ANGELA DAVIS LIVE AT TIFF 2012 PRESS CONFERENCE! 

This is a video that I shot at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival's press conference for the documentary "FREE ANGELA DAVIS & AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS", which was held on September 12th. The panelists included the legendary freedom fighter Angela Davis, Director Shola Lynch, and Davis' neice, Eisa Davis. The presser was moderated by Thom Powers of TIFF....enjoy!

LA BOTTINE SOURIANTE....The Interview With Benoit Bourque

This is a recording of a phone interview that I had with Benoit Bourque, vocalist, accordianist, "bones & jitter player", as well as foot-tapper, for Quebec's LA BOTTINE SOURIANTE, one of the world's most beloved roots/acadian/ wold music groups. We talked about the band's history and musical journey throughout their 35 years of existence.... enjoy! (CLICK ON TITLE TO ACCESS MEDIA PLAYER!)

TERMINUS.... THE INTERVIEW WITH MITCHELL CUSHMAN

This is a recording of a phone interview that I had with "TERMINUS" Director, Mitchell Cushman recently. "TERMINUS" is an exhilerating work that was staged this past August at SummerWorks in Toronto, and is now being staged at the venerable Toronto theatrical institution, The Royal Alexandra Theatre, through December 16th, 2012. We talked about the play and other projects that Cushman will be presenting in the future, as well as the unique collaborative effort between MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS and his OUTSIDE THE MARCH theatre company.... enjoy! (CLICK ON THE TITLE TO ACCESS MEDIA PLAYER!)

KC ROBERTS & THE LIVE REVOLUTION.... INTERVIEW WITH MATT FULLBROOK

This is a recording that I produced of a live phone interview that I had on my radio show with bassist Matt Fullbrook of the outstanding Toronto funk/hybrid band, KC ROBERTS & THE LIVE REVOLUTION. We talked about the group's upcoming showcase performance at Toronto's ANNEX WRECK ROOM, on November 30th, as well as the band's amazing growth and clever resourcefulness....enjoy! (CLICK ON TITLE TO ACCESS MEDIA PLAYER!)

THE VANDALS, 1966.... Live in Kennett Square, Pa.

This is a live audio recording of "THE VANDALS" one of the best bands to come out of West Chester, Pa. The recording was done in 1966 at a Kennett Square High School dance, and was sent to me by the original bassist for The Vandals, Steve Rulon.The band consisted of L.Carlton Allen (fondly known as "Cotton")on lead vocals, with Larry "Goody" Goode and Donald "Jonesy" Jones on backing vocals, Bobby Hoopes on guitar; George Thomas on drums and Steve Rulon on bass...... enjoy! (CLICK ON TITLE TO ACCESS MEDIA PLAYER!)

TIEMPO LIBRE.... The Interview With Jorge Gomez

This is a pre-recorded phone interview that I had with Tiempo Libre founder/pianist/musical director, Jorge Gomez, and that I aired on my internet radio show, "THE MIDDLE PASSAGE" (aired every Wednesday evening from 5-7pm) on Toronto radio station, RADIO REGENT. Tiempo Libre are a very talented group of musicians who originally hail from Cuba, but now make Miami their home. They specialize in a Salsa/Son hybrid of Latin music called Timba. I spoke with the groups founder, Jorge Gomez, via phone a few days before the group was set to perform at Toronto's Koerner Hall.....enjoy! (CLICK ON TITLE TO ACCESS MEDIA PLAYER)

THE SONY CENTRE INTERVIEW... WITH MARK HAMMOND

This is a pre-recorded phone interview that I had with Toronto's Sony Centre For The Performing Arts Director of Programming, Mark Hammond. The interview was initially aired on my radio show "The Middle Passage", heard every Wednesday evening from 5-7pm on Radio Regent in Toronto, Ontario on October 31st. 2012. We discussed the upcoming CIRQUE ELOIZE'S "I.D.", as well as other acts that are coming to the Sony Centre this season....enjoy!
(Click on title to access media player)

Mark Hammond

TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL 201 INTERVIEW WITH PETER KUPLOWSKY

This is a pre-recorded phone interview with "Toronto After Dark Film Festival" senior programmer and Darkade co-organizer, Peter Kuplowsky, which was aired on my radio show "The Middle Passage" on Radio Regent in Toronto, Ontario, Wednesday, October 17th. We talked about the festival's line-up of films, guests coming to the festival, and festival initiatives.....enjoy! (Click on title to access media player)

MERVON MEHTA....KOERNER HALL 2012-13 SEASON INTERVIEW!

This is audio of a phone interview that I had with Toronto's Royal Conservatory Executive Director, Performing Arts, Mervon Mehta on October 4th, 2012.We discussed the upcoming season at Koerner Hall and The Telus Centre....enjoy! (click on the title above to access audio player)

IT’S A WRAP…. FINAL THOUGHTS & REVIEWS FOR TIFF 2012

 

 

Wow, how these past ten days have flown by! I’ve screened thirty-eight films and conducted two interviews, as well as attending five press conferences. I have to say that without a doubt, this year’s selection of films has to be one of the strongest yet! I can honestly say that I haven’t seen one dud. Of course, there was the usual orgy of parties, but I chose to concentrate on the film/interview side of things this year, and from past experiences, I’ve found that it’s hard to do that while going party hopping the night before. The stars were out and could be found all over Toronto (I spotted Halle Berry on John St. nonchalantly carrying her baby and barely noticed by most walking on the street), not just around the festival hub. It still amazes me as to how short a lot of the male actors actually are, and how amenable most of them are if you manage to get to them before their handlers intercept. Kudos to Piers Handling, Cameron Bailey, and everyone associated with this year’s festival. I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebration!

THE REVIEWS

REBELLE - Kim Nguyen (Canada) this is a heart-wrenching portrayal of a young African child forced into joining a group of rebels fighting against government forces, in an unnamed African country, and the brutality she is forced to witness, and inflict. Young Komona, brilliantly brought to life by novice actor Rachel Mwanza (winner of the Best Actress award at Berlin), has her life turned upside down when rebel forces attack her village and forcibly recruit her. Held captive and brainwashed, she gradually succumbs, and eventually adjusts to her seemingly hopeless reality, along the way becoming somewhat more valuable because of the belief that she can see where government forces are located. She becomes friends with one of her captors named Magicien, wonderfully played by Serge Kanyinda, an albino who is believed to have magical powers and is one of the few people who has shown her any sympathy. Together they escape and travel the countryside seeking refuge, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of their former rebel captors. Although dealing with such harsh subject matter, Nguyen manages to somehow convey an elegant, courageous, and honest perspective of a still real and terrifying element of life in modern Africa that no child should have to endure. This one should make it all the way to an Oscar bid for best foreign language film.

THE PAPERBOY – Lee Daniels (USA) Based on a novel by Pete Dexter, Daniels has followed up on the success of Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire with this crime “noir-ish” tale of passion, southern sensibilities such as they were in 1969 Florida, racial realities, and a “whodunit” thrown in for good measure. Daniels has assembled a stellar cast led by Nicole Kidman, also starring Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack, David Oyelowo, Zac Efron, and Macy Gray, who acts as the narrator, detailing the sequence of events in retrospect. Gray works as the “help” for McConaughey’s character, Ward Jansen’s family, which also includes Efron as his younger brother Jack. Ward’s in town from Miami, where he’s a reporter for the Miami Times newspaper. He’s accompanied by his colleague Yardley (Oyelowo), who happens to be black. They’re writing an investigative piece on the murder of the town’s racist, corrupt, and hated sheriff, and the consequent conviction of Hillary Van Wetter (Cusack), whose a piece of work himself, for the murder. Things steam up when Van Wetter’s love interest Charlotte Bless (Kidman) arrives in town from Alabama. Kidman does an amazing turn as the “tramp-ish” Charlotte, who has a thing for criminals. The film is of course, infused with Daniels’ trademark “shock” scenes (Kidman urinating on Efron, amongst others), and it’s a real testament as to his growing reputation as an “actor’s director” that he seems to get total trust and commitment from his cast. The film received a mixed reaction at Cannes, which appears to be the case with most of his films. Ultimately, I think that this engaging tale of lust, betrayal, and racial dynamics works quite effectively, and further cements Daniels’ place as one of the top young filmmakers of his generation.

CLOUD ATLAS – Lana Wachowski/Tom Tykwer/Andy Wachowski (Germany) Any time you get the directors of The Matrix trilogy and Run Lola Run to collaborate on a film, chances are that it’s going to be visually stunning, if anything else. This film is visually stunning and smart. Adapted from the David Mitchell novel of the same title, that referenced time travel, reincarnation, as well as origins of religion, this is a multiple narrative masterwork of a film that one absorbs rather than watches. The directors (I’ll use that term for economy of words sake), have done an outstanding job in assembling the principal group of actors – Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant, and Keith David -who are more than capable of pulling this off. This epic begins in the middle of the nineteenth century where we meet notary Adam Ewing (Jim Sturgess) journaling his voyage across the Pacific. From there we’re introduced to various characters in different time frames and locales, not only who are reincarnated from a past live, but are often recast in a different gender. The connections the characters have and develop with each other in their different life manifestations as experienced through the millennia can at times be confusing, but it’s well worth the effort. Notwithstanding the jaw dropping visuals, this may not be a film for those that like everything laid out for them. This film takes concentration and work, but the payoff is well worth the effort!

1. SMASHED – James Ponsoldt (USA) Rarely have I screened a film dealing with Alcohol/drug addiction and the solution that some find in AA, that doesn’t tend to either glamourize, misinterpret, or trivialize this disease and the recovery process. As well, a lot of the acting work from past films dealing with this situation misses the mark completely. Thankfully, SMASHED depicts this disease in an understated, yet still powerful way. This film maintains a realistic feel throughout, due in large part to the casting, Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) as Kate, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) as Charlie, and Octavia Spencer (The Help) as Jenny, Mary’s AA sponsor, are all quite believable, but mainly because of Ponsoldt’s restraint. As someone who is, let us say, quite familiar with the alcoholism/addiction/recovery model as championed by AA, I must say that Ponsoldt has really done his homework. Chronicling Mary’s realization that she has a serious problem with alcohol, through her initial and early efforts at recovery, Winstead expertly portrays not only the obvious physical and emotional damage that is a main consequence of alcoholism, but the difficulties in facing a life of honesty and responsibility after the meltdown.

BAD 25 – Spike Lee (USA) with this documentary, Lee (an unabashed MJ fan) finally gets to pay homage to one of the music world’s most fascinating figures. The film focuses on the making of BAD, from the songs to the videos, as well as the involvement of the various video directors, musicians, sound engineers, and creative team that Jackson chose. Filled with rare and previously unseen footage, what really makes this film stand out is the wealth of insight that Lee has managed to acquire. It’s not just the genius and flood of creativity that Jackson was able to channel, but also getting the opportunity to witness how he processed this energy and was able to reach unimaginable artistic heights, while having his character and morality continuously assaulted. The only bad segments in the film, IMO, were when the narcissistic and self-centered Kanye West was onscreen and tried to make the film all….about….him. Don’t let that deter you from seeing this film though, because even if you aren’t a Jackson fan, after viewing this film, you’ll realize just how bad he was!

OTHER FILMS OF NOTE

AMOUR, A LATE QUARTET, THE HUNT, THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE, THE SAPHIRES, THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST, PAINLESS, THE ICEMAN, ILL MANORS, BAD 25, TO THE WONDER, VENUS AND SERENA, PASSION

FESTIVAL NIGHTS & SIGHTS

Spotted the delectable Halle Berry, (Cloud Atlas) on John St. sans make-up, carrying her daughter Nahla while taking a stroll…. director/actor Ben Affleck (Argo) caught a bit of flack because of the perceived downplaying of the role Ken Taylor, the Canadian ambassador to Iran ambassador at the time of the American hostage crisis, played in the freeing of the hostages…. From all indications, Snoop Lion’s “Reincarnated” after party at The Great Hall was smokin’, and I mean that in the literal sense of the word!

The Midnight Madness segment of the festival continues to impress, with “Seven Psychopaths” receiving massive buzz… the appearance of Johnny Depp at the “West of Memphis” red carpet sent female and male fans into a frantic mob rush… finally, the ubiquitous “swag salons” are now concentrating on environmentally friendly swag as opposed to the oftentimes garish luxury items given away during previous years.

JAKE GYLLENHAAL INTERVIEW AT TIFF 2012!

This is a round table media interview that I attended, and also produced and edited, with actor Jake Gyllenhaal at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. There were five jounalists and radio personalities involved, and it was indeed a lively session....enjoy! (To check out the audio, click on title)!!!

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2012 ….Day 1, 2, and 3

Once again, Toronto is the place to be for all things cinematic! I’ve managed to screen 23 films in three days! Okay, we Canadian media folk did get a ten day head start on our international brethren, point is, I’m already starting to get that blurry eyed look and movies are starting to string together in my head. So here’s a little capsule review on some of the ones that I’m feelin’ while their still fresh in my memory banks!

“LAURENCE ANYWAYS”, from young Montreal auteur, Xavier Dolan focuses on the young Montreal couple who seemingly have a solid, albeit somewhat, tempestuous relationship. That all changes when Laurence (Melvil Poupaud), confesses his desire to his girlfriend Fred (Suzanne Clément) that he feels that he’s a woman trapped in a man’s body. The ensuing emotional upheaval threatens to destroy their love for each other. Beautifully shot, Dolan really allows this film to breathe and develop in a much less pretentious manner than was evidenced in his two earlier works. In my opinion, this is his best, and most accessible film to date….

“REINCARNATED”, directed by Andy Capp and produced by VICE Films/Snoopadelic Films, is the much heralded documentary detailing the journey of Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) to Jamaica, and his conversion to Rastafarianism. It’s a pretty candid look at Snoop’s musical progression that’s honest, insightful, and funny as a mofo! Whether or not you believe that Snoop’s motives in making this career move are sincere or just another calculated marketing ploy, is beside the point. You will be “edutained”…

“ARGO” “, this effort from actor/director Ben Affleck, is the first film that he’s shot that’s not anchored in the familiar surroundings of his Boston area upbringing. It deals with the real story that happened behind the scene involving the rescue of six Americans that were hidden by Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor and smuggled out of Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. Revealing declassified CIA information and the improbable, but ultimately successful ruse of having the hostages pose as a film crew in Tehran scouting location scenes, this is a first rate thriller that will keep you in suspense for the film’s entirety. Affleck continues to impress and mature as both an actor and director.

Toronto International Film Festival 2012.... "REINCARNATED" Press Conference with Snoop Lion plus more!

This is a video that I shot at Snoop Lion's (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) Toronto International Film Festival press conference for the documentary "Reincarnated". This film details Snoop's journey to Jamaica where he made a reggae album, and also his conversion to Rastafarianism. Snoop adroitly fielded questions with his usual candor.... enjoy!

INTERVIEW WITH TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR....CAMERON BAILEY

This is a pre-recorded phone interview that I had with Toronto International Film Festival Artistic Director, Cameron Bailey, that I aired on my radio show "THE MIDDLE PASSAGE", Wednesday, September 5th. We talked about the upcoming festival, it's films and other initiatives regarding this highly prestigious film festival, which takes place in Toronto, Ontario from September 6th - 16th.....enjoy!
(To check out the audio, click on title)!!!

2012 Toronto International Film Festival- Opening Press Conference

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2012......INTERVIEW - COLIN GEDDES

Here's my interview with Toronto International Film Festival, "Midnight Madness" programmer, Colin Geddes! I initially aired the interview on my radio show "THE MIDDLE PASSAGE", on Wednesday, August 29th. We discussed the films that Colin had chosen for inclusion in this year's "Midnight Madness" programme at TIFF....enjoy! (click on title to access audio player)

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2012... INTERVIEWS - STEVEN GRAVESTOCK

Here is my edited & produced phone interview I had with Toronto International Film Festival's Senior Programmer of Canadian Films, Steven Gravestock. The interview was initially aired on my show "THE MIDDLE PASSAGE", RADIO REGENT on Wednesday, August 29th. We discussed the line-up of films, as well as the directors and actors involved with the films....enjoy!

JJ GREY AND MOFRO.... THE INTERVIEW!

This is a pre-recorded interview that I aired on my show "The Middle Passage", Wednesday, August 15, that featured the frontman and founder of JJ Grey And Mofro, JJ Grey. We spoke via phone as JJ was touring with his band just before coming to Toronto, where the band is going to perform at Lee's Palace. JJ Grey And Mofro play a dynamic mix of R'n'B, soul, country, and blues. With a side helping of funk thrown in for good measure.... enjoy!

BACKBEAT: The Birth Of The Beatles...Interview with Dan Westwick

This is a phone interview that I had with actor/musician Dan Westwick who plays the late Beatle, George Harrison in "BACKBEAT: The Birth Of The Beatles", now playing at The Royal Alexandra Theatre in Downtown Toronto, Ontario. We talked about his role as George Harrison and also about the interpersonal relationships that evolved amongst the Beatles, particularly between Stuart Sutcliffe, Astrid Kirchherr, and John Lennon in the group's early years in Hamburg, Germany....enjoy

IRIE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012....The Interview with Phil Vassell

This is a live phone interview that I had on my show "The Middle Passage", July 11th, 2012, with TD Irie Music Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Phil Vassell.The festival will be celebrating it's 10th anniversary with concerts in Mississauga, Ontario on July 14th & 15th and two locations in Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square August 3rd-6th and Yonge/Dundas Square, August 4th & 5th. enjoy!

DELBERT BOYER & ANIYA....The Interview

This is an interview that I aired on my show "The Middle Passage", on July 11th, 2012, with jazz guitarist Delbert Boyer, founder and leader of the group ANIYA. Delbert also happens to be a childhood friend of mine from our hometown of West Chester, Pa. He is one extremely talented guy....enjoy!

TORONTO FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL 2012....The interview with Executive Director Gideon Arthurs

This is a recording of a live phone interview that I had with Toronto Fringe Theatre Executive Director, Gideon Arthurs, on my show "The Middle Passge" heard every Wednesday evening from 5-7pm on www.radioregent  on June 27th, 2012.
The festival celebrates it's 24th year with 155 shows (all picked out of a hat), and runs from July 4th -July 15 2012, at various Toronto venues....enjoy!

TOWER OF POWER.... The interview with Emilio Castillo

This is a pre-recorded phone interview that I had with Tower Of Power founder, and tenox saxophone player Emilio Castillo, that I produced and aired on my weekly online radio show, THE MIDDLE PASSAGE". Tower Of Power will be appearing at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival on July 1st....enjoy!

THE TD TORONTO JAZZ FESTIVAL 2012!....interview with Josh Grossman

This is an edited phone interview that I recently had with TD Toronto Jazz Festival Artistic Director, Josh Grossman. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become one of North America's premiere music events and this year's festival (June 22nd - July 1st.) promises to raise the bar even higher! With acts such as Esperanza Spalding, Roy Hargrove, Spectrum Road, Ziggy Marley, George Benson, Tedeschi/Trucks Band, Bettye Lavette, Joshua Redman, Tower Of Power, Bill Frisell, Joan Osbourne, Hiromi, and many more, this is a festival that you don't want to miss!

THE LUMINATO PROJECT....MICHAEL ROSE!

This is a video that I shot of legendary BLACK UHURU frontman, Michael Rose as he performed live with his band at Toronto's Luminato Festival of Arts + Music on Saturday, June 9th at David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto...enjoy!

K'NAAN LIVE AT LUMINATO 2012!

This is a video that I shot of Somali-Canadian Toronto rapper K'Naan, as he and his band performed live at David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto, Ontario on Friday, June 8th, 2012, as part of Toronto's Luminato Festival of Arts + Music which takes place at various Toronto venues! K'naan's performance is part of the festival's free music series....enjoy!

Interview with WORLDWIDE FILM FESTIVAL Interim Artistic Director....Angie Driscoll

This is a live phone interview that I had with CFC'S Worldwide Short Film Festival Interim Director Angie Driscoll on my show, (The Middle Passage / Radio Regent) Wednesday, May 30th. We talked about the various official selections and films that will be screened at this year's festival, which takes place at a host of Toronto venues from June 5th - June 10th.... enjoy!

STEWART GOODYEAR...in rehearsal for "Beethoven Marathon", Luminat!o 2012

This is a video of famous young classical pianist and Toronto native, Stewart Goodyear, in rehearsal at Toronto's Koerner Hall in preparation for his June 9th concert "Beethoven Marathon" as part of Luminato, Toronto's Festival of Arts + Creativity. Stewart will be performing all thirty-two of Beethoven's sonatas in a single day...enjoy!

LUMINATO 2012 ...INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA DARGO CAPLAN

This is an interview that I had with Luminato's Director of Education & Outreach, Jessica Dargo Caplan on May 25th, 2012. The Luminato Festival of Arts + Creativity is one of Toronto's great summer festivals. The festival features works from the full spectrum of the arts, from theatre, music, dance, literature, art installations, and even food! If you happen to be in the Toronto area between June 8th-17th, be sure to experience this most dynamic festival.... enjoy!

ODYSSEO....The Interview with Cavalia creator Normand Latourelle

This is a phone interview that I had with "Cavalia" creator, Normand Latourelle on May 9th, 2012. Mr. Latourelle will be bring ing his latest equestrian masterpiece, "ODYSSEO", to Toronto beginning on May 15th for a three week run. This promises to be an experience that even surpasses his previous show, "CAVALIA". Here is our conversation.... enjoy!

Interview with HOTDOCS Director of Programming... Charlotte Cook

This is an interview that I had with Charlotte Cook, newly appointed Director of Programming for Toronto's CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL, known as HotDocs. The festival, which runs from April 26th - May 6th, at various Toronto venues, is one of the world's most important festivals of documentary film making.... enjoy!

TIFF Kids International Film Festival 2012... interview with programmer Shane Smith

This is a live phone interview that I had on my show, "The Middle Passage" on Wednesday, April 4th. 2012. We discussed the upcoming TIFF Kids International Film Festival and how it enriches not only the kid's lives, but also everyone who experiences this wonderfull Toronto event....enjoy!

WAR HORSE interview with Bryan Hindle

This is a live interview that I had with puppeteer Bryan Hindle, who is one of the actors/puppeteers in the cast of WAR HORSE, onstage now at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre. The interview took place on my show "The Middle Passage" Wednesday, March 21st....enjoy!

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK interview with Zach Gordensky

This is a pre-recorded interview that I aired on my show, The Middle Passage - Radio Regent, March 21st. I spoke with Canadian Music Week Festival Organizer, Zack Gordensky about some of the music acts and initiatives that will be going on at the festival, which runs from March 21st-25th. besides music, there will be film screenings, workshops, symposiums, etc... enjoy!

CBC Interview With "Ontario Today" host Rita Celli

This is an interview that the CBC's Rita Celli, host of "Ontario Today" had with me, live on her show Tuesday, March 10th, 2012. I shared with Rita and her listeners my struggles with crack and heroin addiction. She also opened up the phone lines for listener imput and questions....enjoy!

Interview with Ballet Creole's Aristic Director...Patrick Parsons

This is a live phone interview that I recently (7/3/2012) had with Toronto Dance Company Ballet Creole Artistic Director Patrick Parsons. We discussed his company's upcoming show, EXODUS, as well as other topics....enjoy!

BLOOR CINEMA Re-OPENING INTERVIEW

This is an interview that I had on my show, ("The Middle Passage" CKLN/Radio Regent - Toronto, Ontario) that was originally broadcast on February 29th. I interviewed Bloor Cinema Hot Docs programmer Robin Smith, and we talked about the re-opening and rebranding of a Toronto landmark, The Bloor Cinema....enjoy!

The LaRombé ULTIMATE interview

This is an interview that I recently aired (February 15th, 2012), on my internet radio show "The Middle Passage" on Regent Park Focus Radio, that I had with former West Chester, Pa. resident and Grammy Award winning singer/song writer/producer/musician, LaRombé (formerly known as Buzzy Baker). We discuss his early days in the sixties as the founder of one of West Chester's most talented musical acts, THE SUPERBS, as well as his evolution into one of modern Los Angeles' more influential performers....enjoy!

ETTA JAMES.... and addiction

This is a show that I appeared on, "Saturday Morning Live" hosted by noted music archivist and radio and print personality Norman Otis Richmond, that was originally aired on January 28th, 2012 on CKLN Regent Park Focus online radio. Norman and I discussed the music, life, and addictions that were a part of Etta's life as well as my own struggles with addiction....enjoy!

TOSCA - John Kriter, Canadian Opera Company

This is an interview that I had with John Kriter, tenor with TheCanadian Opera Company, on his role in Giacoma Puccini's "Tosca". The interview was orginally aired on January 25th, 2012 online on my show, THE MIDDLE PASSAGE, CKLN Regent Park Focus....enjoy

THE BLUE DRAGON

This is an interview that I had with dancer/choreographer/actress, Tai Wei Foo, who is currently starring in Robert Lepage's "The Blue Dragon". The play is currently onstage at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, and runs through February 19th, 2012....enjoy!