08/25 BRUCE BOXLEITNER, CEDAR COVE, TRON

ACTOR/PRODUCER/AUTHOR BRUCE BOXLEITNER TALKS ABOUT THE SERIES CEDAR COVE AND HIS UPCOMING WESTERN EVENTS

As one of Hollywood’s leading men, Bruce Boxleitner has starred in a major motion picture franchise (TRON), numerous feature films, several popular TV series, produced a major network film and TV series, performed on Broadway and authored two science fiction novels.

Bruce currently co-stars with Andie MacDowell on Hallmark Channel’s first-ever primetime series, “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove” the #1 rated series airing on Saturday evenings. Boxleitner’s character, Bob Beldon is the owner of the Cedar Cove Inn, Thyme and Tide. The series is based on the popular book series CEDAR COVE by #1 NY Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber. The popular series has been picked up for a third season. The show airs every Saturday at 8 pm Eastern.
In addition, Bruce recently co-starred in Hallmark’s “hit” TV movie “SO YOU SAID YES;” co-starred with Lindsay Wagner in Hallmark’s THE THANKSGIVING HOUSE special and co-starred in the Christmas TV movie SILVER BELLS  that aired on the UP Network. Boxleitner is a longtime favorite with sci-fi and western fans worldwide. He starred with Jeff Bridges in TRON:LEGACY, the popular motion picture sequel to Disney’s cult film TRON. The cast also included: Garret Hedlund and Olivia Wilde.

Bruce and Trevor Crafts are executive producers of “Bruce Boxleitner’s Lantern City” a new Steampunk-themed series in development that is an exciting foray into fan-inspired and fan-created television. It combines first-rate storytelling, innovative production design and a rich science fiction world with dynamic storylines. The series will allow viewers to be involved in the process – a first for any television show. On July 19, 2013, the series creators released the first-illustrated novel in the “Lantern City” saga Rise: A Lantern City Illustrated Novel  at Comic-Con International in San Diego.
The multi-talented actor reprised his role in TRON:UPRISING on Disney’s XD TV Network…his first animated TV series. The cast included: Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore, Lane Henriksen and Paul Reubens. The original TRON recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Boxleitner’s film credits include: “Gods and Generals” with Robert Duvall, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang and Mira Sorvino; “The Babe” with John Goodman and Kelly McGillis; “Kuffs” with Christian Slater and “The Baltimore Bullet” with James Coburn. Numerous TV credits include: “The Secret with Kirk Douglas; “Perfect Family” with Jennifer O’Neal and Joanna Cassidy; “Double Jeopardy” with Rachel Ward, Sally Kirkland and Sela Ward; “Passion Flower” with Barbara Hershey and Nicol Williamson and Hallmark Channel movies “Love’s Resounding Courage,” “Falling In Love with the Girl Next Door,” etc. The veteran actor has appeared in numerous recurring roles on TV series including “GCB,” “Heroes,” “NCIS” and guest-starred on “Chuck.”

Boxleitner received his formal acting training on stage. A native mid-westerner, he is an alumnus of Chicago’s prestigious Goodman Theatre. In 1972, he starred in the Broadway production of “Status Quo Vadis” with Ted Danson. He then re-located to Los Angeles and quickly landed a guest spot on the legendary TV series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” as well as numerous guest roles on series including “Hawaii 5-0,” “Beretta,” “Police Woman” and “Gunsmoke.” His big break occurred when he was cast opposite James Arness in the pilot for the epic TV series “How The West Was Won.” He went on to star in the CBS series “Bring ‘em Back Alive,” mini-series “East of Eden” and TV movie “The Last Convertible.”

In 1982 Boxleitner was cast in the title role in Disney’s cult film TRON which garnered him sci-fi fans nationally and internationally. However, it was his four-year run on CBS-TV’s popular series “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” co-starring Kate Jackson, which endeared him to fans of all ages and made him a household name. In 1994, Boxleitner joined the cast of the “hit” TV series “Babylon 5” as John Sheridan, President of the Interstellar Alliance, a war hero-turned diplomat at the helm of Earth Alliance Space Station in the year 2259. The show aired for five seasons.

Boxleitner is also known as an actor and skilled horseman and costarred in numerous western TV series and films. He and Kenny Rogers filmed several “The Gambler” TV movies that aired on CBS and NBC. Other projects included; “Gunsmoke V:One Man’s Justice” with James Arness (Arness’ final film); CBS’ remake of “Red River” with Gregory Harrison, James Arness and Laura Johnson; “Wyatt Earp:Return to Tombstone” with Hugh O’Brian and “Down the Long Hills” based on legendary western author Louis L’Amour’s novel of the same name.

Bruce Boxleitner was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in April 2012. He was honored for his illustrious career in western films. He is also a two-time recipient of the “Wrangler Award.”

In 1999, Boxleitner authored FRONTIER EARTH and in 2001, its sequel FRONTIER EARTH:SEARCHER published by The Berkley Publishing Group. Bruce Boxleitner currently resides in Los Angeles and has three sons: Sam, Lee and Michael.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 27TH-29TH, 2015 - Western Legends Roundup

SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2015 - Wild West Fest featuring the 60th Anniversary of Gunsmoke
Activities include Q&A Panels, Meet & Greets, special screening of Gunsmoke episodes and a Anniversary Banquet.  Celebrities schedule to appear include Burt Reynolds, Buck Taylor, Bruce Boxleitner, Jess Walton, Lane Bradbury, Jim Byrnes - All events occur in Dodge City, Kansas

08/18 MIKE PISCIOTTA, THE MAGIC CASTLE, VODKA SAUCE

MAGICIAN AT THE WORLD FAMOUS MAGIC CASTLE MIKE PISCIOTTA JOINS THE SHOW WITH SOME MAGIC TRICKS!

Mike Pisciotta is an American magician, located in Los Angeles, CA. Pisciotta was born in Pueblo, CO. He became interested in magic as a teenager and in 2003 he moved to Hollywood to become a member of the world famous Magic Castle.  Specializing in close-up magic, Pisciotta has worked for an impressive list of celebrity and corporate clients. Since 2012, he has been the only resident bar magician for the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle. He is also a regular performer in the clubs showrooms.

Pisciotta lives in Hollywood with his wife Katie and son Charlie Danger. They are expecting their second child in December 2015.

WWW.MIKEPISCIOTTA.COM
TWITTER.COM/MIKE_PISCIOTTA



RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

VODKA SAUCE FOR PASTA

1/2 cup olive oil
1 onion chopped
6 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 carrots chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
1 tsp red pepper flake
1/2 cup vodka
3 cans San Marzano tomatoes
3/4 cup heavy cream
kosher salt
pepper
1 lb pasta
Parmesian cheese grated

Heat oive oil and add the onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Cook until translucent. Then add the red pepper flakes, Cook another few minutes. Add the Vodka and reduce by half. Add the cans of tomatoes and squeeze them in your hand to break them down. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper and stir.

Let the cook about 1 1/2 hours then add the cream and stir well if you like smooth sauce you can put into a blender and puree or keep it a bit chunky as is.

Cook your pasta al dente and serve with fresh Parmesiano cheese.

08/11 Robert Forster

Robert Forster (born July 13, 1941) is an American actor, best known for his roles as John Cassellis in Haskell Wexler's Medium Cool, and as Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, the latter of which gained him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He has recently appeared as George Clooney's father-in-law in Alexander Payne's The Descendants.

Forster was born Robert Wallace Foster, Jr. in Rochester, New York, the son of Grace Dorothy (née Montanarella) and Robert Wallace Foster, Sr., who worked as an elephant trainer for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and later as an executive for a baking supply company. His mother was Italian American and his father was of English and Irish ancestry. The two divorced in 1949. As a tribute to his father, Forster hung one of his father's Barnum & Bailey Circus posters in the office of his character "Max Cherry" in the Quentin Tarantino film Jackie Brown.

Forster completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in history at the University of Rochester, where he starred in student dramatic performances such as Bye Bye Birdie and, after initially intending to go on to study law, instead decided to forego his future legal career in favor of pursuing drama. He graduated with a B.A. in history in 1964.

After acclaimed supporting performances in two major Hollywood films, one as Private Williams in John Huston's Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967), another as part-Indian Army scout Nick Tana in Robert Mulligan's The Stalking Moon (1968), Forster starred in the critically acclaimed 1969 film Medium Cool. After starring roles in the TV shows Banyon (1972) and Nakia (1974), he played mostly supporting roles in action and horror films including Disney's The Black Hole (1979). Forster had lead roles in cult B-movies in the 1980s like Alligator (1980), Vigilante (1983), The Delta Force (1986), and The Banker (1989). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1997 for Jackie Brown, which he credits with reviving his career. He has since had consistent work in the film industry, appearing in Like Mike; Mulholland Drive; Me, Myself, & Irene; Lucky Number Slevin and Firewall, to name a few. He recently appeared in the made for television movie The Hunt for the BTK Killer, as the detective intent on capturing serial killer Dennis Rader. Forster also played the father of Van on the short-lived Fox series Fastlane.

Forster recorded a public service announcement for Deejay Ra's 'Hip-Hop Literacy' campaign, encouraging reading of books by Elmore Leonard (he starred in the movie adaption of Leonard's book Rum Punch, Jackie Brown, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor). Forster is also a motivational speaker.

He appeared in the hit NBC show Heroes as Arthur Petrelli, the father of Nathan and Peter Petrelli.

Twice divorced, Forster is a father of four children. His eldest child, Kate Forster (born 1969), has worked as an actress, also appearing in Mulholland Drive.

08/04 FRANKIE AVALON, JAMES DARREN

FRANKIE AVALON – ACTOR, SINGER AND FORMER TEEN IDOL

Frankie Avalon is an American actor, singer, playwright, and former teen idol.

Early life and music
Avalon was born in Philadelphia, the son of Mary and Nicholas Avallone.[3] He was on U.S. television playing his trumpet by the time he was 11, performing on such programs as The Jackie Gleason Show.[citation needed] Two singles showcasing Avalon's trumpet playing were issued on RCA Victor's "X" sublabel in 1954.[4] As a teenager he played with Bobby Rydell in Rocco and the Saints.[citation needed] 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", "Ginger Bread", "Venus" and "Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops".

Movie and TV career
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 Forte (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.

Later career
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. A cookbook with over 80 recipes is due out in 2015 from St. Martin's Press, Frankie Avalon's Italian Family Cookbook.

Personal life
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.

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 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.


JAMES DARREN ACTOR, DIRECTOR & SINGER TALKS ABOUT HIS UPCOMING APPERANCES      

James Darren has enjoyed a successful, multi-faceted career, spanning six decades of motion picture, television, recording and live concert performances. With a notable career in films (“Gidget,” “The Guns of Navarone”) as well as television (“The Time Tunnel,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Darren has re-emerged on the recording scene with his latest CD, Because of You (Concord Records), an impressive collection of standards and big band swing. The album, a follow-up to his acclaimed 1999 release, This One’s From the Heart (Concord Records), reaffirms Darren’s incomparable talents as a singer.

Born in South Philly as James Ercolani, a second-generation American of Italian descent, Darren cites his beloved grandmother as the greatest guiding light of his life and his career. By the age of 14, Darren knew he wanted a show business career, and he embarked on the road to stardom by singing in nightclubs in Philadelphia and South Jersey. By age 18, he was in New York, studying acting for several years with the legendary drama teacher Stella Adler.It was a chance introduction to Hollywood movie producer Joyce Selznick (niece of the legendary David O. Selznick) that led to Darren’s seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures and his first big break: starring as the college student-surfer Moondoggie opposite Sandra Dee in the 1959 classic comedy hit, “Gidget.” Two sequels would follow, and Darren was soon on Hollywood’s short list of most sought-after young dramatic actors. He would make 20 films in all, including “The Guns of Navarone,” “The Lively Set,” “The Gene Krupa Story,” “The Brothers Rico,” “Gunman’s Walk,” “Let No Man Write My Epitaph,” and “Diamond Head.”

Darren’s singing career encompasses an impressive roster of musical credits including 14 albums and five Top 10 singles, including the 1961 Grammy- nominated “Goodbye Cruel World,” which held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks. Throughout the early 60s, his recording career continued to skyrocket with subsequent Top 10 hits including “Her Royal Majesty,” “Conscience,” and “All.” In 1976, he landed still another hit with “You Take My Heart Away” from the Oscar-winning film “Rocky.”

Darren would also make his mark on the small screen, starring in several hit television series, including “The Time Tunnel,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Melrose Place.” In 1987, the versatile entertainer began another phase of his career, this time as a highly in-demand director for television whose credits include several “movies of the week,” and more than 50 television shows ranging from “Melrose Place” and “Beverly Hills 90210” to “Hunter” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

But it is James Darren’s love of music that finds him back in the spotlight. In 1999, he returned to the recording industry in a big way, releasing This One’s From the Heart, a collection of some of the greatest classics ever penned, including “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Come Fly With Me,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” which re-introduced the world to Darren’s lush vocals.

In his recordings, his concert appearances in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, as well as his concerts with world-renowned symphonies across the U.S., including the San Diego Symphony, the Dallas Symphony and the Iowa Symphony, the media has also taken notice of James Darren the singer. The San Diego Union-Tribune called him a “compendium of coolness, a wizard of with-it-ness.” The Chicago Sun-Times said “Darren is as smooth as silk.”

Actor, director, recording artist – James Darren has made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. And as the song says, the best is yet to come.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

Aug 6-9, 2015  Creation Las Vegas
Jimmy will perform August 8 at the concert. Tickets are free for weekend pass holders or $40 otherwise
Las Vegas, NV

August 15 & 16, 2015  Southpoint Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas, NV
Note NEW Dates

August 15 & 16, 2015  Creation Star Trek 50th Anniversary
DALLAS, TX
Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 8 - 10, 2016

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