Klaus Meine From Scorpions

LEGENDARY INTERNATIONAL HARD ROCKERS SCORPIONS’ "MTV UNPLUGGED" TRACK LISTING REVEALED CD/DVD AND BLU-RAY DUE OUT JANUARY 21ST IN NORTH AMERICA VIA SONY INTERNATIONAL; PACKAGE INCLUDES NEW ACOUSTIC VERSIONS OF BEST-LOVED CLASSIC HITS AS WELL AS NEW MATERIAL (New York, NY) – The track listing for legendary international hard rockers the Scorpions’ new offering MTV UNPLUGGED has just been revealed. Please see below for the complete list of songs on the CD and DVD. Due out in North America on January 21st, 2014, material from MTV UNPLUGGED is taken from the Scorpions’ first-ever "MTV Unplugged" show and features new acoustic versions of best-loved classic hits, as well as five brand new songs. MTV UNPLUGGED will be available in North America as a deluxe CD + DVD package and as a Blu-Ray. MTV UNPLUGGED is being released in 50 countries, a testament to the German band’s iconic status worldwide. Click here to access the cover of MTV UNPLUGGED. Recorded and filmed just a few months ago on September 11th and September 12th of this year, the Scorpions’ MTV UNPLUGGED was culled from two dynamic acoustic sets at the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens, Greece. The spectacular open-air theatre, situated 300 meters above the city, was an impressive backdrop for the first-ever open-air show in the history of "MTV Unplugged" (the theatre also shares a birth year with the Scorpions themselves, having been built in 1965, the same year the Scorpions formed). In other news, the Scorpions are still in the midst of their epic Farewell World Tour; the tour has been going on for more than three years now. To the delight of their fans there is no end in sight, as to date the band has only played 23 out of the 38 countries planned on the itinerary. The Scorpions is Klaus Meine (vocals/guitar), Rudolf Schenker (guitars/vocals), Matthias Jabs (guitars), Pawel Maciwoda (bass) and James Kottak (drums); additional musical support on MTV UNPLUGGED includes contributions from Swedish musicians and producers Mikael Nord Andersson (guitars, mandolin, lap steel, vocals) and Martin Hansen (guitars, harmonica, vocals). The duo is also responsible for the arrangements on MTV UNPLUGGED. The Scorpions is one of the most successful international hard rock bands of all time, selling upwards of 75 million records worldwide and playing more than 5,000 concerts in 80+ countries globally. Formed in Germany in 1965, the band has come to be known for their colossal radio and MTV hits "Rock You Like A Hurricane," "No One Like You" and "Wind Of Change,” as well as their status as international rock ambassadors. VH1 ranked the Scorpions as the #46 Artist on the “Greatest Artists Of Hard Rock” special, while “Rock You Like A Hurricane” came in at #18 on VH1’s “Greatest Hard Rock Songs”. The band recently received a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk in Los Angeles. To date, the Scorpions have released 18 studio albums and 5 live records. Scorpions MTV UNPLUGGED track listing: CD: 1. Sting In The Tail 2. Can’t Live Without You 3. The Best Is Yet To Come 4. Dancing With The Moonlight - new song 5. Delicate Dance – new song 6. Love Is The Answer – new song 7. Follow Your Heart – new song 8. Send Me An Angel 9. Where The River Flows 10. Rock You Like A Hurricane 11. Blackout 12. Still Loving You 13. Big City Nights 14. Wind Of Change 15. No One Like You DVD: 1. Sting In The Tail 2. Can’t Live Without You 3. Pictured Life 4. Speedy’s Coming 5. Born To Touch Your Feelings 6. The Best Is Yet To Come 7. Dancing With The Moonlight – new song 8. In Trance 9. When You Came Into My Life 10. Delicate Dance – new song 11. Love Is The Answer – new song 12. Follow Your Heart – new song 13. Send Me An Angel 14. Where The River Flows 15. Passion Rules The Game 16. Rock You Like A Hurricane 17. Hit Between The Eyes 18. Drum-Athenica 19. Rock N’ Roll Band – new song 20. Blackout 21. Still Loving You 22. Big City Nights 23. Wind Of Change 24. No One Like You 25. When The Smoke Is Going Down

Saxophonist Mark Rivera

If I were to jock up this break...hey its a great day outside....here's that new song from Mark Rivera... You'd probably find every reason to tune out. But what would your reaction be if I went totally early 70's FM Radio where the communicator on those two speakers pulled out a chair...and asked you to spend more than a moment inside the careful cut edges of a vinyl discovery. One that's been with us for decades and yet there's barely a one of us that can pinpoint why we know Mark's name. Oh you know him. The chances are huge that you've seen him perform live with Billy Joel, Ringo Starr, Elton, Bruce, Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oats and even Simon and Garfunkel. Art is like a fine wine. You can't rush time. Because inside this moment Mark is finally given himself permission. To step away from the fame and be himself. On project called Common Bond So what is it? This is how the label answered the question: Common Bond brings Mark's musical talents to the frontline, shining the spotlight on his vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion, flute, harmonica and horns, and supported by a cast of all-star musicians. A lifetime in the making, Rivera and producer Jimmy Bralower set the lofty goal not just to collaborate on an album, but to capture the spirit of the broad palate of sounds and styles that have shaped their careers and bring fans to a familiar place with new music. The songs, including seven co-written by Mark, paint an eclectic collage of those musical influences. The album was recorded at Avatar Studios in NYC, where Mark also recorded what has become one of his career defining horn performances on Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer”. Mark has brought together a group of some of his favorite musicians (and friends) to join him on the album including Charley Drayton on drums (Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones, Fiona Apple, Courtney Love), Steve Conte on guitar (New York Dolls, Willie DeVille, Billy Squier, Eric Burdon & The Animals), Jeff Kazee on keyboards (Southside Johnny, Bon Jovi), and John Conte on bass (John Mayer, Peter Wolf, Jon Bon Jovi, Levon Helm) as well as collaborators Johnny Gale and Karen Manno. Common Bond also features performances by very special guests Ringo Starr on drums ("Money, Money, Money"), Billy Joel on Hammond B3 ("Spanish Castle Magic”), Nils Lofgren on guitar ("Hard To Let Go”), Robert Randolph's soaring pedal steel guitar on "Money Money Money" and Steve Lukather's haunting guitar accompaniment on the album's closer “Rise”. Catch Mark on Face Book Twitter Find out more about Mark

Autjor and Artist Jacqueline Ripstein

I always knew my decisions were different. There was to be no sports nor reasons to wanna to run wild and free outdoors. Why should I? Where I wanted to be was inside art. Since second grade I've spent hours trying to get to know the image in the mirror. I'm lead into the circle of another Artist. Held are the un-perfected lines of change. We laugh. We relate. We embrace. Jacqueline Ripstein Fine Artist & Author Art Healing Pioneer & World Peace Envoy *United Nations ECOSOC representative of the International Association of Educators for World Peace. Find out more about Jacqueline Information about the book www.IAEWP.net Facebook

Comedian Steve Rannazzisi

All New York and 100% All American. I'm shocked some grocery store chain hasn't figured out a way to steal his name and turn into a new beef patty shape. His stories are incredibly real and fully capable of putting pee in your undies. I suggest you wear a pair of specially designed Under-roos when you see Steven in action. Reach out to Steve

Voice Over Coach John Causby

So...you wanna be a Voice Over Actor? Someone said you have a great voice. You have always practiced sounding like a DJ in your car. You can read the 11 o'clock news better than the anchor. You can talk the spots off a leopard. I love it! But we all know you can't just show up and start collecting the cash. What are the secrets to success? Do you have to take the route of radio disc jockey? Are you a puker or a boring voice? Suddenly it doesn't seem so fun. Wait! You haven't met John Causby yet. the Ground Crew

Bass Guitarist Billy Greer Of Seventh Key

There was something about the music of the 1970's that continues to pour volumes of influence onto our modern oversaturation of IPods, Microsoft tablets and other digital devices. Rather than stacking spools of black vinyl in the corner of your teenage bedroom. Today's fan of music took a two decade time out during a generation of creative release called the compact disc. They were expensive. Awkward for the front seat of the car. And being the former Montana champion of using 45's and albums as the next best thing to a Frisbee. CD's looked bright and beautiful like a peacock but soared through the air like a monkey with jet pack attached to its back. I'm not shocked when I hear fans of music are discovering the art work and layout of a 1970's act. It was a simmering stew of every nation and style. The harmonies were genuine. And the lyrics were the farthest thing from embarrassment. But today's listeners are smarter. Music isn't just about the band. Each thump of the pie arrives from a chunk of the cake. For there to be music. The requirement is unity. And that's when the fan uses their digital devices to uncover the history of legendary bass guitarists such as Billy Greer. You know him. But you might not truly know the roots that have become the modern crop. They write: Sometimes, one band is not enough. That is certainly the case with musician/ songwriter Billy Greer, best known as the bassist / backing vocalist for legendary classic rock act, Kansas, as well as the driving force behind prog rockers, Seventh Key. Now with the release of I WILL SURVIVE, Greer and partner Mike Slamer return with a new, dynamic Seventh Key CD, which many believe may be the groupʼs strongest album yet. From the powerful title track, to its punchy closer, “I Want It All,” this third album from Seventh Key shows the band has lost none of its bite since 2004ʼs The Raging Fire. “I think the new CD is maybe a little bit more hard edged and probably some of the tracks are a little more progressive,” says Greer, who managed to co-write and record the new album while holding down his recording and performance duties with Kansas. In addition to his long-time musical partner, Mike Slamer (ex-City Boy), the album also features contributions from keyboardist David Manion; vocalist Terry Brock; and drummer Chet Wynd. Kansas violinist David Ragsdale also is among the special guests, playing on four tracks. The seeds for Seventh Key began in the early 1980s, when Greer, Slamer, and Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh were working together in the group, Streets, which Walsh formed after departing Kansas in 1980. After two albums on Atlantic Records, Streets went its separate ways, and Walsh returned to a newly reformed Kansas in 1984, bringing Greer with him. By the turn of the millennium, Greer was ready to start his own musical project. In the end, Seventh Key came as a result of Greer’s frustration at not being able to contribute more creatively to Kansas. “ That is exactly what it was,” says Greer. “ I consider Steve Walsh one of the best singers in rockʼnʼroll and that is a very big shadow to live in, especially if you had always considered yourself a lead singer. That was what I was before I met Steve Walsh. Because they already had a writing hierarchy in that band, I have been kind of left out of the writing loop with Kansas. Over the years it became a little frustrating to me. I wanted people to hear that I could sing too and I could write my own songs, so, I decided to do my own record .” Thatʼs when Greer decided to get his former Streets band mate, Mike Slamer involved. Slamer became the producer and the engineer and eventually a partner in the project, contributing writing, guitar work and backing vocals. Both Greer and Slamer write the majority of the bandʼs material together. “It's a collaboration but mainly Mike brings the musical ideas to the table and I bring the melodies and the lyrics. That is the how we usually do it.” The group was signed to Frontiers Records, who released its first CD, entitled simply, SEVENTH KEY, to critical acclaim in 2001. THE RAGING FIRE followed in 2004, and in 2005, a live DVD, entitled Live In Atlanta. It would be eight years, between releases, although I WILL SURVIVE, was actually begun in 2008 and simply took five years to complete. Slamer had several production commitments; Greer remained very active with Kansas, and both had personal distractions, continually pushing back the release of the CD. “Eventually, it got finished,” laughs Greer. “We did it at Mikeʼs place in Los Angeles. He has his finger on that melodic rock stuff that is still big in Europe, and we went after that style. “ During the down time, the label remained patient. “Frontiers has always been very supportive and I think we have always delivered them a really good product.,” adds Greer. Both Greer and Slamer believe the albumʼs title track, “I Will Survive,” exhibits the essence of the new record. “We wanted something that was progressive and was a Kansas-type song,” says Greer. “Obviously, I have been with Kansas for a really long time, so obviously it has influenced me. It's a really big song; great solos and the chorus pays off as well as any song on the album.” While the musical make up of the song, is exactly the sound both Greer and Slamer were going for, it is the lyrical theme of “I Will Survive,” that drives the point of the entire album home. “ What I was trying to say with that song is that if Kansas broke up tomorrow, I would still survive,” says Greer. “This song is setting me up to have a musical life even if Kansas ever decides to hang it up. But,” he says with a pause, “don't get me wrong- I have been blessed with Kansas, and I have made a really good living with them. I just needed Seventh Key as another creative outlet.” And progressive rock music fans everywhere are glad he did. Please visit: www.billygreer.com For more information about Seventh Key:

Comedian David L

One of my favorite people in the world is comedian David L. I wish the world could hear the true to life conversations we share. I mean they go deep. So deep the children's book Mike Mulligan's Steam Shovel looks at our faces and says, "Not gonna do it!" He's the most positive Radio person I've ever met. He's the one comedian that's been inside my studio more times than any boss on the planet. Stick around a little longer and we'll be talking about those bosses using secret code names.

Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell

I learned early. Radio isn't about the Rock Jock. Radio is about the listener making a connection to the Rock song. Coming through the 1980's in the center of an electronic infested British invasion. My career changed the moment the KOOK studio needle dropped on the front of this new band called Def Leppard. The phones lit up. Joe Elliot and company had become the only thing that kept AM radio alive in America. FM was hot and there was this new thing called MTV. My final moments at the legendary KOOK weren't because I was a great Jock. It's because Rock gave us Def Leppard. In 1996. In the center of Radio trying to reinvent itself with listeners demanding something other than Rod Stewart and Steve Winwood. Def Leppard took on the Alternative movement and the single most important connection fell instantly to the cutting room floor. Radio. The industry that needed Def Leppard to keep their waves flying successfully in the ratings. Had turned its back. Their first studio release since Mutt's direction was creatively a step outward away from the sound that earned them such high level acceptance. Tours that blazed beyond normal nightly hangouts. I've always believed it was Radio's fault for no supporting what made the industry stop in its tracks the night words scraped across the teletype in the newsroom, "Rick Allen had been tragically injured." That was the first time and only time since Curt Cobain that the station I've performed with physically gave into the listener. Before the internet. Top of the hour news was the only true way to keep listeners informed. But we learned something that night. We drew legions of listeners closer to us by stopping the performance to keep them abreast to the shocking stories being written about the band that had turned the industry back into a passion driven metal fan. Def Leppard, one of the greatest arena rock bands, are pleased to announce the release of a Deluxe Edition of their 1996 classic album Slang across multiple formats through their own Bludgeon Riffola on February 11th, 2014. The Slang reissue will be available in 3 formats: a CD Deluxe Edition and Digital Edition containing the original 11 album tracks re-mastered and original rare bonus tracks made up of demos, alternate versions and mixes with a series of new songs recorded during the time the band was creating Slang. Most of these additional bonus tracks have never been released. A special iTunes Digital Edition will have everything from the Digital Edition, plus a further set of additional bonus tracks. A Double Vinyl Deluxe Edition will also be available and will feature the original album, and its own set of exclusive songs. The band will release a special Slang Video Collection the same day (February 11th) exclusively on iTunes that will feature videos from singles “Slang,” “Work It Out,” and “All I’ve Ever Wanted.” Slang was first released in May 1996 and is considered the band’s most underrated album. At the time of its release, the music industry was at the height of the 90s grunge scene and Def Leppard with bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam were dominating the airwaves. Despite this musical shift, Slang charted on the Top Five UK Official Chart and the Top 15 in the US on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, plus the UK rock magazine Q named the project as one of the Top 10 Albums of the Year. As a testament to their music transcending through time, Slang was recognized for its musical departure from the band’s signature sound. The collection incorporated new sonic elements that gave the album a slightly darker introspective mood than their previous releases. As Phil Collen stated in an interview with Metal Hammer UK, “We’ve all got personal things that have happened during the recording of Slang, and we’ve just ploughed on and some of it has come out on the record.” With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards in the USA, Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick “Sav” Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums) — continue to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group’s spectacular live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry.

UFC's Sara Mc Mann

UFC Fighter Sara McMann, who was raised in nearby Marion, NC will be in Charlotte and available for both in-person and phone interviews for the majority of the day to discuss her upbringing in the area, and her upcoming bout with reigning champ, Ronda Rousey in UFC 170 on Saturday, February 22nd. With both of Sara and Ronda being undefeated, the crowd is expected to be sold out at this highly anticipated fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Sara began wrestling out of McDowell High School in Marion, and continued wrestling at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs where she earned her masters in mental health counseling. After college, she went on to earn a silver medal in wrestling at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens and has gone on to win many other medals for her skills in mixed martial arts. She currently fights out of Gaffney, South Carolina where her husband teaches wrestling at Limestone College.

Miranda Sings

She has turned the internet into the worlds largest stage. Proving there is art waiting to be born then explored. The passion to perform requires a stage and she isn't afraid to bring you along. Listen to the interview http://www.spreaker.com/user/arroe/miranda-sings

Comedian Dale Jones

The very second Dale walked into my studio I knew there'd be a connection. Writer's that carry their words with them get special backstage passes. It takes a giant set to keep your handwritten thoughts with you in public. Then to hear him talk about how those pages act as his map totally gets him an Oscar for Best in originality, impact and holy crap you are real! Dale Jones hits the Comedy Zone Charlotte this weekend February 14, 2014 find out more about Charlotte's Comedy Zone

Bad Company's Paul Rogers

Bad Company’s Founding Member Singer, Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist Records Versions Of Classic Songs At Memphis’ Royal Studios With Original Session Musicians November___, 2013 Santa Monica, CA: Paul Rodgers, longtime singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with Bad Company, has partnered with 429 Records and is gearing up for the release of “The Royal Sessions”—a lovingly crafted collection of classic R&B and soul songs re-imagined by the iconic rock singer recorded at Memphis’ Royal Studios, historic home of Willie Mitchell and Hi Records, with many of the musicians who played on the original tracks. Truly a lifetime in the making, Rodgers has come full circle with “The Royal Sessions” as he pays homage to the legendary hits he collected on 45s released on Stax/Volt, Goldwax and Hi Records—recordings by Otis Redding, Albert King and Ann Peebles which made such an indelible impression on the young Rodgers inspiring him to pursue a career as a singer. Produced by Perry Margouleff, “The Royal Sessions” is an extraordinary recording which captures the music in its pure form—live band and vocal takes as performed together at Royal Studios by Rodgers and an all-star roster of legendary musicians. The band is a dream lineup of those who played on the original hits dating back to the 60’s. The classic rhythm section includes Reverend Charles Hodges (Hammond B3), Michael Toles (guitar), LeRoy Hodges Jr. (bass), “Hubby” Archie Turner (Wurlitzer), Steve Potts and James Robertson Sr. (drums), The Royal Horns and the Royal Singers. “The Royal Sessions” will be released on 429 Records on February 4th. “The Royal Sessions” is a remarkable project that came together as Rodgers was working on a solo record and producer Margouleff had just discovered that Royal Studios was still up and running under the auspices of Willie “Pops” Mitchell’s son Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell. The opportunity to record in such a hallowed place with these hand picked musicians was a dream come true. The Memphis players forged an immediate bond with Rodgers when presented with his formidable talent and sincere love of the songs. Deeply felt, powerfully sung and expertly played, it features a cross-section of material hand-picked by Rodgers, songs of great historical significance and personal meaning. Says Rodgers: “I really felt I had to get deeper inside myself than I ever had in my life. The end result is that recording these songs left me recharged as a singer and also as a songwriter. My favorite part was the love we could feel in the room throughout all the sessions. We all spoke the same language.” Says Margouleff: “I wanted to make the most of this incredible opportunity so I recorded Paul and the band live in the studio. We captured the pure energy of their performance. Recording in an all analogue format the sonic quality is unparalleled and the listener can experience the music on a deeper level.” All of Rodgers’ and Margouleff’s proceeds from “The Royal Sessions” will be donated to the Stax Music Academy. Special showcase performances by Paul Rodgers with the musicians on “The Royal Sessions” will be announced. “The Royal Sessions” track listing: 1) I Thank You 2) Down Don’t Bother Me 3) I Can’t Stand The Rain 4) I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) 5) That’s How Strong My Love Is 6) Walk On By 7) Any Ole Way 8) It’s Growing 9) Born Under A Bad Sign 10) Dreams To Remember For more information, visit: www.429records.com

George Thorogood

Mastering the art of music begins with the desire to make a connection with a listener. To blend experience into a riff that's been mimicked more times than Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water. Guys and their guitars. It's a love affair of the heart. That requires a lot of guts to rip from the corners of a private place and give it away to the awaiting world. Unafraid but completely humble. Grateful and deeply dedicated. There's a place in music history where fans bend at the knees and become extremely weak. Knowing their guitar hero is but inches away from jumping on stage. His name is George Thorogood.

Author Erika Grey

I grew up fearing the art of growing up. Preacher's pushed into my head and heart every reason to be afraid of walking into an unknown future. The world would one day be at war. How did I know this? I'm from Montana. Home of the Minute Man Missile. Those fire rockets were in my my backyard pointed straight for the soul of Russia. Today more than ever...the world has returned to a very dangerous state of discussion. Or has it? One third of the Bible is prophetic. The Bible's last book, the Revelation, predicts the events leading to the end of the world. It provides the details for the Tribulation, which occurs during a seven year period of wars, plagues, earthquakes and calamites, which end in the battle of Armageddon. Part of the earth's judgments happen through a dictator who rises to power from a powerful world empire forecasted by the Prophets. Evangelical Christians customarily refer to this leader as The Antichrist. The Seat of The Antichrist: Bible Prophecy and The European Union identifies the European Union as the Final World Empire and explains what the Scriptures predict about the end times including the meaning behind the mysterious figurative language used by the Prophets. In addition, the reader discovers the relationship between the ancient prophetic writings, the European Union and today's current affairs. No book dealing with Bible Prophecy provides such in-depth analysis and extensive research as The Seat of the Antichrist: Bible Prophecy and The European Union, providing the reader with a gripping, riveting expose. get the book

Brenda Song from Fox's Dads

Tonight February 11th is the season finale of Dads on Fox. Seth MacFarlane's first prime time weekly sitcom starring real people has become one of this falls biggest success stories. Look at the cast! Seth Green, Giovanni Ribisi, Martin Mull and Brenda Song. BRENDA SONG (Veronica on DADS) Brenda Song began her career on cable series such as “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” “That’s so Raven” and “Phil of the Future.” She also starred in made-for-cable movies “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior,” “Stuck in the Suburbs,” “Get A Clue” and “The Ultimate Christmas Present.” She recently was seen in a recurring role on NEW GIRL. Additional television credits include “George Lopez,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “7th Heaven,” “One on One,” “The Nightmare Room,” “Judging Amy,” “Popular,” “Once and Again” and “100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd.” Song was featured in the Academy Award-nominated film “The Social Network,” starring Jesse Eisenberg, Rashida Jones and Justin Timberlake. She co-starred in the feature film “College Road Trip” with Raven Symone and Martin Lawrence. She also starred in the made-for-cable movie “Special Delivery,” with Lisa Edelstein, and the dance film “Boogie Town,” with Chris Stokes and Marques Houston. Song currently resides in Los Angeles. EPISODE INFORMATION: Tuesday, Feb. 11 DADS (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Enemies of Bill/Have a Heart…Attack!” – One-Hour Season Finale When Crawford (Martin Mull) gets too drunk and accidentally ruins the Whittemores’ couch, Camila (Vanessa Lachey) insists that they all quit drinking so much. Meanwhile, Edna (Tonita Castro) accuses David (Peter Riegert) of stealing spare change from her stash and enlists Eli to catch him in the act. Then, Eli ignores David’s constant complaining and one of them ends up in the hospital for it. Also, Crawford moves out, and Warner has a surprising reaction.

Frank Caliendo

Is there anybody more funnier? The first time I bumped into Frank in the studio was nearly ten years ago while creating with Pam Stone. He walked in. Dropped some Al Pacino lines that made fun of Pam's studio producer Pip and swoosh he was taken away from my microphone. And yet...inside those short few blurbs of words he made such an impact that I can nearly act out everything thing that took place over and over and still laugh out loud. Getting him back in the studio was just as much fun. Except he hit me with a hockey slap shot. Frank walks in and...

5th Beatle Vince Calandra

Vince Calandra had never even held a guitar before. But, even back in February of 1964, he had a pretty good sense that he shouldn’t drop this one. Calandra, a self-described “street kid from Brooklyn,” had worked his way up on “The Ed Sullivan Show” from mail boy, to cue card holder for guest stars like Buddy Holly, to stage producer. A coincidence of clothing led to his brief brush with fame that day, though. The Beatles arrived at the studio on Saturday for rehearsal the day before their big American debut on Feb. 9, but George Harrison was laid up at the Plaza Hotel with strep throat. The band’s road manager, Neil Aspinall, was standing in for rehearsal. Before it got started, manager Brian Epstein rushed over to send him back to the hotel to deal with crises. Harrison’s sister, Louise, who’d been taking care of him, couldn’t get past security back into the hotel (“You and about 1,000 other women have come here and told us they’re George Harrison’s sister,” Calandra recalls them saying); plus, the band was in danger of being booted out of the Plaza due the mob scene of teenagers forming outside. Calandra, in matching dark suit and tie, was the next closest thing to a Beatle nearby. It wasn’t his normal duds, but he had dressed up for theater plans that night. They put a moptop wig on his head, gave him Harrison’s guitar and told him to stand near Paul McCartney. For three songs, he was an honorary Beatle. Calandra, now 79 and living in Los Angeles, felt welcomed into the fold right away. “There was just something about them when you started meeting them,” he tells The Post. “You really wanted them to succeed. They were unpretentious, they knew they were talented . . . . Paul said, ‘My whole life, we always dreamed about doing this show.’ ” The significance of the show had been dawning on Calandra, then 29, throughout the week — especially when he heard the Plaza Hotel had banned Beatles wigs in the lobby due to rabid fans. He was terrified he would screw up. “I just stood there like a statue,” he says. “I didn’t move, I didn’t hit the strings, I didn’t open my mouth.” Modal Trigger The Beatles performing on the “Ed Sullivan Show.” Photo: WireImage The Beatles were the only act he can remember in 14 years on the “Ed Sullivan” that asked to go into the control room and hear the playback for themselves. Even when they put a wig on Sullivan’s head, they still acted like professionals. “It wasn’t like, ‘Yak yak yak, look at this guy,’ ” he says. “It was like, ‘OK the gag’s over, lets get down to business.’ ” Calandra went on to a long, successful career in television producing. But he still thinks about how nervous he was, not wanting to let the band down while holding the guitar that day. “They had like a purity about them,” he says. And the guitar he held? “Fifty years later,” he says, “how much you think that thing was worth?” Vince Calandra is appearing with other panelists at “It was 50 Years Ago Today: Celebrating 50 Years of The Beatles in the USA” at the 92nd Street Y on Thursday. Details and tickets ($29) at 92y.org.

Actor Eric Estrada

Erik Estrada, who everyone remembers as Officer Frank Poncherello on the TV show CHiPs, stars in Finding Faith, a Dove-approved cautionary tale of teen abduction inspired by actual events. It was released on DVD February 4th, 2014. The ripped-from-the-headlines story inspired by a compilation of actual events that Sheriff Mike Brown has investigated through his Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Made to inform parents, educators and concerned citizens on how children are being targeted, this powerful, cautionary tale should be mandatory viewing for every family. The Garrett family leads a picture-perfect small town life. They are financially secure, their two children excel academically, socially and spiritually and they spread a contagious kindness throughout their community. But when 14-year-old Faith Garrett is abducted, their strength is put to the test as they struggle to find their missing daughter. "Need your faith increased? Watch this movie and it just might happen" -- The Dove Foundation "Finding Faith is a must-see film for every family in the country" -- Donald J. Brackman, Director, National White Collar Crime Center ABOUT ERIK ESTRADA: In 2000, Estrada was named the international "Face" of D.A.R.E. which is a campaign against drugs. He also speaks out for the American Heart Association, The United Way, and the C.H.P. 11-99 Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides benefits and Scholarships to California Highway Patrol family members as well as funeral expenses for fallen officers. Estrada's experience in CHiPs led him to become a reserve officer for the Muncie Police Department in Indiana. Estrada became spokesperson for the C.H.P.'s "car seat inspection and installation" program. He has made numerous appearances supporting automobile child-seat safety checks across the country. In the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade, Estrada played Nicky Cruz, alongside Pat Boone, who played the role of David Wilkerson. In 1974, Estrada took part in the disaster film, Airport 1975, where he played a role as the flight engineer on a Boeing 747. His character was killed in a midair collision. Two years later, he was a player in the military historical epic Midway, as a fictional airman Ens. "Chili Bean" Ramos. Starting in 1977, Estrada co-starred as Frank "Ponch" Poncharello in the TV series CHiPs. In 1978, he began training in martial artswith SeishinDo Kenpo instructor Frank Argelander (aka Frank Landers), to prepare for a two-part episode of the series. The two of them appear on the cover of Fighting Stars Magazine that same year, discussing Estrada's training regime. On August 6, 1979, Estrada was seriously injured while filming a scene on the set of CHiPs, fracturing several ribs and breaking both wrists after he was thrown from his motorcycle. Later in 1979, Estrada was voted one of "The 10 Sexiest Bachelors in the World" by People magazine and was featured on the cover of the November issue. In the 1980s, Estrada made a return to series television in a 1987 three-part episode of the police drama Hunter. In the 1990s, Estrada played the role of Johnny, a Tijuana trucker, in the Televisa telenovela Dos mujeres, un camino ("Two women, one road"). Originally slated for 100 episodes, the show went to 400-plus episodes and became the biggest telenovela in Latin American history.>P> In 1994, Estrada began co-hosting the syndicated outdoor adventure show American Adventurer which ran until 2004. He has also been seen on a few episodes of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch as himself, seen in a daydream cloud in Hilda's mind and driving a car as Hilda zapped herself in his car. In 1997, Estrada wrote his autobiography, Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood. In 1998, he returned as the character Francis "Ponch" Poncherello in the TNT made-for-TV movie CHiPs '99, along with the rest of the original cast.

Heartbreaker Benmont Tench

Blue Note Records will release the debut solo album from Benmont Tench, You Should Be So Lucky, on February 18, 2014. Produced by legendary producer Glyn Johns, the album was recorded to tape at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and features Tench handling lead vocals, piano and organs, joined by a team of collaborators including a core band of Don Was, Ethan Johns, Blake Mills and Jeremy Stacey and contributions by Ryan Adams, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Joel Jerome, Tom Petty and Ringo Starr. You Should Be So Lucky is a dynamic and distinguished album of songs written almost entirely by Tench over the course of his thirty-seven year career not only as keyboardist and founding member of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, but as a first call musician for artists from Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan to The Rolling Stones and Elvis Costello; from the Jayhawks and Ryan Adams to Fiona Apple and John Prine. The only non-originals are covers of the traditional “Corrina, Corrina” and the Bob Dylan track “Duquesne Whistle” from 2012’s Tempest. Tench had always intended on making his own album, but the project gained momentum when Glyn Johns encouraged him to begin recording. Says Tench about Johns: "Glyn is one of the greatest producers & engineers in the story of rock & roll. Hell, he was present at the creation. He has excellent taste, and he brooks no nonsense. He tells you exactly what he thinks, and he backs it up. I love him to death." With Johns on board to produce, Tench was thrilled when many of the musicians he most admires, many of which also happen to be friends, jumped at the chance to participate in the sessions. Don Was, who besides playing on the album, signed the artist as the President of Blue Note Records, describes the artist thusly: “Benmont is the most enigmatic, mystical and delightful musician I know. He never plays the same notes twice yet the notes he plays are always perfect and loaded with soul. His artistry is utterly uncategorizable....musicians from all walks of life hold him in the highest esteem and love to play with him. His presence on a session or stage elevates everyone's performance to new heights.” Tench will celebrate the release of the album with two intimate shows at Largo in Los Angeles on February 20 and 21. You Should Be So Lucky track listing 1. Today I Took Your Picture Down (B. Tench) 2. Veronica Said (B. Tench) 3. Ecor Rouge (B. Tench) 4. Hannah (B. Tench) 5. Blonde Girl, Blue Dress (B. Tench) 6. You Should Be So Lucky (B. Tench) 7. Corrina, Corrina (traditional, arr. Dylan) 8. Dogwood (B. Tench/L.Carol) 9. Like The Sun (Michoacan) (B. Tench) 10. Wobbles (B. Tench) 11. Why Don't You Quit Leaving Me Alone (B. Tench) 12. Duquesne Whistle (B. Dylan/R.Hunter)

Tommy Shaw Of Styx

Who and what is Superman and Ironman when the world has been taken over by Juke Box Heroes? On May 31st... Styx, Foreigner and Don Felder from the Eagles invade Charlotte's PNC Music Pavilion with the Soundtrack of the Summer Tour. Fri 5/16 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre FOREIGNER Sat 5/17 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre FOREIGNER Sun 5/18 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion STYX Tue 5/20 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall FOREIGNER Thu 5/22 Estero, FL Germain Arena STYX Fri 5/23 St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre STYX Sat 5/24 Atlanta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre STYX Sun 5/25 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf FOREIGNER Thu 5/29 Tuscaloosa, AL Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre STYX Fri 5/30 Simpsonville, SC Charter Amphitheatre FOREIGNER Sat 5/31 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion FOREIGNER Sun 6/1 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach STYX Thu 6/5 Cincinnati, OH Horseshoe Casino STYX Fri 6/6 Chicago, IL First Merit Bank Pavilion STYX Sat 6/7 Maryland Hts., MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre STYX Sun 6/8 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre STYX Thu 6/19 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion FOREIGNER Fri 6/20 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live FOREIGNER Sat 6/21 Big Flats, NY Summer Stage FOREIGNER Mon 6/23 Verona, NY Turning Stone Casino STYX Fri 6/27 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Resort Casino STYX Sat 6/28 Wantagh, NY Nikon Jones Beach Theater FOREIGNER Fri 7/4 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion FOREIGNER Sat 7/5 Bangor, ME Darlings Waterfront STYX Sun 7/6 Gilford, NH Bank of NH Pavilion STYX Wed 7/9 Canandaigua, NY Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center FOREIGNER Thu 7/10 Detroit, MI Freedom Hill Amphitheater FOREIGNER Thu 7/17 Minneapolis, MN Target Center FOREIGNER Fri 7/18 Walker, MN Moondance Jam STYX Sat 7/19 Sloan, IA Winnavegas Casino STYX Tue 7/22 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre FOREIGNER Wed 7/23 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre STYX Fri 7/25 Las Vegas, NV Orleans Arena STYX Sat 7/26 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre FOREIGNER Sun 7/27 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl FOREIGNER