Not So Famous in NJ - Coffee Talk and Candid Conversations With Lucille

Dad loved his lawn. But his daughters hated it. In this short story, we discover that things aren't always what they seem.

Move over, Red Bank and Asbury Park. Michelle Knox is on the cusp of creating a whole new arts mecca on the Bayshore. Not satisfied to be only create installations of her own sculpture, she's engaging an entire community to create, enjoy and appreciate the arts along with her in my hometown of Keyport, NJ.
www.michelleknox.com

Tony Cimorosi has been on the NYC World Beat, Rock, R&B, Jazz and contemporary Jazz scene for over 35 years, and these three fabulous cuts from his latest album, "Change at West 4th St" exemplify his musical virtuosity.

With a resume that spans teaching at the McCarter Theatre to Program Director for the International House of Blues Foundation to Executive Director of the Algonquin Arts Theatre, it's no wonder Pam Ward is able to say "the buck stops here." We talk about Pam's varied - but always theatre-related positions, the skills she developed and how she compares community theatre directors to some of the most experienced professionals in the business. 

Yes, I might lack impartiality, but I think these instrumental tunes written and produced by drummer Gary Dates are pretty darn good. And I'd feel the same even if he wasn't my husband.
He's accompanied by a few guys you may be familiar with - since they were all members of Line Drive: Chris McKevitt, Tim Boyce, Rick Brunermer and Chris Plunkett, playing under the name Desperate Measures.

Why does a bass guitar only have four strings? Why do audiences in Moscow love jazz? This week world class bassist Tony Cimorosi and I discuss these issues and the thrill of gigging around the world, jerks in the music industry and why bass players love to play solos.

Story telling is a true art - and getting one of your stories produced on an award-winning podcast ain’t shabby. Screen writer Diana McCorry cut her writing teeth here, and this compelling radio play will help you understand why she’s such a successful screenwriter.

Thirty seven years ago Line Drive drummer Gary Dates was told he'd never get back the use of his left arm after a devastating car accident damaged the nerves in his left arm. Today, that neurologist can eat his words because Gary has become as one of the best and most musical drummers in the area.
In this episode I speak to my husband of 35 years about how he dealt with that crisis. But our conversation goes from that near tragedy to everything from photographing Barbie and Ken to playing the drums in the back of a van.

Anyone who has heard Jose Loo perform knows just how multi-talented he is. Singing is just one facet of that glittering jewel; the songs he's written and arranged reveal his love and understanding of music. And his keyboard skills - evident in the last cut - are often overlooked because of the magnitude of his other performance skills.
I never get tired of listening to him.
https://www.amazon.com/Coulda-Been-Contenders-Line-Drive/dp/B0084IZ1GI
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B001IAKV5K
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDsXy_ol7Qg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_THub_pbge4
 

Billy Van Zandt started in community theater and became one of the world's most produced playwrights, parlaying those skills into a career writing and often executive producing hit TV series, including The Bob Newhart Show, Martin, Anything But Love and Daddy Dearest.
We talk about what it takes to get a TV writing gig, his decades working with his long-time writing partner Jane Milmore,  a zany almost-meeting with Lucille Ball and an quasi deja vu moment when he actually did meet his comic idol.
https://www.amazon.com/GET-CAR-JANE-Adventures-Wasteland/dp/1734401710/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3J1LCIWQZ80QE&dchild=1&keywords=billy+van+zandt&qid=1615924749&sprefix=billy+van+zan%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1