MOMz Rock the HOUSE

COMING SUMMER 2013! The MOMz Rock the House Show has a NEW home!

2013-05-10T13:22:00.005-07:00

Starting SUMMER 2013, the MOMz Rock the House will air on CRN Digital Talk Radio HD! More details coming soon...

Global Music and Sound Industry Finds Success at the 2013 NAMM Show!

2013-01-28T14:50:00.002-08:00

Global Music and Sound Industry Finds Success at the 2013 NAMM Show
The business of making music takes center stage, as the number and variety of buyers increase from
January 24-27 in Anaheim, CA

Anaheim, CA (January 28, 2013) – When the business is music, it’s a fine line between good times and work. Produced by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the NAMM Show provided the most effective platform across four jam-packed days filled with new product debuts, networking, and educational opportunities set to the soundtrack of live music and conversation among friends old and new. From January 24-27, every aspect of the music instrument and products industry including retailers, corporate buyers, artists and sound and lighting professionals did business with nearly 5000 unique brands in Anaheim, CA.

“Our industry, like many others, is in the midst of rapid change,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “And I believe NAMM Members who came to Anaheim to see the latest product innovations, attend NAMM University sessions, and network with friends and peers will be uniquely positioned to take advantage of the business opportunities in the year ahead.”

Based on member feedback, NAMM made a concerted effort to increase buyer (blue) badges and decrease guest (yellow) badges to create the most business-friendly event in years. Buyers increased 4 percent over 2012, while non-industry guests decreased 16 percent. The important increase in buyers was attributed to more retail music stores, corporate buyers including houses of worship, live event venues and touring professionals, casinos, and studios sending buyers to shop the NAMM Show. The mix of industry professionals resulted in an incredibly business-focused, yet vibrant show made up of 93,908 total registrants.

“We were approached by many potential new business partners, so it became an even broader type of business show,” said Tony Moscal, general manager of business development for Peavey. “We’re glad to see that NAMM’s provided with a full representation of an industry business show in addition to traditional retailers. This has been one of the most exciting, rewarding show’s that I’ve been involved with since my first NAMM Show in 1981.”

"I attend for the latest, greatest and best our industry has to offer. This show was rich with industry trends, the latest in gear and top notch sessions at the Idea Center,” said Billy Cuthrell, owner ofProgressive Music Center in North Carolina. “I consider my time at NAMM a major part of my business success throughout the year."

For the first time, a Mayor led the NAMM Show. NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond proclaimed world-renowned musician and humanitarian Stevie Wonder as Mayor of the NAMM Show with a lifetime, all-access badge to NAMM. "My goal is before it's my time, I hope to be able to make music accessible to everybody, children and adults,” said His Honor (Wonder). "It's a whole new world of music and instrument discovery at the show every year.” Wonder, one of hundreds of major artists at the NAMM Show, walked the show trying out new products and meeting with friends.

While live music played and celebrities visited, the resounding sentiment on the show floor was that the industry was getting down to business. "Roland Corporation U.S. is very pleased with the 2013 NAMM Show and activity on our new booth and location,” Kim Nunney, president of Roland. “Traffic was steady throughout the show and dealers responded very positively to our new products, Content Checkpoints and media stage. A great show, we're looking forward to a strong 2013."

NEW FEATURES

The opening of the 2013 NAMM Show marked not only the start of the world’s premier gathering for the music instrument and product industry, but also the debut of the Anaheim Convention Center’s new outdoor venue, The Anaheim Grand Plaza. The Grand Plaza features 100,000 square feet of outdoor meeting and event space, and during the NAMM Show an outdoor stage for live performances.

NAMM Show-goers enjoyed a series of spectacular live performances all day, every day throughout the four-day show. Tower of Power, The Living Legends Jam (with band members from The Eagles, Black Sabbath, and Fleetwood Mac, among others), and CTA (California Transit Authority) rocked the Grand Plaza hard and gave the energetic nighttime crowds plenty of authentic rock and roll. “There’s great talent with Tower of Power and a community feeling [on the Grand Plaza]. It’s great to wind down out here after the day, while enjoying some music with good friends and business partners,” said Jerry Loos, owner, Jerry Loos Guitar Training, Westerville, OH.

The industry quickly adapted to the new show perimeter that reached the convention center’s exterior walls, effectively adding to the show’s footprint. By moving registration to the hotels, NAMM created an easier to navigate show with fewer ID checks.

NEW BRANDS

While many NAMM Show veterans come to enjoy the musical spectacle and do business with old and new friends, the 2013 NAMM Show was rich in new faces, with 289 new exhibitors representing about 700 unique brands spread out over the sprawling Convention Center. Enthusiasm ran high among NAMM Show first-timers. Apps and software, new technologies for acoustic guitars, and performance accessories – all found a solid toehold on success at the show.

“I’m freaking out,” said Mike Miltimore, founder of Riversong Guitars in British Columbia. Miltimore’s business card also bills him as ‘Passion Igniter,’ and with his incandescent grin it is easy to see why. Miltmore brought his patent-pending guitar design to the show for the first time, unsure if he would meet his goals of finding more international distribution. “At the show, we’ve seen big-time interest from countries I did not even know existed,” he said. “I also wanted to connect with my current dealers, and NAMM is the place to do that.” Serenely regarding the brisk business at his booth and his smiling, upbeat crew, Miltimore seemed satisfied. “This is beyond my wildest expectations,” he said.

New exhibitors accounted for 20 percent of the exhibiting companies this year, with another 118 companies returning to NAMM after a year or more off. The increase is a subtle indicator that the music products industry is stealthily creeping back onto terra firma. Not so subtle is the vibrant, positive feeling among new exhibitors, some of whom are at NAMM because they felt the time was right to expand their businesses and gather input from the music-making world.

“We came to NAMM to network, to meet new retailers, and to get reaction from the music professionals out there,” said Helen Georgopoulos, director of sales and marketing for Wave DNA of Toronto. Her company develops a drum- and beat-creation software instrument designed for music producers, remix artists and songwriters. “We’ve hit every one of those goals. People see the demo and they immediately get the value and the uniqueness of what our product offers. Music and merchants. That’s NAMM.”

Buyers make a point to find new products at the show. “Coming to NAMM is my mental catalog for the rest of the year,” said Clark Baker, owner of Clark Baker Music in El Centro, CA. “I always walk every row and see everything I can because you never know. You could be out there, and Wow! That’s a new thing! I’m so glad I saw that.”

INTERNATIONAL BRANDS/BUYERS

Music-product pros also found that NAMM’s international clout is great for business. NAMM traditionally attracts a vast international crowd of manufacturers, exhibitors and buyers from 94 countries from around the world. A true international show, 492 of the exhibiting companies were from beyond U.S. borders.

Mike Kairys, president of Ac-cetera, of Luxor, PA, came to NAMM for the first time, intent on acquiring international distributors for his EZClamp and Mic-Eze products, which securely clamp a variety of accessories from smart phones to tuners on microphones and instruments. “The response has been just excellent,” Kairys said. “We have a low-key approach, but we were looking for possible distributions into China, Germany, Denmark and others. I’d say just the first day of the show our investment paid off in spades. We are getting what we came for.”

A little more than 10 years ago, Indiana-based Rees Harps did five percent of its business internationally. Currently, they do 85 percent of their business internationally. “We began coming to NAMM in 2004 and it has obviously made a huge difference for us,” said Melissa Irwin-Rees. “We love NAMM and it truly has helped our business grow. We come here to find new dealers and new distributors, and people know our brand name. It all started for us here at NAMM.”

Bringing products to an entirely new potential cadre of distribution channels is part of the NAMM Show’s enduring cachet. Bethany Pryor of Blocki Flute Method of Gibsonia, PA said the NAMM Show represents more effective international opportunities than flute conventions. “NAMM Show is the best place we have found to make contact with people from all over the world,” she said.

PRO-LIGHT AND SOUND/VENUE

Products in the growing pro light and sound, and performance-tech segment of the industry provided some of the splashiest displays and demonstrations at the 2013 NAMM Show, as well as some vigorous commerce. The show’s new, dedicated pro lighting and staging area, The Venue, was filled with exhibitors such as SmithsonMartin, Mr. DJ, OmniSistem, Carvin Corp., NSI Audio and Performance Truss.

The Venue exhibitors enjoyed raised ceilings and dimmed lighting in an arena-style setting appropriate to the lasers and other lighting effects, and tall scaffolding and trusses being demonstrated by vendors here. Mike Weiner, president of Performance Group is a first-time exhibitor at NAMM and in The Venue. "Some people said this show wasn't for us, but I'm getting a great reaction to lights and our LED screens,” he said. “There's a lot of people - retailers, people who do church installations, which surprised me -- and event production people. All aspects of the industry are here. We've seen South and Central American and Mexico buyers with our biggest lead from Brazil."

As the pro light and sound segment of the market grows at NAMM, some buyers are prowling the exhibits to educate themselves, and their customers, about the industry as a means for expansion. Buyer Bryon Low of Annex Pro in Vancouver deals in audio systems for universities, high schools and other educational outlets. But he sees a day when his customer base will need the related light and production products. “I’m here to educate myself and get a handle on what’s out there so I can be helpful to my clients perhaps some time in the future,” he said. “It’s better to talk to the manufacturer here and have them explain it and demonstrate it. Now I know what’s out there and we can move forward.”

SEE YOU NEXT TIME

NAMM Musikmesse Russia (May 16-19, 2013) and ProLight + Sound NAMM Russia (May 16-18, 2013) offer an unparalleled international opportunity in the growing eastern European market. Plan for NAMM in Nashville, July 11-13 as the show moves into the beautiful new Music Center. The busy fall and holiday music retail season starts at Summer NAMM. And the 112th NAMM Show returns to Anaheim January 23-26, 2014.

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About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $16.3 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 8,500 Member companies located in more than 94 countries. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org, call 800-767-NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

See you at the 2012 Turkey Trot and the Aviir Health and Wellness Expo in Dana Point Wednesday and Thursday!

2012-11-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow and Thursday, I will be reporting live from the 2012 Turkey Trot presented by The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Learn more about the event and the Aviir Health and Wellness Expo (one of the event sponsors) by visiting: http://www.turkeytrot.com/about-pre-registration.shtml
for more info.

Thanksgiving morning I am usually home watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, but this will be ALOT of fun ("The race before you feed your face!") - will be there really early Thursday am with my coffee and crazy Thanksgiving day hat cheering on the runners :D

I took the pledge to Save the 1! How about you?

2012-11-13T20:26:00.002-08:00

Not Just A Disease, An Epidemic

Far Too Many Lives Are Needlessly Lost To Heart Disease, While Many More Are Burdened With The Medical Debt Caused By Surviving A Heart Attack. Heart Disease Remains The Leading Cause Of Death In The U.S., Claiming Almost 600,000 Lives Each Year. Yet Many Are Unaware That 80% Of Heart Disease Is Preventable. Simple Lifestyle Choices Can Improve Heart Health And Significantly Reduce The Risk Of A Heart Attack.

ABOUT GUARDaHEART

GUARDaHEART’s Solution Is One Part Awareness, And One Part Action. We Promote Awareness Through Education, And We Empower Preventative Action With Activities That Build Friendships, Cultivate Healthy Habits, And Create Accountability. We Believe That Together, We Can Inspire The Change That Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease.

Who's Trotting with me Thanksgiving Morning??

2012-11-11T20:21:00.002-08:00

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is thrilled to have Aviir Diagnostic Laboratories as the official sponsor for this year's Health & Wellness Expo! Aviir Inc. assists in the risk assessment and management of cardiovascular disease by delivering innovative laboratory testing services. In their first year of sponsorship, Aviir is the community expert on heart health and we are so happy to have them on board!

GUARDaHEART, in collaboration with Aviir Diagnostic Laboratories, will also join us for the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. GUARDaHEART promotes awareness through education and risk detection tools, and empowers preventative action through activities that build friendships, cultivate healthy habits and create accountability. GUARDaHEART - and celebrate life this holiday season.

Be sure to stop by the Aviir and GUARDaHEART booth during the Health & Wellness Expo to learn more about ways you can prevent heart disease. You can also sign up to receive a complementary consultation with a GUARDaHEART physician to talk about your heart health and whether the Aviir MIRISK cardiac risk assessment is right for you. It is a simple blood-draw that calculates your five-year heart attack risk projection, classifying your current health and wellness. Aviir Diagnostic Laboratories will be performing these blood draws at the Health & Wellness Expo, so make sure to sign up for a consultation time slot!

Visit the Turkey Trot website to learn more about the Aviir Health & Wellness Expo & packet pick-up.

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TURKEY TROT WEBSITE

Great day today at Whole Foods with the Laura’s House Blender Bike Event!

2012-10-14T20:19:00.002-07:00

Great day today at Whole Foods with the Laura’s House Blender Bike Event! We all rode the blender bike and blended purple smoothies in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Proceeds benefitted women and children who are escaping violent homes and receiving therapy and legal services from Laura’s House while living at the Emergency Shelter. For more information, please visit: http://www.laurashouse.org/

Debi Smith Jaworek of the FOUR BITCHIN' BABES joins me on MOMz Rock the House!

2012-09-10T11:50:00.003-07:00

THE FOUR BITCHIN' BABES/MID LIFE VICES CD

Photo by Kendra Chilson

Start with four richly gifted singer-songwriters, add 3/4 cup married life, 2 kids, four part harmony vocals, one piano, four guitars, one Rockin' Purple Bass, a celtic drum, a mandolin, a dollop of sharp social commentary, cheerleading pom poms, a pinch of pms, a wardrobe of bling-bling, and you’ve got THE FOUR BITCHIN' BABES' Estrogen-fueled hilarious shows that celebrate the best of Babes, Boys, and Botox.

With sorority sister chemistry they perform original songs and stories offering both poignant views and unbridled comedic commentary on the joys and dilemmas of everyday life. With harmony, they share the struggles of balancing careers and family, chocolate obsessions and low carb inner peace, CNN and TV Land... From promising to never pay retail and finding a man who cooks, to dealing with inadequate pay and inadequately cut swim wear, all the while living victoriously after the Romantic Bubble Bursts.

After the success of their 2009 "Diva Nation...Where Music Laughter and Girlfriends Reign," The Babes are proud to announce "Mid Life Vices...A Guilt Free Musical Revue." This tour de force musical comedy group presents their 9th CD of songs that revel in the choices made by a generation who's "been-there-saw-that-drank-that-ate-that-came-back-to-kick-back-and-lay-back!" Of course, the question remains: "How can funny sound this pretty?" (The Boston Globe)

Summer/2012 marks the beginning of their 23rd season of touring and recording. Longtime Babes; Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith and Deirdre Flint welcome new Babe Marcy Marxer of the wonderfully eclectic Grammy-winning and (still touring) duo of Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. As songwriters and accomplished musicians, they become a renegade sorority of modern women who vow to age gracefully, but refuse to go quietly! Continuing to showcase their “BABES” signature brand of estrogen-infused mayhem and award winning songwriting, they set to music their collective Mid Life Crises and the inherent need for Mid Life Vices!

Babe tunes come from the wackiest of viewfinders. On Mid Life Vices, with acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, piano, bass, drums and harmonies from heaven, these multi-talented gal pals offer a peek into the mind of an absolutely organized scatterbrain in “Just in Case, ”an exhausted perfectionist with “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda,” and a loving look at romance in “Dim the Lights.” It wouldn't be a 4BBabes' recording without a few statements from the heart. With such moving pieces as, "In My Dreams," and "The Table" and we hear of those generational transitions that affect us all. Of course there are songs dedicated to the passions and misdeeds of our age, with “Facebook,” “The History of Cheese,” and the rocking release of "Bitchin' Babe Boogie."

Performing in the theatres everywhere, The Four Bitchin' Babes have proved to be wildly successful, as women of all ages (and man-Babes too!) join with their book clubs, bowling leagues, and college reunion events for a night of music and laughs, memorable songs, big hair, and, of course, a totally Babe attitude! With their release of "Mid Life Vices," The Babes continue to celebrate self acceptance, grace and humor, through "Whine, Women and Song!"

Singer/songwriter/activist Jen Chapin is this week's featured guest on MOMz Rock the House!

2012-08-01T22:44:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Merri Cyr

Singer/songwriter/activist Jen Chapin, daughter of Harry Chapin, joins me on MOMz Rock the House Thursday August 2, 2012 at 12n pst on OC Talk Radio -- catch the show streaming on www.octalkradio.net.

Jen Chapin’s music is urban folk soul — story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk and improvisation of the city. Critics have hailed her work as “brilliant.. soulfully poetic” (NPR), “thoughtful.. worth-savoring” (People), “addictive” (Boston Globe), “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). JazzTimes has called her “a first-rate storyteller” while Relix regards her as “one of the freshest voices singing today."

She has been featured on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien,” honored by the USA Songwriting Competition, appeared on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and opened up for Bruce Hornsby and the Neville Brothers. Her performances are powerful, spotlighting the world-class musicianship and rare chemistry of Grammy-nominated acoustic bassist/husband Stephan Crump and “unflappable melodist” (New York Times) guitarist Jamie Fox. As an activist, educator and mother based in Brooklyn NY, Jen also brings the knowledge and insight of varied experience (student/traveler in Mexico and Zimbabwe, BA in International Relations, longtime Member, former Chair and present Secretary of the Board of WhyHunger – (http://www.whyhunger.org/) to her workshops and presentations to college, church and community groups.

Jen’s latest recording, the EP Five Songs, available now.

Jen Chapin Discography:

ReVisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder (2009) “sophisticated ..little short of miraculous” - The Sunday Times

Light of Mine (2008) “crossing multiple musical boundaries ..mesmerizing” -- Time Out London

Ready (2006) “supremely confident, slightly off-center, and instantly compelling." -- River City Reader

Linger (2004) “uncommon wit and sweetly supple singing” - Entertainment Weekly

Open Wide (2002) “cool ..spare funkiness” - Washington Post

All available on http://www.jenchapin.com/

I had the honor of Emceeing Guard A Heart's VIP Fashion Show Fundraiser at The Strand in Dana Point!

2012-07-24T21:26:00.002-07:00

Nicole Rash - Ms. America 2012 at The Strand during Guard A Heart's VIP Fashion Show

Guard A Heart held a “Know Your Risk, Save a Life” Fashion show Saturday evening at a beautiful home located at the incomparable Strand Resorts. The show featured designs by Tommy Bahama, Dr. Bahar Couture and Marisa Kenson Fashions. The event was being held to raise money for the Charity and also included a performance by recording artist Hope.

According to Special Events Director Gina Waggener, The Foundation’s principles are based on the premise that heart health is a lifestyle choice and that up to 80% of the time it is preventable. We have been given the awesome privilege to work alongside other local philanthropic organizations including The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, Tommy Bahama, Dr. Bahar Couture, Marisa Kenson Fashions, Athletes For Life, Ms. America Pageant, Kyani, Aviir and Max International who all share our vision of saving lives, one heart at a time.

Guard A Heart Foundation Hosts VIP Fashion Show Fundraiser; Proceeds Will Towards Saving Lives from Heart Disease

2012-07-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guard A Heart Foundation Hosts VIP Fashion Show Fundraiser;
Proceeds Will Towards Saving Lives from Heart Disease

July 18, 2012 (Irvine, CA) – Guard A Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization, raising awareness for cardiovascular disease by educating on the dangers of vulnerable plaque, held a Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Strands in Dana Point on July 14. Aviir Diagnostic Laboratory hosted the event. The event’s theme of “Keeping the Moments Alive” resonated throughout the evening, emphasizing how important it is for us to make heart disease prevention a part of our every day lifestyle, and that each moment we share with our loved ones is the true measure of our life’s value. Dr. Bahar Sederati reminded attendees of the importance of heart health, smoking cessation, regular exercise, stress management and getting thorough physicals. Celebrity designer Marisa Kenson also gave a heart-felt testimony regarding the importance of heart disease prevention, pledging her support to Guard A Heart’s mission to save lives needlessly lost or those disabled by heart disease.

The evening festivities included festive live music by Hope and Hawaiian Artist Brian Pi'ikea Vasquez. Upon arriving, guests were offered tasty drinks donated by Tommy Bahama, Blue Ice Vodka, Vegan Wine and mouthwatering appetizers donated by K’ya, Vintage Steakhouse, Stillwater Grill, Gemmells and Socially Sweet.

More than 150 guests attended this elegant event, featuring a lively fashion show with designs by Tommy Bahama, Marisa Kenson and Dr. Bahar Couture, directed by highly regarded fashion show producer Julie French. Brian Tierney, official Guard a Heart photography captured highlights of the evening’s events. In addition, several VIP’s were awarded the Guardian of Hearts award for their philanthropic efforts on heart disease awareness and prevention. Dr. Bahar Sederati, lead internist with Bahar Medical Group; Dr. Douglas Harrington, CEO of Aviir Diagnostics; Susan Jeske, CEO of the Ms. America Pageant; Willie Gault, Founder of Athletes for Life, former America football wide receiver and Olympic athlete; and Lora Thomas, of Kyani were included in those honored.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the event will go towards Guard a Heart’s "Know Your Risk, Save a Life" campaign, which uses donated funds to offer free cardiac testing for those who cannot otherwise afford it. Its mission to save lives is only made possible by countless volunteers within the community raising awareness of this highly preventable disease.

Members of the Guard A Heart Board of Directors including Hayward Sawyer, Jerry Nostadt, Tom Scuccimarra & Najib Khoury were in attendance and presented the evening’s awards. Other guests who attended include: Annie Nelson, founder of OC American Soldiers Network; Michele Berk, producer of Baywatch creator, Soul Surfer, K-11; Debbie Durkin, Los Angeles Sustainable Producer; Janeane Bernstein Event MC and Radio Talk Show Host; Hawaiian Artist Brian Pi'ikea Vasquez; Miss Afghanistan, Vida Samadzi; Ms. America Nicole Rash; and US Marines Timothy Black, Angelo Sarni, Andrew Grothem and Cress Forester.

About Guard A Heart
Guard A Heart is a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease prevention by spreading the word to guard your heart and save your life. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. If individuals know their risk and take the necessary steps, the good news is that most cardiovascular disease is preventable. Although heart disease is typically diagnosed in adulthood, its roots are often found in childhood. Compelling research has shown that plaque buildup in the arterial walls begins very early in life and progresses through increasing degrees of atherosclerosis. Intervention strategies and healthy lifestyle changes to reduce heart disease risk should begin in childhood when reversal of the process is easier, not later in life when the disease is more fully developed. Guard a Heart Foundation provides funding for individuals who are unable to pay for cardiac risk assessments. Please visit www.guardaheart.org for more information.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dina Scaglione
949.910.9401
dina.scaglione@aviir.com

Nita Whitaker LaFontaine joins me on MOMz Rock the House!

2012-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, June 14, I had a very special guest on the MOMz Rock the House Show -- Nita Whitaker LaFontaine! Nita is a renowned Singer and Wife of Voiceover King Don LaFontaine - www.donlafontaine.com. We chatted about her new book, Finding My Voice: My Journey through Grief to Grace—Living with the Loss of Don LaFontaine. The book offers a never-before-seen look at what life with Don was really like, and what she endured following his death. Hers is a tale that is as universal as it is personal as she exposes the raw pain that follows any kind of loss.

For more information about Nita, please visit www.nitawhitaker.com.

You can listen to the entire interview below:

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Arlene Kole joins me on this week's MOMz Rock the House Show!

2012-05-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Arlene Dawn Kole of The Koles joins me Thursday on the MOMz Rock the House Show - Thursday at 12n pst tune in to OC Talk Radio on www.octalkradio.net!

About Arlene Kole

Arlene and her husband Bill Kole have been together for over 30 years and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1992, Arlene worked 3 jobs and sang sessions, nightclubs and weddings while Bill got their music business up and running. They truly embody the American dream as their hard work has manifested as a successful production business and commercial studio.

Arlene Kole graduated the vocal program at the prestigious Grant McEwan College jazz school in Edmonton, Canada. She has sung hundreds of sessions for television, records, and commercials. In the late 80’s she had the honor of seeing a composition penned by herself and husband Bill performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (of Procal Harem fame). Arlene embarked on her solo career in 2006 and her 2008 debut CD has been met with critical acclaim as has her live show.

In her relatively short singer songwriter career, Arlene Kole has made a tremendous impact on the singer songwriter scene. In fact, the December 2009 issue of Music Connection Magazine named Arlene in their HOT 100 list of the top live acts in the nation. Art of the Song, the nationally syndicated radio program featured Arlene and her debut album in a one hour show that they say is their most responded to and successful show to date. Viv Nesbitt, co-host says:

“We simply weren’t prepared for what we received in the mail. Arlene Kole’s debut CD “One Day” stopped us in our tracks. The lyrics, the arrangements and instrumentation are amazing, but it is the voice that grabs your heart with the gentle firmness of an artist, mother, bombshell blonde and says “Listen, I have something to say. Brilliantly produced by her husband, Bill Kole supports with elegant production and astounding lyrics. This team is non-stop musicality and heart.

"One Day" chronicles the life of a wife, parent, and the eventual plight of us all: growing older in a society that prizes youth. Most importantly, as the title implies, Arlene sends an inspiring message of hope to those who have given up on their dreams, whatever the reason. The dedication on her record says it all:

"This music is dedicated to women everywhere. To wives, mothers and girls like me…those seeking to redefine themselves while being told that their best years are behind them. To all who have dreamed of “one day…” This is that day. This is one day."

Arlene’s second release features her family and the strong musical support of Jim Rolfe & Wyatt Stone. As stated on the CD liner “The funny thing about this record...it was originally a collection of songs that we performed life. However, with the addition of Wyatt it started taking on an interesting life of its own. With now four lead vocalists, a beautiful instrumental song from Jimmy and a couple of cover tunes, this album has truly earned the moniker “Odds & Ends.”

Arlene & The Koles believe that the heart of a society is reflected in the value they place on art. Your support is what allows them and other artists to continue creating and bringing a quality experience to the venues they play and the music they create.

Please support your local arts programs and LAWIM for there “Young Talent Night Program” so that children and teens have the opportunity of discovering the joy of creating and expressing themselves through the arts. Art nourishes the soul while inspiring us all to see the good in the world and in ourselves.

Encourage art. Buy art. Support your local artists and arts programs.

Arlene Kole & The Koles music is available on itunes, CD Baby, Reverbnation, and the website at www.arlenekolemusic.com

Michelle "Green Queen" Carroll, EcoTent Coordinator from WorldFest Events featured on MOMz Rock the House!

2012-05-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

My featured guest on tomorrow's MOMz Rock the House Show, airing at 12noon on OC Talk Radio, is "Green Queen" Michelle Carroll EcoTent Coordinator of WorldFest Events coming up this weekend! http://www.worldfestevents.com/ Worldfest is a project of Towards Freedom, a 501c3 organization http://michellegq.com/

Amazing day in Los Angeles with Guard A Heart, Aviir, Red Eye Inc. and some great kids learning to garden for the very first time!

2012-05-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

I had the most meaningful day last Saturday April 28, and here's why. I spent time in South Central LA at a housing project, with Estrella Harrington and her incredible Guard A Heart and Aviir staff, helping out with a gardening project for kids. Took video and interviewed so many people involved, plus kids gave me the scoop on the fact this was their first time gardening, what they would love on their wish list to grow, and they could not wait to see their cucumbers, strawberries and Growums salad and pizza kits grow! This experience was special beyond words, so here are some pictures that captured the day. Thank you Guard A Heart for allowing me to be a part of this incredible day - one I will not forget. On my show May 3 at 12noon on OC Talk Radio, I am featuring an event recap of Guard A Heart's South Central Gardening project - interviews with Guard A Heart and Aviir staff, Red Eye, Inc. and some great conversations with the kids. Such an amazing day! I thought I would share : ) 12noon on OC Talk Radio - streaming live on www.octalkradio.net Listen Now:

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Singer Stacy Robin and Director Judy Chaikin of Girls in the Band featured on OC Talk Radio!

2012-04-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Incredible show this week on OC Talk Radio, from music to Mother's Day pampering to a fabulous movie screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival! First up, Stacy Robin talking about her latest CD and backstory into music and more, plus Greta Boris of Vanity Network spreading the word about her amazing Mother's Day event May 5 (lots of pampering ladies!) benefiting the Guard A Heart foundation, and an interview with Director Judy Chaikin, who will be at the Newport Beach Film Festival promoting her film (can't wait!) The Girls in the Band! You can listen to the entire show by clicking on the player below:

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Just interviewed Director Judy Chaikin of "The Girls in the Band" showing at the Newport Beach Film Festival! film

2012-04-25T12:25:00.001-07:00

When the world told them they couldn’t play, they did it anyway! Just interviewed Director Judy Chaikin who directed THE GIRLS in the BAND, a Feature Documentary showing at the Newport Beach Film Festival! Can't wait to see this film! If you missed the interview on my Thursday show on OC Talk Radio, you can listen to the interview by clicking on the player below:

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An Artist Tribe/One Step Production Producer/Director - Judy Chaikin Executive Producer - Michael Greene Co-Producer - Hugh Hefner SYNOPSIS They wiggled, they jiggled, they wore low cut gowns and short shorts, they kow-towed to the club owners and smiled at the customers…and they did it all, just to play the music they loved. THE GIRLS IN THE BAND tells the poignant, untold stories of female jazz and big band instrumentalists and their fascinating, groundbreaking journeys from the late 20's to the present day. These incredibly talented women endured sexism, racism and diminished opportunities for decades, yet continue today to persevere, inspire and elevate their talents in a field that seldom welcomed them. www.thegirlsintheband.com

Going to see the world premiere of Magic Camp at the Newport Beach Film Festival!

2012-04-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to interview Director Judd Ehrlich of Magic Camp and Camp Instructor Hiawatha Johnson on my other show on KUCI 88.9fm "Get the Funk Out!" If you missed it, you can catch it on my show blog: http://getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org. For more info, visit: www.newportbeachfilmfestival.com

My event recap of the Ms. America Gala Dinner at the prestigious Anaheim White House Restaurant with charity of choice, Guard A Heart Foundation

2012-04-19T19:22:00.004-07:00

Great show today on OC Talk Radio today at noon! I featured my red carpet coverage of the Ms. America Gala Dinner at the prestigious Anaheim White House Dinner in Anaheim, California with the Guard A Heart Foundation, charity of choice. Plus keynote speeches by Dr. Douglas Harrington CEO of Aviir Heart Laboratories and Dr Bahar Sedarti, plus interviews with Lora Thomas of Kyani, Gina Waggener of Guard A Heart, and Executive Director of Guard A Heart Estrella Harrington. All today at 12noon pst on OC TALK RADIO - streaming live on www.octalkradio.net.

You can listen to the entire show by clicking on the player below:

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My band Honey performing at the 4th Annual Walk to End Genocide Sunday April 15th here in Orange County, CA!

2012-04-12T20:52:00.005-07:00

My band Honey will be performing 10:30am Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Jewish World Watch’s 4th Annual Walk to End Genocide

Great event! All ages, great music, food trucks and a family, friendly vibe for anyone!

Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park 16400 Brookhurst St. Fountain Valley, CA 90036

ABOUT THE BAND

renSTEWART peteFIELIS janeaneBERNSTEIN leeNORTON garyBROWN
lead singer guitar guitar bass drums

When speaking about our music I like to quote J. Edgar Hoover who boldly said, “I
have to only look to one thing when placing blame for my habit of dressing in
women’s clothing and dancing the night away…it’s the music.” And really, who can
blame him? I’m not sure what year he said that but I think it was after he
proclaimed gruyere to be on the FBI’s most wanted list. HONEY would most
definitely be Hoover’s kind of band, somewhere between infectiously danceable and
downright hummable; I can see him now, front row, shouting the lyrics as I sing
them.

Here’s a little something you don’t know: I am a fabulous rink skater and I will
challenge you to a duel once I know who is reading this. Now, please let me tell you
a little about everyone else…

Lee Norton, who pretends to play bass in our group, has tons of experience playing in
hard core punk bands all over Orange County, California but they wouldn’t let him
play anywhere else. I met him a few years back and we grabbed Janeane Bernstein,
a fabulous radio host and voice over actress, to play guitar with us. I played drums
and it was fantastically horrible. Finally one day Lee dropped one of his grind-core smelly-bar bands and decided to start something new, bringing with him a
completely deadly guitarist, Pete Fielis. He can play the guitar while reciting the
Declaration of Independence in his head and I think that’s pretty cool. Then there’s
me, Ren. I sing the loudest out of everyone in the band and I stand in front so that I can see better. I come from a pretty musical background, having been an apprentice
composer for Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo and occasionally a songwriter for
television and film. Finally there’s Gary Brown, who actually has a long past of
hitting drums in reggae bands and big venues; he wandered into our studio and the
indie pop band HONEY began.

www.thehoneyband.com
facebook: OCHoneyBand

On my Thursday March 22nd OC Talk Radio Show at 12:00pm, Red Carpet Wrap-Up Coverage of another great Aviir/Guard A Heart Foundation event!

2012-03-21T17:31:00.006-07:00

On my Thursday March 22nd OC Talk Radio Show at 12:00pm, Red Carpet Wrap-Up Coverage of another great Aviir/Guard A Heart Foundation event - "Go for Red Women Fashion Show."

Aviir participated in the "Go for Red Women Fashion Show " last friday night March 16th in downtown LA as part of LA Style fashion week to help raise awareness of heart disease. I will be featuring red carpet interviews, plus conversations with Estrella Harrington Executive Director of Guard A Heart Foundation, Doug Harrington CEO of Aviir, and Marketing Communications Manager of Aviir, Dina Scaglione.
Tune in Thursday to OC Talk Radio at 12noon on www.octalkradio.net

Listen to the entire show below:

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www.aviir.com
www.guardaheart.org
www.janeanebernstein.com

2012-03-15T19:06:00.003-07:00

Heading to LA Friday to do Red Carpet Coverage of another great Aviir/Guard A Heart Foundation event - it's the "Go for Red Women Fashion Show" Details on www.guardaheart.org.

Guard a Heart is participating in the "Go for Red Women Fashion Show " event taking place on friday night in downtown LA as part of LA Style fashion week. Come join us to help raise awareness of heart disease and see the latest fashion trends as well! Please look on the Guard A Heart Foundation website for tickets details! See you there!

Author and Breast Cancer Butt Kicker Laura Roppe joins me on MOMz Rock the House to talk about her NEW book ROCKING the PINK!

2012-03-12T13:24:00.005-07:00

If you missed Laura on this week's show, you can listen to the entire show by clicking on the player below:

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ON this week's MOMz Rock the House Show airing on OC Talk Radio (Thursday at 12noon pst and on 90.1f. KBPK (Saturday at 10pm pst), special guest Laura Roppe, author of ROCKING the PINK, will join the show! Laura is a singer/songwriter, mother/wife, and former attorney from San Diego, California, who only recently decided to follow her dreams in earnest. She is a true testament to the power of purs...uing your dreams even when faced with the unimaginable. She switched careers after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer in 2008-2009 and since then, she's been unstoppable. Roppé emerged from her breast cancer treatments just in time to walk the red carpet at the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards in Hollywood, where she won the award for “Song of the Year.” In 2011, following the release of Roppé’s second album, I’m Still Here, which she wrote during her cancer treatments, Billboard Magazine ranked her #5 on their “Best of 2011” year-end chart of the top fifty emerging artists in the world. One of her music videos also surpassed 1,000,000 hits on Youtube.

Rocking the Pink: Finding Myself on the Other Side of Cancer (March 2012/ Seal Press/ $17.00) has been endorsed by Robin Roberts, Jack Black, and many others.

Be sure to check out the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5zDQeDS3kE

LOVE Laura Roppe's NEW book! She will be on my show this week!

2012-03-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Laura is a singer/songwriter, mother/wife, and former attorney from San Diego, California, who only recently decided to follow her dreams in earnest. She is a true testament to the power of pursuing your dreams even when faced with the unimaginable. She switched careers after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer in 2008-2009 and since then, she's been unstoppable. Roppé emerged from her breast cancer treatments just in time to walk the red carpet at the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards in Hollywood, where she won the award for “Song of the Year.” In 2011, following the release of Roppé’s second album, I’m Still Here, which she wrote during her cancer treatments, Billboard Magazine ranked her #5 on their “Best of 2011” year-end chart of the top fifty emerging artists in the world. One of her music videos also surpassed 1,000,000 hits on Youtube.

Rocking the Pink: Finding Myself on the Other Side of Cancer (March 2012/ Seal Press/ $17.00) has been endorsed by Robin Roberts, Jack Black, and many others. Here is the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5zDQeDS3kE

Reading Laura Roppe

2012-03-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Wrap- up of GuardAHeart's Pre-Oscar Gala, featuring Estrella Harrington, Lora Thomas of Kyani, singing sensation Savannah Robinson ...Larry King!

2012-03-07T21:53:00.005-08:00

Great show this week on MOMz Rock the House airing on OC Talk Radio - a wrap-up of Guard A Heart's gala with Estrella Harrington, co-founder of GuardAHeart, Lora Thomas of Kyani, one of the leading sponsors of the event, plus singing sensation Savannah Robinson (you might have seen her on Ellen with Jennifer Hudson, KTLA's Morning Show, heard her on KRTH 101 or singing the National Anthem for the Dodgers, Lakers, Chargers - - She is AMAZING! -- check out www.savannahrobinsonmusic.com).

Plus, my interview with Larry King and his acceptance speech honoring him for his cardiac heart foundation. All this on my Thursday show on OC Talk Radio - streaming LIVE on www.octalkradio.net Thursday at 12noon pst.

Here is the entire show that aired. Click on the player below:

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Inquiries to radio@momzrockthehouse.com