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AMY FRIEDMAN is a writer and teacher. Her books include Kick the Dog and Shoot the Cat, and Nothing Sacred: A Conversation with Feminism. She teaches memoir writing at UCLA, Skirball Cultural Arts Center, Idyllwild School of the Arts and PEN USA. She writes the internationally syndicated column "Tell Me A Story." On the 2/2/13 show, hostTim Carpenter talks to Amy Friedman about her new memoir, Desperado’s Wife. CLICK HERE to learn more at Amy's website.
KATHRYN GRAF and DIANE CARY: Kathryn Graf (left) is a playwright whose plays include Hermetically Sealed, Surviving David, Poor Pretty Birds, and The Stiff. She is also the author of the children’s book Always My Dad. Diane Cary (right) is the actress who discovered Kathryn’s newest play and stars opposite Jane Kaczmarek and Gregory Harrison in it. On the 2/2/13 show, host Tim Carpenter talks to Kathryn Graf and Diane Cary about the play The Snake Can, playing now at the Odyssey Theatre in LA. CLICK HERE for Kathryn Graf's website and CLICK HERE for more information about Diane Cary. Details about scheduled performances of the play are available HERE at the Odyssey Theater website.
MARIA BODMANN, an artist, musician, performer and business manager, earned her BFA and MFA in Multidisciplinary Art and Music from California Institute of the Arts. She studied music at the Hochschule der Kunste in Berlin, Germany, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Gamelan at the Indonesian Academy of Performing Arts (ASTI), and shadow theater in the village of Sukawati, Bali.The Dept of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, has awarded numerous grants, including the prestigious COLA grant, to MaRia to produce and present traditional Wayang Kulit and creative performances and residencies. As a shadow artist, she tells stories, sings, plays gamelan music, makes shadow figures of all kinds and choreographs traditional contemporary and experiemental shadow performances. MaRia's shadows are featured in Disney's "Camp Nowhere" and MGM's "Wild Bill," as well as theme parks in Singapore and Jakarta. With her company, Bali & Beyond, her featured credits include the Getty Museum, LACMA, the Huntington, Eastman School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, Oberlin, University of Calgary, Swarthmore, USC, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, New West Symphony, Ventura Chamber Music Festival, National Geographic, Paramount's "Star Trek: The Next Generation," the Hollywood Bowl, and many more. Learn more HERE. Hear MaRia interviewed by host Cynthia Friedlob on the 1/30/13 ET Online program.
EngAGE, in conjunction with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Bali & Beyond, is delighted to have MaRia Bodmann in residence for 10 weeks at NoHo Senior Arts Colony to present classes in and public performances of Bali shadow theater (Wayang Kulit). CLICK HERE to learn more.
CARMEN LUNDY began her professional career as a jazz vocalist and composer when there were very few young, gifted and aspiring jazz vocalists on the horizon. Three decades later, Ms. Lundy is celebrated throughout the world for her vocal artistry and is highly regarded for her jazz innovation. Her contribution of over 60 self-penned compositions now comprises the New Jazz Songbook. Having recorded over ten albums as a leader, Carmen has also performed and recorded with such musicians as brother and bassist Curtis Lundy, Ray Barretto, Kenny Barron, Bruce Hornsby, Mulgrew Miller, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kip Hanrahan, Courtney Pine, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, Marian McPartland, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, Geri Allen, Robert Glasper and the late Kenny Kirkland. Ms. Lundy’s 2005 release, the critically acclaimed “Jazz and The New Songbook-Live at The Madrid”, features some of the jazz world’s best known musicians paying tribute to Ms. Lundy. CLICK HERE to go to her website. Hear her on the 1/26/13 show with host Bobbee Zeno.
CHARLES OWENS is a master woodwind musician, playing tenor, alto, soprano and baritone saxophones, clarinet, flute, oboe, bassoon and English horn. He's a first-call studio musician, popular nightclub/concert performer, and jazz artist of international repute. Owens has toured, performed and recorded with an impressive array of artists including Lorenz Alexander, Bobby Bryant, Terry Callier, John Carter, the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Dave Grusin, Eddie Harris, Gladys Knight, James Newton, the Buddy Rich Band, and Barbra Streisand. He has played on numerous hit records including the Grammy Award winning Ellington album, Hot and Bothered, featuring his baritone solo on "Sophisticated Lady." Owens also tours the United States and Europe with his own group, which produced two albums on Discovery Records. He also maintains a dedicated commitment to education. Owens, James Newton, Red Callender and John Carter co-founded the successful Wind College in 1981. The Los Angeles Jazz Society "Jazz in Schools" Program has employed Owens as leader of an entertaining group of musicians who present free interactive jazz concerts in Los Angeles elementary schools, designed to stimulate jazz awareness and create a future audience. CLICK HERE to read more about him. Hear him on the 1/26/13 show with host Bobbee Zeno.
IRMA BESSERA NUNEZ was honored as 2012 Pioneer Women of the Year representing Council District CD13 as part of the annual celebration organized by the L.A. Commission on the Status of Women. Irma is also a recipient of the 2012 CALCO Excellence In Teaching Award from CCAE (California Council for Adult Education). Irma received her California Life Teaching Credential in 1975. Throughout the years, she has worked as an instructor through the Los Angeles Unified School District teaching students of all ages, including active older adults. Since 2007, Irma and her 200+ Active Older Adult Students have worked closely with Councilmember Eric Garcetti and his staff at the Glassell Park Community & Senior Citizen Center. As part of a citywide coalition, Eric, his staff, Irma and her students served as staunch advocates and played a critical role in rallying support and helping save Adult Education and Programs for Older Adults by empowering students, parents, grandparents and community groups to have a greater voice and role in the decision making process. In 1992-2007, Irma and her partner Don Juan aka Johnny D. González (internationally acclaimed Chicano artist and muralist) launched their statewide New Barrio Lifestyle Campaign™ Cultural Arts Educational Program which received major media recognition and support. In the L.A. City Hall Rotunda, Irma and Juan/Johnny kicked off their program as curators of a 300 piece Chicano/Mexicano/Latino & Multicultural Traveling Art Gallery™ Collection that traveled throughout California with their live stage production, titled The Birth of Our Art,™ and was seen by ten of thousands at schools, colleges, universities, government agencies, corporations, professional conferences, etc. Hear her on the 1/19/13 show with host Dr. Connie Corley.
Artist DON JUAN/JOHNNY D. GONZALEZ is an innovator of the 1970s East Los Angeles Chicano Mural Movement and Cultural Arts Renaissance. In 1970, Don Juan/Johnny D. González designed "The Birth of Our Art" mural as the visual image representing his Cultural Heritage Tourism initiative, "Project: East L.A. to Tourist Attraction." His goal was to inspire artists, community organizations and local businesses to join him in the revitalization of East L.A. To accomplish this, he founded The East L.A. School of Mexican American Fine Arts (TELASOMAFA) and established a mural apprenticeship program. Before “The Birth of Our Art” was completed, Juan/Johnny welcomed the participation of 12 artists and his mural was televised throughout L.A. by every television news organization. The foundation of Juan/Johnny’s vision was to transform the physical environment of East L.A. through the creation of Mexican and Chicano architectural designs and educational ceramic tile and mosaic murals, integrated into buildings above the facade of businesses. As part of his beautification, education and economic development initiative, his goal was to attract tourism such as the beautiful town of Santa Barbara in Southern California. His By 1975, almost 300 Chicano murals were attracting international tourism and media acclaim, which served as a catalyst that lead to Los Angeles being called the mural capital of the world. Juan/Johnny’s 27 Hour Oral History Interview documents his life story and legacy that transcends various genres as an innovator of 1960s East L.A. Chicano Rock & Roll, 1970s Chicano Art and 1979 Chicano Motion Pictures as well as his partnership with Irma as innovators of 1980s Hispanic Marketing, 1990s Chicano/Mexicano/Latino Fine Art Print Distribution, and 1990s Multi-Ethnic Cultural Arts Education. The audio tapes and transcripts of Juan/Johnny and Irma’s Oral History will eventually be housed at the UCLA Main Library Oral History Resource Center and UCLA CSRC and will be made available for scholars, educators, students and the public on the World Wide Web. Hear him on the 1/19/13 show with host Dr. Connie Corley.
Dr. HARRY "RICK" MOODY is the head of the office of Academic Affairs at AARP and one of the lead figures in Positive Aging. Dr. Moody is the author of over 100 scholarly articles and book chapters, as well as a number of books including: Abundance of Life: Human Development Policies for an Aging Society (Columbia University Press, 1988); Ethics in an Aging Society (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992); and Aging: Concepts and Controversies, a gerontology textbook now in its 3rd edition. His most recent book, The Five Stages of the Soul, was published by Doubleday Anchor Books (1997) and has been translated into seven languages worldwide. A graduate of Yale (1967) and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Columbia University (1973), Dr. Moody taught philosophy at Columbia, Hunter College, New York University, and the University of California at Santa Cruz. From 1999 to 2001 he served as National Program Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Faith in Action and, from 1992 to 1999, was Executive Director of the Brookdale Center at Hunter College. Before coming to Hunter, he served as Administrator of Continuing Education Programs for the Citicorp Foundation and later as Co-Director of the National Aging Policy Center of the National Council on Aging in Washington, DC. Harry Moody is known nationally for his work in older adult education and recently stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Elderhostel. He has also been active in the field of biomedical ethics and holds appointment as an Adjunct Associate of the Hastings Center. He’ll be talking about the upcoming 6th International Conference on Positive Aging, Feb. 10 – 12 in Los Angeles. CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Moody. Hear him on the 1/19 show with host Dr. Connie Corley.
TAMIKA WASHINGTON is a dancer, choreographer, and the Assistant Director of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre. She's also the daughter of the its founders, Lula Washington and Erwin Washington. The Dance Theatre is part of the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation (LWCDF), a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization founded in 1980 to provide a creative outlet for minority dance artists in South Los Angeles. The Foundation seeks to build bridges between people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds through its inter-related parts: the professional Dance Company (Lula Washington Dance Theatre), the Dance School, the Youth Dance Ensemble, and the Dance Studio. CLICK HERE to learn more about the company and the foundation. Hear Tamika Washington on the 1/12/13 show with host Bobbee Zeno.
JERRY LAWSON fronted the legendary a cappella group, The Persuasions, for nearly 40 years. He led the celebrated quintet and recorded and toured with numerous artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, Joni Mitchell and Frank Zappa. Lawson sang lead on about 90 percent of The Persuasions albums, one of which, “Chirpin’,” was hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 LPs of the 1970s. His broad, warm baritone is regarded by many as one of the better kept secrets in popular music, a cappella being such a niche market. As music writer Rip Rense put it, “By any fair measure, Lawson is really one of the best singers of the last 50 years—up there with Sam Cooke, Brook Benton, Jerry Butler and Nat King Cole.” Lawson is also responsible for the brilliant vocal arrangements on all 22 albums with The Persuasions. The last five of his highly original albums found acclaim from People Magazine to the Los Angeles Times. After a very brief retirement, in 2004 Lawson was introduced to the members of the San Francisco-based a cappella group, Talk of the Town. He joined them as their lead singer and in 2007 they independently released their album, Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town. While certainly reminiscent of the Persuasions, the sound of TOTT is noticeably different, with more focus on a single lead singer and a smoother, tighter group harmony backing Lawson’s gruff leads. CLICK HERE to learn more about Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town. Hear him interviewed by John Semper Jr. on the 1/5/13 show.
Artist ANDRE MIRIPOLSKY's keen understanding of pop imagery and energy has resulted in collaborations with Elton John (famous Central Park “Piano Key” costume and 1997 stage acts for his “Tonight Show” appearance), Bette Midler (album package/visual design for her worldwide “DeTour”), Quincy Jones, Rolling Stones, MTV, and “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. His work has also been seen on the Absolut Vodka bottle as part of one of the most successful advertising campaigns of all time, featuring famous artists interpreting the brand for the label. UCLA’s center basketball court at Pauley Pavillion got a makeover for MTV when Miripolsky painted a colorful mural on it for MTV’s “Rock and Jock B-Ball Jam.” More recently, Andre has turned his attention to projects that promote the revitalization of Los Angeles, including a large 3-D wall sculpture depicting his vision of the exploding Downtown L.A. skyline for the Central City Association of L.A. This image, coupled with his phrase “Viva L.A., ” has blossomed to much acclaim. His long-lasting stained glass “L.A. Historama” mural proposal is pending final approval for inclusion in the planned new Convention Center.
He continues to be celebrated in gallery shows and other special projects, including this year’s world-wide installation called “Play Me, I’m Yours,” a public music and art program. Literally hundreds of working pianos were placed in very public areas in major cities throughout the world. The program’s intent is to continue to beautify the world through the arts. The Miripolsky/Hollywood arts piano, decorated in a mosaic of mirror tiles to best reflect the glamour of Hollywood, resided in the forecourt of the Egyptian theatre. CLICK HERE to learn more at his website. Hear Andre with host John Semper Jr. on the 12/22/12 and 12/29/12 ET shows.
With a graduate degree in each hand (social work and music therapy), CHRISTINE STEVENS has composed a life enriching the experiences of many around the globe through drumming and other ensemble experiences. Christine is the founder of UpBeat Drum Circles and consultant to REMO, the world's largest drum company. Christine has led drum circles internationally with Fortune 500 Companies, healing at Ground Zero and Hurricane Katrina, and led the first drum circle training in northern Iraq for conflict resolution and peace building. She is the author of The Healing Drum Kit, The Art and Heart of Drum Circles, and her latest book published by Sounds True, "Music Medicine: The Science and Spirit of Healing Yourself with Sound." Ms. Stevens will be appearing at the Sixth International Annual Conference on Positive Aging, February 10 - 12, 2013, in Los Angeles. Click HERE for details. Learn more about Christine Stevens HERE and listen to her interview with Dr. Connie Corley on the 12/1/12 show.
One of America’s unsung musical heroes, BILLY OSBORNE has been a force in American popular music for almost fifty years. Hailing originally from Rhode Island, where his tutelage came in equal parts from his musically gifted family and, like most African-Americans, from the church, Billy initially set out for New York in the hope of making a name for himself. His emergence as a jazz drummer thanks to gigs with a Who’s-Who of giants such as Jimmy Guiffre, Jim Hall, Archie Shepp, John Handy, Buell Niedlinger, and Wes Montgomery led to his being honored by “Downbeat” as Newcomer-of-the-Year in 1959. Eager to move in new directions, Osborne came to the West Coast ten years later as musical director and composer for the best-selling group The Friends of Distinction. That success led to the formation of the chart-topping group LTD, for which Osborne, in addition to being the band leader and composer, also sang together with his brother Jeffrey. Flexing his muscles in new and varied ways, Osborne spent the decade of the 90’s writing and producing for a wide range of artists including The Emotions, Linda Clifford, Confunksun, Mother’s Finest, Billy Davis Jr., Durrell Coleman, Osborne & Giles, and Vesta Williams. In 1990, Osborne was able to fulfill a lifelong dream when he began a fourteen year stint as in-house writer-producer for “The Genius” himself, the legendary Ray Charles. Osborne currently resides in Los Angeles, where his wide range of talents keep him very much in demand. Hear Billy Osborne's interview with Bobbee Zeno on the 11/24/12 show.
For 30 years E.J. JACKSON, owner of The Jackson Limousine Company, has given away a turkey, with all the fixings for a full Thanksgiving dinner, to thousands of the needy in Los Angeles. In 2011, the E.J. Jackson Foundation had its biggest turkey dinner give-away ever, with nearly 10,000 dinners distributed. Over the years it can be estimated that the foundation has given away over 400,000 turkey dinners that fed some 2,000,000 people.
The 2012 give-away is scheduled for Tuesday, November 20th. The expectation and goal is to distribute 10,000 boxed Turkey Dinners (to be cooked) to Angelenos in need. CLICK HERE for more information. Donations and volunteers will be welcome.
Hear E.J. Jackson, his daughter Lynn Tavai, and former NFL Buffalo Bill football player Michael King with host Bobbee Zeno on the 11/8/12 show.
LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI is a poet, painter, liberal activist, and the co-founder of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. He is the author of poetry, translations, fiction, theatre, art criticism, and film narration, and he is best known for his iconic book of poems, A Coney Island of the Mind, a collection that has been translated into nine languages, with sales of over one million copies. On the 9/29/12 show, Tim Carpenter talks to 92-year-old Lawrence Ferlinghetti about his new book, Time of Useful Consciousness, and the poetry of a life well-lived. CLICK HERE to learn more about Lawrence Ferlinghetti and City Lights Booksellers & Publishers.
JACKIE GOLDBERG, known as Pink Lady because of her distinctive style, is a teacher, actor, writer, and toastmaster. For over 40 years, she was in the fashion industry as a Womens’ Wear marketing & sales rep. Ten years ago, at age 70, she developed a series of seminars called “Get Up, Get Out, & Get a Life,” to encourage fellow seniors to embrace new challenges. She also began an acting career. This led to her creation of Senior Star Power Productions and an annual live stage show featuring performers over the age of sixty. This year’s show, “Rockin’ with the Ages – The Beat Goes On,” opens at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage in Hollywood on October 4th. CLICK HERE for more about Jackie; CLICK HERE for more about Senior Star Power Productions. Hear Jackie with host Cynthia Friedlob on the 9/23/12 ET Online show.
SUNIE LEVIN holds degrees in Psychology and Education as well as a Master’s degree in remedial reading. She founded the Midwest Reading and Dyslexia Clinic in Kansas City, Missouri, for children and adults with learning problems. She’s also an author who’s written books about grandparenting, the importance of making new friends when you’re older, and how to choose a retirement community. She’s conducted workshops and seminars throughout the country and was a syndicated columnist for many newspapers. CLICK HERE to learn more about Sunie and her book, Make New Friends…Live Longer: A Guide for Seniors. CLICK HERE for a list of all of her books available on Amazon. Hear Sunie with host Cynthia Friedlob on the 9/23/12 ET Online show.
JIM MAURER grew up playing piano, having started at the age of five. He has played in some of the most famous hotels in Los Angeles, including the St. James Club, an art deco hotel on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, for the club’s nearly ten-year existence. He’s also played piano at private parties for scores of Hollywood film, television and theatre elite. For the past eight years, Jim has volunteered at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA, playing the piano every afternoon in the lobby. His community service has been acknowledged with awards from Women in Theatre, the City of Burbank, the California State Senate, and KNX radio. CLICK HERE to learn more about Jim and CLICK HERE to listen to some of Jim’s music on YouTube. His album, “Romantic Christmas Classics,” is available HERE. Hear Jim on the 9/23/12 ET Online show with host Cynthia Friedlob.
Chairman/CEO of Tenacious Records, composer, arranger, producer, multi-instrumentalist and actor ALPHONSE MOUZON has been composing and producing beautiful music that has captivated and enthralled audiences throughout the world for over two decades. He has performed with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson and countless others. Alphonse Mouzon and Bobbee will discuss the new music business and its impact on musicians over the age of 60. Is there agism in the music business? What does a musician do to have to survive in this new music business? Learn more about Alphonse Mouzon at his website, WWW.TENACIOUSRECORDS.COM. Host Bobbee Zeno talks with Alphone Mouzon on the 9/22/12 show.
D.T. MAX is a staff writer for the New Yorker. He is the author of The Family That Couldn’t Sleep: Unraveling a Medical Mystery, and his long essay in the New Yorker, "The Unfinished: David Foster Wallace’s Struggle to Surpass Infinite Jest," was published to great acclaim. On the 9/15/12 show, Tim Carpenter talks to D.T. Max about his new book, Every Love Story Is A Ghost Story: A Life of David Foster Wallace, about one of the most influential writers of his generation. CLICK HERE to learn more about D.T. Max. Hear host Tim Carpenter talk with D.T. Max on the 9/15/12 show.