07/28 JOHN LARROQUETTE

ACTOR JOHN LARROQUETTE 

John Bernard Larroquette (born November 25, 1947) is an American actor. His roles include Dan Fielding on the 1984–1992 sitcom Night Court (winning a then-unprecedented four consecutive Emmy Awards for his role), Mike McBride in the Hallmark Channel series McBride, John Hemingway on The John Larroquette Show, Lionel Tribbey on The West Wing, and Carl Sack in Boston Legal.

Early career
His first 'job' in Hollywood was providing the opening voiceover narration for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). Larroquette did this as a favor for the film's director Tobe Hooper. His first series regular role was in the 1970s NBC program Black Sheep Squadron, where he portrayed a WWII United States Marine Corps fighter pilot named 2nd Lt. Bob Anderson. In a 1975 appearance on Sanford and Son, Larroquette plays Lamont's counterpart in a fictitious sitcom based on Fred and Lamont called "Steinberg and Son". During the filming of Stripes (1981), his nose was nearly cut off in an accident. He ran down a hall into a door that was supposed to open but did not, and his head went through the window in the door.

Night Court (1984–1992)
Larroquette is best known for his role as Dan Fielding on Night Court; the character was initially rather conservative, but changed after the show's creator Reinhold Weege came to learn more about Larroquette's sense of humor. The role won him Emmy Awards in 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1988. In 1989, he asked not to be considered for an Emmy. His four consecutive wins were, at the time, a record. Night Court ran on NBC from 1984 until 1992. Only Larroquette, Harry Anderson (as Judge Harry Stone), and Richard Moll (as bailiff Bull Shannon) appeared in every episode of the series. There was talk of spinning Dan Fielding off into his own show, but Larroquette said no to the idea.

The John Larroquette Show
Instead of a spinoff, Larroquette and Don Reo developed a show revolving around some of Larroquette's own personal demons, particularly alcoholism. The John Larroquette Show, named by the insistence of NBC, starred Larroquette as the character John Hemingway. The show was lauded by critics and enjoyed a loyal cult following. It ran for three and a half seasons and was by many gauges a success.

Other roles
In 1998, he guest-starred on three episodes of the legal drama The Practice. His portrayal of Joey Heric, a wealthy, wisecracking, narcissistic psychopath with a habit of stabbing his gay lovers to death, won him his fifth Emmy Award. He reprised the role for one episode in 2002, for which he was once again Emmy Award-nominated. He also appeared in an episode of The West Wing as Lionel Tribbey, White House counsel.

His starring roles include the 1989 film Second Sight with Bronson Pinchot, and Madhouse with Kirstie Alley. Other films in which Larroquette had significant roles include: Blind Date, Stripes, Meatballs Part II, Summer Rental, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, JFK, and Richie Rich.

McBride, Boston Legal and other roles
In 2003, Larroquette reprised his narration for the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. From 2004 to 2006, he played the title role in the McBrideseries of American television films. In 2007, he joined the cast of Boston Legal playing Carl Sack, a serious, ethical lawyer (the polar opposite of his more famous lawyer character, Dan Fielding). He also guest-starred in the drama House where he played a previously catatonic father awakened to try to save his son, and on Chuck as veteran spy Roan Montgomery. He has also made two voice roles in Phineas and Ferb for Bob Weber, for a lifeguard, as well as a man to marry his wife and the boy's aunt Tiana Weber in another episode. Most recently, Larroquette has been seen on The Librarians (2014 TV series) as Jenkins (actually the long-lived Camelot knight Sir Galahad), who provides support to the Librarians as a researcher and caretaker.

Theatre
Larroquette made his musical stage debut in the Los Angeles production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! as Old Max in 2009. He made his Broadway debut in the 2011 revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying as J. B. Biggley alongside Daniel Radcliffe.[4] He won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in the show.

He also appeared on Broadway in a revival of Gore Vidal's The Best Man; the all-star cast also included James Earl Jones, Angela Lansbury, Candice Bergen, Mark Blum, Eric McCormack, Jefferson Mays, and Michael McKean, who needed to be replaced after suffering in a car accident during the run of the show.

07/21 RICHARD SHERMAN, MILT LARSEN, "SMASH FLOPS": CLASSIC COMEDY SONGS BY TWO HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS

RICHARD SHERMAN & MILT LARSEN - "SMASH FLOPS": CLASSIC COMEDY SONGS BY TWO HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS

Magic Castle Records is pleased to announce the release to The Orchard of the new comedy compendium of old and new Smash Flops - a collection of songs that just missed being smash hits due to unfortunate timing.  Words and music by the team of Richard M. Sherman and Milt Larsen.

Richard M. Sherman and Milt Larsen both have stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame - but for other reasons: Two time Oscar and two Time Grammy Winner, Richard M. Sherman, is the composer/lyricist of "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Jungle Book" and many more (Nine Academy and four Grammy nominations).  Milt Larsen is a lyricist, actor, author, entrepreneur and creator of the world famous Magic Castle private club in Hollywood.

In addition to the new re-mastered  previous smash flops like “Bon A collection of songs that just missed being smash hits due to unfortunate timing, “Bon Voyage, Titanic,” “When the Hindenburg lands today,” “Congratulations Tom Dewey,” “The Confederate Victory Song” and many others, the team of Sherman and Larsen have written dozens of near misses over the years. Included in the new CD collection are two new songs, “The Palin for President Polka” (Sung by her fans who won't give up.) and “The Fracking Song” (Sung by hard-hatted Friends of Fracking).

Milt and Richard have been friends and collaborators for over 60 years and have written many songs and shows, including their latest musical comedy, “Pazzazz!” that tells the story of a very young George M. Cohan and the gay nineties comedy team of Weber and Fields. Richard currently wrote words and music for a new song to accompany the fireworks finale celebrating the Disneyland 60th Anniversary. Their offbeat comedy songs are now available on line.  Go to Sherman and Larsen at iTunes or Amazon to enjoy their comedy songs today.


RICHARD M. SHERMAN BIO - composer/lyricist of "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Jungle Book" and many more (Nine Academy and four Grammy nominations)

Throughout the legendary Sherman Brothers' career, Richard M. Sherman, along with his late brother, Robert B. Sherman, have written more songs for motion pictures than any team in cinematic history. For generations, the Shermans, foremost composer-lyricists in family entertainment, have written the soundtrack of our childhood, including the most translated song on earth, IT'S A SMALL WORLD (AFTER ALL).

The Sherman Brothers' prolific career has spanned over six decades.  Their achievements include: two Academy Awards for MARY POPPINS (score) and CHIM CHIM CHER-EE (song), nine Oscar nominations, three Grammy Awards, twenty-four Gold and Platinum albums, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honorary Doctorate from their alma mater, Bard College and in 2008 at the White House, 'National Medal of Arts' the highest honor bestowed on American-born artists.

The brothers first gained recognition in popular music with Top 10 hits YOU'RE SIXTEEN, LET'S GET TOGETHER and TALL PAUL. In 1960, the Sherman Brothers were signed to an exclusive contract by Walt Disney, himself, becoming the Disney Studio's first (and only) staff songwriters. The Sherman Brothers wrote over 200 songs featured in Walt's films, TV shows and Theme Parks. The Shermans' 36 feature Disney film credits include: JUNGLE BOOK, THE PARENT TRAP, SUMMER MAGIC, THE ARISTOCATS, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS, THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, THE FAMILY BAND, THE SWORD IN THE STONE, and the WINNIE THE POOH series. They wrote Disney's long-running TV theme song, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF COLOR and their many contributions to Disney theme parks include: THE TIKI TIKI TIKI ROOM, THERE'S A GREAT BIG, BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW (Carousel of Progress), and ONE LITTLE SPARK (EPCOT).

After their Disney decade, The Shermans had continued musical success, writing words and music for CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, SNOOPY COME HOME, CHARLOTTE'S WEB, and their first Broadway musical, OVER HERE! The brothers then penned both the screenplays and song scores for TOM SAWYER, HUCKLEBERRY FINN, THE MAGIC OF LASSIE, and THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE (the 1976 Royal Command film).  In 2000, the Sherman Brothers returned to Disney to write the song score for the animated feature, THE TIGGER MOVIE.  In 2009, Disney Studios released the critically-acclaimed documentary, “the boys: the sherman brothers' story” which chronicles the brothers' personal lives and professional partnership.

The Shermans' songbook continues to delight audiences around the world. After a record-breaking four year run at The London Palladium, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG plays national tours in the U.S and U.K. The stage production of MARY POPPINS, which ran on Broadway for over six Supercalifragilistic years, continues wowing audiences with worldwide touring companies circling the globe. For decades, Richard has enjoyed raising money for numerous worthwhile causes by performing at charitable events.  One of his proudest moments came when he, along with former president, George H.W. Bush, was awarded the Gold Medallion of Honor by UNICEF for his help in raising funds for children with HIV/AIDS.

Richard M. Sherman continues writing songs and composing music every day. Recently, two collections of his solo instrumentals were released on Solid Air CD:  “Forgotten Dreams” (2010) and “Keys of Love” (2012).

A song Richard penned, “Make Way for Tomorrow Today” was featured in the blockbuster film, IRON MAN 2.   Recently, Richard served as Musical Consultant on the Walt Disney film, “Saving Mr. Banks,” which tells the story of how Walt Disney acquired the rights to produce his masterpiece, MARY POPPINS. Also, Richard is working on a stage version of the animated classic, “The Jungle Book”, and PAZZAZZ!, a new comedy musical written in collaboration with Milt Larsen.


MILT LARSEN BIO - a lyricist, actor, author, entrepreneur and creator of the world famous Magic Castle private club in Hollywood

MILT LARSEN IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS ROLE IN THE WORLD OF MAGIC.   In September 2006 he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his annual stage show It’s Magic!  The event was commemorated with an all-star show at Hollywood’s famed Kodak Theater.  At that time Milt and his late brother Bill were honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame.
In 1963 he founded the world famous private club for magicians, the Magic Castle in Hollywood.  He is the President of Magic Castles, Inc.   In the year 2000 Magic Magazine polled their international readership and voted Milt Larsen as one of the 100 most influential individuals in the history of magic.  He is a true renaissance man in that his career encompasses writing, producing and performing.

As a writer he is best known in the field of audience participation having written Truth or Consequences starring Bob Barker for an incredible run of eighteen years!  In his early days he authored five joke books and three books involving Magic Castle.  He writes a weekly column for members of the club as well as editing their monthly newsletter.

In the songwriting field the team of Sherman and Larsen have a cult comedy following for their outrageous songs (for their time) that can be heard currently on CD’s “Bon Voyage Titanic – Smash Flops” and “Banned Barbershop Ballads.  He has written many stage revues and musicals.     A new musical, “Pazzazz” Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Milt Larsen, enjoyed a full-scale premiere production at the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas.  It will have its world premiere at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theater March 27-30, 2008.

His collaborator is Richard M. Sherman who has won two Academy Awards (Mary Poppins song and score) and eight Oscar nominations.  He is a member of the songwriter’s Hall of Fame and currently has two major stage hits “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in London and “Mary Poppins” in London and on Broadway. The Sherman Brothers also were honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

As a producer, in addition to The Magic Castle and It’s Magic! Larsen owned and operated to Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica producing live stage revues for 10 years and the Variety Arts Theater, a 1200 seat variety theater in downtown Los Angeles for 12 years.  He has produced TV special for ABC, CBS and NBC.  He was the creator and consultant for the fifty million dollar Caesars Magic Empire at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

As a performer he is an active member of SAG and AFTRA and has been seen yanking tablecloths in films and commercials. He has been the opening act for The Amazing Johnathan in Las Vegas.  He has been a lecturer at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and magic conventions in America, Mexico, Europe and Japan.

On radio, for several years Larsen was the Monday morning guest on Ron “The Baron” Herrons popular KZBN 1290 AM Breakfast Club Show in Santa Barbara.   This led to his creating a weekly radio feature “HEAR THEM AGAIN – for the first time”- featuring recordings from the first half of the twentieth century.   The show is now heard on CRN the Digital Cable Network coast to coast Saturday morning at 6-7 AM and Sunday at 4-5 P.M.  TV Channel 946.  www.CRNTALK.COM. The show is also heard worldwide Saturday afternoons at 4:30-5:30 on Satellite radio www.yesterdayUSA.com

Milt Larsen lives on Santa Barbara’s picturesque Mesa overlooking the Harbor with his wife, award winning costume designer Arlene, and their two lovable mutts, Angel and Wizard.

COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN
IN ADDITION TO HIS OTHER INTERESTS Milt Larsen is a well-known theatre historian and record collector.  Many consider the closing of the famed Palace Theater in New York in 1932 as the final curtain for vaudeville.  At that time Milt was only one year old.  He became interested in the vaudeville era as a kid and loved talking to as many of the “old-timers” still around at the time.   He was an aspiring comedy writer and was fascinated by the comedians of the past.  He started collecting recordings of showbusiness personalities as a teenager.  His hobby grew into a passion and his collection of thousands of vintage 78’s and LP’s is a treasure trove of variety history.
Through his magical family he met and got to know famous people who were stars long before he was born.  Working as a writer for Ralph Edwards TV Productions he was often called upon to keep subjects of his “This Is Your Life” TV show occupied while the production team set up their surprise for the subject.  Edwards knew his young writer was enamored with the older stars and enjoyed talking to them.  Thus Milt entertained legends like Buster Keaton, Stan Laurel, Ed Wynn, Mack Sennett, George Burns, Jack Benny and many others.   While still in High School he worked as a record archivist for Eddie Cantor.  Veteran stars Milton Berle, Bob Hope, Buddy Ebsen and Steve Allen often called upon Larsen for his consultation on songs and variety acts.

He has always loved radio and his first job as a professional writer was with the ABC Radio network. It was a daytime audience participation show with variety acts and a 25-piece house orchestra.  While still a teenager he was the weekly guest with radio personality Jim Hawthorne on a CBS radio program that featured milt’s old records and commentary by CBS founder Andrew White.

His weekend national radio shows recorded in his studio on the premises of the Magic Castle in Hollywood.  His facilities house his huge record collection and his studio is designed specifically to play the old 78-RPM vintage recordings.   His studio console turntables were originally installed at the NBC Radio City studios at Sunset and Vice in Hollywood.    The shows are recorded using the newest state of the art MAC computer technology which includes to ability to clean up the snap, crackles and pops associated with the old records.

The concept of the show is that younger generations have never heard samples of the great performers of the past.  Like an old joke, if you never heard it before --- it’s brand new with that in mind he leads you down the path to discovery.   He introduces young people of today to a time of laughter and silly songs mixed in with some of the greatest music of all time.   Oscar winning songwriter Richard M. Sherman (The Sherman Brothers – Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, It’s a small World After All etc) is a guest on every show talking about the great songwriters of Tin Pan Alley.  His other guest is a character known as Professor Hockmann, the world’s oldest magician and vaudevillian who always plays just one of those really old acoustical records from Milt’s collection.

07/14 BOB EUBANKS, FC BARCELONA, ELITE FANTASY SOCCER CAMPS, MARILU HENNER, REAL MURDERS: AN AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERY, HALLMARK CHANNEL

BOB EUBANKS - SUPPORTS THE WORK OF WORLD RENOWNED TEAM OF FC BARCELONA COACHES HOSTING UPCOMING ELITE FANTASY SOCCER CAMPS JULY 20th-24th FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 

Eubanks was one of the top Rock and Roll DJ’s in Los Angeles for several years; managed the careers of Dolly Parton and many country stars; is the only living person to have promoted the Beatles Concerts all three years they toured America and produced some of the biggest concerts ever which included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, etc.

The successful eight time Emmy winning producer with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has a new passion…SOCCER!. Bob’s 11-year-old son Noah is a talented soccer player who recently attended FC Barcelona’s Elite Fantasy Soccer Camps in Los Angeles and loved the experience. Bob and Noah rave about the passion, work ethic and commitment that the world-class team composed solely of FC Barcelona Coaches shared with the boys and girls who participated.

Fans of all ages love Soccer…the world’s most exciting and popular sport! The recent World Cup in Brazil captivated audiences globally and provided hours of non-stop enthralling entertainment. And Team USA’s (two time champions) participation in the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Canada promises another record audience.

Boys and girls, ages 7-15 years old will have the opportunity to capture “lifetime” memories when The Official FC Barcelona Elite Fantasy Soccer Camps take place on the following dates nationwide:

July 20th-24th – LA Soccer Camp – Glendale Sports Complex – 2200 Fern Lane
July 27th-31st – Seattle Soccer Camp – Starfire Sports Complex – 14800 Starfire Way, Tukwila
August 3rd-Aug. 7th- Las Vegas Soccer Camp – Longevity Sports Center – 5975 Topaz St. – Las Vegas
Aug. 10th-Aug. 14th – Denver Soccer Camp – Lowry Sports Complex - 8400 LowryBlvd – Denver
Best way to get additional info or sign up – barcelonacamps.com

FC Barcelona is one of the most famous and successful soccer clubs in the World. The world-class team recently won its 5th Champions League. With 5 wins in 8 finals the club is now matched with Liverpool and Bayern after a dream decade. FC Barcelona was also crowned La Liga Champions and are finalists in Copa del Rey.

Its historic youth academy “La Masia” has produced many of the greatest international soccer players including: Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Pique and Pedro, etc.

The FC Barcelona Soccer Camps is the only “officially” sanctioned organization in San Antonio providing children the unique opportunity to obtain the same “world class” training taught at the legendary FCB Escola soccer school in Barcelona. Girls and boys receive “exclusive” training solely from FC Barcelona Coaches.

Each 5 day camp consists of 15 players per FC Barcelona coach and a maximum of 45 players of similar age per time slot.  Boys and girls will learn the basics of soccer and teamwork and the values that represent FC Barcelona including tolerance, respect, solidarity, etc. Each child will also receive the Camp’s Official Nike Kit (Camp shirt, shorts, socks and ball).

Elite fantasy soccer camps have already taken place this summer in: San Antonio and New York.

As a bonus…The Barcelona coaches will select players from each city to receive an invitation to participate in the Exclusive FCB Escola Easter Tournament in Barcelona.

WWW.BARCELONACAMPS.COM
WWW.BOBEUBANKS.COM


ACTRESS MARILU HENNER - FIVE-TIME GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEE & NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR

TUNE IN FOR HER MOVIE “REAL MURDERS: AN AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERY,” A HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES ORIGINAL MOVIE WORLD PREMIERE SUNDAY, JULY 26 (9PM ET/PT, 8C).

With the energy of a teenager, the wisdom of a sage, and the memory of a super hero, Marilu Henner has deservedly earned the nickname “Perpetual Motion.”  Along with starring in over thirty films, six Broadway shows, and two hit classic sitcoms, Taxi and Evening Shade, this five-time Golden Globe Nominee is also a New York Times Best Selling author of nine books on health, parenting, memory, and lifestyle improvement.  Her books including the recent bestseller Total Memory Makeover, as well as Total Health Makeover, The 30-Day Total Health Makeover, I Refuse to Raise a Brat, Healthy Life Kitchen, Healthy Kids, Healthy Holidays, Wear Your Life Well, and By All Means Keep On Moving, have changed the lives of millions in her quest to make the world a healthier place.

Currently hosting her own radio show The Marilu Show for  GCN (Genesis Communications Network),  Marilu has previously hosted and executive produced two talk shows (Marilu and Shape Up Your Life), and has guest-starred on every major talk show, earning her the title “Talk Show Guest of the Year” several years in a row.  As a two-time competitor on Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice (Season 7, 2008) and Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars (Season 13, 2013), Marilu, making it to the Final Five,  played for her favorite charities, including The Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and the Alzheimer’s Association.  In fact, at PCRM’s 25th Anniversary Gala, she was awarded their Voice of Compassion Award.

As one of only twelve  people documented with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, Marilu was the subject of a two-part special on 60 Minutes and on 60 Minutes Australia, as well as news programs and newspaper articles around the globe.   She also serves as the consultant on the CBS series Unforgettable, which premiered in the fall of 2011 and will have its second season beginning in July of 2013.  Her ninth book, Total Memory Makeover: Uncover Your Past, Take Charge of Your Future!, was released in 2012 and became an instant New York Times and Publishers Weekly Best Seller.  The release of her book was followed by a national multi-media book tour, which included appearances on Nightline, Good Morning America, The View, Anderson, Piers Morgan, and The Talk, to name a few.

Her acting career continues to thrive as Marilu recently appeared in the finale of Two and a Half Men (playing Ashton Kutcher’s love interest!) and in two episodes of A&E’s The Glades.  Last year she appeared in the feature film Vamps and in two holiday movies, Hitched for the Holidays on the Hallmark Channel and High School Holiday Reunion on Lifetime.  Marilu can also be seen around the country in her one-woman show A Memorable Evening with Marilu Henner!

Marilu was a pioneer on the Internet, starting her own website, Marilu.com in 1999.  In 2000, she began teaching online classes for her growing membership, as well as offering online counseling and support along with her twenty coaches who teach her Total Health Makeover (THM) lifestyle.

Marilu has spoken before Congress on six occasions on various subjects from dietary supplements and women’s cardiovascular disease to deadbeat parents; and she was one of only two private citizens selected to contribute to the shaping of our government’s food pyramid.  In spring of 2010, she again faced Congress to present healthy dietary guidelines for kids as part of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2010.  Marilu frequently lectures throughout the country as a keynote speaker and motivator for professional organizations, universities, government agencies, interest groups, and corporations on topics including diet and fitness, memory, women’s health issues, cardiovascular disease, cancer survival, and child rearing; as well as lifestyle, entertainment, and business organization strategies.

Marilu Henner is married to Michael Brown, CEO of Browntrout Publishers, and is the busy mother of two teenage boys, Nick and Joey.  Because she practices what she preaches, Marilu has truly become the quintessential portrait of what health and fitness can do for one’s life, and she loves to give back to her community in so many ways!

WWW.MARILU.COM

07/07 David Proval, The Sopranos

David Aaron Proval (born May 20, 1942) is an American actor, known for his roles as Tony DeVienazo in the Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets (1973) and as Richie Aprile on the HBO television series The Sopranos (1999–2007).

Proval was born in Brooklyn, New York, of Jewish heritage, the son of Clara Katz, an actress of Romanian origin. He has appeared in such feature films as The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Mob Queen (1998), Four Rooms (1995), UHF (1989), Innocent Blood (1992), The Siege (1998), a cameo appearance in Smokin' Aces, and has had recurring roles in television shows such as Picket Fences, Boomtown and Everybody Loves Raymond. He appeared in the 14th episode of The West Wing - "Take This Sabbath Day" - as Toby Ziegler's rabbi. In 1977 his voice was heard in the cult animated film WIZARDS, as the robot assassin Necron 99.

He co-stars as Uncle Charlie in Deer Head Pictures feature Wayward Pilgrim, set for a 2012 summer release.

06/30 JACK JONES, THE CATALINA JAZZ CLUB, JOE MANTEGNA, GUN STORIES, THE OUTDOOR CHANNEL

JAZZ SINGER JACK JONES – UPCOMING PERFORMANCE AT THE CATALINA JAZZ CLUB, JULY 10-11 

Jack Jones is one of the greatest singers of all time. A true Singers’ Singer and luminary. A double Grammy winner, Jack performs around the globe to sold-out audiences in venues ranging from Jazz clubs to the London Palladium. Jack Jones is the very definition of a complete and total entertainer. The New York Times raves, “he is arguably the most technically accomplished male pop singer…”. There is only one Jack Jones.

Born in Hollywood, California, on the night his singer/movie star father, Allan Jones, recorded his hit, “Donkey Serenade”. Jack would make his famous parents ( his mother was the elegant ’30’s actress Irene Hervey) especially proud of their award-winning son for the diversity and breadth of his talent. Jones attended University High School in West Los Angeles, while also studying drama and singing with private teachers chosen by his father. A young athlete, he gave up his track and football team sports to devote himself to serious study of the arts. Uni High was a school attended by teenagers from all economic walks of life. Ever conscious of his privileged life as the son of a famous show business family, he went out of his way to play down this part of his life with his friends, not knowing that after his graduation and parents’ divorce, he would be financially strapped and have to start from scratch like most of the other students.

One of his most memorable experiences while in high school was when one of his friends, Nancy Sinatra, invited her father to sing in the school auditorium. It left an indelible mark that helped shape Jones’ career choice.

Jones’ professional debut was a brief stint as part of his father’s act at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas when he was just 19 years old. He went out on his own three weeks later, working odd jobs including as a gas station attendant, to support himself while pursuing his singing career. His first break came when a demo he recorded for songwriter Don Raye found its way to Capitol Records. While with the label he recorded a few singles and an album, which he admits was mediocre.

Although he eventually left Capitol. One gem from his album, “This Could Be The Start Of Something Big”, caught the attention of a San Francisco club owner who booked him for a three week run at Facks. While performing there, he was discovered by Pete King, a producer and artist for Kapp Records who quickly signed him to the label.

Still working at his “day job” as a gas station attendant when his first album on Kapp was released Jones, while washing a customer’s windshield, was surprised to hear one of his cuts playing on the car radio. He could now legitimately hope that his “day job” days would soon be over.

As his career gained momentum, Jones developed a deep appreciation for well constructed songs that also have emotional appeal. His respect for songs that tell stories with meaning and beauty led him to record works by the greatest balladeers of all time: Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Cole Porter, the Gershwin’s, Harold Arlen, Michel Legrand and Alan & Marilyn Bergman. He was inspired by great Jazz instrumentalists he discovered during his teen years such as Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Buddy Rich, Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Pell Octet, Marty Paiche Dectet, Shorty Rogers and the Giants, and Count Basie. Jones’ talent and commitment to his art earned him two Grammy’s for “Best Pop Male Vocal Performance” with his singles “Lollipops and Roses” by Anthony Velona and Bacharach/ David’s “Wives and Lovers”. His release, Jack Jones Paints A Tribute To Tony Bennett, was nominated for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance”. He was also nominated for “The Impossible Dream” and his recording of “Wives and Lovers” was nominated for “Record of the Year”. His hit records include “The Race Is On”, “Lady”, “Call Me Irresponsible”,and “What I Did For Love”. On April 13, 1989, he was honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, close to where his father’s star is located.

He is also renowned as a leading interpreter of musical theater -with acclaimed performances in “Guys and Dolls”, “South Pacific”, “She Loves Me”, and “Pajama Game” . Over the years he has guest-starred on countless episodic and/or comedy television series. Most recently he starred as Don Quixote in Man Of La Mancha in the national tour. Most recently, Jack has completed a guest-starring role in the British comedy film: Cruise Of The Gods.
Admirers of Jones’ talent include artists who influenced him as a young singer: Sinatra who said, “Jack is one of the major singers of our time,” Mel Torme called him “the greatest ‘pure’ singer in the world” and legendary composers Sammy Cahn and Michel Legrand.

In 1971, Jones honored Michel Legrand by recording the first complete vocal album in English of the French composer’s songs. Released by RCA, Jack Jones Sings Michel Legrand is an album which exquisitely showcases the vocalists art and a recording that Jones counts as one of his favorites. In 1997 he recorded New Jack Swing for Honest Entertainment, which introduced Jones to a new generation of fans with hip, swing renditions of “Every Breath You Take”, “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”, Keb Mo’s “Dangerous Mood”, “All Or Nothing At All” and the classic “Mack The Knife”.

With over 50 recorded albums (17 of them chanting Billboard’s Top 20) and consistently sold-out world tours, Jack Jones continues to charm audiences with his wit, sensitivity and vocal power. In addition to a successful recording career, Jones’ impressive credits include film and television roles; an internationally syndicated TV variety show; performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. He has also performed and later recorded popular theme songs for film and TV (“Love with a Proper Stranger”, “The Love Boat”).

On his second release for Honest Entertainment, Jack Jones Paints A Tribute To Tony Bennett, Jones pays homage to a friend and an American icon. He counts Bennett among those vocalists who most influenced his style (a small but elite group that includes Mel Torme, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstien, and Frank Sinatra). Professional relationship aside, Jones and Bennett have been friends since their meeting at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel in the late 60’s when Jones attended the last show of Bennett’s engagement at the Empire Room, before opening in the same room the following night. Of his tribute album, which features some of Bennett’s signature songs, Jones says, “This album is my way of saying thanks to a dear friend.” In selecting songs for this album, he chose three of his personal Bennett favorites, “Skylark”, “Shadow Of Your Smile” and “You Must Believe In Spring”.

2008 marks his 50th anniversary in show business! In the early summer of 2008 the world’s most recognized hotel brand, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, launched their “M.B.A.” (Master in Business Accommodations) marketing campaign bringing the timeless voice of Jack Jones singing a new recording of “The Love Boat Theme”. Jones also recently shared his voice with a whole new generation when he sang “Boat of Romance” as part of an episode on the emmy-nominated Disney Channel animated musical television series Phineas and Ferb.

Jack Jones released the next chapter in his long history of making hits, Love Makes the Changes: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman. A tribute to the lives and shared love of Jack’s good friends and celebrated songwriters, Alan and Marilyn Bergman. During their distinguished career, their songs have been nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, for which they have won three: “The Windmills of Your Mind” in 1968, “The Way We Were”: in 1973, and the score for “Yentl” in 1984.

Jack explains the motivation behind the release, “After years of looking for material to record I have finally found it. My dear friends Alan and Marilyn Bergman have had the ideal loving and pure relationship, truly sharing almost every ounce of life. I call them: “THE MASTERS AND JOHNSON OF ROMANCE.” So I wondered, ‘How could they possibly perceive what it feels like when the music doesn’t keep playing?’ Well, on this CD we pay tribute to the most perceptive and creative couple I know. They have inspired me to put many of their wonderful creations into one of my story lines… Each of these song tells part of the story, most of which you and I have lived through. You write your own story as you follow the songs, and even if it doesn’t turn out to be much of a book, it will be one hell of a score.” This CD is available in Itunes for digital downloads and jackjonesmusic.com for tradional CD media.

Today, Jack can be found performing concerts to sold-out audiences around the globe at performing arts centers, casinos, symphony halls and even intimate cabarets. Jones’ musical perfection and vocal passion unfailingly illustrate why he stands with the luminaries.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

• JULY 10-11, 2015 @ 8:30 PM |  THE CATALINA JAZZ CLUB
• HOLLYWOOD, CA    323.466.2210
• AUGUST 22-23, 2015  |   SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO
• LAS VEGAS, NV     702-284-7777     877-636-7111

WWW.JACKJONES.ORG


JOE MANTEGNA – ACTOR – NEW SEASON OF GUN STORIES BEGINS JULY 1ST AT 8PM PACIFIC TIME ON THE OUTDOOR CHANNEL 

During his career Joe has portrayed several real people, such as George Raft in Bugsy, Fidel Castro in My Little Assassin, and most notably, as Dean Martin in The Rat Pack. His role as Josh Waitzkin’s father in Searching for Bobby Fischer was based on Fred Waitzkin, who wrote the book upon which the film was based. Joe’s TV-movie debut was as Joe Esposito, Elvis’ road manager and close friend in the 1979 miniseries Elvis starring Kurt Russell.

In 2000, Joe completed production on his feature film directorial debut, Lakeboat, written for the screen by David Mamet from his original play. Starring Charles Durning, Peter Falk, Robert Forster, Andy Garcia, Denis Leary and George Wendt. The film opened the L.A. Film Festival to critical acclaim last fall and made its theatrical release in June 2001.

Joe spent the summer of 2000 in Spain and France filming the feature Off Key with Danny Aiello and George Hamilton. The comedy is about a trio of famed opera singers who unwittingly find themselves reunited at a wedding ten years after their tempestuous breakup.  Joe headlined a series of original films for the A&E Network, based on Robert Parker's popular Spenser detective novels. The first, Small Vices, premiered in summer of 1999 with the second, Thin Air, following in fall 2000.  His last entry to the Spenser series, Walking Shadow, continues to play on A&E. Due to budget cuts A&E has no future plans for more in this series.

Spring of 2001 found Joe in Venice, Italy for several weeks filming the feature, LAGOON.  2001 was a busy year for Joe. He finished production on the SHOWTIME film, Men Vs. Women! that co-starred Paul Reiser, Christine Lahti and Glenn Headly, directed by Chazz Palmenteri.

He also starred as Justice Joseph Novelli in the CBS series First Monday.The series co-starred James Garner and Charles Durning.

Summer 2002 found Joe and his daughter Gina in his home town of Chicago, filming the wonderful slice of life film, Uncle Nino with Anne Archer. Released in 2003, this gem played at selected theaters, including a record breaking run of 43 weeks in Grand Rapids Michigan.

In 2002, Joe starred in the Italian film Pontormo, playing the role of Jacopo Pontormo, an Italian Renaissance painter (b. 1494, d. 1557, Firenze).  Joe also co-starred in Stateside, a drama based on a true story starring Johnathan Tucker and co-starring Val Kilmer, Carrie Fisher, Penny Marshall and Diane Venora.

Joe starred as police chief Will Girardi in the popular and critically acclaimed CBS series, Joan of Arcadia.  Joan received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations during its two season run from 2003-2005.

In 2005 Joe co-starred in Nine Lives, a film by Rodrigo Garcia that made both Ebert’s and Roeper’s Top 10 List for that year. Captives of the very relationships that define and sustain them, nine women resiliently meet the travails and disappointments of life. Accepted at Sundance, the film also stars Glenn Close, Amy Brenneman, Holly Hunter, Dakota Fanning, Sissy Spacek and Kathy Baker.

In 2006 Joe was involved in several independent film projects including Elvis and Annabelle, West of Brooklyn and Lonely Street. He also costarred with Debora Messing in The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer for the USA network.  For this, Joe was nominated for an Emmy in the category of Best  Supporting Actor.  Since 2007 Joe has been back on CBS  as the star of Criminal Minds. On April the 29th 2011 Joe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, next to his boyhood hero Errol Flynn.  Looking ahead, Joe 's company has it's eyes set on producing. With several  projects in the works including, Memories are Made of This, Tis it the Season, a web-series called Quick Bites and an original  family feature called, The King and Me Joe is a busy guy. 2011 Joe lent his voice to the character of GREM in DisneyPixar's CARS2.  In 2012 Joe completed the feature films The Bronx Bull, Ten Cent Pistol and Compulsion. He also is co-producing a documentary on the late Science Fiction Icon Ray Bradbury that’s due out in 2013.

He currently stars as David Rossi in Criminal Minds as well as hosting and producing duties on “Gun Stories” for the Outdoor Channel.

WWW.JOEMANTEGNA.COM 

06/23 CAROLYN HENNESY

CAROLYN HENNESY CHATS ABOUT HER CAREER AND EMMY SUBMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION

Carolyn Hennesy (Tru Blood, General Hospital, Jessie, etc) has now been submitted for Primetime EMMY consideration, for her portrayal of Penelope Ellis in the series REVENGE.

The character of Penelope Ellis (Carolyn Hennesy) has been described as "Evil draped in pearls, Satin soaked in venom and a walking, talking southern gothic horror story.  Destine to go down in the archives as one of TV's most devious of mother's, Penelope, Louises nightmarish mother, arrives in town. Penelopes been drugging Louise for years to control the family fortune. The drugs have Louise in agony, thinking shes crazy. After discovering the betrayal, Louise threatens to expose Penelope. But mother dearest blackmails Louise into silence with a truly horrifying secret.

About Carolyn
A Los Angeles native and self proclaimed studio-brat, Carolyn has been in over 100 theatrical productions spanning the LA., regional and international theatre scenes.   If you ask her nicely she’ll recite the list of her plays for you and then she’ll recite it again…backwards.  Having trained at American Conservatory Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London as well as earning a dramatic scholarship to the California State University at Northridge, she has played such distinguished houses as the Mark Taper Forum, Arizona Theatre Company and the Geary Stage.  She also studied with the Groundlings in the early ‘90s and became a member of the Sunday Company.  From there she moved to the main company at the ACME Comedy Theatre and was a founding member of the all-female improv troupe, “Ovaryaction”.  She is the 2001 recipient of the prestigious Natalie Schafer Award for Outstanding Comedic Actress given by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and has been featured as an “Actor’s Actor” in the industry publication Backstage-West.   Among other accolades, the LA Stage Alliance has honored her with an Ovation Award, which she hosted in 2011, and in 2010 she added the words “Emmy nominated” (General Hospital) to her list of achievements.

True Blood & More
Most recently,  Carolyn dazzled as the deliciously vicious “Rosalyn Harris” on Alan Ball’s critically acclaimed HBO series TRUE BLOOD.  Hennesy joined the cast for the fifth season of the sleek vampires-meet-world saga and fast became a fan favorite.  As Rosalyn, the ageless vamp with a Texas twang, Hennesy was at the top of her game, tossing one-liners like firecrackers, occasionally enjoying a juicy stake, and gleefully partaking in old-timey interrogation.

Prior to TRUE BLOOD, Hennesy is best known for her memorable work as “Barb Coman” on ABC’s COUGAR TOWN and for an Emmy nominated run as “Diane Miller” on ABC’s GENERAL HOSPITAL.  Kids across America also know her as the hilariously haughty Mrs. Chesterfield on Disney Channel’s JESSIE.  On the big screen, Hennesy’s credits include CLICK starring Adam Sandler, LEGALLY BLONDE 2 with Reese Witherspoon, and TERMINATOR 3 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But That’s Not All
Hennesy’s creative endeavors also include a successful career as a writer.  She created the wildly popular “Pandora” (Bloomsbury USA) children’s book series as well as penned the New York Times Bestseller “The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli” (Hyperion).  To see more, click on “Books.”

When not on set, Hennesy is privileged to lend her time and talent to a number of causes including caring for our wounded warriors and helping those with debilitating physical issues regain their self-esteem, but chief among all causes is the issue of animal rescue.

Now, all of that is well and good, but the big news is that Carolyn has become a flying trapeze artist.  No lie.  Just look at her hands.  If you really want to get her talking, just ask her, “Hey Carolyn, how’s that layout coming along?!”

CAROLYNHENNESY.COM

06/16 ROGER CROSS, DARK MATTER, SYFY, MORAN ATIAS, FX, TYRANT

ROGER CROSS – ACTOR, DARK MATTER ON SYFY

Action/Sci-Fi Star Roger Cross Goes Deep into the Unknown in Syfy's Exciting New Space Thriller, Dark Matter  Fridays at 10pm Eastern Time!

The Popular Actor Returns to his Sci-Fi Roots Following Roles in The Strain, Fringe, Orphan Black and The X-Files.

In Syfy's highly anticipated new series Dark Matter  the crew of a derelict spaceship is awakened from stasis with no memories of who they are or how they got on board. Facing threats at every turn, they have to work together to survive a voyage charged with vengeance, betrayal and hidden secrets. Based on the popular graphic novel Dark Matter, the series comes from the writers of the hit Stargate franchise, and also features Melissa O’Neil (Broadway production of "Les Miserables"), Marc Bendavid ("Bitten"), and Jodelle Ferland ("Twilight").

Roger Cross is no stranger to fans of action and science fiction, having appeared in some of the most popular TV series in recent years including The Strain, Fringe, Orphan Black, Continuum, Stargate SG-1, Arrow, 24, The Returned and The X-Files. On the big screen, Roger appeared in such action/sci-fi favorites such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Chronicles of Riddick and Oliver Stone's World Trade Center.

WWW.SYFY.COM/DARKMATTER


THE BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED MORAN ATIAS STARS ON THE HIT FX SERIES…TYRANT (PREMIERES JUNE 16TH)

Best known for her collaborations with producer and director Paul Haggis, Atias starred in the TV series Crash and the film Third Person, with Liam Neeson. She currently stars on the hit FX series… TYRANT

From Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning Executive Producer/Showunner Howard Gordon (24, Homeland), Tyrant tells the story of an unassuming American family drawn into the inner workings of a turbulent fictional Middle Eastern nation. The cast includes Adam Rayner, Jennifer Finnigan, Ashraf Barhom, Moran Atias, Noah Silver, Alexander Karim, Cameron Gharaee, Sibylla Deen and Alice Krige.

Born and raised in Haifa, Israel, Moran Atias made her big screen debut in the critically acclaimed Italian thriller Gas. Atias then went on to star in several other Italian films. After having arrived in Los Angeles for only a few short months, Atias secured the dynamic role of “Inez” in the acclaimed Starz drama series Crash based on Paul Haggis’ Oscar®-winning film. After one season, she became the female lead opposite the legendary Dennis Hopper. After working on Crash, Atias was cast in Paul Haggis’ next film, The Next Three Days, starring Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks. From their work together, Haggis and Atias formed a strong creative partnership and began collaborating on Haggis’ 2014 film, Third Person.