 Visit Jimi at popstar.com and win a Pop Romantico
poster signed by the artist. Hundreds of celebrities. Write a
fan letter to your favorite popstar. A recommended sight. Just
have fun... |
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Watch AC webshorts
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 LAS VEGAS Jimi takes a moment to snap a photo with Lassie's
mom, the beautiful June Lockhart at the tre grand Venetian Hotel
in Las Vegas - Ms. Lochart was staying and attending a function
at the posh hotel. Jimi a frequent guest of Las Vegas took in
a couple of shows, while trying his luck at the tables. Reporter Kant Gettalon
for iUpdate |
 TORONTO -
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. BU |
 TORONTO - TIFF, as
it is known in the industry, is perhaps the biggest schmooze
circus in a city that is as diverse as some of the films being
promoted. I took a ton of pix and my friend and co-worker Tony
Morrone captured many of the events on film. Look who's Out There
with Melissa DiMarco. Why, it's our own camera candy, Jimi Bertucci.
The two met up at Italian Cinema at the Toronto International
Film Festival. The gala was held on the Kajama Tall Ship at Toronto's
beautiful Harbourfront. Melissa, gearing up for her show, was
seen schmoozing with and interviewing some of the guests. She
is no stranger to the tube having appeared on many series as
well as movies including Duct Tape Forever, a comedy based on
the Red Green Show. Jimi was promoting his new sitcom All
About Me currently shooting in Toronto, which also stars
Marisa Lang, Keith Sutherland and Nick Mancuso. BU |
 TORONTO
- SOCAN (Society of Composers,
Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) symposium for Film &
Television. Richard Crouse, host of TV's "Reel to Reel",
author of numerous books on pop culture history and film critic
for CTV's Canada AM. Jimi and Richard hooked up for this pic
after a panel discussion which Richard hosted. The two compared
notes on big Italian family dinners, Richard's fiancé
happens to be Italian. And of course talked about Jimi's upcoming
reality sitcom "All About Me" produced by his production
company, WOW2210 Productions and in which he also stars. BU |
 FERGUS - Hey gang rev up your engines it's that famous
radio mouth giving you thumbs up on a great concert coming up
with Abraham's Children. Yes let me introduce to you Ray Michael
of Chalk Hamilton doing a live feed from the show. The Children
gave an interview and an hour set of hits and some super pop
songs. The RemFest as it is called, attracts thousands of hot
rod enthuisist and just plain classic beauties. The day was very
hot and The Children were even hotter. Pictured are Will, Jimi
and Rockin Ray. (Photo by
M.Lang) |
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 Vaughan, Ontario - THE SILENCE THAT ROARED
- He was a military man,
a father, a husband and an individual that reached out and captured
his dream. The tall trees became taller each day as Salvatore
would wipe his brow and stare up at the blue sky. The local mill
was an opportunity for this handsome young man, just out of the
service, to work and envision a new world and life adventure
for himself and his loved ones. The plans were set to make the
big move. He and his small family would embark on a journey that
would be etched in the minds of all future members of his clan.
Like so many of that time he landed at the infamous Pier21, which
has since become of historical importance in the development
of a country that welcomed its new people. Canada was on a power
move. Industry, growth and opportunity were enticng enough to
anyone that could see the potential prosperity. Salvatore grabbed
the bull by the horns. He settled in the downtown area of Toronto
which would soon be known as "Little Italy." He took
what little money he had and bought an old 3-story home on Grace
Street. This would mark the beginnings of social acclimation
and change for his family. He enrolled his son, Jimi and his
daughter, Mary, in the local public school. Salvatore wanted
his kids to have what he had been unable to have, an education.
He was proud that his dream had been achieved with all his children,
with the exception of Jimi, and we all know that story. He enjoyed his leisure
time by sipping espressos and chatting with friends at the Diplomatico
Cafe. His awareness of fashion was as notable as his trademark
pencil-thin moustache. Although reluctant to sign Jimi out of
school at an early age to pursue music, he realized the importance
of passion by surprising a young Jimi with a Hofner Beatle Bass.
He encouraged all his kids to reach high and to use common sense.
Salvatore set out to build a strong foundation of beliefs and
integrity within his family. He accomplished that and so much
more. His marriage and devotion of 65 years to his lovely wife
Alfonsina could be written as a romantic fairy tale, how the
boy from the bario swept the uptown princess off her feet. He
will be missed only to be remembered forever. |
 North York -
AC ROCK
AND SPARK CENTRE FOR A GREAT CAUSE BU
- The George Weston Recital hall is just that, a recital hall.
When I walked into this incredibly designed structure per l'arte
de l'arte at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, I was quickly reminded
of my days in Europe sprinting from one acoustically perfect
theatre to another. There is almost a spiritual aura when you're
standing in rooms still emanating the essence of music that has
the ability to reach out and touch the inner soul. I was early...(more) |
 TORONTO - 43RD CHIN PICNIC
PRESS A HIT
Upon entering
the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) we passed
the Bandshell. A wave of nostalgia passed through me. The memories
of victorious melodies and white-noise teenage curiosity were
as vivid now as they were nearly 35 years ago. We pulled up to
the main doors of the Liberty Grand and were greeted by a welcoming
committee with clipboards and sharpees. OMG, between the tight
swimsuits and the delicatessen runway of tempting eats, my eyes
bulged in every direction. The annual CHIN press party was an
event in itself. Lenny Lombardi you have huzpah. Ok enough patting
on the metaphorical backs. As I strolled the flagstaff floors
of the Grand garden sipping on an Aquafina orange something or
other, I sighed in awe of the wonderful stone monuments that
lined the walls of this old building. This suave affair in the
middle of a workday afternoon was definitely worth playing hooky
for. The speeches were made, the wine runneth over like waterfalls
of joy for some and the flame was lit for the 43rd annual CHIN
Picnic. This cultural carnival of ethnic groups is a gathering
of celebration bringing language, tradition and color to a city
that represents unity. Johnny Lombardi was visionary as well
as bright. The CHIN picnic is more than entertainment, food and
sun... it is appreciation for each other as people. BU Photo
By George Onuska |
 Brampton, Ont. - I was somewhat out of the Burgess loop. His voice
resonated Broadway or stage with a mature and seasoned delivery.
Serenading our senses with familiar songs and melodies, the focused
crowd appreciated his rendition of You Raise Me Up, a song recently
made popular by Josh Groban. The organizers of the 100th anniversary
of the O.P.P. had brought in heavyweight Michael Burgess. Burgess
is an icon. How do I know that? Because I googled him. The more
I read about this talented man, the more I discovered that his
story has been adopted by many other artists who share a passion
for their craft that is grander than life itself. Michael has
done it all, theatre, film, TV and on occasion has even found
himself in an ice arena. Mr. Burgess continues to penetrate inquisitive
newbie ears, like my own. BU Photo by George Onuska |
 HOLLYWOOD - CANADA D' EH There's something magical, without
getting too ethereal, when a group of people can get together
for a common goal and enjoy the spirits of a traditional patriotic
celebration. The host was funny and charming, innocently jabbing
his American cronies and praising the humbleness of Canada. I
think. Dave Foley, the unassuming actor that has been on a few
television series including Kids In The Hall and Talk Radio,
was comfortable and proud as he displayed his loyalty of the
Great White North to several hundred transplanted Canucks in
the audience. There were cameras there to interview the celebrities,
and I guess many of them were... only I was unfamiliar with any
of the dozen camera huggers. Our Bondi Junction man Peter Foldy
was there smiling and sending nods across the room to old buddies
that marathoned on the free Labatts Beer. The red carpet which
was inside only to be overwhelmed by an over-lit Canadian flag
made the point. It was an interesting event. The Troubadour is
a Hollywood landmark. The list of artists that have performed
there is endless....... John Rowlands, photographer to the rock
of all ages, was clicking like a lens junkie waiting for another
hit of windex. My eyes feasted on a smooth stomach and a bellybutton
you would introduce yourself to, only to find out later it belonged
to Kelly Slatterey, a sultry young woman from Ontario now living
in California strutting the stage, holding her hair back and
throwing her vibrating hips in our faces. If sex appeal could
help sell more cds in pop these days Kelly was definitely sharpening
her tool. Nice tummy. The evening provided some music with Tal
Bachman, the son of legendary musician Randy Bachman. His solo
performance at times was overpowered by the the noise of the
over-zealous crowd but there were many that gave him some dedicated
attention when he played his hit " She's So High".
My surprise of the night was the group Soul Decision. I'm not
sure from where these talented young men hail, but their commercial
r&b pop roots were a welcome to the room. Excuse me.... I
spot Jimi Bertucci on the red carpet eating up the camera. He's
talking about the upcoming tour with his band Abraham's Children
that starts in September and focuses mainly in the Ontario area.
Toronto, Burlington, Kitchener, Huntsville and others will be
included on the tour known as Written In Stone AC2005. Have a
good one Jimi.The hip-hugging crowd began to groove more as the
evening progressed .......it's funny, I could never decide if
I liked going to these ladeedaddi affairs. I suppose the perpetual
smiling and toe-tapping to the music wasn't all bad, free imported
beer, ok you're right, you would have loved to have been there...So
in conclusion, I say....when a room is filled with uplifting
kaos does it really matter what we choose to celebrate or where.....Yes
Marisa, there are many Canadians in L.A. cheers... BU (Photo
by John R. Rowlands) |
 TORONTO - So I'm strolling along
the Queen's Quay on a cold gray day. The needle on my iPod painfully
needs a break while the few brave Seagulls scavenge a trash can
that was probably filled by winter touristos. My ears perk when
this unfamiliar voice, almost with husky Springteenish overtones,
invades the stereophonic separation of my head. I ask myself
in confusion, "Did I download this?". I stop to gawk
at the frozen ships docked in remnants of ice in the cold waters
of Lake Ontario, still listening to the head invader. This storyteller
has captured my attention with his musica di mondo. Kevin Kelly
is a product of Hollywood, which in itself struggles to achieve
any kind of real or honest potential of survival in an industry
unsure of its future. His songs come from the heart, not that
that is a pre-requisite for artistic recognition, but rather
it's a breath of unsmogged LA breeze, if this is even possible.
Kelly's latest release, Lost In The Cracks Of The Modern World,
features some fine players including Canadian pop star, Jimi
Bertucci, on bass comfortably adding his flair to The Great Hollywood
Ending, a piece that is fitting considering Kelly's roots in
the acting world. Lost In The Cracks won't sell platinum or even
gold for that matter, but songs like Look For You, Get Out Of
My Temple, and the mystical New Orleans may one day find their
way to the ears of social pretense and awaken the desperation
in the weakness of their existence. BU - visit http://www.thekevinkellyshow.com |
 SHERMAN OAKS - Hold that
in......Audio genius and Jimi B's sound engineer Rich Kluth,
of System 2000, having a few laughs and more with our Guess Who....you
know it, Burton Cummings. The surprise party that was thrown
for the canuck star by wife Cheryl had a sixties theme, called
Burtonstock. Every room in the house was decorated with touches
of psychedelic flavors. The "by invitation only" gathering
was a treat for about 50 of his friends. Guests included Knack
drummer the late Bruce Gary and pop artist Jimi Bertucci, who
performed a duet of the classic "Whiter Shade of Pale"
with Cummings. The evening was documented by videographer and
producer Gary Strobal (The Monkees) for future viewing. Gary's
gift to the Canadian super star was a video copy of Burton's
appearance on The Dating Game. As we all sat around oohing and
ahhing over the hit TV show , Burton watched in amazement. "
I don't think I've ever seen this," he commented. photo
by Jimi |
 TORONTO - 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 Photos courtesy of WOW2210productions
- The Boogie Man Scott Carpenter on 1050 CHUM. In 2009 CHUM radio mysteriously left
the airwaves never to be heard again. |
 The new song Wishing On
A Star live from Toronto Centre For The Arts. |
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New video now up. AC live @ the
Toronto Centre for the Arts. Wishing On A Star |
 RESEDA CA -
Yes it's the ageless Dick Clark. Back in the seventies Dick heard
of a young upcoming band named Abraham's Children. He had heard
one of the bands songs on the radio and inquired who and where
they were from. An executive from Buddah Records the bands label
in the USA sent Dick a copy of their hit song Thank You. He was
quick to put it on his show. The song went on his famous Rate
A Record. Bandstand would play two artists and the audience would
decide which one was better and would be a hit or miss...well
we would like to tell you that it won, but we're not sure. Ironically
when Jimi moved to Malibu, California Dick was his neighbor and
although the question did pop up he couldn't remember if it did
win....so for all the trivia buffs out there we put this task
on to you....Did Thank You win on American Bandstand Rate a Record?....WIN
A CD IF YOU CAN FIND OUT. BU |
 1050 CHUM radio personality the late Marc Chambers
goofing off with Marisa Lang manager and publicity agent for
Jimi Bertucci and Abraham's Children. The Hollywood on Queensway
is a very popular night spot in Toronto, Canada and features
some of the top recording artists in music today. Besides spinning
the hits at the club,Marc also played AC hits on his show on
CHUM radio almost daily. He said " Abraham's Children is
a great Canadian band ". It's been rumored that AC may be
doing a live concert this summer at the club. If you want to
find out more about the possible gig send Marisa
an email for an update. |
 JIMI RECEIVES CERTOSA
AWARD!!! Jimi was recently presented with the Certosa Award for
his exceptional contribution to the Arts by the Serra San Bruno
Association, an ssociation representing his home town in Italy.
The black-tie event saw 700 turn out to the lavish awards...
(read the complete story) |
 1050CHUM Jimi signs the celeb wall. Listen to the interview
with Gord James on CHUM radio. Chum prepares to celebrate fifty
years of putting music in the airwaves. Jimi has appeared on
Chum radio many times over the years and still enjoys the mystery
of radio interviews (
listen here ) |
 SAN DIEGO The
3 amigos. What would a great concert be without friends getting
together after the show to share a couple of drinks and some
old tales? Gordon Lightfoot's songs still stand the test of time,
as witnessed the other night at The Pechenga Casino. After almost
4 decades the man can still deliver these songs as if they were
fresh from the market. Long time friend and drummer Barry Keane
has known and worked with Jimi for..well, let's say a heck of
a long time. Jimi met up with Gord at the CHUM 50th anniversary
bash, at Nathan Phillip Square, where he performed and Jimi signed
many autographs for enthused fans. Photo by John Rowlands |
 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. Some 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. HH&B, starring Adam Carolla, was a favorite pick
at The Raindance Film Festival in London England. On the left
is Peter with Jimi celebrating Silver Man another Foldy film.
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. BU |
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