Lead Vocalist category. James will also be a presenter on the show. The Golden Gods Awards will take place on April 11 in Los Angeles at Club Nokia and for the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages. Voting begins today and will end on April 1. To vote for James please visit: www.GoldenGods Awards.com.

Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster features not one, but two lead singles with the power-charged ballad “Love Me Bad” at Top 40/Hot AC radio and the anthemic rock single, “Stand Up” which is a gleaming showcase for Durbin’s signature rock-star yowl and powerful, energetic voice. People magazine gives Memories Of a Beautiful Disaster a 3 out of 4 star review and says “Durbin is one of the best voices to come out of Idol. His debut packs metallic muscle.”

Unforgettable performances on the Idol stage with legends such as Judas Priest and Zakk Wylde led Durbin’s own “Idols” to support the rocker’s first ever release. Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, songwriters James Michael (Sixx A.M, Mötley Crüe) and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Ozzy Osbourne) along with Swedish rock band Hardcore Superstar all contributed to the making of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was “surreal” to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, “When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind.” The long-time Mötley Crüe fan continued saying, “He’s a true rock legend and he’s playing on my record. It doesn’t get any cooler than that.” Mick Mars echoed the same fervor, “It was sick to have played on James’ debut album. To be the only featured guest artist on the record was really cool as I know a lot of others wanted to be on it. James Durbin kicks ass, he’s the real deal.”

On American Idol, James Durbin waved the flag for rock and it was that devotion to rock that helped him overcome his private struggles with tourette’s and aspergers syndrome. He touched the hearts of people everywhere while on the show, and with the release of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster he is proudly waving that flag high again.

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here: http://twitter.com/durbinrock, http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

For Immediate Release: Conspirator Is On The Road Again

Conspirator

ROCKING THEIR WAY ONTO YOUR STEREO, THE DANCE FLOOR AND YOUR HEARTS:

CONSPIRATOR (FEATURING MEMBERS OF THE DISCO BISCUITS) PREPARE TO UNLEASH UNLOCKED: LIVE FROM THE GEORGIA THEATER APRIL 10 WITH CROSS COUNTRY TOUR DATES TO SUPPORT THE RELEASE

Conspirator features Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein (The Disco Biscuits keyboardist and bass player) as an outlet to channel their electronic mad scientist personae. Formed in 2004 with New York DJ/producer DJ Omen, Conspirator has taken on many forms through the years. With the recent addition of virtuoso guitarist Chris Michetti and a rotating cast of some of the country's best drummers – Darren Shearer (the New Deal), Mike Greenfield (Lotus), KJ Sawka (Pendulum) and Adam Deitch (Break Science, Pretty Lights) – Conspirator has reached another level.

2011 was a seminal year for the group with groundbreaking performances at the Ultra Music Festival, Nocturnal Festival, Electric Forest Festival and Camp Bisco 10 as well as sold out shows at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC, Pearl Street in Northampton, MA, the Fox Theater in Boulder and the Bluebird Theatre in Denver. As a full band, the music is hitting new highs and killing in the live show. With the addition of an arsenal of new material, more crowds across the nation have begun to embrace this remarkable outfit.

Unlocked - Live from the Georgia Theatre (release date April 10, 2012) captures the spirit of these true genre blenders. The collection is a smorgasbord of electronic rock bliss, delving, twisting and diving effortlessly between house, dub-step, drum and bass, and electro. Coming off of break-out performances at Ultra Music Festival and Nocturnal Festival, Conspirator has begun to catch the eye of electronic music aficionados everywhere. Upcoming tour date highlights will include headlining shows at Irving Plaza, The Trocadero, The Orange Peel, Georgia Theater, the Fox Theater and more as well as supporting slots with Lotus at the Congress Theater and The Pageant.

Yes, it is the Year of the Dragon but barring the Mayan prediction coming true for 2012, this should be Conspirator’s year as well.

Tour dates are as follows:

2/15/12 Turner Hall Milwaukee, WI
2/16/12 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
2/17/12 The Congress Theater Chicago, IL
2/18/12 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
2/19/12 Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo, MI

3/01/12 Toad's Place New Haven, CT

3/02/12 Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA
3/03/12 Wescott Theater Syracuse, NY
3/08/12 The Note West Chester, PA
3/09/12 Mr. Smalls Pittsburgh, PA
3/10/12 Town Ballroom Buffalo, NY

3/16/12 LIFT Festival Enfield, NH

3/22/12 Belly Up Solano Beach, CA
3/23/12 Roxy Theatre Los Angeles, CA
3/24/12 The Independent San Francisco, CA
3/25/12 The Arcata Theatre Arcata, CA
3/26/12 Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom Crystal Bay, NV
3/31/12 Rock and Roll Resort v2 Kerhonkson NY

4/01/12 Rock and Roll Resort v2 Kerhonkson NY
4/18/12 Pour House Charleston, SC
4/19/12 Wanee Music Festival Live Oak, FL
4/20/12 Georgia Theater Athens, GA - 2 SET SHOW
4/21/12 Orange Peel Asheville, NC - 2 SET SHOW
4/27/12 The Trocadero Philadelphia, PA - 2 SET SHOW
4/28/12 Irving Plaza New York, NY - 2 SET SHOW

http://www.conspiratorband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Conspirator-Official/171350712892526

Love Is Everything

While debating whether or not to post something in honor of Valentine's Day today, thinking "'is it really necessary, will it really matter"? I got inspired.

"Entertain Me" staple Sandy, with a "Y" not "E" Zacky performed a show a few years back with her singing partner, Mike Clifford at Vitello's in Studio City, CA on Valentine's Day.

Nobody does a love song better than Ms. Z, and the CD she cut with Clifford bears the title "Love Is Everything" ...in celebration of that notion, I bring you Sandy Zacky & Mike Clifford crooning that very song, don't say I never did you any favors.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone....Enjoy!

R.I.P. Whitney Houston -

We will always love you -

Get Ready For: Air Collision!

 

Writer/Director: Liz Adams

Remember my groovy chat with friend and "Entertain Me" favorite, writer/director Liz Adams?

Well in case you don't click on the link 3 times and say: Air Collision, Air Collision, Air Collision...

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/checking-in-with-filmmaker-liz-adams.html

The trailer for Liz's directorial debut from The Asylum is out & it looks mega-eXciting! (not Mega Shark)

If you have a fear of flying, cover your eyes you wimp! Otherwise get ready for a bumpy ride this March 27th.

Eric Himan Takes Los Angeles ...!

Popular musician Eric Himan is back in Los Angeles, CA and he is here to rock your world! The singer of such hit songs as "Gonna Make It Work," "Little Boy Blue" & "Dust" is laying it down this Saturday February 11th at "Room 5" 9 pm.

Oh and hey LA Eric has something he wants to say to all of you: "I am excited to be back in LA and this will be first time through playing Room 5! Already thinking it will be a sold out show! Hope to catch you there"!!!

Got that? Be there or be perpendicular....word!

Hang with Eric at: http://www.erichiman.com/

Gossip: Mary Wilson (Of The Supremes) Wants An Oscar

Not sure if it was the recent Screen Actors Guild wins of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in "The Help" - or the fact that former rival and band mate Diana Ross has been nominated and she has not.

But word on the street is, former Supreme, Mary Wilson is taking acting classes in Los Angeles, CA at present with a vengeance. Whatever the gold, I mean goal Mary, you go, and go - chase it Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl!

Checking In With: Jonathan Brett

It’s time, give you a formal intro to Mr. Jonathan Brett, an “Entertain Me” staple for his YouTube show “Mr. Meatballs Takes on Life”.

Well JB (as his friends know him) is an actor/performer with much more diversity and talent than just his “Meatballs”.

From guest starring on the CBS series “Cold Case” to the indie horror comedy “Stupid Teenagers Must Die” - J. Brett has proven himself a talented actor who can take on a variety of roles.

This is especially apparent with his two current projects, a role in a movie from The Asylum: “Celebrity Sex Tape” and a lead in the premiere play “Geeks - The Musical”.

OK - JB, let’s do it!

MS: Hey JB where are you right now?

JB: I just got finished with an audition for a Toyota commercial.

MS: Very cool, glad to catch you in the car, Mr. Busy! So you are in the Valentine’s Day video release from The Asylum “Celebrity Sex Tape.”

JB:  Yes I am!

"Celebrity Sex Tape"

MS: Why is that a Valentine’s Day release?

JB: Ya know, I couldn’t tell you actually (laughs) It’s a one of those “geek falls in love and gets his love” type of things…so, it kind of is a Valentine’s Day release, with a lot of sex in it! (laughs) A good Valentine’s Day for most people is sex so…

MS: Tell people a little about your character.

JB: His name is Ed, his nickname is “Sex Ed” he gets that nickname toward the middle of the movie. Basically if this were “American Pie” he would be the “Stifler” character. He’s always talking about sex, everything is about how he can get laid. Ed is a cool sex guy (laughs)

MS: Rumor has it The Asylum is a great movie company to work with.

JB: The Asylum is great, they’re a group of professionals. I never thought you could knock out a 120 page script in 10 shooting days. They knew how to do it, and they did it with class and integrity and I am sure it will turn out fantastic.

MS: My friend Liz Adams (Director, of The Asylum’s “Air Collision”) really liked working with them too.

JB: They were truly great people to work with, I made a lot of lasting friendships out of it. It was a lot of fun and these are people I will know for the rest of my life.

MS: It’s like the old Roger Corman system.

JB: Yes, they crank out a lot of good material for a low budget and are very successful, they know what they are doing.

MS: Well, I have a feeling you have told us as much about “Celebrity Sex Tape” that you are able to.

"Celebrity Sex Tape"

JB: Yeah, before something is out, you aren’t really sure what you can and can’t say, I don’t think I gave too much away.

MS: Nah, you didn’t - How excited are you to be the lead in a brand new musical BTW?

JB: I’m very excited about it! It’s called “Geeks - The Musical” which I think has the potential to go to, at least Off-Broadway. The concept has yet to make it to a Broadway stage, there are so many geeks in the world it’s about time they had a musical!

MS: When does it open?

JB: March 1st at Write Act Reparatory Theatre in Hollywood, CA. It’s up on Plays 411 now which is also very exciting!

MS: How many musical numbers do you have?

JB: So far I’ve got 9. They are also thinking about adding me to the opening number too, normally every character is in the opening number and that would bring it up to 10. I’m really excited for it, it’s going to be a lot of fun! It also takes place somewhere really geeky, the Comi-Con Convention.

MS: Perfect! You have done a lot of varied things in the body of your work. What would be your ultimate dream gig to have?

JB: My ultimate dream, and I am going to do this, is to be a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.”

MS: How cool!

JB: SNL is so influential, and they’ve gotten very political over the years, which is fine. But I would really like to be part of bringing SNL back to it’s roots, when it was good sketch comedy that was timeless.

Follow JB on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jonathanjbbrett

Check into The Asylum at: http://www.theasylum.cc/

Imperial Teen: Feel The Sound

Imperial Teen

Did you just say Yoo-Hoo? Uh, OK - well kids after a long wait the seminal group Imperial Teen is back with a new album to rock your socks off!

One of the coolest bands evuh whose biggest hit the "Yoo-Hoo" song was featured in the movie "Jawbreaker" with Rose McGowan (hey she was even in the video) - presents for your consideration their latest opus "Feel the Sound".

The current single from it titled - "Runaway" is sure to catch your fancy. Having interviewed the ubiquitous and talented Imperial Teen Leader Roddy Bottum years ago (for a now defunct piece of crap magazine that shall remain nameless) I wanted to give him and the other "Teens" a shout out and show of support - that's correct, you heard me... get your teen on b!tches and tell them Michael Shinafelt sent you. Check out "Runaway" and check it out now!

Go "Teen" at : http://imperialteen.com/

Checking In With: Matthew Duffy

Heeeeeeee's Baaaaaack!

Homosapien & "Entertain Me" "10 Stupid Questions" hall of famer (for real, here it is:
http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/10-stupid-questions-with-matthew-duffy.html)

 Matthew Duffy is here to help you end the first month of 2012 by making a "Man Out Of U"

Matthew makes a man out of Ronnie Kroell in his latest video - do you think he can make one out of U too?

Check it and find out..!

www.facebook.com/matthewduffymusic

www.soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music

"Stand Up" With James Durbin !

Me, James & Brittney

It’s the weekend, time to “Stand Up” with “Entertain Me” staple James Durbin and cheer….woot!

The video for the anthemic rock single, “Stand Up” from James’s album “Memories of a Beautiful Disaster” has just been released & it's good to go.

So this weekend, “Stand Up” and celebrate it in style, Durbin style that is.

“It’s time to see you stand up / Let me see your hands up / Want to hear you shout it out / Tell me that you’re ready to go”…..

Keep up with James here: http://twitter.com/durbinrock, http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

Michael Shinafelt Gets It In "The Summer Of Massacre"

Me & Scott Barrows: The Summer of Massacre Premiere

It’s time to turn the tables on the blogger, my nieces Shauna & Kelly Waters are interviewing me, yes me, about my horror movie debut “The Summer of Massacre”.

Yep, I am in the horror movie that is registered with The Guinness Book of World Records as having the highest body count of any slasher movie ever and it is out on DVD, now. Oh Yeah, and I am one of those bodies…

Alright nieces, bring it on…!

S&K: I know you've been a huge fan of horror movies for a long time, was being in one everything you expected?

MS: And more! I loved every minute of it!

S&K: What was it like being "murdered" on screen?

MS: Awesome!

S&K: Now that you've been in a movie, does it spoil the magic of movies now that you know what goes on behind the scenes?

MS: Not at all, what appears in the finished film is so different than what it’s like shooting it, it is truly fun to see the end result of the movie magic you have helped create.

S&K: Would you be open to more acting if the opportunity presented itself?

MS: Hell Yes!

S&K: What was the most difficult part of your scene?

MS: Needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of the shot and holding it (kidding) Honestly there was nothing difficult about the shoot, it was completely fun!

S&K: What was the atmosphere like being on the set of the horror film? Was it scary on set, or was it hard to act scared?

Me & Director, Joe Castro: The Summer Of Massacre Premiere


MS: No, the set was not scary. But it was not hard to act scared either, Joe Castro (The Director) was fun to work with…making it easy to slip into being freaked out!

S&K: What did your acting experience consist of before being a part of “The Summer of Massacre“?

MS: Community, College & a couple of Los Angeles theatre credits. Also a bit part as a Leather Daddy Vampire on “The Lair”.

S&K: I know you have some actors as friends, did you ask them for any advice while preparing for the movie?

MS: No.

S&K: What was your favorite part about being on set?

MS: Being in front of the camera, of course!

S&K: For your role in the movie, did you go strictly by the script or was there a chance for you to do some improv?

MS: I was told to wing the dialogue (which is not in the final cut) as the killer was coming at me. The Director said: say and act like you would if someone was coming at you with the intent to kill. Well I would be pi$$ed off and cuss them out, so that is what I did, as you know firsthand Shauna I have trucker mouth. (laughs) Even though the dialogue is not in the final cut of the film it helped in the performance that you see.


S&K: Did you build any relationships while on set?

MS: Well, I knew the Director, Joe Castro before I was cast in the movie. I also keep in contact with one of the actresses Kimmarie Johnson, even though we have no scenes together we were on set at the same time.


Me & Kimmarie Johnson: The Summer Of Massacre Premiere


S&K: Were there a lot of special effects used for your particular scene? If so what were they?

MS: We did practical effects on set, meaning I really had fake blood and gore all over me, however in the finished product all of the effects were added digitally, the look of the film is really great fun! The actual on set stuff that was done added to what you see on screen.

S&K: I know you are a huge fan of the movie, but what was your favorite part of it?

MS: If I divulged that I would have to kill you….

Get your “Massacre” on at:
http://www.thesummerofmassacre.com/
Check me out at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4466735/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/michael.shinafelt

Popstar - Author: Sir Jet

Sir JET aka Joel Evan Tye is a popstar like no other. With his super-hero body and love for skin tight costumes and anime.

JET's childhood struggle with gender anxiety that lead him to become an agoraphobic mute for almost a decade to only rediscover his voice again at age 20 and become the man you see today.

His mission in life is to help people who struggle with their identity and to encourage them to find their true selves by going within like he did.

The result is the book: "I'm Enough: How to Live Life Like a Popstar and Find Your True Self in the Process"...let’s check in with the man himself, Sir Jet..!

MS: Hey Sir Jet, was looking over your book today, there’s a lot of stuff in there that is really helpful. What made you decide to add author to your resume’?

SJ: Several months ago, I thought: what can I do at this point? Do I keep making music? Do I work harder on my acting? I started noticing on the Internet there were a lot more reports on teenage suicide, and you see all these reports about these politicians trying to kill gay people…and I’m thinking “This is a fu@ked up world.”

MS: In certain ways it is.

SJ: Then I started thinking of a way to help people, I thought what if I write book about what I’ve done for myself? Thinking that if I share it, that maybe I could help a few people, I’m not sure how many, but there are people who are sitting in the corner wondering why their life is so horrible.

MS: Right.

SJ: Because that is the place where I came from as a teenager, I had all the tell tale signs of someone who would do something bad to themselves. But, what stopped me was the idea that I’m going to get out of this place.

MS: With all the bullying going on right now it’s scarier than ever to be a teenager. Did you hear about Jamey Rodemeyer, the teen who did a “It Gets Better” video then killed himself?

SJ: In terms of the “It Gets Better” campaign, I think it is a wonderful idea to tell people it gets better, the next step is to show them how. That is why I wrote the book. People need instruction, they just can’t be told when you stop being a teenager it gets better. Let’s start helping them now, let’s show them how to shift their perception of the world.

MS: Something surprising to me, that I had no idea about when we first met, is that you had gender confusion, expand on that.

SJ: OK, most of my life I really liked female things…girl clothes & toys. For the most part I was told “You can’t have that” and I said “Why not”? The answer was “Because you’re boy” - I thought “Then I don’t want to be a boy” they told me “You don’t get a choice”.

MS: Oh, Wow!

SJ: From that point on I always thought “Isn’t there something in between”. The story of my life has been to find what is that thing “in between” ? I knew I was someone who did not want a sex change, I don’t mean that is a bad thing in any way, it just wasn’t right for me.

MS: I totally get it.

SJ: Finally I realized I can be a boy, I can wear those things that are generally made for women and it’s not shameful. That’s how the personae of Sir Jet came about, by playing dress up.

MS: Well I love your gender bending photos, very David Bowie.

SJ: Very. (laughs)

MS: You talk about creating your appearance, let’s talk about your body, what motivated you to want to look the way you do?

SJ: For me, I love superheroes, and I’ve always had a fantasy about being with a superhero. One of the things you learn in this “law of attraction” world is, be the person you want to attract. So I made myself into my version of a superhero.

MS: So, what’s up with your music?

SJ: Right now I am working on a new song, I can’t say with who because I signed a confidentiality agreement, but….it’s somebody famous!

MS: Any parting thoughts about your book, and where can we get it?

SJ: When people read it, I hope they will learn how to be happy and enjoy life. Also it’s very inexpensive, it’s only $4.99 - $5.00 to change your life. Currently it is available as an E-book on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble and I’m also working on getting it into a print book.

MS:  Thanks Sir Jet!

Become a disciple and follow Sir Jet at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/iamsirjet

Celebrating 100,000: Sandy Zacky...!

2012 has brought many great things thus far...for "Entertain Me" favorite, Sandy with a "Y" not "E" she is celebrating 100,000 - plays that is, on her MySpace site.

Sandy with a "Y" has this to say about all that jazz: "The response on the Internet to my brand of music has been phenomenal, I am looking forward to the coming year and all the gifts it has to offer."

Here, Here! Ms. Z!

Check out more from our Sandy via the chat we did last year:

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/10/checking-in-with-jazz-chanteuse-sandy.html

And be sure to visit her MySpace page, as well as join her fan page at:

http://www.myspace.com/sandyzackymikeclifford

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sandy-Zacky-Fan-Page/142692019103428

Farrah Burns "Mrs. Nice Watch"

Hip Hop Artist Farrah Burns first came to my attention upon writing a piece on pop singer Aiden Leslie and his hit song “Worlds Away” which featured Ms. Burns and her styling’s….

Rolling on with Farrah, she is now hitting it, with her latest “Mrs. Nice Watch” from her upcoming album the “ In Pursuit of Hip Hop” anthology laying it down on March 9, 2012.

Hey Farrah, let’s get to it!

MS: Glad you hit me up immediately when I contacted you.

FB: I’m all about the power of the now and wherever it takes me.

MS: Yeah, me too.

FB: I’m the kind of person that’s like, wait for it?…Now! (laughs)

MS: Well the first time I ever heard of you was on Aiden Leslie’s “Worlds Away”. That’s where I became interested.

FB: Sweeeet! That means a lot to me, it really does. Aiden’s and my first performance together was at Splash (New York) - I shut that place down! (laughs) I was all on top of the bar, dancing….I didn’t know where Aiden was, he didn’t know where I was. (laughs)


MS: (laughs) The next thing I heard from you was “Shotgun Wedding.”

FB: Oh, wow!

MS: It reminded me of Neneh Cherry.

FB: I’ll have to look her up.

MS: You don’t know her?! You guys have a similar awesome vibe, she’s Don Cherry’s daughter.

FB: I know who Don Cherry is.

MS: Well it’s a total compliment.

FB: Definitely checking it out.

MS: “Shotgun Wedding” was really reminiscent of her, I thought for sure she was one of your influences…so who are some?

FB: For me I would say Sade, Mos Def, Nina Simone, Anita Baker & Tupac.

MS: Cool!

FB: I didn’t grow up listening to hip hop, my first concert was Julio Inglesias.

MS: Oh, my, that’s a little too tame for me. (laughs)

FB: Yeah, well I had to go! (laughs)

MS: So, what’s up with you currently?

FB: Currently I just completed “In Pursuit of Hip Hop” it’s an anthology. Basically it’s a journey touching on Hip Hop and all the different elements, everything from mainstream to underground, hitting on all those different facets.

MS: How about “Mrs. Nice Watch”?



FB: It’s out right now! (laughs) and in the new year I will be shooting  the video for “Wax On, Wax Off”.

MS: Like clap on, clap off?

FB: Uh-huh, whatever works for you. (laughs)

MS: Name the biggest problem you ever want to have “In Pursuit of Hip Hop”

FB: The biggest? I don’t know what bank I want to bank with (laughs) Gee, I don’t know where to put all this money.

MS: We should all have that problem!

FB: Let me know what interest rates you have. (laughs)

Farrah Burns is “Mrs. Nice Watch" (ing) you at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/farrah.burns

Sylvia Tosun "World Keeps Turning"

Sylvia Tosun is a singer-songwriter to be reckoned with. The operatically trained vocal powerhouse has a big hit on her hands with the thoughtful and extremely danceable, “World Keeps Turning”.

She also owns Sea to Sun Recordings, her own record label that puts out all of her music as well as Traci Lord's current dance smash, “Last Drag”. Sylvia appears in the song's video and gets to make out with Traci.

A smash hit single, her own record label and in a music video making out with an icon….fluff up your pillow and dream, here comes Sylvia Tosun!

MS: Hey Sylvia, since 2011 was such a lame year, let’s kick off the beginning of 2012 with some fun!

ST: 2011 sucked, completely! S-U-X apostrophe D!

MS: Then let’s rock 2012!

ST: You’re on!

MS: Since the 411 is you were an opera singer, what is your favorite opera to perform?

ST: La Boheme.

MS: Which male rock star would you be if you could?

ST: Freddie Mercury!

MS: Awesome, I picked David Bowie.

ST: Oh, I’d take him too, anytime baby! (laughs)

MS: What else would you like to own besides a record company?

ST: A mansion and a yacht.

MS: Oh, good one! Name your favorite place to write music.

ST: In my head.
MS: That makes sense, I thought maybe you had a little tranquil room or place you might go to.

ST: It’s always tranquil in my head with enough wine! (laughs)

MS: Funny, I drink wine when I write too!

ST: Totally, with a bottle of wine I can sit in a corner anywhere and write.

MS: Do you sing in the shower?

ST: Never! Once in a while if I am in a hurry I will vocalize in the shower, but I never sing in it.

MS: Since you lock lips in the video for “Last Drag” with her, what kind of a kisser is Traci Lords?

ST: Oh My God, she’s great! She’s amazing, she’s gorgeous, articulate and extremely intelligent. Also she is a lot of fun!

MS: Thanks Sylvia, you rule!

Keep the fun flowing in 2012 and check in with Sylvia at:

http://www.seatosun.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/SylviaTosun
  

Reel Life: My Week With Marilyn

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
― Marilyn Monroe

This quote by the most famous woman in the world sums up the film “My Week With Marilyn” ….

Who knew the everlasting, amazing star would end up with a movie about herself that she herself defined in a quote (but after seeing this movie you will not be surprised that she actually did).

OK, yes, I am a longtime Marilyn fan, so much so that when I worked in bookkeeping at a talent agency near the Westwood Memorial Cemetery, where Marilyn was laid to rest, on days when I used to bring my lunch and wanted tranquility and peace I would go there and sit on the bench in front of her marker and eat whatever food I had brought for the day.

“My Week With Marilyn” is not a bio pic per se’ - but a love letter to the woman as an artist & human being, that covers the time when she was filming “The Prince and the Showgirl” with Sir Laurence Olivier, who also directed.

Marilyn was selfish, impatient and, and as she said a “little insecure” I would say a lot. But she was also charming, sweet, sexy, loving and a true artist.

Ultimately this is what you get from “My Week With Marilyn” - a portrait of an extremely complex woman who delivered for the studios a magic no one else could, therefore the difficulties were worth it for them to put up with.

Michelle Williams is one of my favorite actresses working, I love, love, love her! She captures the magic of Marilyn - my favorite stuff in the film is when she portrays the icon flubbing scenes during production of "The Prince and the Showgirl" she is truly awful (on purpose of course), but when she nails the scenes, she captures the magic that was Marilyn.

Love this movie, if you are fan a must see, and to everyone else who is on the fence, this is a enchanting piece of entertainment, and you will be completely captivated by Williams.

Hey, Michelle - FYI you are now officially my favorite for the 2011 Best Actress Oscar.
　
http://myweekwithmarilynmovie.com/

TV Watch: Pretty Little Liars

2012 is off to a fantastic start, amongst other things, my favorite guilty pleasure has started it’s latest run.

The girls of Rosewood are back and here to deceive you in a whole new season of “Pretty Little Liars“.

Of course they are not the only fibbers in town, which of course has as much deceit and betrayal as the late great Aaron Spelling’s “Melrose Place”.

For the uninitiated let’s give the briefest of re-caps….

Once upon a time there was a girl name Allison, Ally for short, she was the baddest b!tch in the whole damned town! She ruled over her kingdom of friends, Spencer, Aria, Emily & Hanna (the PLL’s)

Until one day, Ally disappeared and was found dead (?) (that’s the official statement, but we “Liars” fans know A) her death is up for debate and B) you really can’t keep a good b!tch down)….and boy was Ally, the cat a major one!

The quintet of Emily, Aria, Spencer and Hanna are now relentlessly pursued by the mysterious “A” who knows all of their secrets and is controlling their every move, much like uber b!tch Allison did when she was alive….Hmmmmmmmmmmmm….

With the wheels now set in motion, the games have begun. There are way too many twists and turns to get down with in a full piece, but suffice it to say this is some of the most fun I have watching TV each week, thanks ABC Family Network!

And thanks to the “Pretty” & talented four leads Troian Bellisario (Spencer), Ashley Benson (Hanna), Lucy Hale (Aria) and Shay Mitchell (Emily). You root for these “Liars” and want them to not be kept down by the insidious forces that are trying to destroy their lives….You Go Girls!

This season finds the “Liars” doing community service in un-flattering orange jumpsuits for a crime they did not commit (thanks a lot “A”). When Spencer and Emily get into a WWW smackdown, drag out fight.



For us older fans doesn’t this sounds like another wink and nod to the Spelling tradition? If not check out the original “Charlie’s Angels” TV show and find an episode titled “Angels In Chains”.

It’s starting off to be an amazing year and I am loving the return of my beloved “Liars”!
　
http://prettylittleliars.alloyentertainment.com/

Happy New Year: James Durbin Gets Married ...!

Let's kiss off 2011 with love...between 2 people. "American Idol" finalist/success James Durbin and his bride Heidi Lowe ..they got married in Santa Cruz, CA., yesterday 12/31/2011, A shout out to their son Hunter too, hey Hunter!

Congrats! Love to the both of you and continued success to Mr. Durbin.

James is a favorite here at "Entertain Me" check out the following posts:

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/james-durbins-rock-n-roll-fantasy.html

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/12/for-immediate-release-james-durbin.html

Happy New Year Everyone! 2012 is going to rock!