George Duke- A In Demand Legend Entertaining and Educating While Delivering Musical Greatness

As America and the world continue to evolve into a musical stratosphere of the unknown, there have been very few artists, musicians or producers who can say they’ve made a contribution to music in the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, at the turn of the century, and still at it in 2011. George Duke is definitely one of a kind, as he’s contributed his own very unique greatness in sound and style with the likes of legends such as Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderly and Frank Zappa, to name a few. The Duke has not only laid down tracks with superstars, but produced award winning television specials with legends, who headline sound stages around the world. All of his work has made us dance and relax to endless sounds of Funk, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues. Without question, George Duke has been a triple threat in entertainment as part of a process to educate and entertain an audience way bigger than he could have ever imagined. After countless recordings, tours and productions, he’s still in the business of keeping the art form of “music” alive. His latest contributions are “The George Duke Band Live in Prague DVD”, “The DMS Tour” featuring George Duke, Marcus Miller and David Sanborn, and a few more surprises guaranteed to keep audiences dancing and critics talking.

Music has changed tremendously over the years, but the sounds of George Duke remain timeless, soothing and a formula that has taken multiple superstars to the top of the charts. Despite a worldwide recession, he continues to perform around the globe. “ I want to do this for as long as I can”, explains Duke. “Believe it or not I’m still having fun. As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down, and I know is at some point all of this will stop, but until then I’m still enjoying the ride. I just want to try to do more why I still have time left on this earth, and I probably won’t have time to do all that I want or would like to do, but something that I have not done is record and do some performances with artists from other countries- more ethnically oriented artists like African Indigenous artists, just plain folk who have good ideas and a good sound”.

After a life of performances around the world and having recorded with every popular artist from his era, Duke talks about why he continues to love what he does. “It’s simple, I love the smiling faces”, he continues. “My life is like a bubble, I’m always traveling, meeting people, and doing all of this has had great rewards for me. I believe that music has the power to heal people, to deliver people, and present a positive message in a positive way. And it’s been my goal to do that from day one. Now that I’m older, I’m now taking the opportunity to give back to all the many fans who have supported us over the years. At the ends of shows, I get out there to the audience and shake hands, take pictures and mingle with people. This current show is actually very successful because of that, and I got Marcus (Miller) and Dave (Sanborn) out doing the same. We’re all tired after the shows, but I see it a very worthwhile thing to get out there and see the people face to face, that one on one experience. The audience loves it, and it helps us because we get to see and learn things about making the audience experience a better one. I have a project coming up with Al Jerreau, and I’m working on getting him out there as well”.

Since “Live In LA”, released in 1971, to “Déjà Vu” released in 2010, Duke continues to make himself a household name. Unlike many in the entertainment business, he continues to work despite a bad economy. His records remain timeless regardless of the Internet age. “Art is important for us to keep alive, “ continues Duke. “ If you’re not into the digital thing now, you’re out of the game, and you’re in trouble. I love the Internet because it allows artists from all over the world to connect, study and discover new styles of music to make what they do better. The Internet in my opinion is saving music. It’s opening up a world to many of us that we didn’t know existed. You can get digital downloads with Itunes, Amazon and all of that. What I don’t like and has become tuff for musicians is the cuts in education and music departments in schools for the kids. The kids are suffering because of this. Obcourse we know it’s about finances, and that makes it very difficult. At the same time it makes it very difficult for those super talented artists out here looking to make a living at making music. The chances to see the industry return to what it use to be is not very good at all. Everything is changing, and not for the better”.

And what does he listen to, “ I listen to it all. We’re living in a new age of distribution with the Internet. CD’s are a thing of the past. The Internet has changed the entire world and I feel very fortunate to be living in this day and time. I’m glad about where we are going when it comes to music and entertainment. It was just a few days ago, Erykah Badu came over and brought some of her new tracks to let me hear. It’s really a slamming album. Then I like Jill Scott and all of her stuff. What I would like to see also is more collaboration between older artists and the new artists. I’ve done a lot of projects, and I can’t say that I get a lot of calls from the young kids who like what I do and won’t to collaborate. It seems that our worlds are so distant, and the music is somewhat so different, but I welcome the opportunity to work with some of them. One project that I do have is the new Christian McBride project. This is going to be a good project as well”. McBride is no newcomer to the industry being that he’s introduced a few projects (“Kind of Brown”, “Conversations With Christian”, and “Live At Tonic”, which are his most recent projects), but this is a good example of the old school working with a somewhat younger demographic, although McBride is considered a Contemporary Jazz Artist.

In closing Duke shares his support system, and talks about the future. “yea I do the music, but I can’t do it without a supportive family. “ My son handles the business and my wife handles everything else. It’s like she sat down beside me and never got up. She does it all. When I travel, I can call her and she’s got the schedule there so we know what’s next. I could not do this without her”. And what’s happening in the future? “ I’m currently on tour with Marcus Miller and Dave Sanborn. I’m also talking with Al Jerreau for a project, and there’s also a new project with Paxton Baker at Black Entertainment Television, and perhaps a few more projects. And touring, and maybe a project with Stanley Clark. For more information about George Duke, visit http://www.georgeduke.com/

Former TV Star Wilson’s- “Un-Ringing The Bell” Premieres At NC National Theater Festival

In the past few years the American economy has been practically destroyed by greedy politicians, Fortune 500 Companies expecting big government bale outs, and fanancial investors in for their own gain. Looking at the over all picture for the small man, many of us continue to be affected by job loss, the mortgage crisis, which has left many consumers lives in shambles, automotive franchises going up in smoke, and finally poor sales and rising prices in retail outlets. But it doesn’t stop there, when it comes to entertainment, Hollywood was hit with a brick, as production houses shut down, television shows were canceled and actors from every walk of life were left standing in hall ways, not only looking for that next big break, but in disbelief that their steady gigs were gone. For some, this reality hit harder than others as the bottom fell out, and their poisons of choice entered front and center, making them re-evaluate what it really meant to be part of the human race.

Actor Dorien Wilson was one of those casualties who felt a swift kick in the gut after Hollywood shut down countless productions, and offices that were once considered the bread and butter of the entertainment industry halted on projects. For once in his life, instead of concentrating on going that extra mile to deliver a character to the screen that people could relate too, he turned an about face to a very weary and destructive shell of his former self as the urge to drink took over. Poisons of his past led him to pockets of deep depression and remorse as he drank to forget his problems, the industry and the economy. Simultaneously, he was forced to deal with the death of his mother, which pushed him further into a state of denial that there was no job to go to. “I’ve enjoyed my career and my life”, comments Wilson. “ Here, I was the first African American on “Seinfeld” and ‘Friends’, and had work straight for like 15 years with shows like “The Parkers’, and all of a sudden one morning I woke up and there was no job to go to. This was a very hard thing. So I fell into a bout of depression, then my mother passed away, and that too had me on edge. I loved her so. And so things were not the same. I started drinking and things just got out of hand. If you were talking to me maybe 6 months ago, you would not have known me because I was really out there”.

To make amends and address his circumstances, Wilson turned to his many friends and family to get back on track. This was when he began developing ideas for a one man stage play which later became known as “Un-Ringing The Bell”, a comedic, yet introspective journey delving into real life experiences about his highs and lows in the entertainment business, alcoholism, depression and the passing of his mother. “ Un-Ringing The Bell” refers to when something is done you can’t undo it”, he continues. “I’ve been through a lot of things in my career, but this is the first time in 15 years things just stopped. I was so used to working television gigs because it was like a regular 9 to 5 job that lasted and lasted. Then I looked around to see who else was being affected, and I saw it was not just me, but there were a lot of us very talented actors not working. The reality tv thing had taken over. Hollywood was not hiring actors to do anything, but putting smaller budgets in to reality television series. So after getting myself together, and realizing that if I was not being called to work, I had to create something. Like the old saying goes, when the phone stops ringing, you have to create your own stuff”.

Wilson’s creation, “Un-Ringing The Bell”, features him portraying all the characters including Dr. Ira Feinsteine, a persnickety old man with a European accent. Legendary actress Marla Gibbs (Florence from The Jefferson’s), joins in to speak as the voice of his mother. Wilson pays homage to her in a very sincere way. He recently appeared on “The Monique Show” to talk about the project as well. “It was great to reunite with Monique, whom I played opposite of as Professor Oglevee on tv show “The Parkers” for 6 years”, says Wilson. “She and I have always had a good relationship, (she called me the night she was getting ready for the Academy Awards) and it was just ironic, because when she first got the BET Show, she had the entire cast of “The Parkers” on, and then a year later she called me about doing the show to promote this work. I’m really appreciative of her giving me the opportunity to talk about the project there. This was really good for me because I haven’t been in a television role for a while, people that recognize me are always asking, “when are you going to be on tv again? We miss you.”. This makes me feel very good about the work that I’ve done. And this is also good because I can always go back to theater”.

In the future Wilson says he’s working on writing a new theatrical play entitled “Under The Elm Tree”, and he’s also waiting to hear back about a role in a new upcoming project for television, and an Internet series, which may include some voice over work for an animation company. “I love the Internet”, he says in closing. For the future I will be writing more material to keep busy”. “Un-Ringing The Bell” will be showcased in Winston Salem, North Carolina at the National Black Theater Festival at 8pm nightly, from Tuesday, August 2^nd- Thursday, August 4^th, 2011, where there will be Red Carpet Treatment for Celebrity arrivals and a Celebrity After Party. For more information about actor Dorien Wilson, “Un-Ring The Bell” and The National Black Theater Festival, visit. http://www.nbtf.org/. Also view a recently added link to a performance by Wilson at http://youtu.be/XU0i8pgIwLs

Kardenas- Compassionate Provider For Man's Best Friend Releases Benefit Project

America has always been labeled the home of the free, the strong and the brave. Because of this, many from other countries have come to our shores to accomplish their dreams and Sergio Kardenas is no different. After living in America for 13 years, the Mexican born natives’ accomplishments include becoming an established photographer, filmmaker and model. He’s been touted as the “Jack Of All Trades” in Hollywood, rubbing elbows with a variety of celebrities including many in the African American community. For sure industry wide respect in any profession is a big deal, but respect is a major issue when people such as actor Boris Kodjoe, Actress Nicole Arie Parker, and Singer Kenny Latimore are on hand to speak highly of your work. Like many in show business, Kandenas tackles his next venture with a vengeance, where he strikes up the band as a singer, with album “The Time Machine”, which also incorporates hosting a variety of events that accentuate what it means to be a humanitarian and activist. (Seen in photo with Former Los Angeles Lakers Pro Basketball Player, Ervin "Magic" Johnson).

As a writer, it’s not everyday that I get to talk about, not to mention, interview people who were born and raised in México. Not quite my expertise, but I have to pay attention when that person or those persons make an impact on Africa Americans here in the United States. “ I’ve been taking pictures since I was 14 years old, “ says Kardenas. “ I love photography, and working with people. With this whole Hollywood thing, I feel as if I’ve been lucky. You don’t see to many Mexicans making it in Hollywood and I feel very fortunate for that. I’m trying to be famous for a totally different reason than most people who search out this Hollywood thing. I want people to hear what I have to say. That’s my goal”. Part of what he’s compassionate about includes working with animals and animal shelters where he provides food for pets of homeless people. He’s also passionate about people having insurance for medical reasons.

“I do not really have what I consider a political position as such, “continues Kandenas. “To me it is more a matter of trying to treat all beings with compassion and respect, not cutting deals and winning elections. But this country seems so polarized and on the brink right now. I mean, when you have a supposed candidate for President who is totally without a clue about the history of slavery-which has left a huge mark on this country. No, I do not think that I really have the personality for politics because I get too angry and impatient with stupidity and thoughtless cruelty. Though, I must say, I really admire the patience and coolness of President Obama who can deal with lunatic’s day in and day out and stay smiling. I don’t think I could”. And his explanation about the new project, “This project is not anything political. The new CD, "The Time Machine" actually started out with a stage play and developed from the songs for that. I’m taking the proceeds and using them to buy food for dogs including dogs of homeless people.”

Kardenas’ efforts to support the homeless population is for sure a well respected one a he’s received countless request to participate in a variety of events surrounding the African American celebrity initiative. Some of those events include hosting “The Black AIDS Institute”, event “Hero’s In The Struggle”, and most recently an event for the African American Critics Association in Los Angeles. “The facts are just plain and simple, I get more respect from African American’s”, Kardenas says in closing. “ They treat me good, and respect the fact that life is hard, that I’ve had a hard time trying to make it in this country. We’ve all had tough times, but I like to treat people right and be treated right.”

Past projects for Kardenas include “The Slayer Bureaucrat”, which is an exploitation film such as A Pam Grier style film of the 1970’s. As a photographer, he’s produced the book, “The Magazine of Sex” and working on a new project, “ The World of Kolorama” and his new film "Cafe '65". He’s had countless assignments as a photographer, which have allowed him the opportunity of doing several photo shoots with celebrities such as Arnold Schwartz nagger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore for Planet Hollywood, Sylvester Stallone, and Ralph Moeller for Planet Hollywood. He’s also photographed such celebrities as Pat Benatar, Rupaul, Randy Jones from the Village People and many others. He’s appeared in television as an actor on several occasions, once portraying a photographer in television on “ JAG”, “Johnny Dangerous” and several other projects. To learn more about Sergio Kardenas, visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2758375/ and/or http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=632213476

Lee Bailey/ Radio Mogul Who Took Extraordinary To Another Level

Before there were morning radio shows featuring Doug Banks, Tom Joyner or Russ Parr, all of America enjoyed the mild mannered and very professional voice of former Military man Lee Bailey, who lit the airways with a remarkable taste of creativity and style. The program was entitled “Radio Scope”, which was viewed by African American’s as one of the leading Independent radio productions on the air in 1980’s. The show filled in the blanks for America when it came to the real deal in information about African Americans in entertainment. At the time, Jet and Ebony Magazine were hot commodities, but “Radio Scope” was different, creating a vehicle and format that few radio stations were displaying. Lee identified with the void in the system, taking full advantage of the excitement by syndicating the show to Urban Radio stations around the country. Where other show formats failed, “Radio Scope” was making history as one that would go on to inspire and motivate future stars in radio. In the present day, the “Radio Scope” dream has sparked yet another venture of excitement and awareness as www.EURweb.com (Electronic Urban Report) was created to tackle the vast landscape of the Internet, with even more features, original ideas and past spotlights that many today continue to remember. Pioneers come and go, but the legacy of Lee Bailey will forever be the launch pad that paved the way for several well-known personalities in the world of entertainment.

For sure the way in which many of us receive our news and entertainment from day to day has changed in a major way. Fueling that change is the Internet, and today if you don’t have a website, perhaps you’re missing out on a host of services, clients and resources. “Like always, this business still takes a lot of work”, says Radio Scope founder Lee Bailey. “When we first started www.EURweb.com, it was just a one-sheet newsletter, which was published 3 times a week. As time would have it, we evolved into what you see now. I only have one full time person along with myself, but a host of contributors, whom are writers, and Independent contractors from around the country. Some people I call and ask to do assignments, while others call me looking for an opportunity to have their work showcased. Two major pluses for us is that we’re located in Los Angeles, and that we’ve been doing this for a long time, and we know a lot of people in the business. When being considered a pioneer, I’m appreciative because it makes me feel as if I’ve accomplished something. So I see it as a compliment”.

Back in the day, “Radio Scope”, produced and voiced by Bailey was the vehicle that many publicists used to get the word out about their clients new projects. “Radio Scope” came out of several things, “continues Bailey. “I was a big fan of the television news show “60 Minutes”, and I loved everything about it and I wanted to create something like it for radio. People were always asking about various artists. They always wanted to know what they (the artists) were doing so we made it our job to keep them informed. Once we got started, we worked and worked to make it what it is now. There was no dramatic shift, but it was very personality driven. The other thing is that back then, Radio DJ’s were like Rock Stars and everywhere you went you had your local heroes. Each city had their own and people gravitated to them. So it was a very big deal to be in radio back then”. When "Radio Scope" was introduced it provided content that many stations had very limited knowledge of. This variety of R&B, Hip-Hop Radio news was delivered in a timely fashion, sparking relationships with Hollywood bigwigs that would open many doors for Bailey.

Lee Bailey got his start in radio as an announcer in the 1970’s under the legendary Dr. Jerry Bolding. He’s been a radio DJ in several cities including Sacramento, California; Stockton, California; Los Angeles, California, and Flint, Michigan. After working in Los Angles, at KUTE-FM, he decided to try something, which was form Lee Bailey Communications, a voice over production company specializing in radio commercial spots (local and national) and corporate slide presentations (audio). Along with this success, the company began gravitating toward the radio of works and ideas. Then in 1983, Bailey introduced his flagship syndicated radio program, “Radio Scope: The Entertainment Magazine of the Air” in 35 US markets and primary division, Bailey Broadcasting Services (BBS) began it’s journey to become known world wide as the “Urban Infotainment Specialist.”

“The Challenges for me in doing all of this, “continues Bailey, “is that I didn’t have money to do all that I wanted to do, nor did I know business. I was actually baffled by the business. There was marketing, promotions, advertising, and a lot of stuff I was not familiar with. I had ideas. I was a creative guy and that’s what I wanted to do, create. When you look back at your artists, they are creative people and most of us are not business people. So as things began to really take off I enlisted others whom I felt comfortable with to work along with me so that we could get the business going in a positive direction”. And his comments about the future of radio, “ I see everything going down hill at this point”, continues Bailey. “ In my opinion there is not much of a future. It’s a paradigm shift because there are too many forces at work. The Internet is one major tool for the future. This new technology helps you get there faster, and it allows one person to do a lot, but there is nothing like having a actual person handle promotion, marketing and all those things”. And when it comes to music, Bailey speaks his mind, “I like the old school stuff. I’m really bored right now because there is no innovation, no real music happening. But I do like artists such as Reno Scott, a Detroit artists who’s been around since the 70’s. He’s got that old school kind of sound and feel. As much as I like Beyonce, I’m still bored there as well at times. Bruno Mars is good. Music is not like it use to be where you had really creative people. Today the artists are totally different.”

Bailey, an avid sports fanatic and work-a-holic has plans to at some point take a break from his entertainment empire, but not sure when, “ I’m consumed by this”, he says in closing. “I have no free time. I also love bowling, but I would love to take a month to travel, may watch a few movies and just get a way”. And his advice to young people, “ learn as much as you can. People devalue education. I love Goggle because it makes you well rounded. The power to think and knowledge from learning is a very powerful thing. You must be open to learning your entire life. We all make mistakes because no one is goof proof. You are going to make mistakes, but mistakes are vital to who you are, and your existence in whatever profession you choose”.

For more information about Lee Bailey and his new entertainment empire, visit

www.EURweb.com

Teen Vocalist Courtney Addresses Nation Wide “Bully” Epidemic

We’ve all had our experiences of being treated less than equal, or to some degree, a second rate citizen, but those who have been a victim to actions of a bully can tell you first hand just how it feels. When we think about the actions of bullies, we think about threatening, abusive, controlling, people who are often bigger than we may be, but for sure people who want to not only ruin our day, but anything that we do in and out of their presence. The attitudes of a bully have been around for as long as we humans have existed, but until recently, major media organizations such as CNN have began to publicize what it really means to be a bully due to a long list of teen suicides, and other in excusable behavior that creates fear that many of our children are exposed to on a daily basis. Perhaps solutions may be few, but 17 year old Vocalist Stephanie Courtney has released “Taken Over”, to address issues of bullying, which is taking America by storm.

“This is about showing encouragement”, says Courtney. “One of the reasons why I wrote this song was because one of he kids in my school committed suicide due to another kid bullying him. And then there were other things that happened that got my attention. People (kids) need to know that they have their mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, teachers, and whoever in their corner when they have people who try and bully them. It’s not fun; it doesn’t feel good and who likes to be afraid of people all the time? That is not what life is about. I wrote this song to address these issues because we’ve all been down this road one time of the other. And I am thankful to say that my mother and father, and family and friends came to my aid”. Since a young age, Courtney has suffered from a skin disorder where kids in her school would tease her endlessly, making her feel less than equal. “ Yea it made me cry often, and just mad, “as she continues. “First it’s important that regardless of who you are, you have to love yourself because kids have a tendency to believe whatever people say about them. What I also recommend is that kids find a support group or organization in their communities, locally, wherever they are and get the help they need".

“Taken Over”, was written by Courtney, accompanied by Jemelle Jones as co-writer and producer. Her other work includes single “I Need You”, from album, “Lord Just Me And You”, which was written as a Gospel project released when she was 15. Soon she’s looking forward to attending the Mt. St. Vincent College in the Bronx, NY to study Nursing. The single “Taken Over” has an accompanying video available on You Tube, with the song is available at various outlets online. For more information on Stephanie Courtney, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Courtney/ http://www.myspace.com/stephaniecourtneymusic, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tCR5FRXe6o, Twitter@stephaniesmusic and www.stephaniecourtneymusic.com

Prolific Literary Party Starter Dr. Peter John Releases “Search Me”.

Some call him the mix master of modern day social media, while others refer to Dr. Peter John as a seasoned communicator driving the political agenda to see how many people he can make happy while invading the inevitable. Fame and popularity has not come easy for Dr. John, aka P’Ta Mon, as he grew up in an environment of poverty, in St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands. After moving to the United States, he just knew life was all up hill, but as reality would have it, his ideals of a rich and prosperous life was traded for yet another hot bed of ill stricken wants and needs that motivated him to pursue several degrees, a flamboyant life style and a bevy of materialistic possessions that many dream of, but find more than difficult to achieve. Today, after accepting his shortcomings and capitalizing on his mistakes, dreams to one day become the man whom people would love and respect has brought him full circle. “Search Me- The Art Of The Question”, his latest literary offering has the nation talking, and soon the world through websites such as www.talkcalm.com and tweets on Twitter.

In this highly technological age of tweeting, texting, messaging, and emailing, somehow, believe it or not, many of us have lost the ability to call our neighbor on the telephone and say, “how are you today?’, “can I borrow a cup of sugar?”, or ‘what are you doing this weekend?”. Well Dr. Peter John realized the break down in communication and wrote, “Search Me: The Art of The Question” to discuss and shed light on the many difficulties we, as a community and a people have as it pertains to everyday life. “ As a father, a family man, an educator, a business man, it’s very important to me to communicate to those around me like we use to do, “ says Dr. John. “ As Black men we have a lot of hurt and anger toward people. I’m learning to let go of the past. To let go of the problems and issues that hold us back in society. I am learning to let go as a man. I’m learning more every day about being a good father, and we all have wants needs and desires for the basics, food, shelter, clothing and love. Television exploits a lot of this for us. So in bringing back communication I’m trying to preserve some of what we’ve lost in generations past. There is a hurt everywhere you go. When I moved with my family here from St. Croix, all I saw was good things in America. We were poor, living around drug infested areas, and all that, and when we got here, we got put right back in it. So through working hard I’ve been able to change a lot of that to give my kids something great to look forward to.”

And working hard he has, as Dr. John took education very serious, creating a gamut of careers that have catapulted him to stardom. Moving from St. Croix, the family settled in Harvey, Louisiana, where the surroundings were colorful and deadly at the same time, but this didn’t stop a young ambitious John from pursing his ideas of originality. He began writing poetry, which became infused with Rap and soon came his real voice. His mother also gave good advice about going to school, so he enrolled into LA Tech University for a brief period before joining the Marine Corps. While in the Marines, his father died, which resulted in him hitting his lowest emotional state. This sparked him to begin reaching out by writing music to reconnect to reality. There after he received a BS in Professional Aviation, to later receive a JD from LSU Law School followed by an MBA from the University of New Orleans. “Going to school was my way of climbing out of poverty, “ continues Sr. John. “We have a lot of violence and a lot of problems with our people and kids because we lack opportunity. Lack of communication in some cases is also a cause of failure in our communities”. And he goes further to educate on the differences in his careers. “When I went to business school, it was very competitive. Law School was a lot of pressure. When I got there, my idea was that I knew that the law was not fair and I had this plan that I was going to get all of my people out of jail, but after being there for a while, I had to see the other side of this. Some of our people were bad people and deserved to be in prison. So law School was an eye opener for me. I wanted to be there for everyone, and be able to change the world. My first dream was to fly. I love being an aviator. This represents freedom for me. Beyond that, my passion has always been about helping others.”

Beyond his expertise as a licensed Commercial Pilot, a talk show host, and Criminal and Civil Defense Attorney, Dr. Peter John is an author who wrote his first book, “ Watch Your Step! A Law Book for Teens”. “Before writing this book, I was seeing how many of our young people were getting in trouble, “as he continues. “ A lot of them were missing fathers at home, no role models, plainly stated, mothers were single parents. The media glorifys entertainment; sex, athletes, money and all these things, and therefore the kids are getting mixed messages. There is no value system. So I put this book together to show kids that going to jail was not the way to go. And I’ve gotten a lot of good reviews from it and a lot of people like it. With my latest “Search Me- The Art Of The Question”, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but it’s simple this book teaches you to talk and listen. It’s about communicating. We as a people have to get rid of words that judge people, and cross-examine people. Communication is the key, we have to be willing today to sit with our young people and have a conversation. They have to take the time to talk to us. No tweeting, text messages, My Space, Face book or any of that. The Internet is a great tool that allows us to make people aware and educated, but we have to limit ourselves. With hosting a radio show, I get the opportunity to not only find out about others lives, but it gives me a chance to look at my own life, and then help people”. In review, “Search Me- The Art of The Question” is a coffee table stylebook chunked full of thought provoking ideas that will keep you entertained.

For those of you who feel the urge to talk, Dr. Peter John is always open for a good conversation. His radio talk show airs on the Gulf Coast’s Power 102.9FM radio. There’s also the website www.talkcalm.com (Communicate And Learn Through Mediation). For the future he leaves these words with the youth, “look in the mirror, and identify what you do well, believe in it, have faith and work at it to be the best that you can be. Foremost in all the things that I do, I’m conquering my demons thru conversation and communication”. Dr. Peter John’s books are available in bookstores nationwide.

Country/Pop Sensation Balances Rock Stardom With Reality

Like many recording artists, Chris Gardner has seen the music industry from a variety of angles, during it’s good times and bad. He’s an independent song writer, musician and singer, and he can tell you what it’s like to work through the night, get up early the next morning and prepare for yet another show with little or no money to work with. For some music is a hobby, but Gardner, like most independent artists, has gotten use to the uncertainty of a hobby that he loves, but now greater than any other time in his life, he’s witnessing his big break, and life couldn’t be better. When many would have thrown in the towel, trying to record that platinum-selling album, Gardner formulated a plan to attract the vocal power that he needed to reach outside of his box of comfort. This plan included recording with the likes of world renound vocalist Sarah Dash, famous for her contributions to records by Rock Legend Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, The Marshall Tucker Band and LaBelle.

Well after 20 years of performing original music around Texas and New York, Gardner, is hot on the trail of promotion, performance and appearances for release “Belong”, recorded with industry veteran Sarah Dash. It’s not often that you see a duo in the industry delivering two different styles that borderline Pop and Country, but as a connoisseur of Country licks that put a whipping on the mind, Gardner brings about a twist in the writing to make his fans want to listen. Dash, on the other hand, a vocalist trained to do what she does with her eyes closed, is from the old school, and has her own style layering every record she touches with R&B, Pop and Gospel blessings that would make any singer jealous. Together they deliver vocals that will be sure to win you over. “ I feel very blessed and gracious to have Sarah as a vocalist on my record, “ says Gardner. “ She just has one of those voices that I’ve always loved. We made this process very easy for her. We recorded the music and most of my vocals in Texas and then we flew to New York to record hers. We had one day together, where she came into the studio and did her part. Then we recorded some together and it was done. It was short and sweet and she did a excellent job.”

Gardner was born as an Air Force brat in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he grew up in Buffalo, New York. After school, he received a baseball scholarship, which took him to Texas. While in training, he blew out his shoulder in the first season. Since he loved music and was looking for a new opportunity to help pay for school, he began entering Country Music contests for a radio station to promote his music. The contest paid off, when he was nominated for 3^rd place in the state of Texas. Since then, he’s traveled between New York and Houston, working in clubs developing his style and sound. In the mid 1990’s he put music on hold for 12 to 13 years to work on family. During this time, he worked very hard to put all the pieces to his recording and music career back together. “This was a difficult period in my life, “states Gardner. “ I had just went through a divorce and got custody of my two children. When it came to recording, I would go record maybe 3 or 4 songs at a time until I had a full album of material so that when I was ready to get back out there again, I had all my work done. I did this for a while, along side being a father and coaching little league soccer, basketball, taking the kids to piano lessons and all that. But I’m really proud now because the kids (he has two) are doing well in school. One is a Junior on a Trumpet Scholarship at Stephen F. Austin University, and the other is a Freshman on an Academic Scholarship at The University of Houston”. He’s also worked with Patrick McGuire (Gabriel, Diamond Rio), Mark Matejka (Charlie Daniels, Lynryrd Skynyrd) and Mike Sack, (Goo Goo Dolls), where he recorded a demo CD for Chris with his former band, “Cultured Species. Gardner’s other job is that of owner and operator of Spectrum DHI, a locksmith company, where they install and trouble shoot-locking mechanisms for major corporations and construction sites. “I feel very fortunate that I have this other life, “ continues Gardner. “ The music and entertainment business is so hard right now and people are really starving. Then to have the music, I feel that I get my therapy (through music), have fun, and make a decent living at the same time.”

Gardner worked tirelessly in the studio with two time Grammy Winner Andy Bradley to pin his recent album release entitled “Nothing For Free”, which includes singles “Miracles”, “Wastin Time”, “ It’s Alright”, “ Human”, “Take Me Away’, “Bottle Bag”, “ Right Outside your Door”, “ Stinky Guy”, “Nothing For Free” and “Belong”, with Dash. “This was a fun project for me, “ states Dash. “ I love Chris’s song writing. He’s a very positive person. We did this song in New York, and he had it all together, and I love working with people when they are this professional. We sang together two times and I let the spirit lead me and we got the project done. I like it when those I work with come with a complete package. Like past projects that I was called in to do that were not R&B or Pop, this project gives me that fortunate opportunity where I get to broaden my horizons and reach markets that otherwise I would not have. I’m moved by who is watching me as a singer and performer. And it’s a good feeling. My talents are being heard and appreciated by so many people that it’s just incredible. It was a chance meeting that I met Keith Richards, but he instantly knew of me and wanted to work with me because of my voice. This was similar. Chris stated he was a fan of my work on LaBelle’s Lady Marmalade, and he knew then that he wanted some day to do a duet. So I feel very blessed and fortunate that people recognize me and want to work with me.”

Gardner has released five projects in the past, where some have received moderate play on college radio and others have gotten national attention. He further explains where he would like to take “Nothing For Free. “ I can already see where this is going to be the break through project for me, “ states Gardner in closing. “ We shot a video in the later part of last year and waited until this year to release the album. We’re getting a lot of people who like what they’re hearing and things are getting better and better everyday. I love the Internet and it’s an incredible tool. I feel that I’ve somewhat missed it, but it’s an awesome tool to promote your work. I do see this as a means for young people to hold on to their dreams that they can make it in this industry. For me, writing songs is about my life and the things I go through are like therapy for me”. Where Dash leaves final comments. “ When I was offered this opportunity, I began doing research on Chris, and he’s a great song writer. That’s the era I come from. I’m a product of great songwriters, singers and performers and I believe he’s that caliber of entertainer”.

For more information on Chris Gardner, visit http://www.chrisgardnermusic.com.

For more information on Sarah Dash, visit http://sarahdash.net/