 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 |
 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 Saturday
night from 7:00 p.m. request AC and Jimi B.TORONTO, |
 HOLLYWOOD,
C A- 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 Canadians in
L.A. cheers... Kant Gettalon (Photo by John R. Rowlands) |
 TORONTO, CANADA - So I'm strolling along the Queens
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 are perked when
this unfamiliar voice almost with husky Springteenish overtones
invades the stereophonic separation of my head. Asking myself
in confusion, did I download this? I stop to gawk at the frozen
ships docked in remnants of ice and cold waters of Lake Ontario,
still listening to the head invader. This storyteller had captured
my attention with his musica di mondo. Kevin Kelly is a product
of Hollywood, which in itself is a struggle 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 a breath
of unsmogged LA breeze, if this is possible. Lost in The Cracks
Of The Modern World his latest release, features Canadian pop
star Jimi Bertucci on bass as he comfortably adds his flair to
The Great Hollywood Ending ,a piece that is fitting for Kevin
having some 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. Ingrid
Lusha for iUpdate |
 TORONTO CANADA - 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. Reporter Kant
Gettalon iUpdate |
 TORONTO, CANADA - Actor
Robert Davi and Marisa schmoozing at the Italian Film Festival
wrap party held at Toula’s on top of the Westin Harbour
Castle Hotel in Toronto . Mr. Davi’s film, The Dukes, which
he directed and also starred in, ended the festival’s 5-day
long run with a bang by getting rave reviews. A departure from
his familiar role as “the bad guy”, the "dramedy",
as he describes it, showed us all there is a lighter, more charming,
side to the man. The screening took place earlier that same evening
at the Bloor St. Cinema and marked the film’s Canadian premier.
Pepe Perduto |
 SHERMAN OAKS, CA 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 Strobel (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 |
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poetry no calories |
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 HOLLYWOOD, CA Gary Graham star of the Fox TV hit show Alien Nation
finds new hope in writing. Gary who has appeared with everyone
from Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, George C. Scott, Tony Danza and
a Hollywood list of who's who, has written a book entitled "Acting
and Other Flying Lessons." Now I'm not a big reader, prefer
the visual, but I couldn't put this book down. If I were to begin
an acting career this is the guide I would want. It's funny,
practical, educational and down right interesting. He uses a
different approach in outlining the complexities of the movie
world. His anecdotes are simple and to the point, in many ways
he makes acting sound like fun. Gary has appeared in almost every
TV series and recently was Vulcum Ambassador on Star Trek The
Enterprise with Scott Backella. He continues to be in our face
on with reoccurring roles on Jag and reruns of Alien Nation on
the Sci-Fi channel. Back to the book...I love it. Anyone getting
into acting should really read this book. If you are interested
in a copy email us here
and I'll even get him to sign it for you. Yes we have pull he's
Jimi B's brother in law. |
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 SAN DIEGO, CA 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's 50th anniversary bash, at Nathan Phillip Square, where
he performed and Jimi signed many autographs for enthused fans.
Photo by John Rowlands |
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 YUCIAPA 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 |
InterNetViews
presents up and close with radio icon
Dave Marsden. Uncut and unedited. Hear about the evolution of
FM radio. His life on the air. The changing airwaves and the
future of radio. " David tell us about your days on TV and
how you got there." Coming soon on The
Ethnic Network. |
 MY DINNER WITH LIBERACE (cont'd from about)
my guests that will be joining me for dinner this evening."
The group advanced towards us with Lee in front asking, "Is
everything all right?" "Oh, everything is just fine
Mr. Liberace, perfectly in order, sir…". But our table
wasn't ready yet and the host began getting more nervous in the
presence of such a sparkly icon. I could have sworn his toupee
was going to fall off, at least it appeared to be a rug. Everyone
stopped eating to stare as we passed, caught in a moment of awe
and breathlessness. We commented on the exquisite interior and
colorful décor as each of us were seated. We proceeded
to order from their incredible wine selection, bottles of both
red and white. The elaborate menu, featuring a variety of delectable
choices, made it difficult to decide. We started talking, particularly
about entertainment, fashion and my vagabond appearance. Lee
then asked, "When are you coming out West?" Little
did I know then that only a few years later I would end up in
Hollywood, striving to reinvent myself and my craft. The seven-course
meal was expensive and extravagant. Thank God for my American
Express Card. We stayed until closing time, swapping stories
and discussing the details of life among eccentric tastes. As
we vacated the restaurant, the maitre'd waved flamboyantly and
bid us farewell. On my way out the door he stopped me to apologize
for his blatant ignorance. "Maybe you'll think twice before
judging a musician by his instrument next time," I said,
with a serious sense of satire. OKAY, LET'S GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING |
 Jimi and Alvaro D'Antonio
pause for a quick pic at Toula Restaurant in downtown Toronto
at the closing of the Italian Film Festival. Alvaro starred in
the indie hit movie Looking For Angelina directed by Sergio Navaretta.The
film will be premiering in Los Angeles this October. By the way
Alvaro....for the record Jimi is not gay. Pepe Perduto (iUpdate) |
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MANNA WAS THE HOUSE BAND
IN YORKVILLE AT A PLACE CALLED THE EL PATIO READ ABOUT IT CLICK
MANNA YORKVILLE DAYS
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Whether you are producing
a multi-million dollar commercial or a small budget film, James Bert
Publishing can
provide a catalog of songs and music that can compliment the
end results.Since 1973 we have been providing hit-making music.
Drop us an email and let us be part of your next
winning project. Or call us in Toronto 416 400-0283, in Hollywood
909 450 7802. |
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 " I will never forget the
tragic morning of August 24th. I can still feel the anguish and
unsettling in my stomach with just the mention of..(get it now) |
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The Pop Rock Collection
a great
gift idea. 25 Cards and envelopes with a special message
inside |
You tap on her window
and knock on her door....(the lyrics)
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