June, 2012

TAEM Interview with Actor Brian Tee

Friday, June 29th, 2012

TAEM- We are always excited to present a popular acting celebrity to all our readers. Actor Brian Tee is well known for his roles both in television and film. Brian, we have many students of the Arts who follow our publication, The Arts and Entertainment Magazine, to obtain guidance for their chosen careers. Please tell us what made you choose acting and what training you had undertaken for this career.

BT- Well, as a child, I always had dreamed of being an actor, but as time went by, I slowly drifted away from those unfiltered and pure dreams you have as a kid. After graduating high school, I attended Cal State Fullerton. With no real direction, I simply took the general classes to get back. BUT, in one of my electives, I chose to take an acting class… “Acting for non-majors” to be exact. I thought… “An easy A!” In my first week of taking the class, it basically changed my life. I found my calling. That light bulb, that spark, like I hit by lightening and from then on I knew I wanted to be an actor. So I dropped out, went to Fullerton JC because they had a better theatre program, in hopes to transfer to a University of California arts school. I never applied myself in the academics so hard… and was fortunate to be accepted into the UC Berkeley Dramatic Arts program. Funny… when filing for my major, I was going through all my transcripts and everything my mom kept of my education… I’m talking kindergarten handprints. Well, I cam across a 3rd grade assignment, “what do you want to be when you grow up,” and to my surprise, I wrote as a 6 year old, that “I want to be an actor and be in TV/Film…” call it fate or destiny… but I always knew. (more…)

Joseph J. O’Donnell’s My Virginia: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Friday, June 29th, 2012

   The Commonwealth of Virginia is truly a magical place to live in. There are many sites to visit for recreation, cultural, and leisurely endeavors. One of the crown jewels to visit is The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in nearby Washington, DC. I had recently asked John R. Dow and Amanda K. Ritchie, from the Center, for their input for this article. Both John and Amanda have forwarded the following historical background’s and picture’s of the Center for our publication, so that our readers can get a glimpse of its history and architectural splendor. They have also included the events taking place there during this month of July so that our readers can plan on attending them.

The Center was named after the late president John F. Kennedy, who had strived to make this country a better place for all Americans to live in. From his challenge to place a man on the moon, to the equalities that he sought for all our citizens, he has become the enlightenment for all of us. One of the most outstanding quotes of his was :

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

Ÿ President John F. Kennedy

It was in this image that the Center honors his name. I do hope that the readers will enjoy the following information that I had been given to pass along.

JOD  (more…)

TAEM Goes to the Sully Car Show

Friday, June 29th, 2012

As a yearly Father’s Day outing my son and I attended the Sully Historic Site Car Show in what once was the Sully Plantation in Fairfax County, Virginia. This is by far the most prestigious car show in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Every year cars from around the region, and the nation, converge here to show off the restorations that make these outstanding centerpieces for a hobby that gives pride to their owners. Some cars are sold here, but most gather to win recognition and trophies for the efforts put into them. Our host was Justin Mawdley who steered us to our particular interests. There were food and antique venders, and even a ‘Down Home’ band to provide refreshments and music during our stay. (more…)

TAEM News Flash- Our photographer meets Braden Holtby

Friday, June 29th, 2012

  The Arts and Entertainment Magazine’s photographer, Joseph O’Donnell IV, had the rare chance to pose on the other side of the camera recently with Capital’s hockey star Braden Holtby. Braden is the well-known goalie who has prevented opposing teams from scoring in the Stanley Cup playoffs, letting the Caps make it to the semi-finals.

As a huge Caps hockey fan, Joe was excited to meet with Braden, and was able to obtain an autograph on a hockey stick to hang on his trophy wall. This certainly made Joe’s day and our publisher gained much needed experience as a shutter bug. As you can see by the smiles on his face this was a chance of a lifetime for our photographer, and one very much appreciated. Joe’s a great photographer and his many contributions to this magazine have not gone unnoticed by the many fans who read it. Thank you Joe for all your hard work !!! (more…)

‘Carrying A Torch: The Arrival of the Olympic Flame in Staffordshire’ by Guest Author Glenn James

Friday, June 29th, 2012
Author Glenn James

Guest Author Glenn James

A fire is spreading its way around the British Isles.  It has captured the imagination of the people everywhere and it is spreading a kind of fever, both before it and in its wake.  Where ever it goes, alongside the athletics enthusiasts, people who have previously had little or no interest in sport are turning out into the streets in their thousands, to welcome it, and cheer it on its way.  Carried in ancient tradition by a torch bearer, held proudly head high, it forges its way through the crowds and bursts forth into huge gold cauldrons… To sleep in little Davey Lamps, before going on its way again, leaving unforgettable memories behind it.

It hasn’t even reached London yet, but the Olympic Flame of 2012 has well and truly set Britain ablaze. Thousands will cherish special memories of this unique, once in a lifetime progress, and writer Glenn James and his family saw it arrive in Staffordshire… (more…)

TAEM interview with actor Gage Maverik

Friday, June 29th, 2012

TAEM- The Entertainment Industry has many facets when it comes to acting. Actors themselves have many venues and can advance themselves by switching the hats that they wear. One such actor is Gage Maverik, who has speedily adapted within the industry. Gage, what interested you the most about the Entertainment Industry, and how did you get started in it?

GM-Oh wow, great question. I was attracted as a young boy. The first time I ever performed and heard the applause I was hooked for life. I was around 2 years old at the time.

TAEM- Prior to acting you first appeared on the Texas Live Show on television, then later on a number of shows including ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘Fox and Friends’. What was the nature of these shows for you?

GM-Texas LIVE was a fun, Wild on E! type show, but for Houston and Texas cities where we would cover events, interview fun people doing their thing then just letting cameras role. My parts where 100% IMPROV. The others are more journalistic in nature with some idea of a plan going into the piece, pre planned sets of questions then working within the conversations to keep it rolling while finding new angles as you go. (more…)

TAEM interview with recording artist KC Jockey

Friday, June 29th, 2012

TAEM- TAEM stands for The Arts and Entertainment Magazine and it truly encompasses all aspects of both fields . One such field that we are proud to explore is that of Music. Music sets the mood of film and without it many motion pictures would not be a success. One recording artist that has his feet firmly planted in both is KC Jockey. KC, early on you created your own music label in honor of someone very special.  Please tell us about this.

KCJ- I used to record for a lot of different producers but I didn’t want to spread myself too thin so what I did was narrow it down to a few elite ones. Then my mother passed in a fatal car accident.  I lost four family members in a car in 1997.  So I then named my label after her and went independent.  So here I am an Actor/Producer/Songwriter/CEO.

TAEM- Tell us about your style of music and why it has become so prominent.

KCJ- As I try to seek the best road of life, the most inspiring proverb to me is “leave no stone unturned” so I work to be in everything and everywhere like a good virus blessing all with quality music.  My style of music is diverse and very catchy as I blend in with any genre of music.  The more you like yourself is the less you are like anyone else which makes you unique so here I am. (more…)

TAEM interview with Producer Bruce Kade

Friday, June 29th, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is always looking towards the horizon to explore the future of entertainment. We recently discovered a new wave of actors and producers that are growing to succeed the eminent personalities that exist today. One such rising star is producer Bruce Kade. Bruce, you recently emerged as a player in my favorite sport….hockey. Tell us of your early days in this arena, and the team that you played with.

BK- For most of us boys up in Canada I like to say we were born with skates on our feet. In all seriousness my dad loved the game and I was running around the house in hockey equipment and with my stick by the time I was one-years-old. At age two I was actually skating on ice in our backyard rink my father had made in Lloydmimster Alberta, Canada. Then you just grow up playing through the kids minor hockey system and skating on the outdoor rinks all winter long. I stopped playing briefly in high school because I was enjoying other sports and all my friends. Unfortunately I missed the draft year for kids going to play really high levels of hockey or even college hockey. After high school I really missed the game and walked onto a college team and made the squad. Then after college I played some minor pro for a couple years in Canada. (more…)

‘The Lost Soul’ Part 3 by Guest Author Jackie Summers

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Guest Author Jackie Summers

My third encounter was something I never would have expected. It also was the most frightening. There is something to be said about the phrase; seeing is believing, but when it is not something you can see, well….

A few months after telling my father I was pregnant, he passed away. It was not something that no one was expecting. Why he managed to live as long as he did was beyond everyone. He had been very ill all my growing years. When I was five years of age he had open heart surgery. The doctors had to remove his dieased pericardium. I remember one of my relatives telling us how we had to be very good and say our prayers every night,  because he may not live through the surgery. It was a terrible blow to a kid, having to suffer the fear of losing a parent, never mind being told at such a tender age.

So my father managed to live thirteen years after surgery. But during those years he would go back and forth to the hospital on a regular basis. Each time he went, brought more anxiety. How I never ended up on prozac or some type of anti anxiety medication, I will never know. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be on any, it just means I manage it, without the drugs. (more…)

Maniacs- part 4 by guest author David Rhodes

Friday, June 29th, 2012
Guest Author David Rhodes

Guest Author David Rhodes

I believe I came from a good upbringing, a good home life. My family wasn’t overly religious, but my parents injected a lot of morals into my childhood, morals that as a young man I didn’t always follow, but as an older man I live by.

Although my family now only consisted of Marina and me, it is nonetheless my family, and I vowed to always provide for and protect that institution. Violent attacks were happening everywhere, so I decided to do something about it.

I never really had a reason to own a gun, although I’ve always kept a baseball bat under the bed – you never know, and Marina would never allow firearms in the house, but I thought what with everything going on and all, it might be a good idea. Marina was dead against it, but I finally won her over with reason and a lot of persistence. Believe me, it was never easy going up against my wife, but is it ever easy for any man? It is, and always will be, one of the greatest battles men will ever have to endure.

On this particular day, I was driving over to AAA Pawn on Center Street, intent and a little nervous about buying my first gun, when I noticed some activity out of the corner of my eye. To my right, two policemen were chasing a man through the huge trees of Pioneer Park. I didn’t think it was that unusual; vagrants and train jumpers are always hanging out or sleeping there, begging for spare change at the grocery store just across the street. It is a way station not only for the homeless of Compton, save for those just traveling through to whatever destinations the road takes them. (more…)

TAEM interview with Actor Adrian Bustamante

Friday, June 15th, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is always excited to be able to present a well known actor to the many students of the arts who follow our publication. For this we are proud to present actor Adrian Bustamante to all of our readers.

Adrian, aside from several acting classes in a community college, we understand that you have had no formal training for this career. How would you explain your natural acting abilities to our readers ?

AB- Ha.. OK let me clarify that just a little bit.  It’s true I haven’t taken a lot of classes or had “formal training.”  But that doesn’t mean that I am not constantly learning or trying to get better.  I do a lot of self-teaching through books on acting and watch a lot of videos on line.  I also do things like video tape myself doing scenes to have myself or others critique them, as well as the occasional one on one class with an acting coach by the name of Nancy Nayor.  She helps me when I have a big audition to get ready for.  The reason I tell you all this is because I cringed when I hear actors say things like “I don’t need classes I’m a natural.”  You may have a natural gift at something but if you are not always trying to expand upon that gift and get better in some way shape or form I feel you are wasting it. (more…)

TAEM News Blast- ‘I Am Neda’ at Cannes

Friday, June 15th, 2012

The following news release from TAEM, who whole-heartedly supports this film, the producers of ‘I AM NEDA’ announces the following results from their premier at Cannes:

WE’RE BACK FROM CANNES!

WHERE DO WE BEGIN?

As finalist of the 2012 Cannes American Pavilion, not only did ‘I Am Neda screen once for its Cannes premier, but we were invited to screen a second time at the UK Film Centre.

We received a standing ovation at the UK Film Centre, who were partnered with the British Film Institute and Screen South. They even  asked us for our permission to add our trailer and our Q&A to their website! This is an additional honor as you know we are passionate with growing visibility as we want to reach as many people as we can with this important film. (more…)

TAEM Interview with Author Paul Serup

Friday, June 15th, 2012

TAEM- Literature plays a big role in our lives and it is the basis of movies, theater, and television shows. Long before all of these it was the centerpiece of learning and communication for the human race. It has also been the documented record of our history and all that we know.


Author Paul Serup’s work encompasses all these qualities. As an independent author and researcher he has spent many years studying a case that has haunted America’s history since the Civil War. Paul, tell us a little about yourself and your work as a researcher.

PS- I have loved reading from an early age and am fascinated with history. As it has been said, real life is often so much more interesting than fiction. As you mentioned, I am an independent research and author, based in central British Columbia, Canada. It is very nice part of the world, but somewhat removed from important repositories of information like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library etc, so doing research in the area I have, has been a challenge. I hold the record, the last time I checked, for the amount of inter-library loans at the library of the city where I live, while researching the book. There is, however, no substitute for having boots on the ground and doing research on location, although travel is expensive. (more…)

Poetry Collection by Guest Poet Alex Knight

Friday, June 15th, 2012
Guest Author Alex Knight

Guest Author Alex Knight

One Night’s Stand
by Alex Knight

I called tonight
Knowing you weren’t there
I wanted to hear
your voice
Cool confidence
Expressed in every syllable
When you said you would
Return the call
That’s what I needed to remember
Not the terrified pleas
That escaped your lips
When you faced
Certain death
I expected so much
More from you. (more…)

TAEM Press Release- The Connie Lamothe film ‘Charity’

Friday, June 15th, 2012

‘Charity’, a feature film produced by CCLProductions, is making it’s world premiere this summer as an Official Selection at the World Music Independent Film Festival. The film stars Connie Lamothe, Sally Anderson, Jerry Tracey, Paul Wiedecker and William Shipman. Other cast include Brent Bauer, Taylor Ramsey, Christopher Cox, Shannon Connors, Madison Sprague and Iona McDaniels at the children of the main character Megan Joseph (Connie Lamothe). The story was written by Michael Brennan who paired up with Connie while working on a film in 2006 “The Last Mango”. Since that time, Connie and Michael have worked together exclusively on all of Connie’s film projects.

In this film “A loving wife and mother loses her husband to war and finds herself on the verge of losing everything until someone enters her life and saves her by teaching her the true meaning of charity.”

Connie Lamothe has established a reputation for making award winning Christian family films since 2008. Her first two completed films, ‘Rosie’s Miracle’ (2008) and ‘Reunion’ (2010) have received multiple nominations and awards such as: (more…)

TAEM interview with actor Lee Tockar

Friday, June 1st, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is always excited to be able to present a well rounded and experienced actor to all our readers. Lee Tockar is just the type of person to be able to shed the full light of his experience on all the students of the arts who follow our publication. Lee is an actor with over 131 titles to his credit, and has garnered accolades from every corner of the field of entertainment.

Lee, what made you choose acting as your career of choice, and who was your greatest influence to do so?

LT- I have been voicing cartoons for over twenty years but I did stand up comedy before that. My first time on stage was when I was seven and I got the bug when I heard I could make people laugh. But, in truth, I have also been writing and drawing and painting for just as long. Cartoons were just the first thing to pay me well enough to dedicate myself to it. Where Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seus and Magrete have influenced my art, I would have to say that Mel Blanc was my idol for animation. I always wanted to be able to do multiple voices like him.

TAEM- What training did you undertake for your career?

LT- No training. Many logged on stage hours doing stand up maybe. That was a kind of training, I suppose but my shtick was always doing different voices anyway so this seemed like a natural progression. If anything, my real training came from being a class clown. (more…)

TAEM interview with hockey player Sean Pronger

Friday, June 1st, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has been thrilled to learn that a new book is on the horizon for the favorite sport of it’s publisher…….Hockey ! A long time fan of the sport, and the founding father of an AHL hockey stadium in Pennsylvania, it is a book that he has long waited for. Best of all it is being written by a hockey player that truly understands the sport.

Sean Pronger has been playing hockey for eleven years, and we are thrilled to present his story to all our readers. Sean, please tell us when you first became interested in the sport.

SP- I’ve been interested in hockey as far back as I can remember.  I grew up in a small town (Dryden, Ontario) and there wasn’t much else to do.  With winter being about 8 months long it was either hockey or ice fishing!

TAEM- For all the fans of this sport, and those looking to get into it, tell us about how you trained for it.

SP- When I was younger I don’t think I really trained for it other than play it all the time with my brother and our buddies.  For us, it didn’t seem like practice or training we were just doing something we loved to do.  As I got older I started to officially train for it.  I rode the bike, ran sprints, lifted weights and did plyometrics. (more…)

TAEM interview with Producer Johnny J. Sullivan

Friday, June 1st, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has always explored the avenues of ‘what’s new’ in Hollywood. This encompasses new acts, movies, and television shows. Documentaries are also of great interest and we have delved into them, and their producers, many times in the past.

We therefore would now like to present producer Johnny J. Sullivan to all our readers. Johnny, we understand that you began as an actor. Please tell us about your earlier work and the training that you had for it.

JJS-Johnny J. Sullivan (Johnny) was born and raised in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, Canada. He showed interest in acting at an early age by performing in school plays, musicals and school band. After graduating from high school and university, Johnny acted on being an IT Consultant and IT Architect. Johnny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Co-operative) along with a Masters in Business Administration. After 15 years in the IT industry, Johnny perused a full time acting career, following his heart and passion, and moved to Los Angeles, California in 2009. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Johnny enrolled in numerous acting and improv courses.  See http://www.johnnyjsullivanproductions.com/resume.htm or http://www.johnnyjsullivan.com/resume.htm for further details.

Johnny holds dual citizenship, both Canadian and American. Since moving to Los Angeles, he has taken numerous acting courses and workshops and performed in numerous showcases in Studio City and Hollywood as outlined in his resume. In a diligent effort, he has been extensively training vigorously in Los Angeles and working some acting jobs prior to taking writing and producing his own projects.  Johnny is very excited and looking forward to continuing to pursue a professional career in the entertainment industry. (more…)

TAEM interview with recording artist Vassy

Friday, June 1st, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is constantly involved with the many aspects of the entertainment field. One of those is music. Recently we were able to discover a beautiful singer-song writer who will surely capture the hearts of all our readers. Vassy (Vassy Karaglorgos) is a native Australian, born of Greek immigrants, who has recently moved to America.

Vassy, please tell us about your childhood and your first experiences with the local choir.

VK- I had a great childhood, i grew up in the tropics of Australia in a small beach town called Darwin. Although it was beautiful it was tuff as there were not man outlast up there seeing as in was a remote area…As for the choir well they kicked me out I was told I could not sing…..how ironic years later they hear me on national radio lol (more…)

TAEM interview with photographer Rozel Alcid

Friday, June 1st, 2012

TAEM- There are many aspects in the show business industry to make it work. Photography is one of those key tools that pull it all together. From advertising to event coverage, and from head shots to fashion, it is the important factors to make it all work.

The Arts and Entertainment Magazine would like to present to all of our readers one of the leading Hollywood photographers, Rozel Alcid. Rozel, what made you first interested in this line of work?

RA- I love Photography, period. But only last year is when I decided to pursue this passion, and I started viewing other peoples work, looking at magazines and enhancing my skills on Photoshop. I wanted to be different and unique; I wanted to create photos that are different from everyone else. (more…)