9/30 Chris Montan, The Lion King: The Legacy Collection

Montan began his association with The Walt Disney Studios in 1984 and, three years later, was named vice president of music for motion pictures and television. In 1991, he began a four-year stint as senior vice president, music. In 1995, he entered into an exclusive five-year arrangement with Disney to produce motion pictures and provide consultation on a variety of music-related projects. In that role, he most recently served as producer of the acclaimed 1997 TV musical production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" (starring Whitney Houston and Brandy); and as executive producer of "Annie," a major new television musical for "The Wonderful World of Disney," airing on Sunday, November 7th on ABC.

Under Montan's guidance, soundtracks from eight of the Studio's theatrical releases ("Cocktail," "Beaches," "The Little Mermaid," "Pretty Woman," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," "Pocahontas") have been certified multi-platinum. Sales for "Pretty Woman" surpassed the five million unit mark. Additionally, many of the Studio's songs and scores that were created during his tenure have received Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award recognition.

Among his other Disney credits, Montan served as executive music producer for such recent Disney animated features as "Pocahontas," "Toy Story," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Hercules," "Mulan" and "Tarzan."


The Lion King: The Legacy Collection

Walt Disney Records' newly created line of collectible CDs, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection, will celebrate the anniversaries of Disney's most cherished and classic properties that have been enchanting audiences for generations. Through 2015, Walt Disney Records will celebrate 12 anniversaries including 'Pinocchio' (75th), 'Fantasia' (75th), 'Cinderella' (65th), 'Lady and the Tramp' (60th), 'Sleeping Beauty' (55th), 'Mary Poppins' (50th), 'The Lion King' (20th) and 'Toy Story' (20th), among others.

To honor these musical landmarks, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection will feature the beloved original soundtracks, plus valuable documentary content that tells the story behind the music. Each album will feature newly created artwork from Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios ('Tangled,' 'Winnie the Pooh,' 'Wreck-It Ralph'). The illustrations, inspired by the original properties, will celebrate Disney's rich heritage and create a unified look for the entire collection.

9/23 ROBERT DAVID HALL

Robert David Hall plays quirky coroner, ‘Dr. Albert Robbins’, on the Emmy-nominated CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The hit CBS series is also seen in over 130 countries. This fall CSI will air for it’s 15th season Sundays at 10:00 PM ET/PT.  

In his 20 +year career, Hall has amassed numerous credits in film and television. His feature film work includes: “Rock Story” an independent film in which he plays the powerful and charming “U.S. Congressman Robert Connelly” who is married to “Judge Carol Ann Connelly” (Joyce DeWitt.)  The film will play the festival circuit including opening the Hoboken Film Festival May 30th, 2014 and also stars Eric Roberts. It’s based on a talented rock group, The Cash-Money Boys, who have been a near-miss throughout their career.  What ensues is a rock ‘n roller mystery, unraveling the criminal cause of Danielle’s (Mandy Bruno), a member of the rock group, paralysis, and unleashing the rise of the Cash-Money Boys to national fame. He also appeared in “The Negotiator”, starring Kevin Spacey and Samuel L. Jackson; “Starship Troopers”, starring Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards and “Class Action”, starring Gene Hackman and Laurence Fishburne.

In 1978, an 18-wheel truck struck Hall’s car and he was severely burned when his gas tank exploded, leading to the amputation of both legs. Today, he walks comfortably on two prosthetic limbs. It was Hall’s role as a burn survivor in Michael Apted’s “Class Action” that most closely parallels his real life.

Hall’s appearance in “Class Action” led to television guest-starring roles in “West Wing”, “Brooklyn South”, “Touched By An Angel”, ‘‘Promised Land’’, ‘‘Love and War’’ and ‘‘Highway to Heaven’’ and recurring roles on “L.A. Law”,  “Family Law”, “The Practice”, “High Incident” and “Life Goes On”. He also appeared in the role of ‘Samson’ in the TNT Emmy-winning mini-series “Andersonville”, directed by John Frankenheimer.

In addition to acting, Hall’s voice can be heard on hundreds of commercials, animated series and narrations. He also has a keen interest in music, playing the guitar and performing with his band. For more than four years, he was the daytime voice and music director of KNX-FM, a legendary CBS alternative music station in Los Angeles.

"I've been a musician all my life, and it's always been a dream to record my own songs.   With the help of some great Austin musicians including music legend Chris Wall, I recorded "Things They Don't Teach You in School."   I wrote 7 of the songs, including the title track, co-wrote 2 more.  It's personal and I think the music falls somewhere in the "Country/ Americana" music category. I'm proud of the work and I hope the public likes it," states Hall.  He and his band performed the title track on CBS’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and he performed two of the songs at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running live radio show.  The performance, before a live audience was part of the Opry’s 85th Birthday celebration’s “I’m With the Band” series.  For more information and to sample Hall’s music go to www.RobertDavidHallMusic.com .

A devoted community activist and one of the most prominent disabled actors working today, Hall proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the National Organization on Disability. He was honored to introduce President Obama at the 20th Anniversary celebration for ADA on the White House lawn on Monday July 26, 2010. He has completed his term as a National Board Member of the Screen Actors Guild and is National Chairman of the Performers with Disabilities Caucus for SAG, AFTRA and EQUITY. He sits on the boards of The Mark Taper Forum’s “Other Voices Project”, and The Media Access Office. He is a member of the Mutual Amputee Foundation and often visits recent amputees.

He participated in Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis' White House roundtable discussion on ways to create an environment where hiring barriers are removed, accommodations made for people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.

In spring 2008, he presented New Zealand with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award at the United Nations and in 2005; he was honored to present the same award to King Abdullah II of Jordan. This award is presented to a country for their exemplary efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

In demand as a public speaker, Hall spends time addressing a variety of organizations and corporate entities including WalMart, Bank of America, The Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities, The Amputee Coalition of America, and the World Burn Congress.  He was the keynote speaker at the Vermont Governor’s Summit on the Employment of People with Disabilities. He specifically spoke to needs of young adults with disabilities transitioning into the workplace.

In 2009 The Department of Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), in celebration of its 50th anniversary, honored Hall as one of four outstanding individuals who have broken race, gender, sexual orientation and disability barriers and by California State Leaders for his contributions as one of the Founders of I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People with Disabilities).  In 2007 he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Community Colleges. He received the 2006 Ivy Bethune Diversity Trailblazers Award from Screen Actors Guild and The 1998 Harold Russell Award from the Media Access Office. This award is presented to actors who serve as role models for other disabled actors.

In 2005, Hall and his “C.S.I.” castmates won the Screen Actors Guild’s Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, the People's Choice Award for Favorite Television Dramatic Series and the TV Guide Award for New Series of the Year, in 2001.

Hall, who graduated from UCLA, lives with his wife, Judy, in the Los Angeles area. He is also the proud father of an adult son, Andrew Hall.

WWW.ROBERTDAVIDHALLMUSIC.COM

9/16 MORGAN FAIRCHILD, CHEF RICK TARANTINO

MORGAN FAIRCHILD JOINS IN TO TALK ABOUT THE HALLMARK CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE ‘PERFECT ON PAPER’ PREMIERING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 (9P.M. ET/PT, 8C)

Morgan is a superb performer, but there's more to this talented actress than meets the eye.  In addition to her accomplishments as an actress, Morgan is an outspoken and dedicated supporter of AIDS research efforts, the pro-choice movement and a great range of environmental issues, among others.

In 1995, Morgan completed a one-year commitment starring in the ABC network daytime drama "The City" playing 'Sydney Chase', who ran one of the biggest communication conglomerates on the planet.  Morgan joked, "I'm playing Rupert Murdoch in drag".  Morgan completed an ABC-TV Special, "Teenage Confidential" that aired in December 1996 and starred in the NBC Movie-of-the Week, "Into the Arms of Danger" which was shot on location in Vancouver and aired during the 1996 February sweeps.  During this time she also filmed a guest starring role in an independent feature film, "Shattered Illusions".

A native of Dallas, Morgan began acting as a child, when her mother enrolled her in drama lessons after she was too shy to give a book report in class.  From the age of 10, she performed in children's and dinner theatre and stock productions in Dallas.  This vigorous preparation readied her for the key role of the paranoid murderess, Jennifer Pace Phillips, in the CBS-TV daytime series, "Search for Tomorrow", a part which Morgan landed six weeks after moving to New York which was the beginning of her television career. Following her stint on "Search for Tomorrow", Morgan moved to Los Angeles, where she made numerous guest appearances on TV series.  She had a recurring role on "Mork & Mindy", with Robin Williams, as well as a recurring role on "Roseanne".

Morgan originated the role of Jenna Wade on "Dallas", as well as appearing on such series as "Barnaby Jones", "Happy Days", "The Bob Newhart Show", "A Man Called Sloane", "Police Woman", "Switch", "Kojak", "Big Shamus", "Perry Mason", "Burke's Law", "Murder, She Wrote", "Lois & Clark", "Empty Nest", "Diagnosis Murder", "Robin's Hoods", "Friends", and "Cybill".  Morgan also starred in the contemporary film noir mystery "Writers Block" for USA Network.  Morgan starred in "Star Command" with Chad Everett for the United/Paramount Network as well as "Dead Man's Island" with William Shatner, Barbara Eden, Roddy McDowell and Christopher Atkins, a Movie-of-the-Week for CBS.

Additionally, Morgan co-starred with Natalie Wood in "The Memory of Eva Ryker" for CBS and also appeared in other TV movies including "The Initiation of Sarah" with Shelly Winters, "Music in Music City", "Concrete Cowboy" with Tom Selleck, and the primetime mini-series "The Dream Merchants" with Mark Harmon.  In the latter, she won terrific notices for her portrayal of the tragic actress, Dulcie Warren.  She also appeared in the David Wolper mini-series, "North & South" with Patrick Swayze and Elizabeth Taylor.

Morgan landed the key role of Constance Weldon Carlyle in "Flamingo Road"; the NBC-TV series ran for two seasons, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress.  Since that show propelled her to stardom, she starred as a TV newswoman in the feature film "The Seduction", co-starred with Erik Estrada in the NBC-TV movie "Honeyboy" and with Bette Davis in "Hotel" for ABC.

Morgan stretched her dramatic muscles with her acclaimed portrayal of Skye in the off-Broadway play "Geniuses", a comedy about the making of a film similar to "Apocalypse Now".  It was one of the 'top ten plays' of the year noted Time magazine and The New York Times.  Other recent stage appearances have included productions of "Goodbye Charlie" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".

She also starred in the CBS-TV movie "The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood", a comic version of the famous tale co-starring George Segal and Roddy McDowell.  She played the naughty Racine in the ABC-TV series "Paper Dolls" with Lloyd Bridges and later starred as lawyer Jordan Roberts in the CBS-TV series "Falcon Crest" with Jane Wyman.  Morgan also made a cameo appearance in the feature film "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", as well as over a dozen appearances on NBC-TV specials with comedy legend Bob Hope.

Morgan starred in the feature film "The Red-Headed Stranger" opposite country music legend Willie Nelson, based on his concept album of the same name.  She then starred in the Paramount feature "Campus Man" in which she played a magazine publisher.  She also starred as the Queen in "Sleeping Beauty", part of the Cannon Films fairy tale series.  She then starred in "Deadly Illusions", another feature opposite Ben Masters in the CBS movie "Street of Dreams", a film noir detective story, as well as "Midnight Cop", a motion picture shot in Berlin with Michael York and Armin Mueller-Stahl.

Morgan's career reached new heights with her co-starring role in "Gospa".  In the film, which was shot on location in war torn Bosnia, Morgan played Sister Fabiana, opposite Martin Sheen.  "Gospa" was executive produced by Academy Award winner Barry Morrow.  The film was released worldwide in 1995.

Morgan has authored a beauty book, "Super Looks" (Simon and Schuster).  It is a complete guide and includes make-up, hair, exercises and diet tips.

Morgan starred in an informational video, "Safe Sex for Men and Women", about AIDS education and prevention.  Part of the proceeds went to the American Foundation for AIDS Research.  She is a member of the Entertainment Industry's AIDS Task Force.  Morgan has spearheaded numerous other fund-raising projects for the disease and she also testified before a special Congressional committee about AIDS education.  She is on the Board of Governors of APLA and Board of Directors of Amfar.  Former Surgeon-General C. Everett Koop, has asked her on occasion to substitute for him at AIDS events and she has hosted an AIDS Awareness Special with news anchorman Steve Bell.  She has appeared twice on "Nightline" with Ted Koppell regarding AIDS.  Morgan received an Emmy nomination for a special episode of "Murphy Brown" written for her by Diane English.  In the spring she co-starred with Joan Rivers in ABC television's "Your Money or Your Wife".  She then started the summer with "Murder At The PTA Luncheon", which was produced by Von Zerneck/Sertner and also starred Cindy Williams and Marla Gibbs.  Her next project sent her to Luxembourg to star in Harmony Gold's production of "Sherlock Holmes and the Leading Lady", which also starred Christopher Lee and Patrick McNee.  Morgan also starred in the psychological suspense thriller "The Haunting of Sarah Hardy", which was produced exclusively for the USA Network, garnering one of the most impressive ratings in the network's history.

Morgan's other public service efforts have included leading pro-choice marches and rallies, and participating in several events to save the California deserts (including an appearance before the U.S. Senate).  She is a frequent speaker on environmental issues of all kinds, and helped found the Environmental Communications Office, which encourages entertainment industry professionals to become better educated and more active on environmental issues.

Morgan is one of the original members and is on the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee, a political action committee that has raised millions for liberal candidates for state and federal office.  They were co-organizers of the pro-choice rally in Washington in 1989 that drew 500,000 people and Los Angeles co-producers of the Nelson Mandala dinner that raised almost $1 million on his recent U.S. tour.  Whether it's appearing on "Nightline" on AIDS or CBS's "Sixty Minutes" on women's issues or testifying before the Senate on environmental causes, the public has come to respect Morgan as more than just a glamorous star.

Out of the limelight, Morgan is a collector of movie memorabilia (particularly Marilyn Monroe) and antique clothing.  She is a ballet fan and is also interested in anthropology and paleontology.

www.morganfairchild.com

THEN OUR PAL CHEF RICK STOPS BY WITH SOME AMAZING RECIPES

Rick Tarantino or Chef Rick as he is know in the media has a diverse back ground that has helped him build a successful career as a celebrity chef. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus and graduated with a Bachelors' of Science from the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Then began his work experience at the prestigious chain of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts from Los Angles to New York's five star St Regis Hotel, Rick worked his way up the corporate ladder. But that was only the beginning, with years of experience in the family hotel business that he was raised in and now with corporate hospitality business under his belt, he began his entrepreneurial career and started Inn Vision a state of the art in-room movie company in hotels around the country. After successfully selling that venture he went back into his family hotel and restaurant business with his father. Emerald Hotel and Resorts International, owned and operated hotels and restaurants in New England.

Rick then returned to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University, the world leading hotel and culinary school. Wanting to give back he began teaching at the school. That lead to an opportunity to develop an alumni and development office for the Chancellor, so when his father retired, they sold the hotel company and Rick began his next career as an educator, author and fundraiser. During the ten year period at Johnson & Wales, Rick met Justin Miller a young inspiring 6 year old who loved to cook. Rick trained Justin to become the Guinness Book of Records Worlds Youngest Chef and the two travelled the world cooking and inspiring others. This launched Rick in to the Television and Media industry.

The pair appeared on almost every national television show venue from Good Morning America, David Letterman, Disney, to the Food Network. Rick also became a research chef for many national brands like Westinghouse, Rival's Crock -Pot, Cattlemen's, BBQ sauce, Kraft Foods, and VacuWare to just name a few. In addition he now appears regularly on HSN ( Home Shopping Channel ) and The Shopping Channel Canada as well as National Infomercials and Tradeshows.

Chef Rick has experience in many media outlets, live appearances, press tours, news shows, morning shows, radio, infomercials, cook books, and currently co-hosts a cable cooking show called You Won't Even Miss it. He worked with Celebrities like the late Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Jarred Fogle from Subway and Martin Yen. He is sought after for recipe development by food companies and supermarkets. He develops many of the free recipes you pick up at the grocery store and tours supermarkets regularly teaching customers recipes and how to enhance their meals to get out of the "Food RUT". You can see him at Hannaford's, ACME, Lowes, Sweet Bay and Shaw's. He also endorsees his own line of products called Chef Rick Spices, Chef Rick Seafood , Proware Professional Kitchen Products and Bold Chef. He does product development for companies like All-Clad , Williams Sonoma and Westinghouse.

Go to www.myrastellidirect.com/chefrick!


RECIPES OF THE WEEK

Watermelon Caprese Salad

Ingredients

4 cups Watermelon Balls (about 1 inch diameter)

2 Cups Small or Mini Buffalo Mozzarella

1 Cup Shredded or Julienne Cucumber Skin On

½ Cup Raspberry Infused White Balsamic Reduction (Recipe below)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Basil Leaves

Directions

In a 4 quart bowl combine watermelon and buffalo mozzarella.  Wash and roll Basil leaves, slice on a bias to Chiffonade into ribbons, sprinkle into watermelon and mozzarella bowl and toss.  Place 2 tablespoons of julienne cucumber onto center of plate.  On top of that spoon out 4 to 6 tablespoons of the watermelon mixture.  Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of EVO and White Raspberry Vinaigrette reduction. 

Raspberry Infused White Balsamic Reduction

1 cup white balsamic vinegar

1 cup raspberries

Place vinegar and raspberries into a non-reactive sauce pan.  Heat on medium heat until a boil then turn down to low and reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and allow simmering until the vinegar has reduced by at least half (for a thinner reduction) or more (for a more syrupy consistency). You’re your time, don't try to increase the heat, it will burn and become a stiff, hardened mess!

Once reduced, place in a strainer and remove raspberries.  Let cook and set aside for you.  This can be stored in your refrigerator covered for up to two weeks. 

Chef Rick Tip: When making a balsamic reduction try use white balsamic vinegar for red berries like raspberries and strawberries, and Dark Balsamic Vinegar for dark berries like blueberries and blackberries.

Fall Seafood Boil

Ingredient

4 (12 ounce bottles) Pumpkin Ale

1 Vidalia onions, cut into 8 sections

2 lemons cut into 8 sections

6 cloves of fresh Garlic

2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

1 dozen live blue or Dungeness crabs, rinsed off

2 lbs. of Live Mussels

2 lbs. of Hard Shell Clams

4 (6 oz.) lobster tails

1 lb. Shrimp

4 Bay leaves

Directions

Fill a large (4-gallon) stockpot with Pumpkin Ale,  add the 2 cups water, onions, garlic, lemons, garlic, bay leaves and 2 tbsp. old bay; bring to a boil.

Add the seafood using tongs or silicone gloves carefully add the crabs clams, mussels, lobster and shrimp.  Boil for 12-15 minutes until clams open.  Remove from pot using strainer or tongs, place into a large family style platter, garnish with lemons and enjoy

Chef Rick Tip: add 1 kielbasa sausage link (about 2 lbs.), cut into slices (about 1 1/2 inches thick)or Andouille Sausage.  

9/09 JOE MANTEGNA & FRANKIE AVALON

JOE MANTEGNA

Joseph Anthony “Joe” Mantegna, Jr. (born November 13, 1947) is an American actor, producer, writer and director. He is best known for his roles in box-office hits such as Three Amigos (1986), The Godfather Part III (1990), Forget Paris (1995) and Up Close & Personal (1996). He currently stars in the CBS television series Criminal Minds as FBI Special Agent David Rossi.

Mantegna has gained Emmy Award nominations for his roles in three different miniseries, The Last Don (1997), The Rat Pack (1999) and The Starter Wife (2007). Mantegna served as executive producer for various movies and television movies, such as Corduroy (1984), Hoods (1998), and Lakeboat (2000), which he also directed.

On television, Mantegna starred in the short lived series First Monday (2002) and Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005). Since the 1991 episode "Bart the Murderer", Mantegna has had a recurring role on the animated comedy series The Simpsons as mob boss Fat Tony, reprising the role in The Simpsons Movie (2007). He also played Robert B. Parker's fictional detective Spenser in three made-for-TV movies between 1999 and 2001.

FRANKIE AVALON

Frankie Avalon (born September 18, 1940) is an American actor, singer, playwright, and former teen idol.

Life and career

Avalon was born Francis Thomas Avallone in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Mary Loretta and Nicholas J. Avallone. By the time he was 12, Avalon was on U.S. television playing his trumpet. As a teenager he played with Bobby Rydell in Rocco and the Saints. In 1959, "Venus" (5 weeks #1) and "Why" went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. "Why" was the last #1 of the 1950s. Avalon had 31 charted U.S. Billboard singles from 1958 to late 1962, including "Just Ask Your Heart" (U.S. #7), "I'll Wait For You" (U.S. #15), "Bobby Sox to Stockings" (U.S. #8), and "A Boy Without a Girl" (U.S. #10). Most of his hits were written and/or produced by Bob Marcucci, head of Chancellor Records. He was less popular in the U.K., but did still manage four chart hits with "Why", "Gingerbread", "Venus" and "Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops".

Teamed frequently with Annette Funicello, Avalon starred in a number of popular "beach party" comedy films during the mid-1960s. The wholesome and romantic coupling of "Frankie and Annette" in summer movies such as Beach Party and Beach Blanket Bingo became iconic figures in American films during that era.

Avalon also had straight dramatic parts in the John Wayne historical western film The Alamo, as well as the science-fiction story Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961) with Barbara Eden.
Materializing as a character called Teen Angel, his performance of "Beauty School Dropout" in the hit 1978 film of the musical Grease introduced Avalon to a new generation of viewers.

Avalon appeared in nearly two dozen TV episodes, including ABC's The Bing Crosby Show and The Patty Duke Show, appearing often as himself. Later, he became a national television spokesperson for Sonic Drive-In. In 1965 he appeared in the Combat! episode "Brother, Brother" as a childhood friend of Pfc.Kirby, played by Jack Hogan.

The 1980 film The Idolmaker, written by Ed Di Lorenzo and directed by Taylor Hackford, was a thinly-disguised biography of Avalon ("Tommy Dee" in the film) as well as 1950s teenage star Fabian (called "Caesare" in the film), along with songwriter/producer Bob Marcucci (called "Vinnie Vacarri"). In the movie, Dee clashes with the record producer and younger singer Caesare, who he feels threatens his career. Eventually, Dee and Caesare quit the label, but their record careers collapse just as the British Invasion begins. The real Fabian threatened a lawsuit, despite the filmmakers' insistence that the film presented only fictional characters (though Marcucci was a paid consultant). Avalon denied most of the movie's events.

Avalon married Kathryn "Kay" Diebel on January 19, 1963. She was a former beauty pageant winner, and Avalon met her while playing cards at a friend's house. He told his friend that Kay was the girl he was going to marry. His agent warned Avalon that marriage would spoil his teen idol mystique. Still together, they have eight children - Frankie Jr., Tony, Dina, Laura, Joseph, Nicolas, Kathryn and Carla. They have 10 grandchildren. Frankie Avalon Jr. is a former actor who appeared in the original The Karate Kid and is now a musician, and Tony, the second oldest son, plays guitar and taught at the Rock Nation School. Both sons play on tour with their father.
In 1987, Avalon and Annette Funicello returned to movies with Back to the Beach. In 1989 they also appeared as themselves in cameo roles out jogging the streets in Troop Beverly Hills. Not long afterwards, Funicello was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and retired.

Afterwards, Avalon turned to marketing and created Frankie Avalon Products, a line of health and cosmetic aids. Avalon promotes his products on the Home Shopping Network with host Bob Circosta. He made a cameo appearance as himself with Robert De Niro in the 1995 film, Casino.

In recent years, Avalon has starred in stage productions of Grease in the role of Teen Angel and Tony n' Tina's Wedding as a caricature of himself. Additionally, in 2007, he performed "Beauty School Dropout" with the four remaining female contenders (Kathleen Monteleone, Allie Schulz, Ashley Spencer, and winner Laura Osnes) for the role of Sandy on the NBC television reality show Grease: You're the One that I Want! On April 8, 2009, he performed on American Idol.

Legacy

He was mentioned in the System of a Down song "Old School Hollywood". The song supposedly is about Daron Malakian's experience in a celebrity baseball game, where he and Avalon were both ignored.

Avalon is also mentioned in "It Takes Two", a song from the hit musical Hairspray, sung by the character Link Larkin, and in a song by the Wu Tang Clan called "The City" which refers to his experiences of being a big part of the beach party film genre ("Ride the wave like Frankie Avalon").

One of numerous obscure cultural references present in Midway's video game Mortal Kombat 3 was a lo-res image of Frankie Avalon's face that would dart up in the lower right-hand corner of the screen when Goro killed his opponent by knocking him into the spike pit on the Bridge level.
His song "Venus" was featured in Cranium Command (1989–2005), an attraction at Epcot's Wonders of Life Pavilion (now closed) at Walt Disney World. In the attraction, a 12-year-old boy named Bobby (Scott Curtis), tries to survive the pressures of life and falls in love with a beautiful girl named Annie (Natalie Gregory) at school.

He and his song "Venus" are mentioned in Wendy Wasserstein's 2005 play Third. The main character, English professor Laurie Jameson, watches a PBS reunion show featuring Avalon singing the song, and sings a line of it to her daughter. In stage productions of the show, part of the song is played and a portion of the supposed PBS special is screened as part of the scenery.

He is also mentioned in Adam Sandler's 2008 comedy, You Don't Mess with the Zohan, for his haircut, which the Zohan (Sandler's character) thinks is the latest hairdo. He is also numerously referenced in the 1994 film, The Stöned Age, in which he makes an ending scene cameo appearance.
His song "Venus" additionally appeared in season 4 of the TV series Dexter in which John Lithgow's character, Arthur Mitchell, plays it to remember his deceased sister.

Avalon is also mentioned in The Vaccines song 'Teenage Icon'. Where they claim they are no teenage icon, "no Frankie Avalon".

www.frankieavalon.com
wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankie_Avalon

9/02 RIB-EYE STEAKS WITH SMOKEY ARRABIATA SAUCE

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Rib-Eye Steaks with Smokey Arrabiata Sauce

INGREDIENTS: 

Sauce:
1 (28-ounce can) crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
1 (3-inch long) serrano or Thai chile, stemmed, 1/2 of the seeds removed, and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika, plus extra for seasoning
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning

Steaks:
2 (1 pound) rib-eye steaks, each about 1-inch thick
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
For the sauce: In a food processor, combine the tomatoes, onions, garlic, capers, chile, sugar, paprika, and salt. Process until slightly chunky. Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 25 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and smoked paprika, to taste.

For the steaks: Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Drizzle the steaks on both sides with olive oil. Season on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes each side for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes.

Slice the steaks across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices and serve with the sauce.

8/26 FABIAN FORTE, THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN IDOL

Fabian - An overnight singing sensation, film star with over 30 films to his credit, and producer of his own concert series, Fabian continues to expand his ever growing career. Receiving one of show business' highest accolades, this pop music and film star was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 8, 2002. He was recognized for over 40 years of live performance with the famed boulevard's 2188th star. Following his successful film career, Fabianhas performed at packed concerts, stadiums and casinos from coast to coast and internationally in festivals and theatrical productions. He honored his fans by dedicating his star to them on that memorable day.

His loyal fans are never disappointed. His performance exudes the raw energy that made him one of music's first rock stars.

In his latest triumph, FABIAN hosts and headlines in the hit show,"The Original Stars of Bandstand" at the recently opened Dick Clark Theater in Branson, Missouri. Fabian's first appearance on American Bandstand was June 19, 1958 and he appeared on the show over 20 times. He filled in for Dick Clark as host on dozens of "Caravan of Stars" Tours. "The Original Stars of Bandstand" re-creates those days and is drawing record audiences. "It's like a reunion when I can get where I get re-aquainted with all of my friends again," says Fabian. The show also stars Bobby Vee and features The Chiffons, Brian Hyland, Chris Montez and rare footage of the performers and Dick Clark.

Fabian continues to perform with two of his Philadelphia buddies, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell as "The Golden Boys" in one of the longest running shows of its genre today. In their 20th year together, they have appeared in every major city in the United States and around the world. They have played to packed venues in Atlantic City and Las Vegas and have starred in"The American Music Awards", "Miss Teenage America", and Command Performance: An All Star Salute To The President" television specials. The Philadelphia Music Alliance honored Fabian in 2000, with a star on their Walk of Fame and Fabian visits that city any chance he gets to enjoy the best cheesesteaks anywhere!

Fabian's early films rocketed him to stardom. He made his screen debut in 1959 in "Hound Dog Man", directed by Don Segal. He traveled iout of the country to make "Five Weeks In A Balloon" and"The Longest Day". He worked with two of our great screen giants in"North To Alaska" with John Wayne and "High Time" with Bing Crosby. Fabian was fortunate to have worked with the incomparable and gracious James Stewart in two films in his career, "Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation" and "Dear Brigette." He learned to surf with Tab Hunter in "Ride The Wild Surf" which has become a cult classic. More recent work includes being interviewed by Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1996, Jon Avnet directed film, "Up Close & Personal".

Fabian's role as a homicidal maniac in the TV production titled "A Lion Walks Among Us" directed by Robert Altman solidly established him as a versatile and powerful actor. This history making production was the first television show to run an hour without commercials.

As an actor, Fabian makes frequent television and feature film appearances. Some of his most memorable television roles have been his guest appearances on Laverne & Shirley, Facts of Life,Blossom and Murphy Brown. Fabian recently hosted his second PBS Special, "At The Drive-In." "Fabian's GoodTime Rock 'n Roll Show", broadcast live in front of 85,000 fans in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, featured the great rock acts from the 50's & 60's, was the first concert produced for pay-per-view-television and PBS. Fabian was the Host, performer and producer of this concert special. Fabian is also anEmmy-nominated producer for his work on the highly acclaimed documentary series "The Wild West".

Fabian has enjoyed a successful commercial career representing products such as Pepsi, Denny's & Nutri System to name just a few and lends his distinctive voice to radio and voiceovers for commercials and television projects.
Fabian is one of the first pop rock artists ever to be known by just one name. Answering the most often asked question, Fabian is his real birth name having been named after his paternal grandfather, Fabiano Forte. Today children of his fans, a type font, and a hurricane have been named after him, which really caused quite a stir.

Born on February 6, 1943 to Josephine and Domenic Forte, Fabian Forte was discovered at the age of 14 sitting on his front steps in Philadelphia. Fabian had just watched his father being taken away in an ambulance when he was approached him about becoming a singer. His father couldn't work any longer as the oldest of three brothers, Fabian took a chance at "making some money" to help his family out and never thought of it as a career. Soon thousands were to throng to his concerts and the rest is a music business success story. At 15, Fabian won the Silver Award as "The Promising Male Vocalist of 1958". By the time he was 18, he had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight albums and earned gold records for "Turn Me Loose" and "Tiger" and a gold album for "The Fabulous Fabian".

In 1998, Fabian married model Andrea Patrick, a former Miss Pennsylvania-USA and Miss West Virginia who is the Owner/CEO ofPatrick Talent Agency. He is also a proud father of a son Christian and his wife, Mercedes and their daughter, Fabian's grandaughter, Ava Josephine, and a daughter, Julie Forte. Fabian and Andrea are actively involved in the American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Assocation. Fabian has helped raise money for veterans with his Celebrity Golf Tournament in North Carolina. Andrea and Fabian live on 20 acres in Southwestern Pennsylvania with their dog Max in a home that Andrea designed.

Singer, performer, actor, producer, father, husband and friend.....Fabian is a man who has had longevity in his career because of his perseverance, his loyalty, his professionalism, his wonderful, kind heart and his tenacity. Fabian has traveled the show business ladder and survived, his sense of humor and integrity intact. And for that. he truly is the FABULOUS FABIAN.

WWW.FABIANFORTE.NET


RECIPES OF THE WEEK

Italian Roast Chicken with Potatoes

1 Chicken
1 Cup White Wine
1 Stalk Celery
1 tbs Rosemary
1 tbs Sage
Salt and Pepper
1/4 cup Olive Oil
3 Russet Potatoes

Clean and dry the chicken inside and out. Put the rosemary, sage, salt and pepper in the cavity of the chicken along with the celery stalk.

Rub the olive oil all over the chicken and sprinkle salt and pepper all over the bird.

Peal and slice the potatoes into large slices about six slices per potato. Salt and pepper the potatoes after you put them in the roasting pan. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes.

Roast at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour then pour the white wine over the chicken and continue  cooking for another 1/2 hour to 45 minutes.

The bird should be nice and brown and the juices should run clear to know that it is cooks.

Enjoy!

8/19 KEN SOLARZ, HAWAII FIVE-0, CHEF RICK TARANTINO, NATIONAL POTATO DAY

KEN SOLARZ - PRODUCER & WRITER 

Ken Solarz is a producer and writer known for his work on Hawaii Five-0. He gives us an inside scoop on the production of the popular series!

WWW.CBS.COM


CHEF RICK TARANTINO – NATIONAL POTATO DAY                                      

Rick Tarantino or Chef Rick as he is know in the media has a diverse back ground that has helped him build a successful career as a celebrity chef. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus and graduated with a Bachelors' of Science from the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Then began his work experience at the prestigious chain of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts from Los Angles to New York's five star St Regis Hotel, Rick worked his way up the corporate ladder. But that was only the beginning, with years of experience in the family hotel business that he was raised in and now with corporate hospitality business under his belt, he began his entrepreneurial career and started Inn Vision a state of the art in-room movie company in hotels around the country. After successfully selling that venture he went back into his family hotel and restaurant business with his father. Emerald Hotel and Resorts International, owned and operated hotels and restaurants in New England.

Rick then returned to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University, the world leading hotel and culinary school. Wanting to give back he began teaching at the school. That lead to an opportunity to develop an alumni and development office for the Chancellor, so when his father retired, they sold the hotel company and Rick began his next career as an educator, author and fundraiser. During the ten year period at Johnson & Wales, Rick met Justin Miller a young inspiring 6 year old who loved to cook. Rick trained Justin to become the Guinness Book of Records Worlds Youngest Chef and the two travelled the world cooking and inspiring others. This launched Rick in to the Television and Media industry.

The pair appeared on almost every national television show venue from Good Morning America, David Letterman, Disney, to the Food Network. Rick also became a research chef for many national brands like Westinghouse, Rival's Crock -Pot, Cattlemen's, BBQ sauce, Kraft Foods, and VacuWare to just name a few. In addition he now appears regularly on HSN ( Home Shopping Channel ) and The Shopping Channel Canada as well as National Infomercials and Tradeshows.

Chef Rick has experience in many media outlets, live appearances, press tours, news shows, morning shows, radio, infomercials, cook books, and currently co-hosts a cable cooking show called You Won't Even Miss it. He worked with Celebrities like the late Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Jarred Fogle from Subway and Martin Yen. He is sought after for recipe development by food companies and supermarkets. He develops many of the free recipes you pick up at the grocery store and tours supermarkets regularly teaching customers recipes and how to enhance their meals to get out of the "Food RUT". You can see him at Hannaford's, ACME, Lowes, Sweet Bay and Shaw's. He also endorsees his own line of products called Chef Rick Spices, Chef Rick Seafood , Proware Professional Kitchen Products and Bold Chef. He does product development for companies like All-Clad , Williams Sonoma and Westinghouse.

WWW.CHEFRICK.COM
WWW.MYRASTELLIDIRECT.COM/CHEFRICK