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 Troiano (con't) - What have we here mon ami?....why, it's our pop
rocker friend Jimi Bertucci and the rebel of soul David Clayton Thomas. The two caught up at the 2ND Annual Domenic Troiano
Tribute "We All Need Love". It was a who's who of musica
Canadiana moguls and entertainers. From the aging artists, ex-record
executives, engineers, roadies, radio personalities and some
others that just wanted to be there to honor one of the most
talented musicians ever to emerge from the great white north.
Held at the prestigious Palais Royale on Toronto's picturesque
lakefront, the night could not have been more perfect. The venue
has recently undergone an impressive face lift that even further
enhanced the classic deco look it was once known for. The big
moon reflected its almost full light off the calm dark lake.
The music echoed for miles in celebration and the memories of
a great artist danced on the glistening waters. The gala was
emceed by seventies radio personality John Donabie. Guests and
performers included Brenda Russell, John Finlay & The Checkmates,
Doug Riley, Bernie LaBarge, Wayne St. John, Howard Ayee, Sam
Consiglio, Shawne Jackson, Prakash John, Jay Jackson, Bob Seagarini,
Seb Agnello, George Semkiew, Tom Wilson, Roy Kenner, Mike Sloski
and many many others. We drank, sang to familiar songs and conversed
about our friend. We all had stories or accolades to spread around...speaking
of which, Jimi had a bone to pick with DCT. He walked up to David
and insisted that he apologize for his rude behavior when Jimi
was a mere 13 year old curious young boy. During that time, Jimi
could often be found at the top of the stairs of The Concord
Tavern where DCT and The Shays would rehearse. One day while
Jimi was soaking in the sounds ears afull, Mr. Clayton walked
up behind him, grabbed him by his shirt collar and told him "if
you don't leave I'm going to throw you down the f***in stairs".....wow
was that not so cool.... David pondered for a minute and said
"Jimi, I can't remember, I threw so many people down the
stairs". The celebratory festivities also included a silent
auction where one-of-a-kind signed photographs the likes of Sylvester
Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Justin Timberlake, etc. etc.
were up for bid. Proceeds benefited the Toronto East General
Hospital where Domenic was treated and eventually lost his battle
with prostate cancer in 2005. It was truly a magical setting
to honor a Canadian musical icon. June 2007 - Reporter Kant Gettalon
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 BANJOS AND GUTTER PUNKS - San Francisco - California: When
one decides to give back, as the saying goes, you often wonder
what are the motives behind these grand gestures. Warren Hellman
is a good soldier. For the past seven years this banjo loving
72-year old billionaire has provided the lost generation of tye-dye
afficianados weekends of colorful entertainment. It's a time
when the not so fortunate and curious seekers bask in Golden
Gate Park and pretend that life doesn't get any better. I personally
have never been a big fan of hillbilly picking corn eating music,
but by the day's end I was so impressed with the multitude of
talent that my appreciation level rose to unexpected heights.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 7 as it was billed, attracted a couple
of hundred thousand people over the blue-sky weekend. The eclectic
collection of music that was provided on five different stages
was enough to appeal to a spectrum of ear candy lovers. Of course
there were the many that just wanted to catch a peek of nostalgia,
but for the most part they were dedicated to the sounds that
filled the warm air. Hellman, our master investment banker, knows
a good thing. The city loves him for all the revenue and the
people appreciate the mogul that shares his wealth.....I arrived
on Sunday due to unarranged plans, that's another read. Ok ok
let's talk about the performers.....There was sound everywhere.
The stages pumped out music continuously for three days. The
list of artists reads like an hors d'oeuvres tray of some of
the finest pickers and crooners; Earl Scruggs, Del McCoury, Doc
Watson, T-Bone Burnett, Nick Lowe, yes I said Nick Lowe, John
Prine and Toronto's own, the Sadies. Now, I have to admit I missed
their performance but a friend of mine who happened to be there
all three days said the psychedelic foursome were awesome. And
what would an outdoor event like this be without a few Gutter
Punks. This is the latest export from San Francisco's concrete
dwellers. Their presence did not go unnoticed. I was approached
by what some would say was just a dirty faced Dickens character
and asked if I would like to take a photograph of some original
San Francisco Gutter Punks...how could I refuse. He held his
hand out and said, "it will cost you". I reached into
my pockets and all I could come up with were Canadian coins.
He said that would work. They posed in a proud manner for their
portrait. One of them asked where this would end up and I told
him the name of the website. He said, "I'll check it out".....Wait
a minute, this gutterman looked like he slept at the county dump
and smelled even worse...a computer? Who am I to question. One
of the main attractions for me was Emmylou Harris, looking quite
informal and sporting that signature hair. As a veteran performer
of HSB her set provided a little southern comfort that the crowd
drank up. Emmy has touched on everything from folk to country
and a bit of pop. She wooed her audience with familiar songs
and then some. When Earl Scruggs broke into the theme from The
Beverly Hillbillies that was it, my childhood flashed before
my eyes. I would recommend to all that next year you find your
way to SF and yes wear flowers in your hair, and enjoy this contribution
that Warren provides for us. Reporter Kant Gettalon for iUpdate.
Photos by Jimi Bertucci Read more about the concert at http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
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 This is Kant
Gettalon reporter and journalist for iUpdate and the jimib.com
and thechildrenrock.com sites. You may catch up with Kant at
most openings of new clubs, film festivals, car shows, fashion
shows and anywhere there are people breathing. He reports the
news and the schmooze as we like to call it here on the bubblegum
page. If you have a pic and a story send it to Kant and he will
review it and perhaps it will be bubblegum material.....or not. |
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HEAD
HEART & BALLS - This is Peter Foldy's
contribution to the memories of the the.... the sixties. Written
and the directed by Mr. Foldy, this is a nice small film filled
with familiar rants that teens were subjected to in that colorful
era. Lots of pot smoking and silly conversations of magnified
proportions. When the group of teens decide to travel to Woodstock
to see the concert event of a lifetime. their parents don't think
it's such a great idea....go figure. I really enjoyed this flick,
good writing and lots of relatetive humor. HH&B, starring
Adam Carolla, was a favorite pick at The Raindance Film Festival
in London England. Look for Head Heart & Balls or Why I Gave
Up Smoking Pot, featuring the song "Workin For The Man"
by Abraham's Children...good choice. Reporter Kant Gettalon for iUpdate
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Variations on Gould
Toronto - CBC Radio "I have an
extra ticket and you have to come!!!" My mind was racing
like a Guinea pig in an annoying spinner. Everything I ever thought
about the CBC would soon become clearer to me. We arrived at
the Glen Gould Studio, in the heart of Toronto . A fair portion
of this lustrous real-estate is dedicated to a man, a musician,
a genius, that played piano. I can hear them all in unison, PLAYED
PIANO. And while the kind folks of the great white north continue
to invest their tax dollars in support of the arts programs in
Canada , the CBC was looking pretty good. The reception for this
monumental celebration convinced me that class still finds its
way around town. Had it not been for that annoying buzzer that
begins way too soon like a last call for snooting....this would
have been a perfect cultural evening, well at least for me. I
forgot to mention that this Mardi gras was a ten-day affair.
I was thrust into the pits of fortune for but one of these tux
and running shoes eventful evenings. When Andre LaPlante hit
the stage, I can honestly say I did not have a clue who this
gentleman was....he appeared to look like a classical pianist
and I expected just that. Before I tell you how awesome this
artist was, let me explain the importance of this gala. Glen
is a Canadian icon, a local boy who became one of the great musicians
of the twentieth century. I would always hear his name, not in
an Elvis or Beatle way but more like in an I'm cool, I know who
he is way. He broke international musical grounds and continues
to deeply provoke the listening ear. During this festival of
back-patting, many performers paid tribute to this legend in
their own musical way. Mr. LaPlante, I later found out, was named
an Officer of the Order of Canada .....dah..I could list all
his achievements but that would only reveal that I read his bio
in the program. I want to write about what I heard from this
genius ivory tickler. I know I will probably sound so cliché,
he was a virtuoso boy, do I need piano lessons.....The less said
of this man the more. When the string quartet, which was made
up of Erika Raum (violin), Aisslinn Nosky (violin), Steven Dann
(viola), and David Hetherington (cello), joined Mr. La Plante
I was taken to a mystic place feeling the passion of each string
as it resonated through my head. How wonderful to be treated
to a natural high. If the CBC continues to display this kind
of adventure I will stop saying they are a foo foo organization.
Reporter Kant Gettalon for iUpdate
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Yucaipa CA - The Little Years, a play by award-winning Canadian
playwright John Mighton, is a great example of how the simplicities
of life can unwind in a natural calming perspective and find
their way into humble hearts. Crafton Hills College sits high
on the rolling terrain of Yucaipa , a small city about an hour
east of Hollywood . I’m always impressed with the performing
arts theatres of college campuses such as this one. The acoustics
were perfect and no matter where you sat the view of the stage
allowed a comfortable visual without straining. I wasn’t
sure how Mr. Mighton's background in mathematics gave him such
a profound insight into the emotional carousel of Little Years,
but as the play blossomed I made the connection. We watch a family
starting back in 1957 that portrays itself as hip and in tune,
where in actuality the dysfunctional parade of events that unfolds
leads its members to age without ever growing. It is Kate's (played
by Julianne Berry ) inner "ugly duckling" which provokes
the anger that does not allow anyone to enter her gloomy garden
and made up world. She is constantly tormented by her mother
Alice (played by Jennifer Bondurant) who believes that socializing
is the cure for all and her continuous comparison with Kate’s
brother William, a mystical poet, infringes on everyone’s
lives without ever making an appearance. As time goes on we begin
to feel for the entourage and see them as possible candidates
for psychiatric assistance or for just a good dose of human kindness.
Grace (played by Juliana Bertucci) is one of the few characters
that touch upon reality. On several occasions she tries to console
her sister-in-law Kate and reassures her that she has a good
heart. Grace struggles with the need for more than her successful
husband William can give her and explores the possible relationship
with an artist named Roger (played by John Juby). All in all,
John Mighton has found a way to calculate the human soul while
subtley unveiling the perception of his characters. Reporter Kant Gettalon for iUpdate
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juliana bertucci
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TORONTO, CANADA When a company celebrates 50 years
of existence it is a big deal. When Chum radio lights the 50
candles it's a humungos city celebration. One of the hottest
dj's to hit the airwaves, was a good looking young man with a
voice that said RADIO. Scott Carpenter returned to the helm as
comfortable as he was 30 years ago when he hosted The Scott Carpenter
Show. The Boogie Man as he was and is still known. displayed
the same enthusiasm on air today as if it were yesteryear. Chum
has been spinning hits and entertaining the metropolis since
we can remember. Jimi and his band Abraham's Children have a
lot to thank the monster of AM radio, they've been playing his
music since 1972. When Jimi received an email from Scott asking
if he would be his guest artist while in Toronto, Jimi was honored.
He remembers the Boogie Man and all the kind words he would always
say about AC. Jimi thought it would be fun to bring Nick Mancuso
along for some humorous tech decor. They arrived at the landmark
station and were greeted by Brad Jones program director.The studio
was buzzing and the air was so thick of nostalgia you'd swear
Elvis was hanging around. Jimi and Nick settled in their chairs
and the circus began. cheers...2007 iUpdate Reporter - Kant Gettalon
Photos courtesy of WOW2210productions. The
Boogie Man Scott Carpenter on 1050CHUM weeknights from 7:00 p.m.
request Ac and Jimi B songs
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Reza Moosavi - Guardians of Hope - Mr. Reza debuts his film
making talents... documenting the humanitarian efforts of Los
Angeles social workers as they struggle to aid and advocate for
L.A.'s homeless population. To check out the New York premiere
.www.scion.com/easy10/index.html
or visit www.rezamoosavi.com
There will be a Los Angeles premiere later on. Good luck Reza.
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 Toronto Little Italy - Film and Television star Nick Mancuso known
for his hit tv series Stingray and pop rocker Jimi Bertucci enjoying
a cappucino at the landmark cafe Ill Diplomatico in Toronto's
Little Italy. Jimi and Nick have been friends for some time.
Both were born in Calabria, Italy and arrived in Canada around
the same time. They recently hooked up in Los Angeles to discuss
their upcoming project that will see their native land as a cultural
film center. When we spoke to them in Beverly Hills, they told
us that plans were in the works to turn Serra San Bruno, Jimi's
birthplace, into a center where Europe and all countries could
meet and present their works in a film festival setting. Actors,
directors and producers such as Frank Mancuso, Francis Ford Coppolla,
Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Ben Gazzara, John
Travolta and other Italian decendants will guest the events with
hopes that their insight to the industry will deliver a postive
message and encourage young actors, filmmakers and directors
to explore a wide spectrum to making and marketing movies. WE HAVE AUDIOBOOKS read by Nick Mancuso
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 September 29th, 2007. Toronto. SOCAN (Society of
Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) symposium
for Film & Television. Richard Crouse, host of TV's "Reel
to Reel", (more)
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Oh No!! Not Poetry - If you thought poetry was boring, think again!
Moving, thought provoking, sensually erotic, are all words I
would use to describe this newly released selection of writings
by Jimi (aka Vincenzo) Bertucci. Already renowned as a well-respected
and gifted songwriter, Bertucci is adding to his list of artistic
writing credits by unveiling another dimension to his many talents.
To say that he dabbles in poetry writing would be an understatement,
rather he fearlessly plunges head first into those deep and sometimes
dark waters. Be the first to read these
delicious poems by Vincenzo Bertucci. ML
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 TORONTO,
CANADA The Police Busted - Two
members of the band The Police were busted outside a concert
hall in Hamilton, Ontario. The lead singer bass player and keyboardist
for the group were caught behind the venue they were to perform
in. While on a routine inspection of an alley outside the concert
hall, two officers turned their headlights on what appeared to
be, two characters sitting and smoking a cigarette. Upon investigation
the officers asked the two men to show them identification. The
one man said we are performimng here and our id are in the dressing
room. When the officer asked what group it was, they said The
Police. Everyone snickered and joked. The officers continued
to ask what they were smoking noticing that both men had something
in their hands. One officer asked them to hold out their hands
open. The two were booked for possession of marijuana. They were
given a citation and were told that they would get a court appearance
date in the mail. The two officers proceeded to take the roaches
and place them in an evidence envelope. ( This is not the end
of this story. Read how Jimi and Laurie were picked up by four
police officers during an appearence at the Picadilly
Tube while The Police from England played half a mile away
in another club. They were cuffed and spent the night in a Toronto
jail.
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 Phoenix Theatre Toronto - Jimi, Bob Abbott and famed bass player Prakash
John at the Long & McQuade 50th anniversary bash. Prakash
was born in Bombay, India, John immigrated to Toronto in 1960.
A late bloomer, he picked up his instrument for the first time
at the age of 19. He was quickly in demand as a bassist in Toronto,
and began his broader career with the Canadian band Bush. Bush,
the successor to Canadian band Mandala, was largely the brainchild
of Canadian guitarist Domenic Troiano. After Bush, John became
an influential player in the Los Angeles scene, playing with
Parliament/Funkadelic on the albums Chocolate City and America
Eats Its Young among others. He later appeared on influential
rock albums of the 1970s such as Lou Reed's Rock n Roll Animal
and Sally Can't Dance, and Alice Cooper's Welcome to My Nightmare,
The Alice Cooper Show, and Whiskey and Lace.
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 Live At The Famous Whisky A Go G0 in
Hollywood, California. Plus All American Boy and Shake, Filmed
in Toronto, Canada. Check out these rare videos of Jimi...from
the Music Store. The camera man kept asking Jimi not to move
so much. Filmed during the Flinstone years..
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store
is open
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On The Radiois a unique concept that we
thought would work well with song collectors and fans that know
what they want musically. (more) >>>>>>>
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Great photos from some of the worlds
best photographers check it
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TALK OF THE TOWN - CONFIDENTIAL BY LOLA - And since my editors threatened
to pull my Jimi B review if I mentioned his overwhelming physical
characteristics, I can tell you in my column that he is a prime
candidate for next years Sexy Awards. (groan) I'm not supposed
to print the fact that he is having a long distance affair with
a famous NYC model---you see it's all hush hush because her boyfriend
might get a trifle upset to hear about Jimi ( especially from
me ).
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