Red Silk Carpet #91 January 2024

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On The Cover

Sophia

Milos

Kenney Myers Chris Sarandon Danny DeGennaro

Celebrity Writer Jules Lavallee

Katharina Gruber Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation

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R E D SILK CARPET VIP LIST January 2024

C O V E R STORY Sofia Milos DIOR Serbian Fashion Week Budapest Fashion Week Katharina Gruber Kenney Myers

James Robert Webb Alexia Melocchi Tata Gev Chris Sarandon’s Author, J.E. McCarthy

Dr. Zekeh S. Gbotokuma Shay Levister John Russell Wendy Stuart Kaplan Gerry & Franca Mulligan Danny DeGennaro

Kettie Munroe Dr. Zwack’s

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H o l lywood A c t res s S o f ia M i l os

By Jules Lavallee Best known for her role as Detective Yelina Salas in the international hit show CSI: Miami.

Sofia turned heads in The SOPRANOS, with her unforgettable role as Neapolitan Camorra boss Annalisa Zucca.

Sofia recurred on Robert Zemeckis’ 1960’ PROJECT BLUEBOOK, as the spy Daria and stars opposite Eric Roberts as detective Jennifer Stern in the film noir “Fake News” ( not released yet).

Sofia also recurred on the Dick Wolf’s NBC courtroom drama “Chicago Justice” as a district attorney, starred in the CBC drama The Border, as homeland security special agent Bianca La Garda and guest starred on Criminal Minds BB opposite Gary Sinise. Not to forget her memorable recurring role on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM with Larry David, guest starred as Matthew Perry’s girlfriend Aurora on Friends, as well as Coco on ER to mention a few of a long list.

Sofia is now part of a stellar cast on the new limited 80’s Brooklyn based series season 2 of GRAVESEND, as Tina Telva available on Amazon prime and is soon starting on a new film called Time Travel to Christ.

You came to America at the young age of 19 and landed in NY. What was your vision then and what is your vision now in regard to entertainment?

At 19, I didn’t know much about the industry, nor how much dedication, time, and commitment it would take. It has been 30 years so far and hopefully many more to come, as it’s been the greatest adventure of my life.

I was intrigued by the concept that I could create and bring a character

to life off of a written page and experience life from the point of view of someone else’s story.

Events that otherwise might or probably wouldn’t happen in my life, and I would never have those experiences good or bad. Through all these characters I played , I have been able to live many more experiences than my life alone could offer .

I often used to suffer for being so incredibly sensitive to my surroundings and so emphatic to people’s experiences. Moved to tears whether for the birth of their child, or their loss or moved by Beautiful Art or movies. Well, I still easily get moved. In fact, my mom calls me “La Madonna Delle Lacrime “which translates to the Madonna of the tears, But I have a better understanding now as I learned to use my innate empathy for me not against me. Instead of being overwhelmed by my emotions, I use my emotions for my work. I learned patience and to people watch, to appreciate the details and the Art of communication in itself through Art as well as in life.

I eventually learned, It takes a soft heart and a thick skin to be an actor. That’s why training with a great coach and a supportive group of your peers in a class was so essential.

An actor has to have a great deal of courage, vision, and confidence.

It's like a streetlight that stands tall, sturdy, and strong; yet open enough to let a powerful current of electricity come through and shine the light. It takes training in class, practice, and repetition on actual sets.

In my early 20’s, I was in search of my freedom as a woman and the discovery of myself in an ©Red Silk Carpet January 2024

independent new unit of time, unrelated to any hardships I had survived, or of my cultural upbringing across the ocean. - My incentive then, was the discovery of the true me in a faraway land where I thought dreams may come true.

While I wanted to be the star of my own life, I didn’t think much about being a movie or TV star to be honest. But, While I ended up staying in Los Angeles to study acting in a full immersion and fully committed 10 years at the Beverly Hills playhouse in Los Angeles, led by famed Director and acting coach Milton Katselas, I not only grew up as an actress, but also as a woman. In many ways it saved and formed my life and eventually.

I wanted to give back, inspire and entertain with it.

If an actor doesn’t have a strong purpose, it will be easy to eventually give up after many rejections, which is the hand most often dealt than not. You have to be a little crazy, a visionary and believe in your dreams.

I believe that’s why I succeeded over the many years being blessed and working on many TV series and movies with of course highs and lows, but always with a strong love, passion, and purpose in my heart.

I truly love creating as an Artist. I love what it did for me and what it does for others. Just imagine if during the pandemic we didn’t have movies, TV shows to watch or music to listen to? Insanity.

You have played powerful independent roles during your career.

Photographer Mark Gunther Gowns by Pol Atteu Couture ©Red January2024 2024 ©Red Silk Silk Carpet Carpet January

What is your philosophy in life and how does this translate into your craft?

My now historical role on THE SOPRANOS as mafia boss ANNALISA ZUCCA that went toe to toe with Tony Soprano in Naples, Italy, probably changed the direction of my career in what type of roles I was attracted to due to what type of message I wanted to put out there as a woman.

Not a victim of circumstance.

I often took on roles of strong intelligent women that worked in primarily male dominant fields.

Often with a gun in my pocket with the need to get my power back. Some of these are. in the TV series CSI Miami as homicide Detective Yelina Salas, who in later seasons became an undercover cop, opposite David Caruso, and a great cast.

As a Homeland security special agent Bianca Lagarda in the procedural drama THE BORDER, a Canadian show I shot for over two seasons and broadly seen in Europe and Canada on CBC and streaming now. I played A Hitman” on THIEVES, recurring opposite John Stamos for NBC. An Israeli cop in the action film THE ORDER, co-starring opposite Jean Claude Van Damme. Also, as badass Defense attorney Mary Willis in Dick Wolf’s CHICAGO JUSTICE, are some of the roles of a strong woman working as hard or more in a predominantly man’s world still.

Why men should be more privileged and paid more than women in the same field or job is beyond my comprehension or logic. Do we get to pay less rent than men would? No. Or do living expenses somehow cost less for us? No.

This concept of paying women less than men figuratively and financially is just so archaic, or simply put outdated. And time for change.

What projects are you working on?

As we just came out of an infamous strike Year, from May through November 2023, many projects were moved to this year, if they haven’t lost financing. I’m counting on this being a wonderful year.

We will resume with GRAVESEND season 3 created and helmed by William DeMeo, an 80s Brooklyn mafia tale in which I play Tina Telva. I worked in Season Two of this independent series along a fabulous cast which includes Chaz Palminteri, Vincent Pastore, Andrew Dice Clay, Armand Assante, William Forsyth, Mario Cantone, Martin Kove, Fran Dresher, and Gina Gershon did a couple of great episodes, and more. You can see this particular cast in GRAVESEND season 2 on Amazon, prime now.

I’m looking forward to shooting a wonderful feature later this year called “Time travel To Christ,” produced by Jean Guy Desperes and directed by Demetrius Navarro.

I’m also attached to Executive Produce, a limited series, still in its early stages, called ASTORIA, as the female lead along with its creator and co-star Theo Pagones. It’s about a Greek mafia family, their power, and struggles, plenty of family feuds.

A woman struggling against her brother in a primarily man’s world, between Astoria NY and Athens Greece.

What would people be surprised to know about you? ©Red Silk Carpet January 2024

That I was terribly shy growing up. And that it was a true need for survival that pushed me to find the courage to voice my strength through Art and end up performing in front of the camera of all things, entertaining, and inspiring others.

International Women’s Day is March 8th. What is your message to women?

For over two decades, I have chosen roles that represent women for who I think we are; Strong, intelligent, very capable Businesswomen who get the same education and opportunities as men yet navigate in a predominately men’s world thus far. To say we have been underestimated is an understatement.

For me ever since I left home in Italy and came to America, “the land of opportunity;” this has been my journey and my truth in spite of what my upbringing was or what I was being told. My confidence flourished with the certainty that women have been suppressed and oppressed for ages, by culture or religion, education, family or marriage as the weaker sex and minority.

When in truth, most women, if allowed, are much more courageous and committed than most men. Women are strong, resilient, equipped with greater empathy and sensibility for detail which is needed as much as a sturdy foundation offered by man culturally in an ideal world. We are equally important to the final product.

In the last few years, much focus has been put on making a better effort on gender equality, the Metoo movement, and sexual harassment cases in which power was truly abused. The narrative has started to change but has still ways to go.

Photographer Mark Gunther Gowns by Pol Atteu Couture ©Red January2024 2024 ©Red Silk Silk Carpet Carpet January

Photographer Mark Gunther Gowns by Pol Atteu Couture ©Red January2024 2024 ©Red Silk Silk Carpet Carpet January

‘THE OSCARS®’ SET TO AIR LIVE MARCH 10, FOR THE FIRST TIME BEGINNING AT 7:00 P.M. EDT/4:00 P.M. PDT ON ABC Pre-Show Festivities To Kick Off at 6:30 P.M. Original Episode of ‘Abbott Elementary’ To Follow Live Telecast

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, ABC announced that “The Oscars®” will air live coast to coast on SUNDAY, MARCH 10, in a new earlier timeslot (7:00-10:30 p.m.

EDT/4:00-7:30 p.m. PDT). A 30-minute pre-show will lead into the live show (6:307:00 p.m. EDT/3:30-4:00 p.m. PDT), and immediately following, ABC will air an original episode of the Emmy® Award-winning comedy series “Abbott Elementary.” The telecast will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime after the live presentation.

As previously announced, Emmy Award-winning late-night talk show host and producer Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the live show for the fourth time. Raj Kapoor will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Molly McNearney and Katy Mullan serving as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is set to direct the telecast.

The 96th Oscars will be held at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. ### ABOUT THE ACADEMY The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is home to a global membership of more than 10,500 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy recognizes and celebrates all aspects of the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®. With the world’s largest film museum and collection, the Academy preserves our cinematic history and presents honest and powerful programs about cinema’s past, present, and future. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY www.oscars.org www.facebook.com/TheAcademy www.youtube.com/Oscars www.twitter.com/TheAcademy www.instagram.com/TheAcademy www.tiktok.com/@Oscars TAGS: •PRESS RELEASE •NEWS •96TH OSCARS ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

96TH OSCARS® SHORTLISTS IN 10 AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced shortlists in 10 categories for the 96th Academy Awards®: Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound and Visual Effects.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature Film category for the 96th Academy Awards. One hundred sixty-seven films were eligible in the category.

Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “American Symphony” “Apolonia, Apolonia” “Beyond Utopia” “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” “Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy” “The Eternal Memory” “Four Daughters” “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” “In the Rearview” “Stamped from the Beginning” “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” “A Still Small Voice” “32 Sounds” “To Kill a Tiger” “20 Days in Mariupol”

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DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Short Film category for the 96th Academy Awards. One hundred fourteen films qualified in the category.

Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “The ABCs of Book Banning” “The Barber of Little Rock” “Bear” “Between Earth & Sky” “Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games” “Camp Courage” “Deciding Vote” “How We Get Free” “If Dreams Were Lightning: Rural Healthcare Crisis” “Island in Between” “The Last Repair Shop” “Last Song from Kabul” “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” “Oasis” “Wings of Dust” INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 96th Academy Awards. Films from 88 countries and regions were eligible in the category.

Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must have met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.

In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt in to participate and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are: Armenia, “Amerikatsi” Bhutan, “The Monk and the Gun” Denmark, “The Promised Land” Finland, “Fallen Leaves” France, “The Taste of Things” Germany, “The Teachers’ Lounge” Iceland, “Godland” Italy, “Io Capitano” Japan, “Perfect Days” Mexico, “Totem” Morocco, “The Mother of All Lies” Spain, “Society of the Snow” Tunisia, “Four Daughters” Ukraine, “20 Days in Mariupol” United Kingdom, “The Zone of Interest”

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MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Ten films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 96th Academy Awards. All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar® consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “Beau Is Afraid” “Ferrari” “Golda” “Killers of the Flower Moon” “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” “Maestro” “Napoleon” “Oppenheimer” “Poor Things” “Society of the Snow” MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE) Fifteen scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 96th Academy Awards. One hundred forty-eight scores were eligible in the category. Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The scores, listed in alphabetical order by film title, are: “American Fiction” “American Symphony” “Barbie” “The Boy and the Heron” “The Color Purple” “Elemental” “The Holdovers” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” “Killers of the Flower Moon” “Oppenheimer” “Poor Things” “Saltburn” “Society of the Snow” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” “The Zone of Interest” MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) Fifteen songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 96th Academy Awards. Ninety-four songs were eligible in the category. Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

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The original songs, along with the motion picture in which each song is featured, are listed below in alphabetical order by film title: “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony” “Dear Alien (Who Art In Heaven)” from “Asteroid City” “Dance The Night” from “Barbie” “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie” “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie” “Keep It Movin’” from “The Color Purple” “Superpower (I)” from “The Color Purple” “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot” “High Life” from “Flora and Son” “Meet In The Middle” from “Flora and Son” “Can’t Catch Me Now” from “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon” “Quiet Eyes” from “Past Lives” “Road To Freedom” from “Rustin” “Am I Dreaming” from “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” ANIMATED SHORT FILM Fifteen films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 96th Academy Awards. Ninety-three films qualified in the category. Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “Boom” “Eeva” “Humo (Smoke)” “I’m Hip” “A Kind of Testament” “Koerkorter (Dog Apartment)” “Letter to a Pig” “Ninety-Five Senses” “Once upon a Studio” “Our Uniform” “Pachyderme” “Pete” “27” “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” “Wild Summon”

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LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Fifteen films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 96th Academy Awards. One hundred eighty-seven films qualified in the category. For the first time, Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must have met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.

In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt in to participate and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “The After” “The Anne Frank Gift Shop” “An Avocado Pit” “Bienvenidos a Los Angeles” “Dead Cat” “Good Boy” “Invincible” “Invisible Border” “Knight of Fortune” “The One Note Man” “Red, White and Blue” “The Shepherd” “Strange Way of Life” “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” “Yellow” SOUND Ten films will advance in the Sound category for the 96th Academy Awards. All eligible members of the Sound Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. Academy members will be invited to view excerpts from each of the shortlisted films beginning Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the San Francisco Bay area, followed by London, Los Angeles and New York. Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “Barbie” “The Creator” “Ferrari” “The Killer” “Killers of the Flower Moon” “Maestro” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” “Napoleon” “Oppenheimer” “The Zone of Interest”

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VISUAL EFFECTS Ten films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 96th Academy Awards. The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist. All members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “The Creator” “Godzilla Minus One” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” “Napoleon” “Poor Things” “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” “Society of the Snow” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Nominations voting begins on Thursday, January 11, 2024, and concludes on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Nominations for the 96th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

The 96th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. ### ABOUT THE ACADEMY The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is home to a global membership of more than 10,500 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy recognizes and celebrates all aspects of the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®. With the world’s largest film museum and collection, the Academy preserves our cinematic history and presents honest and powerful programs about cinema’s past, present, and future. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY www.oscars.org www.facebook.com/TheAcademy www.youtube.com/Oscars www.twitter.com/TheAcademy www.instagram.com/TheAcademy www.tiktok.com/@Oscars TAGS: •PRESS RELEASE •NEWS •96TH OSCARS ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

K a thar ina G r u ber

Founder/CEO of Europeans Abroad: Looking for Meaningful Relationships?

By Jules Lavallee

Katharina Gruber

Founder/CEO of Europeans Abroad, spearheads a dynamic initiative that has swiftly evolved into a global community. Launched in January 2023, Europeans Abroad boasts over 10,000 members from 70+ countries, marking a significant milestone for this small, woman-owned business.

corporate America, where she worked for ten years as a Marketing Manager. Before moving to the US, Katharina worked as a Marketing & PR Assistant in Germany and Switzerland. Katharina holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in International Business from the University of Applied Science in Hamburg/Germany. She traveled internationally extensively for work.

Born and raised in Germany, Katharina embarked on her international journey in 2000, moving to the US with her German husband of 30 years.

This personal experience of living abroad fuels her understanding of the challenges and joys of forging connections in new territories.

How has traveling abroad fueled your understanding of the challenges and joys of forging connections and new territories?

,

A seasoned professional with over 20 years in marketing, Katharina is also the owner of Bare Bones Marketing LLC, a marketing agency Katharina founded in 2010 after leaving

From an early age, I was exposed to different countries.

I grew up in Germany, and my parents loved France. Each year, we went to France for vacation twice - once in the Spring for one week and then in the summer for 3-4 weeks camping. While on vacation, ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

going to the playground and communicating with French kids showed me early on that smiles are universal and hand gestures can help communicate. I always made friends despite not speaking their language. Then, in High School, we had several “Exchange Programs’ where we had kids from different countries visit us and spend three weeks with our families, then we would go to their families in their country. I spent time in various parts of France and England. Those exchange programs were a great way to learn to adapt to different cultures, eat their food as their mom cooked it, spend weeks in their school system, and manage to live without their parents and the safety of their hometown. My first kiss was from a French boy in Toulouse:-) Being open-minded, flexible, and easy-going helped me enjoy these weeks. I saw some of my friends struggle with different food, routines, and homesickness, which often was caused by their inability to adapt.

When I was 17, my thenboyfriend and I rode our motorcycle to Greece and spent three weeks there. It was an adventure! This was in the eighties, and Greece was pretty rural back then. We drove from Germany through the Swiss Alps to Genua, a port in Italy. Took the ferry and spent two days sleeping on the deck (it was the cheapest). We camped in campgrounds and explored Greece. It was awesome. We didn’t speak the language, nor could we read anything, but we managed to get by, meet wonderful people, eat great food, and make memories.

Travel continued to be a big part of my life, with vacations and work trips to many different countries. In my mid-twenties, I worked for an airline in Switzerland. In our department, we spoke three languages on a daily basis Swiss German, English, and French. My co-workers came from Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, England, and Spain. It was such a multicultural environment, and you simply had to have a multinational mindset. This job also enabled me to travel to Brazil and many different parts of Europe for business.

Every time you deal with other cultures and people from different countries and cultures, you have to be open-

minded and enjoy the experience. I feel it is such an enrichment, and those are all memories I would never want to miss.

Tell us about Europeans Abroad that has evolved into a global community.

Europeans Abroad is an international dating and connection platform for people who want to connect with other expats and global citizens. It is not only for singles looking to find a date and/or partner. Our vision is for Europeans Abroad to be a global platform where people from all walks of life can connect and find others to share experiences, make new friends, and build a community of like-minded people. Our members are people who either live abroad or live in their home country but share a passion for other cultures and travel and want to learn about other cultures and countries. But most importantly, anybody can join!

Our platform is more of a boutique-style environment than a mass organization. We know we are a niche and want to build it out in a way that preserves that vision.

“We created a truly international environment with an all-inclusive character.” Explain

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We wanted to create a community for people who embrace widening their horizons and who are drawn to things outside their box.

People who travel and are drawn to different countries and cultures are open to new things. In addition, it was very important for us to have a platform that welcomes people no matter their race, gender orientation, or their sexual preference. Everybody has the right to find happiness, and love is love period. Of course, it needs to be within the legal range, and we do not tolerate anything illegal or anything that hurts an individual or animal.

Because of this, our community guidelines (https://www.europeansabroad.com/pages/comm unity-guidelines)

are very strict when it comes to abusive language and behavior. We emphasize safety in various ways financially, physically, and mentally and try to educate and monitor our platform as much as possible to keep it a comfortable, clean, and safe environment for our members.

We have language monitoring in place where abusive words are blacked out, and we will do the same for pictures and videos as we grow.

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Also, users have the option to ‘block’ another user if they feel that person makes them uncomfortable or simply because they decide that this user is not for them. We also have tools in place where members can report abuse via anonymous messaging. That message comes directly to us, and we encourage our users to take advantage of it. Our email address is also visible, and we encourage users to reach out with any concerns.

Another thing that sets us apart from other platforms is that we do not sell our members' information to third parties. Many other platforms make additional money with that, but we choose not to do that.

Take us through the process and what sets you apart from other apps.

The user can sign up on our website www.europeansabroad.com

and also download the app from the app store (Apple App Store or Google Store).

No matter where he/she/they sign up, they can use the platform simultaneously across platforms. Some users

prefer the website, and others prefer the app - but again, they can use both.

Registration requires information such as name, email, country of origin, country of residence, current location, and relationship status with the option of ‘Doesn’t matter - I am looking for friends.’ It also asks for gender with the option of non-binary and the preferred gender they are looking for. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and we then require email verification to ensure they provide a valid email. Once verified, they can log in.

Once they have access to the platform, they can start browsing other profiles. We provide ‘Suggestions’ based on their given preferences, but they can also use our extensive search tool. With the search, they can select criteria they would like to see in potential matches. For example, dog lovers, vegans, people originally from Germany with certain hobbies, language skills, and much more. All of our features and the entire platform, for that matter, are designed and set up to cater to our international community.

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We also have the ‘Swiping Feature’ but with a slightly different function. Swipe right, and you add that profile to your ‘Favorites;’ swipe left, and the profile is for now eliminated (but can always be viewed again). If the user finds another profile interesting, he/she/they can send a ‘Flirt’ - our distinct icebreaker tool - a variation of little icons (with an international twist) a user can send to another user to show interest in a subtle and classy way. The recipient of the Flirt gets a notification and can react to it or not. A more direct approach is the ‘Connection Request.’ A user can send a ‘Connection Request’ to another user, who is then notified.

Such a ‘Connection Request’ can either be accepted or declined.

Once both users are connected, they can start messaging each other and also invite each other to a RendezVous. The messaging is within the platform and is, therefore, secure. The Rendez-Vous is a Video Call that is also within the platform and does not require additional payment. People can video chat for as long as they want.

An important factor with both the messaging and the video chat features is that users do not have to provide any personal information such as email, name, or phone number. This ensures their safety. We keep them safe until they don’t need us anymore.

What brings you the greatest joy as the founder?

When we developed and tested the platforms (website, Apple App, and Google App), I had moments when I was so tired and overwhelmed that I asked myself: ‘ Why am I doing this? I am 52 years

old, and I am developing a dating platform - are you crazy?’ Now, every day, I look at our sign-ups, and I see people from all parts of the globe from all walks of life signing up; I am so happy for each sign-up. I am so thankful for every person who is giving us a try, and that brings me the greatest joy.

Once we are more established, I would love to meet users who met on Europeans Abroad and are now in a relationship.

My greatest joy would be to pay for the wedding of a couple that met on Europeans Abroad. And I

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am sure it will happen one day!

Share your vision for 2024.

Of course, we want more sign-ups and active users. The more people we have on our platform, the bigger the pool for people to find their friend, adventure buddy, or soulmate.

We will work very hard to extend our reach so more people learn about Europeans Abroad and entice them to give us a try.

We also have a few improvements and changes we are working on and will launch in early 2024. We will continue to think of ways to make the platform better and implement them whenever possible.

The user can sign up on our website www.europeans-abroad.com Or download the app from the app store (Apple App Store or Google Store).

We would love to establish a few partnerships with influencers and organizations that can help us extend our reach. We already have a few we are in conversation with and hope in 2024, we can work with them. https://www.instagram.com/europeans_abroad/

https://twitter.com/european_abroad

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072081548902

https://www.linkedin.com/company/europeans-abroad

https://www.tiktok.com/@europeansabroad

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSpe56lyluRvSz5WeOqTSg ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

Actor and Serial Entrepreneur,

Kenney Myers Shares the Synerg y between Te c h n olog y a n d A c t in g

By Jules Lavallee

Photographer Kenney Myers

Since 2000, Kenney Myers has been involved in many successful technology startups including WhiteFence.com (acquired by AllConnect), CollegeDegrees.com (HigherEducation.com acquired

by Red Ventures), and online care sites like eNannySource.com. He is the owner of a book publishing company called Pen It Publications. Red Silk Carpet spoke to Kenney about how his entrepreneurial success led him to an acting career.

What led you to acting?

I got started in acting through MMA. I was an amateur fighter and also an avid fight fan. I was watching a fight promotion on TV (World Series of Fighting) and a special came on about a young actress who had leukemia.

I was moved by her story, so I put together a tribute video. I then spread that on social media asking friends and family to pray for her. This message got back to her, and her father reached out to me on Facebook to thank me. We started communicating and that led to a phone conversation where he noted that he knew I was a fighter. It turns out that he was a casting director and had a film coming up that needed a fighter for the final fight scene to take on the lead actor, Christian Kane. He asked me if I wanted to do it and I thought that sounded like fun. That was for the movie called Junkie. We shot that in Sacramento, and I totally caught the acting bug.

Since then, I have been in 43 productions including many holiday films. The most recent film I did was shot in Lake Placid this month (December 2023), it was called A Jar Full of

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January 2024

Christmas and I play the town pastor. Over the years, I have done lead roles, supporting roles, cameos, and even background work. It has been a journey to get to where we currently are right now. I have two Telly Awards.

One is for the movie Deck the Heart where I played the father of the lead actress, and the other one is for the film Magic in Mount Holly. I love working with Gemelli films and have done 14 projects with them so far. If readers are not familiar with them, I would highly recommend they check them out on Amazon, YouTube, PureFlix, and other places.

You are a serial entrepreneur who has improved lives through technology. Share your background and the synergy between technology and acting.

I have been an entrepreneur since I was a teenager, and it actually runs in our family. My grandfather once said it was better to run a peanut stand than to work for someone else.

He went on to own a couple of hotels and I just remember always being inspired by him.

My passion was technology so I started young by writing computer games and submitting them to every software company I could find.

Despite my desire to run my own business I joined the corporate world and quickly advanced to become an executive in a large familyowned business by the age of 25. That led me to inventing some EDI capabilities for delivering purchase orders from a large software system electronically saving companies thousands of dollars. That led to me presenting at a large conference in Los Angeles which resulted in tons of offers from technology companies to come to work for them. So, in 2000, we moved to Houston, and I joined my first technology startup.

My passion for technology companies is rooted in the good they provide to society.

The first startup was a platform that provided a one-stop shop to help people move to connect

and disconnect their utilities in one place.

The idea being we were taking something that people hate which was calling the phone, electric, gas, and other companies when they moved and making it easy. That was a company called WhiteFence.

After nine years there and helping thousands of people move, I transitioned to helping people find a quality education.

I was in a startup called CollegeDegrees.com which matched prospective college students with online and traditional universities. Those companies both eventually sold to Red Ventures with successful exits.

After that, I have continued creating and selling other technology companies. I would be happy to tell you more about each of them some day but let me jump back to answering the question.

yourself in their shoes and experience your business through their eyes. I constantly ask myself how I am making their lives better and trying to get their feedback to make sure I am on the right track. I am convinced that any idea someone has for technology can be built.

The question is why are you building it? With acting we are also required to put ourselves in the shoes of the characters we are portraying while also keeping the audience in mind.

We want to portray everything as realistically as we can to meet the overall objectives of the director and ultimately the writers.

It's also always the case that with startups and with acting you have to have very thick skin and be okay with criticism as well as rejection.

What do you look for in a role?

There are many similarities between acting and technology.

It might surprise people to learn that technology (software development) is as much art as it is science. There are multiple ways to do everything and all of what you do technically centers around your customers/users.

So, it is necessary to put

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January 2024

I look for roles that represent something that I can connect with and a story that I feel needs to be told. I also try to stay true to my moral and ethical values. It's important to me that whatever I participate in brings value to the viewers.

That doesn't mean that I don't play disturbing roles from time to time because that is the reality of our world. No matter what is happening in the script it's usually the case that the relationships and situations are relatable to many if not all of the people watching. I am currently looking for roles that are substantial and allow me to expand as an actor. That is consistent with everything I do.

I am constantly studying and striving to get better at all aspects of my life. As an actor, roles that challenge me give me an opportunity to grow as an actor and often as a person.

There is so much to learn if we are willing to fully participate and commit.

Recently, you played Pastor Tim Shavens in “A Jar Full

of Christmas,” a Candice Cain and Gemelli Films film.

How did this role expand your acting abilities?

me on future projects and even auditions.

Well, this role was pretty fantastic! Tim Shavens is a man of many skills being an attorney, a pastor, and more (I don't want to give away too much). With this role I got to demonstrate being a protector and I really loved that. It was great to be able to protect the lead as I would have my own child.

It was also a role that really fit who I am as a person and was another great example of the amazing writing and directing that Candice Cain brings to every production. She knows what each of us are capable of and how to really focus us to make the most out of every scene.

Every time I am on set, I take the opportunity to learn from everyone. I learnt from the crew, the cast, and literally everyone involved including the background actors. In this case I got a ton of excellent direction that I know will help

Photographer Adam Piorkowski

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January 2024

You have been in several Gemelli Films, you won a Telly Award for the film, Deck the Heart. Tell us about this film. What do you admire the most about Gemelli Films?

I have been very fortunate to work with Gemelli and specifically Candice. What I admire most about working with Gemelli is the fact that they always find a way to make a great production (whether it is a feature film or a TV series).

Also, nothing is ever going to stop Candice. She finds ways around difficult situations that most production companies just wouldn't push through. As an entrepreneur I appreciate the business side of creating films as much as anyone. It's incredibly hard and often thankless work. The team at Gemelli is hardworking, loyal, and a great team. At this point it feels like a tight-knit family and that is very intentional. If Candice has a role for me, I'm there for it. It's really been incredible, and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities I have been given to work with so many incredible actors and crew members. It's humbling and an honor to be working with them.

Do you have a favorite role?

My favorite role that I have done was for the television series, Welcome to Hope. I played Pastor Luke in that series, and I was able to have some really interesting on-screen interactions with actors that I think really resonate in real life.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one (a mother) and so many other issues.

I would encourage everyone to check out season 1, season 2,

and the holiday film we did

around that series.

Pastor Tim Shavens is right up there as well. Candice has given me some great lines over the years and the ones in A Jar Full of Christmas rank right up there with the very best. I love working with Candice because I know that she is going to challenge me to get better and that she is going to give me the opportunity to grow as an actor.

She is incredibly dedicated to her art and just very talented in all aspects of the business (writing, directing, producing, and acting as well).

novel in the Jon Bragg series (this is a modern Norse myth

book series). I am also looking forward to working with Candice on anything and everything possible. I would also love to work on some theater roles this year to expand into some local productions in Houston. Finally, I plan to do a lot more voice work from audio books to animated series. I love voicing characters. I will continue being opportunistic and looking for larger roles that will challenge me to grow as an actor and person in 2024.

IMDB: You own a book publishing company called Pen It Publications. Tell us more!

Pen It Publications is a small publishing house with about 1200 titles in our catalog. We feature a lot of great authors, many of which have written their first book. The main thing that makes our publishing company stand out is our commitment to continuously improving the quality of our books and the fact that we have our own book marketing platform, eBookFairs. We will continue trying to find ways to allow our authors to compete with the big publishing houses (which is not easy). Our books cover a wide range of genres from children's picture books to romance novels, we do it all.

https://www.imdb.me/ken

neymyers MEWE: https://mewe.com/i/kenn eymyers Official FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com

/kenneymyers

Photographer Adam Piorkowski

What projects do you have planned for 2024?

Currently for 2024 I have plans to work on releasing my third

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January 2024

Va le ntine ’s D a y is a r ound the cor ner, M e e t Ta t a G e v, F o u n d e r o f Luxur y Picnics in SoCal, Picnic Fa m LA , a n d T& T Eve n ts

By Jules Lavallee

Tata is an Armenian, with her roots in the beautiful country of Armenia.

Throughout her adult life, she developed a deep passion for organizing and coordinating events. Although her background was in law, and she spent many years working at one of the top law firms, her heart was always drawn to event planning.

Three years ago, she decided to settle in the United States after marrying her husband.

During their beach visits, they often saw stunning picnic setups that sparked her imagination. “The beauty and creativity of these arrangements greatly inspired me.”

“Eventually, I reached a turning point where I realized that dreaming about a career in events wasn't enough—I needed to take action. This was the start of my journey in the picnic business.”

Share your background and what led you to launch Picnic Fam LA? I worked in a production center in my hometown, specializing in law. This production center was closely connected with artists and singers.

I remember working 8-hour shifts and then attending various parties, events, music, or movie premieres, and shows almost every evening, as the production center received numerous invitations.

The next day, I would return to work on documents, which I found quite tedious. During my education, I realized that law might not be the right fit for my personality, but it was too late. However, I am happy to have a law background as it is helpful in life and in communicating with customers. Within the company, I assisted in organizing different events and private parties. I loved the process and the interaction with various people.

It was during this period that I realized my true calling. When I moved to LA, I started from scratch.

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January 2024

My English wasn't very good at the time, so I was unsure about what I could do. Being an independent woman, I found this challenging, but my American husband helped me improve my English.

One day, I reached a pivotal moment where I realized that simply dreaming about a career in events was not enough—I needed to take action. The first challenge was finding the perfect picnic tables and selecting a brand name that encapsulated my vision. This initial step was difficult, but it marked the beginning of my journey in the event planning industry.

I decided to create a small family business; hence the name "Picnic Fam LA." "Fam" represents family, and as we are based in Los Angeles, it perfectly embodies our values and location.

What makes Picnic Fam LA so special? Tell us about the broad spectrum of events you offer.

from Santa Barbara, San Diego, and even Catalina Island, although setups there can be a bit challenging.

For me, Picnic Fam LA is like a "newborn baby." I started my picnic business with just one picnic table and one umbrella, unsure of its future. My initial investment was $1,000, and I am very proud to see how much others love my brand.

Receiving compliments from our clients after a setup means the world to us. For us, it's not just about business, but also about human relations.

TikTok - Make Your Day

This is why many of our clients have become friends over time; one of them even invited me to their wedding in Mexico.

We offer a wide range of event services, including tea parties, birthdays, kid’s parties, anniversaries, proposals, showers, gender reveals, and more. We can set up at the beach, park, backyard, or other locations. It's very easy for our clients; they just need to choose a color theme, and we do the rest. They simply show up and enjoy themselves.

We often receive inquiries about whether we handle weddings, and the answer is yes. We have experience with beach weddings. In fact, I have decided to start a second project to explore interest in non-picnic style weddings and other events. This new venture is called T&T Events.

We serve Southern California, but we also receive requests

https://www.instagram.com /p/CugNIHivnU1/

Southern California is certainly the place to have a luxury picnic on the beach.

Valentine’s Day is coming up. How can you make this Valentine’s Day a day to remember for couples?

To tell you the truth, whether it's a date night, a proposal, or a Valentine's date, each request is incredibly unique because we want everyone to feel special and loved. We deeply appreciate details and go above and beyond to ensure our clients are happy and have a memorable day. This Valentine's Day, we already have a special setup planned for an NFL player. We recommend booking us 2-3 weeks in advance of the event date.

Can you share a few client experiences that moved you?

We once organized a proposal where she arrived blindfolded with friends. Upon removing the blindfold, she was greeted by her loved one with a ring in a "Marry Me" setup.

We also organized a wedding for a couple who decided to marry after 14 years together.

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January 2024

On another occasion, a client requested a Queen Charlotte (Bridgerton) themed tea party.

All guests dressed in Queen Charlotte-themed costumes.

This was an event where even we wanted to join in and experience the Queen Charlotte (Bridgerton) themed party atmosphere.

Your tea party birthday celebrations on the beach for beautiful princesses have been adored by so many.

Tell us what you enjoy the most about these events?

Our tea parties are one of our most popular events; we host them for both adults and kids .

We have tea sets in various colors. The tea party you saw was a birthday celebration for Sydney Morgan, an American actress, model, and makeup artist. She was celebrating her 21st birthday, and other influencers were also invited.

Everyone loved and enjoyed it.

How is Picnic Fam LA a perfect solution for busy moms and dads?

My team and I take care of everything, including setup and cleanup, and we bring all the necessary items, so our clients can just enjoy themselves. We have many clients who typically don't have the time for this, and we are here to help create a memorable day for them.

What are you looking forward to in the upcoming months? Are there celebs you would like to work with?

Oh yes, I have lots of ideas, but I would prefer to keep them under wraps until realization. I would love to create something for The Kardashians, Leila Milani etc... www.PicnicFamLA.com

Instagram @picnicfam TikTok @picnicfamla T&T Events Instead, and TikTok @luxe_events_company

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January 2024

D r. Zekeh S. Gbotokuma Wins Literary Global Book Awards in 2023 for OB AMANOMI C S AND F RANC I S C ONOMI CS in the Category of Social Change

By Jules Lavallee

DR. ZEKEH S. G B O T O K U M A is a globetrotter, polyglot (Ngbaka, Lingala, French, English, Italian, German, and some Spanish), Lexicographer, and a Congolese-American who refers to himself as a cosmocitizen. He earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from Gregorian University, a post-doctoral Diploma in International Studies from the Italian Society for International Organization, a BA in Theology from Pontifical Urban University, all in Rome, Italy. He also holds several Certificates (English as Foreign Language from St. Luke’s Priory, Wincanton, UK; Certificate in French from the Institut d'Etudes Françaises de Touraine, Tours, France; Certificate in Deutsch als Fremdsprache (German as Foreign Language), from Goethe Institute Boppard, Germany; and a Certificate in African Studies from Yale University. After twelve years of education and work in Europe, he is currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore, Maryland (USA),

and the founding President of Polyglots in Action for Diversity, Inc. (PAD).

He is the former Director of the Center for Global Studies at MSU. His “extraordinary commitment to global learning and international understanding” made him the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre, II International Award 2008. He is also one of Afrimpact Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People Awards 2017 and 2021 recipients as well as one of “the Key Figures in the African Intellectual Revolution” (QUORA). He has presented numerous papers at international fora from the Americas to Africa, Asia, and Europe. He is the author of numerous multilingual publications (written in English, French, Italian, and Lingala), including, among others, DEMOCRACY AND DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE USA (2020); A Polyglot Pocket Dictionary of Lingala, English, French, and Italian (2016); Global Safari: (2015); A Pan-African Encyclopedia (2003), and the three-time International Literary award-winning book,

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January 2024

OBAMANOMICS AND FRANCISCONOMICS: A Call for Poverty Alleviation, Fairness, and Welfare (Europe Books 2022).

These Awards are: LITERARY GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS 2023 (Social Change Category), issued by Literary Global; SPECIAL CRITICS PRIZE, or PREMIO DELLA CRITICA, in Italian, CATTOLICA INTERNATIONAL LITERARY AWARDS 2023 – a.k.a. “The Oscar of Italian Literature;”2 ND PLACE WIN AT MILANO INTERNATIONAL LITERARY AWARDS 2022.

Your extraordinary commitment to global learning and international understanding is extraordinary.

Share your background.

GREETINGS! BALE! MBOTE! JAMBO! SALUT! SALUDOS! GUTENTAG! NIHAO! ASSALAAMU ALAYKUM!

Thank you, Ms. Jules Lavallee and the Red Silk Carpet Magazine, for this interview.

Opening this interview with multilingual greetings – English, Ngbaka, Lingala, Swahili, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, and Arabic – is indicative of my continuing “commitment to global learning and international understanding.” This quote is the reason why Morgan State University (MSU) granted me the prestigious DR. SANDYE JEAN MCINTYRE, II INTERNATIONAL AWARD 2008. This commitment is my way of expressing pride and gratitude for the benefits of my ‘world-ready education.’ I was born and raised in DRC. In my memoir-travelogue, Global Safari (2015), I talk about my lived experience as the account of my quest, request, and conquest of my new self through a series of transits, transitions, and translations. I spent twelve years in Europe before migrating to the USA. During that time, I earned a Master’s degree and Doctorate in Philosophy from Gregorian University while working as an international summer student worker (Werkstudent, in German) in Germany; a post-doctoral Diploma in International Studies from the Italian Society for International Organization, a BA in Theology from Pontifical Urban University, all

in Rome, Italy. I also hold several Certificates in: English as Foreign Language from St. Luke’s Priory, Wincanton, UK; French from the Institut d'Etudes Françaises de Touraine, Tours, France; German as Foreign Language from Goethe Institute Boppard, Germany; and African Studies from Yale University. I am currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy at MSU in Baltimore, Maryland (USA), and the founding President of Polyglots in Action for Diversity, Inc. I am the former Director of the Center for Global Studies at MSU. I am also one of Afrimpact Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People Awards 2017 and 2021 recipients. I am on the list of “the Key Figures in the African Intellectual Revolution” (QUORA). I am the author of numerous publications including, among others, DEMOCRACY AND DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE USA (2020); A Polyglot Pocket Dictionary of Lingala, English, French, and Italian (2016); Global Safari: (2015); A Pan-African Encyclopedia (2003), and the multiple international literary award-winning book, OBAMANOMICS AND FRANCISCONOMICS: A Call for Poverty Alleviation, Fairness, and Welfare (Europe Books 2022).

You refer to yourself as a

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January 2024

cosmocitizen. Explain.

My life journey as narrated in my memoir is the account of my quest, request, and conquest of my new self through a series of transits, transitions, and translations. I am talking about all kinds of transits that globetrotting entails. They include stops, transfers, and layovers at bus and train stations, seaports, and airports.

I am talking about cultural and linguistic transitions as I moved from one country and continent to another and had to go through enculturation and acculturation by learning new languages. I am talking about the translations that are integral parts of learning new languages.

These things have defined who I am today as the result of life, travel, studies, and work, from DRC to Italy, Germany, England, France, and the USA, i.e., from Africa to Europe, the Americas, and Asia, or from my ‘local village’ to the more ‘global ‘village.’ Inarguably, my globetrotting, international living, and multilingualism through multicultural immersion justify my selfreference as a ‘cosmocitizen,’ a world citizen or “Mr. Global” (Prof. V.Y. Mudimbe). I have loved this self-reference so much that ‘Cosmocitizen’ has become my pseudonym for my entries in the Urban Dictionary.

Tell us about your book, OBAMANOMICS AND FRANCISCONOMICS that won the LITERARY GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS in 2023.

‘Obamanomics’ comes from ‘Obama’ and ‘economics.’ It means Obama’s economics. I use ‘Obamanomics’ in the sense of the Obama administration’s middle-class-oriented economic policies that rescued the U.S. and world economy from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

‘Francisconomics’ is a neologism that I have coined based on ‘Francis’ and ‘economics.’ It means Francis’ economics. President Obama and Pope Francis’ historical elections have symbolized hope and change during critical times characterized, inter alia, by status quo, unspeakable inequalities, and climate change.

Obamanomics and Francisconomics is committed to combining the experience and life of two charismatic leaders, belonging to two different worlds but so similar in some respects with the current economy. It is a critical economics theory that rejects the obsolete ‘trickledown economics,’ ‘vulture capitalism,’ and ‘junglobalization’ or “an economy that kills” (Pope Francis). ‘Obamanomics’ is a ‘middle-class economics’ that is characterized by care, “fair share,” and “fair shot.”

‘Francisconomics’ is a Gospelbased economics that is rooted in the Catholic social thought.

Both Obama and Francis call for poverty alleviation, fairness, and universal welfare.

Obamanomics and Francisconomics is a wakeup call to listen to climate scientists, take action, and rescue our planet from destruction. To that end, Obama and Francis want us to make a lifestyle change by embracing ‘the Green Revolution’ and practicing a sustainability-conscious ‘green economy,’ consistent with the United Nations’ Global Goals and Paris Accord.

As an African immigrant in the USA, the Obama phenomenon was one of the two main reasons for my decision to become a U.S. citizen in 2012.

The phenomenon epitomizes

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January 2024

the American Dream. It gave me a sense of belonging in this ‘aliens’ nation.’ Pope Francis’ advocacy for the poor and most vulnerable population groups including but not limited to the immigrants and the ‘Black Mediterranean’ is fascinating.

President Obama and Pope Francis’ historical elections have symbolized hope and change during critical times. My book is also intended to contribute to their amazing legacies.

What is the synergy between these extraordinary men?

President Barack Obama and Pope Francis are two charismatic and global leaders from the Americas. To some extent, their names are omens.

In Swahili, ‘baraka’ means blessing and prosperity. Upon becoming Pope in 2013, Card.

Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, assumed the name Francis. This is reminiscent of St. Francis of Assisi. The name is indicative of the Argentinian Pope’s willingness to make poverty the main focus of his pontificate.

Both leaders are change makers and symbols of hope for the hopeless in an unequal world.

They decry trickle-down economics and advocate the green revolution to rescue humanity from the climate change-related homelessness.

How has your book inspired your life?

The international accolades that I have received since the publication of Obamanomics and Francisconomics have increased my self-confidence. I am referring to the three literary awards, namely, Milano International 2022 (2 nd Place), Cattolica International 2023, and Literary Global Book Awards 2023 (Social Change Category). It definitely feels good to compete and win. I am grateful to the judges of Pegasus International and Literary Global whose verdicts have brought my hidden talent to the attention of the global literary community.

What surprised you the most?

As a ‘cosmocitizen’ or “Mr. Global,” I love being associated

with anything global.

Interestingly, my lack of surprise or rather uberexcitement upon receiving the Literary Global’s congratulatory message regarding my being a LGBA 2023 WINNER was the most surprising thing. I suspect this is the case because I am getting used to the business of winning literary awards for the same book. However, I am impressed and surprised by the professionalism and punctuality in the announcement of the LGBA Winners.

Can you share your proudest moment during your career?

Being granted the H-1B Visa, promotion & tenure, and my appointment as Director of the Center for Global Studies at MSU are the proudest moments during my career. The H-1B visa allowed employers to hire me as a foreign worker with

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January 2024

specialized knowledge. The tenure has meant job security.

The director’s position confirmed my global competency and self-reference as a cosmocitizen.

Please share your vision for 2024.

My vision for 2024. I would like to use the international recognitions that I have received for Obamanomics and Francisconomics as an incentive to establish myself as a credible Obama scholar. To this end, I plan on completing a work in progress tentatively titled, OBAMAPEDIA: A Special Barack Obama Glossary. With four international awards, my most important goal for 2024 is to apply for and get the hardearned and overdue promotion to Full Professor at MSU.

Author, J.E. McCar thy Ta l k s a b o u t a T V S e r i e s a b o u t h i s N e w B o o k , The Red Road

By Jules Lavallee

The story that intrigued John the most was the story of his great-great uncle James in 1938.

Jon McCarthy, (J.E. McCarthy, author) is the oldest of four children and a native of central Maine. In his lifetime, he had the great pleasure of knowing many relatives from previous generations. From sixth grade through graduation, he worked with my grandparents and heard countless stories about their lives and the lives of my many great-great aunts and uncles.

Jon’s grandmother’s father was one of seventeen children (twelve boys and five girls) to a widow named Margaret McCarthy. When the youngest was still an infant, her husband Thomas died unexpectedly in the midst of the great depression in very rural, central Maine.

James was one of the middle siblings and by all accounts was quiet and bookish. So, his unsolved murder on a dark country road was a shock to the entire community and became a story that occupied his mind for years. He first started writing Jim’s story back in 1994. He wrote about twenty-five pages on a legal pad, and after reading and attempting to revise, he realized that it simply wasn’t good enough and threw it away.

“At the encouragement of my wife Therese, I decided to try my hand at writing again in 2022, there was no other story that I wanted to write. When I started The Red Road, I had no plot. Only a beginning (the death of Jim McGinn) and an end (justice for the family).

Even though the real-life murder was never solved.

Family legends say that the brothers had a suspect in mind and dealt with him the north woods way. But no other murders were reported around that time.”- Jon McCarthy “The way the story was told to me by my grandmother, who was a child at the time, was that Jim was hit with a stick of wood from a moving vehicle. He bled to death on the road and for the rest of the summer, ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

whenever it would rain, the blood that saturated the ground would rise to the surface, making a red spot on the dirt road.”

The Red Road was released in April 2023, and the second book, The Mothers McGinn, in May. “When I started The Red Road, you had no plot. Only a beginning (the death of Jim McGinn) and an end (justice for the family).” How did you continue with the book?

I knew the general story of my great-grand uncle Jim who was the victim of an unsolved murder. It was told to me by my grandmother and fascinated me from the moment I heard it.

I originally started writing it on a legal pad in 1994, but after forty pages, I reread it and decided it wasn’t good enough, and gave up.

When I started the story this time, I tried to put myself in the character’s shoes. I have always been a visual learner and tried to transform myself into a visual writer. What I mean by this is that the story unfolds by what I imagine. How would a family react to a murder? How would poor people get justice against the rich? If six men are standing around a fire plotting revenge, what would they say?

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For me, the fortuitous part of this method are the story elements that unfold by surprise. For example, the year 1933 was chosen based upon a very famous real-life actor (Groucho Marx) appearing at Lakewood theater. As I investigated events in 1933, I learned that it was the last year of prohibition and that drove the story lines and character development of the villains in the story. Everything in the story was written as it came to mind, often leaving me as surprised as a reader.

Let’s delve into the story.

Tell us about the characters in central Maine.

Central Maine is a character in itself. The rivers that run through that part of the state were the lifeblood of every town. All towns had a mill, paper, wool or other wood products and people that didn’t work at the mill, generally did work that supplied or supported the industry, like lumberjacks, railroad workers and shopkeepers.

The McGinns are based on my great grandfather’s family. He was one of seventeen children (twelve boys and five girls) to a widow in central Maine. When the youngest was still an infant, their father died, leaving the

family largely unsupported during the worst financial time in the country’s history.

Mary McGinn is the matriarch and a strong female protagonist. Throughout the series she leads her family and drives her children to be strong, but particularly the girls. She wants them to be independent, so that they can always take care of themselves.

Alder and Finn are the two oldest and work outside of the home to support the family financially. Lewin is the third oldest and runs the family farm to ensure that everyone is fed and has a warm place to live.

After the death of Jim, the family seeks justice only to find that the death is being ruled an accident. Their own investigation reveals that the real killer is one of the most powerful men in the county, Hub Moreland. They engage in a poor versus rich feud and work to bring down the Moreland bootlegging enterprise and gain justice for Jim. What was important to you when writing The Red Road?

Historical accuracy was incredibly important to me and even though this is a work of

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fiction, I tried to get every detail as accurate as possible. For example, if a character is driving a vehicle or smoking a cigarette, they are using the most popular brand at that time.

The most important thing was that the characters were both likeable and believable. I was fortunate to have known a number of the real-life people that characters from the series are based upon. While they are fictitious, there are a number of true stories embedded in the books.

The final aspect was a desire to add the realities of life, both joyous and painful. I want the reader to feel what they feel and know that even when life is hard, good times can still shine through.

Tell us about your second book The Mothers McGinn.

The second book, The Mothers McGinn was released in May and takes place two years after the Red Road. This story shifts focus from the brothers to Mary and the McGinn women, and those women that marry into the family. Many readers have commented that they enjoyed this book because of the raw nature of real-life events built into the book.

Mary returns to work after raising children for more than a decade. The oldest daughter, Allison, marries a charming alcoholic who begins a descent that threatens their new family.

Lewin meets the woman of his dreams and discovers that she was the victim of unspeakable abuse at the hands of her adoptive father.

talking about his experience in World War one and when he thought he might die, he found himself looking back on the crossroads in his life and wondering if he had made the right choices. His message was to live without regrets because you can’t go back in time and you’re your life focused on the future.

The book has a different feel, where the Red Road is a singular story line, the subsequent books follow multiple character arcs and are much more of a family saga.

This book won first place in the Family Saga category in the Book Fest Fall 2023 contest.

In spite of the tragedy, this book is a series of love stories and triumphs over local villains.

Feedback from some readers has been that this was their favorite of the three books, and they are desperately waiting for the final book in this series, which is scheduled to be released on St. Patrick’s Day, 2024.

Counting Crossroads was released in August. How have you evolved as a writer?

I feel like my writing has evolved with each subsequent book. When I wrote Counting Crossroads many parts were written through tears. It deals with many issues like the death of a child, which I know firsthand, and I found it cathartic to write about it. My goal was not to tug at anyone’s heartstrings, but I hope that the raw emotion comes through for the reader.

The book continues the story of the McGinns right up until the very precipice of World War two. The book’s name was pulled from a line by a character

What is next for you?

In June of 2023, I was approached by a representative of screenwriter Alan Roth to possibly turn the Red Road into a movie. Alan has previously won awards for his original screenplay, Jersey City Story, and soon will have a movie, The Book of Leah, released, starring Armand Assante.

We entered into an agreement with Voyage Media to help us develop the project and were introduced to Aaron Semmel, who was part of the Hatfield’s & McCoy’s miniseries as well as numerous other projects.

After a thorough evaluation of the books, we decided that the

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project was best suited for a series instead of a feature film.

Together, Alan and I wrote a very strong pilot that should be attractive to veteran actors and newcomers alike. We are anticipating bringing the script to market this spring.

The Red Road has won two awards (First Place, Historical Fiction, 2023 Fall Book Fest and Winner, debut Novel, 2023 Literary Global Book Awards) since its release and is a finalist in the Reader View book awards for spring 2024. The whole author's experience has been very exciting, and I have had the opportunity to meet so many fellow authors and scores of readers.

2024 looks to be another busy year for me. Aside from the potential screen activity, I plan to release the fourth and final book of this series as well as the first of three prequel novels that follow Mary’s husband Alvin from Killorglin, Ireland to Nova Scotia to Maine, where he connects with the McCall clan and meets the love of his life.

Writing has become my passion, and I am thankful every day for the push that my wife Therese gave me to get this started. www.jemccarthyauthor.com/the-red-road

Psych ic--Paran ormal Investigator— Multi-award -winning best-selling Author,

J ohn R ussel l

By Jules Lavallee

John Russell has been a professional psychic for 50 years. Internationally known, he has provided psychic readings for clients in over 40 countries, and still reads for a worldwide clientele.

He has been a paranormal researcher and investigator since age 11 and has experienced over 1,000 paranormal manifestations. In addition, he is a UFO experiencer.

Over the decades John has studied, investigated, and practiced an abundance of psychic/paranormal disciplines: He is experienced in psychometry; clairvoyance (remote viewing); séances; telekinesis; crystal ball gazing; ghosts; hauntings; ESP; paranormal investigations; UFOS; mediumship; Tarot readings; healing/remote healing; utilizing crystals; stones; Runes; and many, many other aspects of the psychic, occult, spiritual, religious, and paranormal realms.

John filmed a TV pilot for The History Channel in which he psychically explored the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The accuracy of John’s psychic insights during his investigations were verified by the docents at the historic sites he explored as well as the production team, and he also stimulated paranormal activity, some of which was captured on film.

For over 18 years he has been a popular featured guest—heard worldwide—on over 100 different radio shows and podcasts including appearances on nine different United Kingdom podcasts. Recently, in the space of a few years, John has been interviewed over 150 times, including nine appearances to date on Coastto-Coast AM with George Noory. He's a published author of nonfiction with three multi-award-winning books in print: Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead and A knock in the Attic.

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to increase Your Psychic Abilities, was published in 2023 and hit the Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Books.

John has finished authoring his fourth book, The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock, due for publication in 2024, and is writing his fifth volume now: The Can Sack Ghost.

You are internationally known as a professional psychic for almost half a century, working with clients around the world. When did you begin your journey and what have you enjoyed the most?

I had my first experience with the paranormal when I was five years old, becoming aware of my psychic gift when I was about six. After having experienced many more paranormal manifestations and after much spiritual study, practice, and exploration I began to provide psychic readings for friends and family when I was around the age of 15, and by the age of 18 I was reading professionally.

Currently I’ve read professionally for over 50 years, providing readings for clients in over 40 countries. What I enjoy the most about my work is having the opportunity to help my clients improve their lives and to show them practical ways to achieve spiritual growth, as well as educating them about the myths surrounding the psychic and paranormal realms.

Tell us about filming the TV pilot for The History Channel in which you psychically explored the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. What fascinated you about President Abraham Lincoln?

Can you share a few things that were discovered?

It was an amazing experience to film the pilot, to be able to investigate all of the historic locations we went to: Ford’s Theatre; The Petersen House; The Samuel A. Mudd House; etc. I am an incredibly poor student of history, and so I had no real fascination or interest in Lincoln, and I knew truly little beyond the fact that Booth assassinated him. Utilizing my psychic gift, I was able to pick up on some interesting and in some cases unknown or little-known facts that the production crew was able to research and validate, such as my psychic realization that a statement about the hole drilled in the door leading into the Presidential Box was

incorrect in that the hole was not drilled by Booth, but by a workman in the theatre who would not arouse suspicion by being there. We also managed to capture paranormal phenomena on camera.

Your new book, Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead, brings readers along on one of your other lifelong passions: motorcycle riding. Tell us about your new book.

This is actually my first book, which continues to receive awards and continues to gain recognition. It came about because I had remained friends with my producer for the TV pilot, and we continued to work together to try and find other TV outlets to showcase my psychic abilities. Around that time, I began to experience some phenomenal manifestations that centered around my motorcycle rides. My producer asked me to write some brief descriptions of some of these events so that we could approach other producers with them in order to give them an idea of the types of things we would highlight in future shows. I realized that the events were so amazing, and that I was learning so much from them, that I needed to write the full stories down and collect them into a book that I would leave as my psychic legacy. That’s how Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead was born, and now I

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have two more books published, a fourth finished, and I’m writing on my fifth, with more in the pipeline. My books have been endorsed by many notables, such as celebrity psychic and TV star Uri Geller, George Noory of Coast-to-Coast AM, noted author and filmmaker Mike Ricksecker, and have each received lots of positive reviews from readers.

What have you learned during your journey of motorcycle riding?

Wow…so much! I became a biker at around age 15, and on my current bike alone I’ve ridden almost 114,000 miles. As one interviewer pointed out to me, that much mileage is the equivalent of having ridden almost 4-1/2 times around the circumference of the Earth. Not only have I learned the intricacies and the vagaries of riding, but I’ve also discovered that many people seem to have paranormal experiences associated with riding motorcycles.

Can you share a few of the paranormal experiences?

One of the most amazing experiences I had was in regard to the psychic investigation into Lincoln. While conducting the investigation I became obsessed with the whereabouts of Lincoln’s funeral hearse, and no one knew its location.

Years later, after we had moved from New York to Florida I was psychically compelled to take a ride to—I thought—our state’s capital, but it turns out that I was led to stop at an automotive museum that was on the way, and what do you think I found when I explored the museum? Lincoln’s funeral hearse! It was just further proof for me that the Other Side knows our wants, needs, and desires, and can intervene to provide those answers for us.

I also conducted an investigation into one of Florida’s most notorious Civil War battlefields, where I experienced astonishing paranormal phenomena relating to the battle that raged there. I write about both of these events and much more in the book.

You have a fascinating book, “20 Ways to Increase Your

Psychic Abilities.” Can you share 2 pieces of advice?

What is next for you in 2024?

Abilities—I’ve finished authoring my fourth book: The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock, which will be published in 2024, and I’m almost halfway through my fifth book, The Can Sack Ghost, which will see publication in either late 2024 or sometime in early 2025. These two latest books continue the tradition with even more astonishing true tales of the supernatural. In the past two years I’ve been interviewed over 150 times, including nine appearances to date on Coast-to-Coast AM with George Noory. In 2024, I already have several interviews scheduled, and in addition I’m hoping to conduct a paranormal investigation for a YouTube TV show, and there are other things in the works.

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for me. In addition to my three published nonfiction books—Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead…A Knock in the Attic…20 Ways to Increase Your Psychic

Folks can keep up with my schedule of events and media appearances at my psychic website: http://www.johnrusse ll.net and at my author website: http://www.johnrusse llauthor.com

Yes: One, don’t believe that what you see on TV’s “ghost hunter” shows is an accurate depiction of what it’s actually like to interact with the Other Side. Two, it really is possible for anyone—even without prior experience—to use the tools and techniques I provide in my book to improve your life for the better and to achieve positive spiritual growth and understanding. I’ve begun receiving feedback from my readers worldwide and the consensus is: “It works!”

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Check Out Academy Award-Nominated Actor Chris Sarandon's New Podcast 'Cooking By Heart’- Featuring Celebrity Guests!

By Jules Lavallee

K Barber Photography

Season 2 of Chris Sarandon's 'Cooking By Heart' podcast is making waves with a lineup that blends culinary delights with Hollywood star power. Following a captivating interview with his first wife, Susan Sarandon, that has garnered almost 50,000 views so far on YouTube.

Chris has continued to impress audiences with his diverse array of guests. Cooking By Heart' podcast is now in the top 5% of all podcasts worldwide- showcases stars, their stories and even their recipes in Season 2!

Chris Sarandon interviewing Susan Sarandon Cooking By Heart CT Insider 5-25-2023 K Barber Photography ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

Share your relationship with food.

I grew up in a coal mining town in West Virginia where my Greek immigrant father owned a restaurant. Nothing fancy, just good, freshly made, wholesome food. I began working there, weekends and summers from 10 yrs. old until I left for college at 18, starting in the kitchen by washing dishes, peeling potatoes, and watching the cooks and my dad prepare the restaurant fare from scratch. I moved out front as I got older, busing tables, hosting, cashier, whatever. My Greek mother was also an excellent home cook, and I was expected to help out, both with prep and cleaning up. When I left home for college, I thought I’d left behind the restaurant and a life attached to food. But it continued to follow me as I found myself cooking whenever possible: my cooking was always better than dorm food, most diner food, and much of my college town’s restaurant cuisine. And cheaper. When I moved on as an actor in regional theater and then Broadway and on to TV and film, I still cooked. And I’ve continued for over 50 years to often cook for and with my family, whether we are at home or on location.

During the pandemic, when movies, tv and theater were shut down, my dear podcastloving brother-in-law suggested that I try one. “What the hell am I going to do a podcast

about?” I asked him. He said, “You cook for us whenever you visit, your father owned a restaurant, you’re GREEK for God’s sake. Do food!” I cast about, watching/listening to a bunch of wonderful cooking shows, but none connected with me personally. Light bulb: (I said to myself): “You grew up around food. Talk about the food we all grew up with; emphasis on the people and stories attached to that time in our lives. And we’re now in Season 2 of “Cooking By Heart.”

Tell us about “Cooking By Heart" and who can we expect to see on your show?

I’ve been very fortunate from the beginning to attract a variety of exceptional guests. In Season 1, we had” Princess Bride'' actors Cary Elwes & Carol Kane, and Hal Linden (TV’s “Barney Miller”), PBS Chefs/Restaurateurs/Cook Book Authors Jacques Pépin and Lidia Bastianich, Grammy Winning Musicians John Sebastian and Kathy Mattea, TV Showrunner and Producer Michael Patrick King (“Sex and the City”) and Comedian and Commentator Mario Catone, among many others. This year’s Season 2 has already included Oscar-winning Actress Susan Sarandon and Emmy Winner Melissa Gilbert (“Little House on the Prairie”), red hot Hollywood director Mike Flanagan (“Fall of the House of Usher”), TV Show Runner/Creator Diane English

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(“Murphy Brown”), as well as Actress/Producer Lucie Arnaz, Actor/Producer/Director LeVar Burton (“Roots,” “Star Trek” and “Reading Rainbow”), Chef and TV Personality Carla Hall (“Top Chef” and “The Chew”), and Broadway Star Kelli O’Hara, and upcoming episodes with Legendary Broadway Producer of Neil Simon plays, Manny Azenberg, and Farm to Table Pioneer/Restaurateur Alice Waters, among many others.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Will a celebrity be sharing a dish for romance?

I’m hoping a guest will share his/her specialty Valentine’s Day dish- and I have one in particular guest in mind. We shall see.

How much fun are you having with the show?

There is so much involved in producing each podcast: securing guests, scheduling, recording, editing, and promoting. I have a wonderful team supporting me, but the actual day-to-day of each recording has brought me such joy (and re-watching during the editing process), since all my guests bring such vivid memories and stories and I have no idea what they’re going to say.

I’m particularly thrilled and gratified when I hear someone blurt out, “Oh, I hadn’t thought of this in years!” Or “This moment just came back to me!”

Photographer Joseph Gray

Actor/Producer/Dire ctor LeVar Burton (“Roots,” “Star Trek” and “Reading Rainbow”)

Childhood memory is remarkable and something we all share, and if my questions can bring back a precious moment or two in someone’s life, and that moment resonates with my listeners or viewers… that’s what this podcast is all about.

Tell us about your favorite celebrity guest recipes.

There are so many! Kelli O’Hara’s Grandmother’s Crispy Oven Fried Chicken (just one of the dishes she serves when she and her mother cook an opening night meal for the cast and crew for each Broadway show she stars in); Susan Sarandon’s Sun-dried Tomato Sauce that she invented when she lived in Rome; Kathy Mattea’s “Ackumpkee” that she made with her Italian Father and still makes as a remembrance of him; Jacques Pépin's “Eggs Jannette” in honor of his

Chris Sarandon and Ja c q u e s P e p in

mother’s sacrifice when he was a child during WWII, and my wife Joanna Gleason’s Mother’s Favorite Recipe, TV Dinners!

These are just a few of the many deliciously memory filled recipes provided by my guests.

Any plans on creating a cookbook?

Oh, yes! A collection of recipes from Seasons 1 and 2 and beyond is in the works. Meantime they are all available on my website, ChisSarandon.com, along with links to all of the audio and video episodes. Stay tuned!

For more information about Chris Sarandon and/or ‘Cooking By Heart,’ please visit: https://www.chrissarandon.co m/podcast.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/t

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heofficialchrissarandon Instagram: @TheOfficialChrisSarandon X (Twitter): @Sarandon_Chris YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ CookingByHeartPodcast/vide os www.chrissarandon.com linktr.ee/theofficialchrissarand on

Shay Levister Transformer

: The Premier Love

for High-Achieving Singles

By Jules Lavallee

Shay Levister, known as 'Your Love Diva,' is a distinguished Certified Love Transformer which is the highest designation in love coaching, who specializes in empowering successful singles to overcome chronic single-itis and have the life and love of their dreams.

With a remarkable 98% success rate at helping a woman heal her Love Blocks , Shay employs scientifically proven techniques to accelerate the journey to love, distinguishing her from typical love coaches.

Her unique approach is a fusion of clinical science and spiritual insight. A Florida State University alumnus with a B.S. in pre-med biology, Shay excelled as a top-tier, awardwinning senior pharmaceutical sales representative. Her expertise in clinical information is complemented by certifications in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Rapid Transformation Therapy (RTT), and hypnotherapy. This blend of science and spirituality forms the cornerstone of her effective system for mastering the dating game.

Shay's insights are encapsulated in her #1 international bestselling book, 'The Science of Attracting Love.’ She combines practical how-to's, insights into human behavior, and the Law of Attraction to empower singles in their quest for love.

Her work has been featured in

Essence, Rolling Out, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and she has made notable appearances on Sister Circle, V103, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Tamron Hall Show and TVONE’s Fatal Attraction, among others.

You specialize in empowering successful singles to overcome chronic single-itis and have the life and love of their dreams.

Share your backstory and how it led to your passion to help others to attract love.

Reflecting on my journey to empowering successful singles, it's deeply rooted in my own life story. Growing up, I was surrounded by a cycle of dysfunctional and abusive relationships. I saw my mother endure abuse at the hands of my father, often beaten with a belt in front of us. This environment profoundly shaped my understanding of love – I associated it with pain, and believed love was something that had to be earned through suffering.

This belief led me down a path of toxic relationships, repeating the patterns I witnessed in my childhood. It wasn’t until I found myself homeless, struggling to feed my child despite having a pre-med biology degree, that I realized the need for change. I wanted more for my daughter; I wanted ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

to break the cycle and spare her from the kind of pain I grew up with.

Motivated by this desire, I embarked on a unique dating experiment. I went on 100 dates in three months and conducted interviews with over 4,000 men, women, and couples. Through this experience, I began to see a clear pattern in how men think and respond, learning what made them fall hard or what turned them away.

My journey didn't stop there. I delved into over a hundred books on love, dating, relationships, human behavior, and the anthropology of attraction. This led me to develop a science-based formula for love and attraction.

It's more than just a method; it's a transformative tool that has allowed me to help tens of thousands of women heal their 'Love Blocks®' and attract true, fulfilling love.

Looking back, my experiences – both painful and enlightening – have fueled my passion for helping others find the love they deserve. It's about turning adversity into empowerment, and it's a journey I'm deeply committed to sharing.

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You have transformed the lives of high-earning women seeking a love life that matches their professional success. Tell us about your unique approach which is a fusion of clinical science and spiritual insight.

Here at Shay Better Coaching, our philosophy is centered on a holistic transformation of highearning women, focusing on aligning them with the love and life they aspire to have, one that parallels their professional success. Our approach is a unique blend of clinical science and spiritual insight as we provide ten modalities of coaching, forming the foundation of Boss Diva University.

We believe in nurturing the entire woman from the inside out. It's about empowering her to heal from within - addressing and dissolving the Love Blocks®, those deep-seated thoughts, behaviors, or beliefs, and energetic barriers around her heart that hinder her capacity to welcome and sustain love. This process is crucial in breaking the cycle of attracting toxic and dysfunctional relationships repeatedly. We develop her mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and provide abundance, fitness and career coaching leading her to transform into the version of herself who can attract her dream life.

At Boss Diva University, we place a strong emphasis on enhancing feminine energy.

This transformation turns our clients into magnets for high-

tier, healed, masculine men – the kind who are not just ready but eager to invest emotionally, support, and earn the heart of a strong woman. We’re talking about marriage-minded men who often make incredible husbands and fathers.

Our curriculum also integrates the spiritual laws of the universe, enabling our clients to attract their desired life and love with ease and without the typical frustrations of the dating world. We teach effective strategies to vet, select, and attract high-tier men who are committed, faithful, and seeking a lifelong bond.

A key component of our approach involves understanding and triggering vasopressin and dopamine in men. Vasopressin, the bonding hormone in men, is crucial for nurturing commitment, protection, and provision. We guide our clients on how to create curiosity, anticipation, and polarity to trigger this hormone effectively, ensuring a deep, lasting connection.

As our clients step out into the dating world, we use matchmaking, image, and mindset consulting to support them in being comfortable and authentic in their interactions, ensuring their thoughts, actions, and behaviors are aligned with attracting a quality, marriageoriented relationship.

Finally, we focus on evolving our clients into their best selves, capable of nurturing a longlasting, healthy marriage. We aim to equip them with the

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skills to maintain a relationship that is not just enduring but also fulfilling and joyous, essentially divorce-proof.

At Shay Better Coaching and through Boss Diva University, we don’t just transform love lives; we forge pathways to enduring, joyful unions and a dream life she can enjoy with pure satisfaction.

Valentine’s Day is approaching. Is it true that we can find love in 30 days with your proven techniques?

As Valentine's Day draws near, many are wondering about the magic of finding love, and yes, it is indeed possible to embark on a journey to find love in as little as 30 days with the right approach and mindset. My proven techniques at Shay Better Coaching are designed to foster self-love, understand, and heal personal Love Blocks®, and harness the power of attraction effectively.

Many clients have experienced transformative journeys that have led to attracting their romantic best friend. They've found not just partners, but true companions who complement their lives beautifully. These success stories range from individuals who were skeptical at first but found themselves in loving, committed relationships, to those who rediscovered love in ways they never thought possible.

What most of our clients discover is that the biggest gift in this journey of healing and self-discovery is not in attracting the man - that's the bonus. The biggest gift is in their ability to fall deeply in love with themselves and become a natural magnet to the dream life and love that awaits them.

Our approach is not just about quick fixes; it’s about laying a strong foundation for lasting love. This Valentine’s Day, it’s not just about finding a date, but about starting a journey towards love that is fulfilling and enduring.

Tell us about your book, “The Science of Attracting Love” and some of the lessons that you have learned.

In my book, “The Science of Attracting Love,” I delve into the intricacies of love as a science, unraveling its mysteries through what I call the 'Diva Love Formula.’ This formula, rooted in the science of attraction, empowers you to attract high-quality, masculine men. It transcends superficial barriers like appearance, age, size, or even how many children you have. This approach is about leveraging the universal principles of attraction to your advantage, enabling you to predictably draw in the kind of men you desire.

One of the pivotal lessons from the book is the realization that we often play a central role in attracting the toxic relationships in our lives.

It’s about understanding that skipping certain steps in the journey towards our dream life and love sets us up for repetitive cycles of painful experiences. The book emphasizes the importance of following a structured, thoughtful approach to attracting love, to break free from these cycles.

the-spot personal coaching, energetic healing sessions, orgasmic transmutation healing, and an unparalleled sisterhood bonding experience. It's an opportunity to amplify and elevate your feminine energy and uncover the essence of who you truly are. Tickets go on sale Jan 15th at www.LoveMasteryRetreat.com

Another crucial insight is the concept of women as the prize.

This is not about ego or selfimportance; it's about recognizing and embracing your inherent value. When a woman discovers and truly understands her worth, and operates from this place of self-recognition, she positions herself to attract the right man.

A man who doesn't just desire her but sees and claims her as the invaluable prize she has always been.

Tell us about the Love In 30 Days or Less Challenge (January 22-24).

“The Science of Attracting Love” is more than just a book; it's a journey of selfdiscovery, empowerment, and transformation in the realm of love and relationships.

Tell us about the VIP Love Mastery Retreat (February 16th and 17th, 2024).

This is an intimate and powerful two-day in-person event, limited to just 15 participants. It promises to be a weekend of profound transformation and healing. Together, we'll work on healing love blocks and evolving into the best versions of ourselves. This retreat is designed to empower you to attract the love and life of your dreams. Highlights include on-

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This virtual event spans three days and is a dynamic online training event. It's an empowering experience where women can uncover what's blocking them from the love they desire. Participants will learn the necessary steps to attract their dream love, all anchored in the science of attraction. The challenge includes live on-the-spot coaching and VIP sessions where questions can be asked directly to me. Due to high demand and the popularity of this event, spots fill up quickly.

Registration is open at www.lovein30days.com, so sign up soon to secure your place.

Both these events are close to my heart, designed to guide you through a journey of love and empowerment. Whether you choose the immersive experience of the VIP Love Mastery Retreat or the dynamic and interactive Love In 30 Days Challenge, you're set to embark on a life-changing path. Join me, and let's unlock the doors to the love and life you've always dreamed of.

A

lexia

M

elocchi

Partner & Award-Winning Producer, PGA: The Bridge Between Hollywood and the Global E nt ert ainment Indust r y f o r O v er 25 Years

By Jules Lavallee Alexia is an accomplished entertainment industry professional with a long-proven track record of success within both the domestic and international arenas. Fluent in five languages, Alexia is a vital contributor to the LITTLE STUDIO FILMS brand, Alexia Melocchi ‘s footing in the Entertainment Industry began in the international marketplace in the 1990s, as both a sales agent and buyer’s representative for eleven theatrical distributors. As a P.G.A producer with 30 credits, she currently uses her professional relationships and expertise in screenplay development, film, and television IP packaging, securing co- productions and arranging for US and International Distribution for her clients’ projects. A regular participant at most major Film and Television markets as well as Festivals around the world, Alexia Melocchi still pursues international acquisitions and uses a global film marketing approach for the projects of her Clients as well as the films she is producing under the Little Studio Films banner.

During her tenure as a Sales Agent, she sold more than 50 movies to profit on behalf of her producer clients and acquired more than 150 major Studio and Independent films on behalf of the Distributors she has ongoing relationships in Italy, Greece, Latin America, Spain, France, CIS, and the Middle East.

She was behind the acquisitions of films such as PEPPERMINT, THE BOY 2, LA LA LAND, ANNA, NOW YOU SEE ME 2,

BEAUTIFUL BOY, SHAUN THE SHEEP and many more on behalf of her international distributor clients.

Alexia Melocchi is fluent in French, Greek, Italian and Spanish and is also an Advisory Board Member of ITTV, the US platform ECOFLIX and the Hane Saga Storytelling Conference. She is frequently invited as an expert Panelist on the Global Entertainment Industry. She was invited to discuss her expertise at ITTV, SEE FEST, the LOS ANGELES GREEK FILM FESTIVAL, the NORTH HOLLYWOOD CINEFEST, three consecutive CANNES FILM FESTIVAL panels (hosted by the PGA, Stage 32, and the Producers Network) and WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT.

Her book, “AN INSIDERS SECRET: MASTERING THE HOLLYWOOD PATH” is currently out on Amazon worldwide and her podcast, “THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS” has garnered five-star reviews across all podcast platforms and is top 3% on Listen Notes.

You are known for bridging the gap between the What and How for Professionals in Film and Television worldwide. Share your background and why a career in the entertainment business has been rewarding. ©Red Silk Carpet January 2024

Most of my childhood memories are tied to the magic of the movies and how the moving image has affected me in pivotal moments of my life. I came to the United States with my mother as a teenager and Show Business found me, literally. I was hired to work as an interpreter (I speak five languages fluently) while in High School for an Italian Distribution Company looking to buy American films to release there.

Discovering that there was a “business “in the marketing and sales of American films to the world, it was a natural progression for me to work in that environment especially because I could travel and create even back then “a bridge” between Hollywood and the rest of the world. At the age of 19, I started my own distribution company with my mother, Alexandra Yacovlef, who is still my business partner and within the first five years we sold over 25 indie films to profit in the global marketplace. Because of my family’s background in art, diplomacy, and public relations, I felt right at home working in the entertainment industry. Fast forward, 30 years later, and after wearing many hats, from international sales agent to consultant on film finance and distribution, I am now a proud member of the Producers Guild of America, having produced 30 plus movies, in every budget range and genre.

Photographer David Sobel ©Red Si lk Ca rpet Ja nuary 2024

Though I feel ‘rewarded’ every day, I have had my share of challenges, because as our Business Is relationship driven, it can happen we choose the wrong people to work with and that can be a disaster both financially and creatively. What brings me back to center, is using my experience in every area of the creative process from inception to distribution, to be that bridge between the what and the how. We all have lofty ideas and projects and dreams, but what seems to be missing for many creatives worldwide is the HOW to have the insider knowledge to make the right decisions, strategies, and alliances and that is where I come in and help the process along.

any business, people tend to work with people they know and trust, and like. Having success in Hollywood more often than not takes years to happen, with lots of blood sweat and tears, and anybody’s saving grace to survive the process is really to build authentic relationships and be a consummate professional.

Your new book, “AN INSIDERS SECRET: MASTERING THE HOLLYWOOD PATH” is a must have for ever yone pursuing a career in the entertainment business. Why is your reputation more important than your talent?

How does Hollywood really work?

I have had the honor of participating as a speaker on Industry panels, as well as I have been invited to give webinars on accessing the global film and television Industry and teach how to pitch in scenario presented to one. My book is based on my sharing of very simple tips, from an insider perspective, to help the reader gain confidence in the understanding that success in Hollywood is a convergence of creativity, mindset, and business. I am also a fierce advocate of transparency, authenticity and relationship building.

The people you meet on your way up you will encounter on your way down, if you easily lose your sense of ethics and professionalism to have success at any cost. I think in

My mantra is “talent takes you places but mindset takes you everywhere.” Your talent will eventually lose its freshness, after being in the Business for many years, so you do want to ensure that your reputation precedes you.

The truth? It’s not just about “I have a great story to tell.” The Human Race has been into storytelling since ancient times when we were garnered around a fire. Hollywood is a business rooted in storytelling, but still a business. And it works on being at the right place at the right time, and placing yourself there because you spend countless hours gathering information and knowledge and constantly leveling up your skills.

Then, once you are in the right place at the right time, you “work the room” not by showing up at Parties, but by showing up for your peers, and making lost lasting alliances built on real admiration, trust and authenticity with people who will become your mentors, your champions and your advocates.

You must have a voice and a purpose as well, as the competition is truly fierce. I also want to emphasize that now Hollywood is no longer a location, but an Industry that is global, blending a

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wide variety of cultures and stories therefore, and that’s what keeps Hollywood working.

What does it take to sell a movie?

Know your Why. Know your Audience. And market the heck out of whatever it is you are selling, not by gimmicks or social media, but through knowledge of the craft and how to make that connection with your buyer, your viewer, and that is rooted in being part of a film, a show, a series that sparks a conversation. In my book I debunk a lot of myths on the path to distribution, the development journey of projects, the pitching process and how to manage your time as you pursue your dreams.

You are a vital contributor to LITTLE STUDIO FILMS. Can you share your current projects?

This year and the next, I plan to focus on films and series that empower and inspire. I am very excited to be developing a series based on the life of my mother when she went to finishing school in London. I am also working on several stories that take place in Italy or have Italian characters (even immigrants in the US) to honor my roots. I am even tackling musicals and family/faith films.

And amongst the 15 plus projects I am shepherding from IP we have acquired or that I have been hired by third parties to produce, I am hoping one or more of them will get on the path for an Oscars.

That is my personal Holy Grail. I do not care about the box office; I want to get on that stage so I can let the future generations know it can be done if you keep at it long enough and you believe in yourself and your mission.

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Little Studio Films | Little Studio Films Official Site

Photographer David Sobel

Which is why I also will continue to do my podcast, THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS, as I bring on storytellers to share their artistic journey and tips for career longevity in Hollywood and beyond.

What do you look for in talent?

Know who you are and what you stand for. That will spill into your talent as well. After so many years in the Business, I can read a room, or a person, in an instant. I want to work with those who have the hunger, the drive, the passion, and the higher calling to leave a legacy with whatever it is they are creating.

And that they will do so, with humility, and open mind, and a Team player attitude.

What makes you unforgettable?

I think my raw authenticity makes me unforgettable. I stand by what I believe in, I am loyal to a fault, and my heart is in everything I create, do, or promote. There is a lot of talent out there, and I do not want to be remembered for my talent (thought it would be nice). I want to be remembered as somebody who celebrated the human condition by getting behind stories and storytellers that may make, possibly, the world a better place to live in.

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What’s next for 2024?

Making more movies. Writing another book. (Memoir with more wisdom nuggets and lessons in business and personal branding).

Launching very exclusive masterminds/workshops (that enable personal and business relationships at the highest level) for creatives around the world. If I can do well enough in all of that, buy some land to build an animal sanctuary because I am a huge conservation and animal rights advocate.

Little Studio Films | Little Studio Films Official Site

Actress, Model, and Author

Wendy Stuart Kaplan Releases Hilarious Memoir “She’s The Last Model Standing”

By Jules Lavallee

Actress, Model, Comedian, TV Personality, and Advocate for LGBTQ causes and community, Wendy is the creator of three award winning shows, “If These Walls Could Talk” a weekly entertainment show, “Triversity Talk” topics and conversations in the LGBTQ Community, and “Pandemic Cooking With Wendy”, a cooking show where she attempts to cook and keeps you laughing. She is the author of the memoir “She’s The Last Model Standing” her personal story that will take you from Nigeria to Studio54 to Modeling, Acting, and coming full circle to being back in Africa making films, about poaching gorillas and chimpanzees in Cameroon and the people saving them in the award winning, “Whisperers and Witnesses: Primate Rescue in Cameroon”, and “Fragile Beauty” filming the challenges faced by three remote tribes in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia.

She is a member of the world

renowned “Explorers Club” (think Jane Goodall) and The Imperial Court, a nationwide LGBTQ organization dedicated to fundraising through performance and philanthropy.

She is on the Board and is an original member of Triversity Center for Pride, and loves chihuahuas, cockatoos, English Angora Rabbits all of which she lives with in NYC. In her spare time, she thinks about what she would actually do if she had spare time! Want to know more?

What is it about the entertainment business that you love the most?

When you are a performer, every day is different. There is always a new project you can work on; all you have to do is constantly “be out there” as I like to say. Being based out of NYC and working in just about every area you can think of, acting, modeling, stand up comedy, emceeing shows,

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interviewing, spokesperson, panel moderator, podcast host, TV Host, Influencer, author of She's The Last Model Standing, and documentary filmmaker.

And then there is all the fundraising I do through performance and hosting.

Every day I think of how grateful I am to have such a range in the entertainment industry. It’s hard work because now you have to be able to market yourself on top of everything else.

You are the creator of three award winning shows “If These Walls Could Talk” a weekly entertainment show “Triversity Talk” topics and conversations in the LGBTQ Community and “Pandemic Cooking With Wendy” a cooking show where you attempt to cook and you keep the audience laughing. Take us through your shows and what makes them unique.

In my own advocacy I helped create Triversity the Pride Center serving the rural areas of NY, NJ, and PA, based out of Milford OA and I am a member of the national LGBTQ non for profit The Imperial Court, where I am known as Marquesa Wendy Darling. I raise money by performing, for all the LGBTQ organizations we support as well as nursing homes.

Pandemic Cooking With Wendy was a direct response to the COVID shutdown. On March 12 they shut everything down in NYC. My entire income came to a crashing halt. But I’m a comedian and we have to pull the funny out of a tragedy. On March 13th, I hauled out my wigs, costumes, and found recipes online that were easy to make. And so, every episode had me in my costume, as a character, cooking up a storm, while rambling on about anything and everything. Here’s the catch: I hate cooking! I only ever ordered in because I’m a very busy New Yorker. But of course, my audience didn’t know that. And the recipes were fun and the characters I created were over the top. And one more thing no one knew. I got COVID March 16 and lost my smell and taste for 8 months. And there I was pretending to be cooking up a storm, tasting and smelling those recipes and coming up empty. No one ever knew.

If These Walls Could Talk was born Jan 2021. With so many restaurants closed inside in NYC, and only open outside with heat lamps for warmth, I was dining on the sidewalk at Pangea, a cabaret hotspot on

the lower east side. I remember thinking how much so many restaurants were hurting for business. Pangea was such an amazing place over decades, featuring so many musicians like Blondie, and famous cabaret artists. But here they were shut down. I wanted to give back.

To shine a light on who they were. I thought how brilliant it would be to host a show from inside during the day. The atmosphere, and the fact that you could get major celebrities who were sitting home, with films and touring dates cancelled. And so, I turned to my dining companion that night, actor, and host Tym Moss and said, “you know we should do a show from here.”

And literally 5 days later we launched.

“If These Walls Could Talk” which is now on UBCTV and Glewed TV, subscription channels. And of course, you can watch us live every Weds at 2 EST on my YouTube Channel Wendy Stuart TV and Tym Moss Facebook Live.

With my hilarious co-host Tym Moss, we interview celebrities, cabaret artists, authors, musicians, and entertainment personalities from every walk of life. And we have the most interesting conversations with our guests who either stream or appear live. We are not typical Q and A style interviewers. It’s about having authentic conversations, moments for our audience to connect with and have that ah ha moment “I remember feeling that way too.”

Triversity Talk features pertinent topics that are relevant to the LGBTQ community. My guests represent a great range,

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from activists, to sexual reassignment doctors, to politicians, artists, film makers, transgender advocates, authors, and same sex marriages with children and religion. We openly discuss the joys, and challenges. The show is meant to advocate, educate, and entertain.

Tell us about your recent acting projects. What do you look for in a role?

I actually love over the top roles. Extremely comedic, without having to hold back. In the style of Jennifer Coolidge or Catherine O’Hara. These are not subtle actresses. When you watch them, you are riveted to their faces and body language.

What makes them so funny is they are totally committed to the quirkiness of the comedic characters they are playing.

I recently shot a horror film called Drag To Death. It’s about a Drag Queen who creates an alibi after she murders her wealthy husband who wants a divorce because she was cheating on him. I play Mimi the Maid. She says what she is thinking without a filter and punctuates every word she says waving her feather duster.

As if she is leading an orchestra.

When she walks, she takes tiny little steps that are synchronized with the movement of her feather duster.

I have an upcoming video I am filming with comedian Ike Avelli for 50 Shades of Gay his award-winning sketch comedy show.

We are doing a duet as a comedic parody to that song “Islands In The Stream.” I’m the Dolly Parton role, he’s Kenny Rogers. But the song is about how we met on 42nd Street and he became my pimp…I will leave it at that for now….

4 Fragile Beauty is a powerful film. What led to this project? Tell us about the film.

As a storyteller and as a performer I work in all areas of communication. I have always been interested in indigenous people around the world, especially Africa. I lived for a short time in Nigeria studying the traditional religion of the Yoruba people. Shango the God of Thunder has always been a fascinating God to me.

Living in a village called Ife in Nigeria I went to Yoruba rituals and saw many things I could not explain. I left my heart in Africa at 20 years old. I knew I

would be back. So fast forward to a few years ago wanting to make a documentary short about three different tribes in Ethiopia that I read about surfing the internet at 2am. My background in fashion especially played into this. I couldn’t believe how these people used body makeup, animal skins, and flowers to adorn themselves. I wanted to show how in the modern world of today The Hamar, Karo and Mursi people still lived and dressed traditionally, how they had for 100’s of years. The idea was to show the fashion and beauty of the people who live a traditional lifestyle.

But that thread line changed when I learned children were dying from malaria because their parents didn’t have ten dollars to pay for treatment at the clinic. Because they paid for things with goats and cows.

The story took a different turn when I took a child and her father to the clinic. To gain

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their trust, to get them to understand I wanted to get her that life saving medicine. It was this film that got me into The Explorers Club, an international organization that promotes the exploration of land, sea, air, and space. Only 3400 members in the world. They were instrumental in the creation of my next film on gorilla and chimpanzee poaching in Cameroon and the women who run Ape Action Africa and Sanaga Yong Chimpanzee Rescue and the local people who are saving them.

“Whisperers and Witnesses: Primate Rescue in Cameroon” What surprised you most about the people?

Honestly, what surprised me the most was they are just like us.

Mothers, Fathers, all wanting the best for their families. That is a universal human thing. The dad with the sick child with malaria only wanted to save his daughter's life.

And I understand different cultures enough to realize you don’t go into a tribal area with cameras blazing. To make the film we, my videographer husband and a translator arranged with a local tribal connection, to pay a very reasonable amount of money to the village chief and each individual we photographed or spoke to. We also spent a couple of hours in the village playing with the children and what was actually funny is that the women, who spoke a totally different language, found me very funny. My mannerisms, my face, my clothing. I had no idea what they were saying but they would break into laughter when I would try and repeat any of the words they were saying. The Mursi women who wear large clay plates in their mouth, a hole stretched out on the bottom lip from the time they were born, kept flipping their plates out and gesturing for me to put it in my mouth knowing full well there was no place for it to go.

Everyone found this hilarious as I would pretend to try and fit it in my mouth. The biggest surprise with the Mursi people was meeting the chief’s brother who spoke English. He was taught by an Australian film maker who came there to make a documentary about these people. The chief’s brother went on to learn how to use a film camera. He ended up being one of the winners of The Margaret Mead Film Festival with his film “Shooting With The Mursi.” He even came to NYC for the screening and rode the subway. It was one of those

unexpected moments that can only happen when you are totally open to it.

What can we find in your recently published memoir “She’s The Last Model Standing”? How much fun did you have writing it?

Amazon of course is where you can find my book. And the reason I wrote it was I am very successful in a very difficult industry and so many people who have worked with me said “you should be famous, why aren’t you famous”? I decided to write a book about my life.

It’s a very funny, poignant memoir of a girl from humble roots, whose mother encouraged her to work in the phone company for safety and a secure future, but this girl growing up in the Bronx, has stars in her eyes and at five years old told her mother she was going to be a famous model and go to Africa.

At 20 she was studying voodoo in Nigeria, then coming to NYC in the late 70’s, becoming a model and actress and a Studio 54 regular, a standup comedian, a home shopping host, an AIDS activist, documentary filmmaker, and producer. And a dozen other things that are connected to performing. It’s all in the book and I loved every minute writing it. It was extremely validating. I have over 200 photo albums of my entire life. So, I used the photos chronologically arranged to trigger so many memories.

Things I had forgotten suddenly came back to me looking through those photos.

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What’s next for you?

That’s such a loaded question, what’s next for me, with an equally loaded answer: everything. I’m seriously looking for an excellent agent or manager to collaborate with me. I hope to take my video podcasts to the next level not only as a host on streaming channels but mainstream TV networks. I definitely have the gift of gab and at this point have done over 300 streaming interviews, not only for my shows, but for corporate clients, film makers, non for profits, and many other categories not to mention co-hosting on other people’s shows. Many more comedic roles are out there for me and I’m looking forward to releases of those independent films I’ve done this year.

Netflix where are you, I’m here!!!

I continue to book modeling clients in the areas of lifestyle and fit, and work as an influencer and product ambassador. I’ve got upcoming emcee jobs and red-carpet interviews. And for anyone who wants to know more about me, I’ve got more handles than a dresser drawer!

YouTube: WendyStuartTV Instagram: ShesTheLastModelStanding Facebook: Wendy Stuart Facebook: Visual Journeys:Our Stories Website www.WendyStuartTV.com Book on Amazon: She’s The Last Model Standing

Pop Star, Kettie Munroe Shares Success in 2024

By Jules Lavallee

Pop Star, Kettie Munroe is a Haitian/American singer songwriter originally from the island of Haiti. Over her 15 plus year career, she has captivated audiences of hundreds of thousands. By 2022, she landed 5 singles on 𝙃𝘽𝙊 𝙈𝙖𝙭 as an independent artist including her Hit Single, 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙬, which also aired on 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙨, 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 in 2023. On the regular, Kettie Munroe is a Cheer Music vocalist with her production team 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙇𝘾 & has been on the roster for over 7 years. Her bubbly vocals and raps have been dominating the cheer music industry for quite some time with clients from all over the world.

Kettie Munroe’s latest single, 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮, peaked at number 3 on 𝙞𝙏𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙨 in the summer of 2023.

Her Debut EP Titled 𝙑𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙨 𝙁𝙡𝙮𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙥 was her Mold of Pop Culture. Kettie Munroe Continues to showcase her Unique Talent of Fusing

different Genres into her own sound.

In 2024, Kettie will continue to release music as well as her third EP since her sophomore album was released in 2019.

She will be making surprise appearances and performances as well. Although it's extremely hard being an independent artist (writing all her songs alone, visual ideas, as well as other expenses), Kettie continues to be grounded. She is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in business at Grand Canyon University and is set to graduate in 2025.

When did your passion for entertainment begin?

It was when I first came to America. There were all these songs on the radio during the 90's that inspired me to sing and dance at first. The overall pop culture of that era also inspired me to become an entertainer in general. The musical theater acts, the fashion, the movies, I wanted to be like those stars.

Growing up I did listen to a lot

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of Haitian music since it was spoken in my household. I learned how to speak English in the second grade and then eventually began singing in English.

Over your 15 plus year career, you have captivated audiences. Share your inspiration when songwriting.

When it comes to songwriting a lot of my inspiration came through pain and hardships to be honest. It was tough growing up in Boston as a foreigner at the time. Even when I had a bad day, I would turn it into a poem or a little melody. As I began dating (as a teenager) the heartbreaks were also inspirations to write. To me writing is therapeutic, and it was the best way I can express myself. Not everyone in my life was perfect but they were either a lesson or a blessing. The best start to writing a song.

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What makes you unique?

I think it's my versatility. When most people look at me and know my background, they usually assume that I sing R&B music or even gospel (which is great). I’m a lot more than that.

In high school I learned how to sing opera (soprano 1 vocal range), as well as musical theater. On the other hand, I have pop, rock, and even reggae vocals. It's the most unique thing about me.

By 2022, you landed 5 singles on 𝙃𝘽𝙊 𝙈𝙖𝙭 as an independent artist including your Hit Single, 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙬, which also aired on 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝘾 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙨, 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 in 2023. Tell us about Brand New and your connection with Disney.

That was the most amazing thing that's happened to me in 2023. Ever since I was a kid, I've also wanted to be a Disney channel star. Of course, my parents didn't have the funds for acting classes or an agent at the time, so it never happened.

When I moved to L.A the opportunity came across as just a little demo to pitch to shows and different networks through a producer / friend who's now at Paramount studios. We recorded like 10 2-minute songs that day, all freestyled and written down as we went. He's a really dope producer (Topdown Music), so he was pretty easy to work with. When I got the email that Disney picked it up, I was ecstatic. It aired during Coachella weekend, so I did not mind staying home to watch the debut. Best weekend ever!

Who would you like to collaborate with in 2024?

I've always been a huge EDM fan as well as a deep house music fan. Working with the chain-smokers would be crazy!

(In my wildest dreams), or the weekend. I've always liked a bit of a dark vibe to music. I've always liked the dark sound of The weeknd's music because it's honest and so are the lyrics.

Your latest single, 𝙎 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮, peaked at number 3 on 𝙞𝙏𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙨 in the summer of 2023. Why do you think this is resonating with fans?

The song itself was on the pop Christian charts. I was going through a lot the year before where I fell into a bit of a depression. I almost just quit music in general. Attending a private Christian university gave me some guidance and hope on a lot of things. As I dived deeper into my studies, I wrote the song randomly on a rainy day in 2 hours. When I released it, it reached people who have been going through the same thing. It made me feel good cause I felt as if I was helping others to heal like I needed to.

We were all healing together.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

My main occupation is a cheer music vocalist. I record cheerleading music voice overs and have been doing it for the last 7 years. I record raps and singing vocals for different cheer production teams from all over the world at home. I work with my friend's company (The Big Picture Music LLC) and was actually the first female vocalist on his squad when he first got ©Red Silk Carpet

January 2024

into it. It challenged me to write quite a lot with different styles and themes. Most people have no idea such an industry exists, but it does. There are producers who make cheer beats for a living and it's quite a rewarding industry. I'm incredibly lucky and honored to be part of such a unique industry while still being able to make a living off of what I LOVE to do.

What’s next?

I have a new EP coming out in 2024. I'm not quite sure on the date yet but it's a 5-track project of songs that I wrote over the last year. I have a few appearances that I will be making like singing the national anthem at a stadium (recently confirmed my booking for July 2024) and getting back on the screen to work on production sets again. I was a few episodes of Abbott Elementary as a background actress in season 2, as well as shows like Barry, Dave, Bel Air, and amazon's series/ movie SWARM. I really want to leap into the acting world and get back into more training for those. I'm really excited for this new year ahead.

Fingers crossed.

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ke ttiemunroemusic/?igshid=MzRl ODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ket tiemunroemusic/ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@ KettieBerlus

Th e Ge r r y & F ran c a Mu lli gan Fo u n d at i o n J a z z C h a l l e n g e I n s p i r e s Yo u t h

By Jules Lavallee

The Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) charitable foundation, established to fulfill Gerry’s wishes to provide music education to young musicians, donate musical instruments to inner city schools, and perpetuate the music of Gerry Mulligan. Red Silk Carpet spoke with Franca Mulligan, Mia Toschi, Executive Director, and Alexa Tarantino, winner of the foundation scholarship.

Gerry Mulligan remains one of the greatest of jazz legends.

Tell us about the important work of Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation.

Mia: Gerry Mulligan, also known as Jeru, was just named one of the top 15 saxophonists of all time in 2023. But in addition to being a jazz saxophonist, Gerry was also a clarinetist, composer, and arranger. The work that the foundation does is very important because we introduce new audiences to his incredible musical contributions. More than that, music is the one thing that unites people and heals people and with world events today, that is something we need.

Gerry also loved to work with young musicians, so the Foundation honors his legacy by providing free music, donating musical instruments to young musicians in need, and providing grants and scholarships. We have helped students around the country – and the world - and we are very proud of the work we have done.

How has the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation been a catalyst for music healing and music uniting?

Mia: I am so proud of the work that the Foundation has done because music is a gift that always gives back. I was especially proud of our work during COVID. The Foundation still managed to hold our annual “Gerry’s Jazz Challenge” and we still provided free instrument donations to schools in need.

Each instrument donation to a school is valued at $15,000! We provide high-quality instruments that students in need cannot afford so it can make a huge impact on a musician’s progress.

An old saxophone might not be able to hit certain high notes, but a high-quality instrument can give a young musician more confidence. During COVID, it was amazing to see students holding virtual concerts during lockdown on the instruments that we donated. To see students come together and play Gerry’s music was really quite remarkable.

How proud are you of your organization? What do you want people to know about your husband, Gerry?

Franca: I am very proud of the work the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation has done because it would make Gerry so happy. Gerry was always helping young musicians who may not

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have the financial means to move forward.

One of my favorite memories was when Gerry was invited to Harvard University in Boston, MA to teach to the Youth Band to perform a public concert. He spent two days with them and was able to raise the quality of their playing to a level to where they thought they could never do, and their performance was great!

They were very grateful to Gerry for making them play as they never did, and they could do in the future. He was always able to inspire the young musicians and more experienced musicians as well, to go beyond their limits.

Tell us about the Gerry’s Jazz Challenge and how it has inspired so Many?

Mia: Each year, the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation holds an annual contest Called, Gerry’s Jazz Challenge. It is targeted to high school musicians in the United States.

We provide free lead sheets and charts to one of Gerry’s famous songs. In 2024, we will provide the music. We will announce the contest on Monday, 15 with a deadline of March 22 and announce winners on April 6 (Gerry’s birthday). April is also Jazz Appreciation Month. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a new audience being introduced to Gerry’s music and the enthusiasm with which these young musicians play. Students can learn more and sign up at www.gerrymulligan.org.

Franca Mulligan and 2022 Winner Austin Falvey pose together. Falvey, of North Carolina, was the 2022 Top Winner in the Gerry Mulligan Jazz Challenge. The high school student traveled 90 minutes each day to attend a high school that offered jazz studies. When he won a tenor saxophone, he was overwhelmed. "I never would have been able to afford this saxophone. This will help me so much when I go to college."

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts both received the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Instrument Donation, a donation of high-quality instruments valued at $15,000.

What is asked of the musicians to participate?

We want to hear only them playing the tune.

Mia: The contest is open to high school musicians across the country. This year, we will ask students to learn the music and play and then upload their performance on YouTube.

It is important that the musicians show their hands and do not incorporate any background music.

Students are judged by a panel of professional musicians on the following: Sound, intonation, technique, and presentation. Our top prize is a new Conn Selmer saxophone (valued at $3,000) and we also provide thousands of dollars in grants. Altogether - we award ten students prizes and

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each year, we have students from all across the country enter the contest. It’s amazing to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about jazz studies.

You’ve had celebrity influence including Clint Eastwood.

Tell us about his contribution to your organization.

Mia: Clint Eastwood is a huge jazz fan.....in fact, he directed the musical drama about jazz saxophonist Charlie Bird Parker.

I reached out to him and asked if he would like to donate to our Foundation since we help young musicians in need. He sent us a beautiful, autographed poster which we were able to sell. 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Foundation. It was so exciting to work with Mr. Eastwood because he knew Gerry plus, he’s a huge jazz aficionado.

You are a huge jazz star. What impact has the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation had on your life?

Alexa Tarantino: I was fortunate to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation. The

Foundation and Gerry Mulligan’s Jazz Challenge is an incredible platform for students to study Gerry’s legacy! For students to have free access to his music and a platform to share their performance is truly a one-of-akind opportunity, and it’s a testament to Gerry and Franca Mulligan’s commitment to inspiring and educating the next generation of jazz musicians.

How has the Gerry & Fraca Mulligan Foundation changed your life?

Alexa Tarantino: I am so grateful to the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation, and specifically to Franca and Mia, for their support.

Foundation’s scholarship recipient. I still remember the first time I met Franca. I visited her home for a delicious lunch, and she showed me around Gerry’s studio. She told me amazing stories of his career and of their life together. It was a day I will never forget. After all of those years of listening to Gerry’s records, learning his tunes, and studying his solos, I couldn’t believe I was right there in the room where he played.

I left that visit feeling so inspired and supported. Just knowing there are people in the jazz community who have your back, who are cheering you on, and who want to help you succeed, is instrumental in continuing in this field as a young artist.

During my time at The Juilliard School, I was selected as the

Oliver Shifrin was one of the top winners in the 2023 Gerry Mulligan Jazz Challenge and won $500. ©Red Silk Carpet

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Foundations and organizations such as the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation are so important in helping young students thrive and ensuring that the music continues to be made in our communities.

What makes the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation even more special is the life and artistic experience that Gerry & Franca had when they founded it. This Foundation is notyour-average arts organization.

It’s the passion of two individuals who made jazz history, and decided to give back and help others achieve their goals via musical and instrumental education opportunities in their community. I can only hope to have the same impact on others and on my community in my lifetime! Thank you, Franca, and Mia, for your love and support, and of course thank you Gerry for the music and inspiration.

What advice do you have for young musicians?

Alexa Tarantino: Always ask questions. Never be afraid to jump up and play or introduce yourself to someone. Take advantage of every introduction or interaction with someone, as you never know where it may lead. And make the most of the time you have as a student to practice, practice, practice as much as you can!! You can always do more and take things to the next level. Surround yourself with people who are better than you and learn how to accept a compliment as well as constructive criticism. Be a team player, be early, be prepared, and be easy and fun to work with. You’ve got this!

Please share the vision and goals for the organization in 2024.

Mia: Gerry always said, “Beauty, grace, nobility – these are the things that music can bring to us.” We hope to honor Gerry’s wishes by growing the Foundation and bringing more beauty, grace, and nobility to this world. The

Tansy Williams, from Oklahoma, was a 2021 Winner in the Gerry Mulligan Jazz Challenge.

more free instruments, grants, and free music we provide, the more we help students. There is so much evidence that shows that students who play an instrument excel in their academic studies, are more confident, and even become better citizens. That’s why the work we do is so important.

There are many children who do not have the opportunity to play an instrument so in giving our donations, they can explore a whole new world.

The only condition we have when we provide an instrument donation is that the schools must play Gerry’s music in their concerts. It’s so exciting because there are concerts featuring Gerry’s music taking place all over the country. As with most non-profits, the Foundation is always seeking partnerships and funding. We have a very promising opportunity in 2024 and we are excited for the New Year! www.gerrymulligan.com

The Chicago School of the Performing Arts

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James Robert Webb Nashville Chart-Topping Singer/Songwriter and Recording Artist

By Jules Lavallee

While many successful professionals opt to pursue their creative and musical dreams as part-time hobbyists and “weekend warriors,” James Robert Webb has, over the past decade, drawn on the strong work ethic of his blue-collar roots to master an artful balance between being a top, well-respected musculoskeletal radiologist (specializing in osteoporosis treatment and interventional pain management) in Tulsa, OK and developing his career in Nashville as a chart-topping singer/songwriter and

recording artist.

By choice and because of his trademark sense of humility, the humble Webb tends to downplay the medical side of his life when performing at iconic Music City venues like the Ryman Auditorium, Bluebird Café (where he sold out his debut show) while and playing alongside country greats like Marshall Tucker Band, Ray Stevens, and Montgomery Gentry. Yet he has made an extraordinary impact on his community, starting the first comprehensive clinic treating

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vertebral compression fractures and the underlying condition of osteoporosis that causes these.

The practice Dr. Webb & Associates is focused on pain intervention and supporting long-term bone health to reduce patients’ risk for getting fractures in the future.

He is one of the Top 20MDs in the country that performs the specialized procedure known as kyphoplasty.

The term “Top 20” is also very familiar to Webb in a very different way as an everevolving, often highly charting singer/songwriter and artist. Named the 2022 Country Breakout Awards’ Independent Artist of the Year, an honor bestowed by the Nashville’s Music Row Magazine), the singer has scored nine Top 40 hits on Music Row’s Country Breakout chart, five consecutive Top 40 appearances on Billboard’s Country Indicator chart and four Top 20 hits on the influential Texas Regional Radio Report, including the #1’s “Stealing Home” and “Lovesick Drifting Cowboy.”

You have mastered an artful balance between being a top well-respected musculoskeletal radiologist and developing your career as a chart-topping singer and songwriter in Nashville.

Share your background.

Thank you. Music has always been at the core of my life since I was very young. It's certainly the way I relate to my emotions and much of the world in general because I'm a very aural and kinesthetic person. It's how I feel happiness and process negative emotions. It started as young as I can remember and could interact with anything that

made music--Sesame Street on television, my parents’ records and the piano. I was always involved in bands coming up. Even though I wasn't a music major, I was in concert, symphonic and jazz bands every semester of my college career. I even pledged to the professional men's music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha.

Unfortunately, much of my childhood was split between needing that connection while being told that music was a waste of time. Turn off that garbage. Musicians' lives are hard. Very few people make it, and you can't support a family-those types of messages. Then there's the paradox of music education being very focused around left-brain things like sight reading while marginalizing natural talent-things like playing by ear or a songwriter's creativity. Though I had great teachers, I think that system turned me off to music as a job because that's the side being presented as ‘professional' musicians.

Maybe in retrospect it's the truth in that idiom "those who can't do teach."

So, I think I internalized those messages as a kid from a dysfunctional home because I didn't want anything standing in my way from getting out of that. I sublimated all of that and focused on

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academics because it was a proven way to succeed that I could see.

While music remained a big part of my life and I continued to play multiple instruments and even write music, it was really when my songwriter voice came to consciousness about ten years ago. That's when I started hanging around other songwriters and everything just clicked. I think you add in my drive to that and that's where I took off. I'm really just a perfectionist with an inferiority complex.

Is there synergy between work as a musculoskeletal radiologist and your singing/songwriting?

We are taught this right brain/left brain model of how our brain works. It's useful, but it's not 100%. And I don't think the average person doesn't combine the analytical and creative sides very much. I try to test the limits of both sides.

When it comes to creativity and music, that left brain editor can make or break the creative output of the right brain. It can find better lines in a song, but it can also paralyze creativity.

I make my living as a doctor by figuring out what's causing back pain in patients no one has been able to figure out.

They've seen multiple doctors, and some have even been to the Mayo Clinic and can't get an answer.

I've learned that one of my unusual talents is seeing connections that exist, that other people don't see. It's allowed me to step back and almost intuitively discover what's going on with my patients when it mystifies other physicians.

I think that's common in songwriters, but not in doctors. This part isn't coming out of the ether either--it's about listening to the patient and taking all this huge information dataset and then seeing the patterns in it that are common but usually missed.

On the songwriter side, of course I'm always tapping into the ether and that intuition, the Muse. But I also apply that left brain checklist to try to find what could be better. So, it works both ways.

You joined forces with Grammy-Winning Producer Buddy Cannon on your last project while you produced “Gentlemen Start Your Weekends.” What led to this project? How does this stretch your artistic ability?

Working with Buddy Cannon on my eponymous 2020 album was definitely a career highlight.

Buddy has great ears and it's all about the song and the music

with him. I mean not only is he in the Hall of Fame, but he has also had a track record of success for old and new approaches–he’s been Willie’s producer for the last decade as well as Kenny Chesney. That connection came about through a friend of a friend so to speak.

Buddy is such a recognized name that for the first time, I just gave him the reins production-wise and let him work his magic. I think the results speak for themselves.

For my upcoming fifth studio album, Weekend Outlaw, I wanted a little more artistic freedom to go in different directions. It really just started out as demo sessions of some of my new songs, but it took on a life of its own. I really wanted to go in a more heartland rock and hard rock direction, with those Stones, Mellencamp, and Petty influences. Since then, I've also really become involved in writing and producing in other genres outside of country.

But Buddy and I both share a love of Western Swing music, which is where the cover of Tulsa Time came from. We want to get back together and work on a Western Swing project together and I can't wait for that to happen.

In 2022, you were named “Independent Artist of the Year” by Music Row Magazine. What did this

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mean to you?

It was definitely a tremendous honor. Look, only 10 artists have won that in the last decade and I'm one of them. That’s an undeniable accomplishment that I know a lot of artists would love to have and I am incredibly grateful for it. It was definitely a music industry validation of both my music and myself as an artist. I couldn't have gotten there without the fans and every radio station across the country that was playing me as well as the folks in the industry who were very supportive as well.

But on the flip side, it was also kind of a wakeup call for me. It showed me that unfortunately, there is only so far you can go as an independent artist at radio. There’s kind of a glass ceiling for indies and I was banging my head right on it.

For example, when I got to #13 with Okfuskee Whiskey, I had a lot of respected people in the industry congratulating me.

They would say "that's the equivalent to a number 1 for an indie artist." Only a handful of indie artists have ever been in the top 20 of that charts.

It's just mathematically impossible to get in the top 10.

That’s because about a fourth of the stations will never play you just because you’re an indie–no matter how high up the chart you go.

I know success at anything is never easy, but I don’t want to waste my time playing a game that I can never win. Once I saw that an indie will never get in the top 10, that's when I took a step back and decided I didn't want to play that game.

What about your catalog? Do you have a favorite album and what was the inspiration behind it?

While I love the 2020, James Robert Webb album, my upcoming Weekend Outlaw project is my favorite because JRW was me at the peak of country and Weekend Outlaw is where I’m going. The inspiration for this is blue collar delayed gratification. You work all week and then on the weekends you get to do what it is that you want to do. That might be riding a motorcycle, white water rafting or just watching Netflix. It’s the ‘weekend warrior’ vibe meets the outlaw lifestyle. I mean outlaw in the original sense of outlaw country personified by Willie and Waylon–being true to yourself and living the life you want to live.

I've developed not only as a writer and artist but as a producer. In particular on this new project, I am trying really hard not to care what other people think. I’m almost there, but every time I try to think about making it more commercial, I work on letting go. I've tried to make this for

myself and my fans, as an offering to God as Rick Rubin would say.

If you want to be successful, you do have to be aware of what makes a great record but that's not the same thing as what makes something 'commercial'. In the end, I think most artists want to make music that's both truly great and that also has mass appeal.

When I think about artists and albums that I love, to me, that mass appeal comes from a place of authenticity, so I'm constantly striving to live just in that space.

What’s next for you?

I just found out I’m a semifinalist for Best New Male Vocalist at Texas radio. I still haven’t processed that information yet. I was selected for their Future Faces class of 2023 and I’m still kind of buzzing from that to be honest.

Right before Christmas, we found out that one of the first songs I wrote in Nashville, my Christmas single, “I Just Wanna Be Your Santa Claus” was #2 on the retail charts last week being played in thousands of stores across the country. So, yeah, I’m working a little harder writing from my holiday album for 2024.

For touring, I'm trying to focus regionally in Texas and Oklahoma mainly, just looking

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for the right opportunities.

Booking is essentially impossible without a major agent, and I have a pretty demanding day job—so I've decided to just really focus on my creative output right now. I'm producing at home a lot.

We have a lot of irons in the fire for sync placement and I think that's the natural fit for me. I'm always collaborating these days, both in and outside of country. We have an EP of remixes of Gentlemen coming out including one featuring Classic Williams, an amazing artist based in Nashville. I'd really like to shine a light on a lot of the new artists that I've been working with or seen coming up--so I think you’ll be seeing more collaborations in the next few years.

I'm doing all of this while expanding my medical practice, starting a medical device company (we just got several patents approved and working on 510k approval) as well as spending time with my family. So, I take life everyday like sipping from a fire hydrant–but what else am I going to do, play golf?

https://open.spotify.com/al bum/75Ue2ZBaVqFxIvNMq yX6n5?si=wCdnpAzRdCgmAFck8dXBw https://www.jamesrobertwe bb.com/

D an ny D e Gennaro Foundation DDF Jam releases new vid eo/ record ing “I Fou n d Someb od y” interview with Red Silk Carpet

By Jules Lavallee

The Danny DeGennaro Foundation DDF Jam has just released their latest offering, a new video recording of the song “I Found Somebody.”

This highly anticipated release is now available on all major streaming platforms, showcasing the incredible talent of a group of musicians dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late Danny DeGennaro.

“I Found Somebody” was carefully curated from the extensive catalogue of songs created by Danny DeGennaro and John Austin Mulhern who are historic songwriters. The song captures the essence of DeGennaro’s musical style and showcases his exceptional songwriting abilities. With its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody, “I Found Somebody” is a testament to the enduring impact of DeGennaro’s music.

Red Silk Carpet spoke with Edward Mero DDF JAM Records seasoned producers Mike Ian and Edgardo Cintron, Lead Singer, Kyle Maack.

Edward Mero: Tell us about Danny DeGennaro and the Danny DeGennaro Foundation.

Danny DeGennaro was one of those individuals that God gives a very special gift of creative abilities to share with the world.

Danny “Rio” DeGennaro is a singer / songwriter / guitar playing entertainer. Danny had the magic. In the entertainment business there are performers that sometimes have one or two gifts such as a great singer or guitar player, but few could be both singer, songwriter, smoking guitar player, and front man. RIO had all of this and knew how to use it.

In the early 70s, there were a bunch of misfit kids that hung around the “Dead End” in Thornridge Levittown. It was here in the middle of the woods adjacent to elementary school was a huge rock that Rio would sit on and play his 6-string guitar and belt out soulful meaningful songs for all the

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kids to enjoy. The Rock became a meeting place for all the kids in the surrounding areas and the birthplace of many events and memories that would remain with all the kids and young adults who grew up in the close surrounding area of our Steel Mill originating town.

Danny wrote songs that we could all relate to about life, love, and the times we were going through. These were the days of Bob Dylan / James Taylor, but Danny was one of us and his songs resonated with us. Titles like “Gave me an Inspiration” Violence Leaves you Standing in the Rain.”

“Guess You Can Say I Need You Around” “Seasons” Danny over his lifetime touched people thru his music across the US and Canada playing and recording with many national acts and players.

His tours with KingFish (Grateful Dead Family Band) and the Billy Squier platinum selling band to name a few.

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The Danny DeGennaro Memorial Foundation, a non – profit was formed in 2014 in Danny’s memory to create a “Legacy to Last Forever” documenting his life and career.

The foundation was launched in response to an outpouring of support from friends, fans, and family. The foundation went to work on creating a mission and vision. . To become an advocate for aspiring musically inclined writers, poets, artists, who have magic. . To create scholarships in memory of Danny DeGennaro to assist like-minded causes to further the careers of talented individuals.

To date we have created 25 music and art scholarships and decided with all of this newfound talent we should create a record label and publishing company DDF JAM. The Foundation has relationships with many recording studios and seasoned professionals which have extended their generosity for our mission. The new mantra of the Foundation is to RECORD, RELEASE and PROMOTE. Danny has a catalog of over 100 songs so many of his songs are being rereleased and new original songs by artists are being released under the DDF Jam label. #2 The Fruits of all our labor and contacts are taking firm

roots. One of our founding board members, John Austin Mulhern (Singer/songwriter producer) also co-wrote songs in the later days with RIO who also has worked with Jazz Legend Pat Martino and Producer Harry Belafonte happen to know Edgardo Cintron from his days of playing the Atlantic City Casino circuit. The Foundation was working on courting Carlos Santana to play one of RIOS songs and John had the perfect backdrop band Edgardo Cintron and the Inca Band.

The Danny DeGennaro Foundation DDF Jam has just released their latest offering, a new video recording of the song “I Found Somebody” with Producers Mike Ian and Edgardo Cintron, who have worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry. How did you join forces for the album?

Edward Mero: Edgardo is a creative genius and amazing percussionist. So, the project was born to create a tribute album with Danny DeGennaro songs. Edgardo went to work selecting the songs that seem to be the best fit. Initial recordings were created at Mike Ian’s Eyeball Studio’s in NJ. Mike Ian, another powerhouse guitar player/songwriter /producer joined in the fun. The material/songs which is the glue that keeps projects like this

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together. A cast of players from the FM Band and the Inca Band worked on the initial two songs and the magic is there.

Kyle Maack, lead singer of the newly formed Edgardo Cintron Allstar Band took the music to a new level. All these players and musicians are seasoned professionals at the top of their game. The results are phenomenal. The feedback has been fantastic, so we continue with a goal to put together an album of 8 songs as a tribute to RIO. The undertaking of “I Found Someone” which was written by John Mulhern and Danny is another perfect example. Mike Ian and Edgardo are putting a special spin on the song with a Latin jazz feel. Upbeat and ready to dance too. Just have a look at the video created by this talented ensemble.

This leads me to the synergy that has been created by 12 talented band members coming together for songs that make these song hits. Each song the boys have worked on just keeps taking the fans to a new height of pleasure. We are presently looking for opportunities for a residency in Atlantic City and Las Vegas with touring being discussed with agents. Presently “I Found Somebody” is available on all streaming formats Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, and iTunes.

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What made this experience exceptional in your view?

Mike Ian: For me what inspired me to take on this project was first seeing the people who were involved prior. I never knew of Danny and his music at first. But upon hearing the demos and realizing who else was surrounding his music I was definitely intrigued. John Mulhern and Edgardo Cintron approached me at first about producing a new project with Danny’s music and turned me on to his catalog. Having heard people like John, Bob Kimmel, and Patty Balbo had been on the initial demo recordings, I was curious because I always thought highly of these people.

Edgardo, John, and Ed Mero had come to my studio, and we chatted a bit about the upcoming rework. It was to be a Latin influenced rework of the music featuring members of Edgardo’s Inca Band. The project further expanded to myself performing on guitars, drums, and a few other things and eventually concluded with the need for vocalists to complete the project. I suggested Kyle Maack with whom I work with regularly in the FM Band. And Edgardo agreed. He manages to capture the Danny D spirit in his own way and keep the music alive.

The final touches to this music came in the way of our background singers, Rayna Jean, Gab Howarth, and Victoria Ianelli adding their sweet feminine touch. I continue to be inspired by Danny and his music. And

admire how he touched so many people with his work.

I Found Somebody video: https://youtu.be/TlENPovc5k s Why is the release of “I Found Somebody” so important? Tell us about the musical elements.

Edgardo Cintron: I want people to know that the lyrics and the music was part of his life as a person and a musician, his stories about his life and wrote beautiful music to go along with it. Music that fans and family around the world will remember him by.

Danny’s music has so many elements in his words and in his music, Re Recording and arranging it was a joy, I found someone. And every song he wrote had a life Story behind his words. I wanted to come up with a new version of the music but not to take away from Danny's musical genius.

It was awesome coming up with the percussion interludes, adding new background vocals, and working with Mike Ian, another musical genius.

The ideas would just flow.

Finishing and releasing the song was important, I want to show that all the 3 songs we have finished so far sound like my band Inca, with a little Santana influence. But always keeping Danny's music dreams intact.

What interested you about this project?

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Kyle Maack: Truthfully, I accepted to be a part of this project because of my respect for the musicians involved. I had first met Edgardo last year when I was producing a radio interview with him, and I found out through conversation that he worked with my FM bandmate Mike Ian. It wasn’t too long after that that he asked me to participate. I’m fond of both Gardo and Mike’s musicianship and especially Mike’s attention to detail and music theory knowledge.

I hadn’t known of Danny prior to working on this project. I attribute that to having been away from the greater Philadelphia area during the years I was in the Air Force (even though I’m a New Jersey native, I’m still relatively new to this particular music scene).

But after listening to Danny’s music, I knew that the world had lost an exceptionally talented musician and singer far too soon.

What truly made the experience exceptional, as I said before, were the musicians. Granted, during the recording process, I rarely saw anybody else besides Mike and Gardo. When we all came together, however, to shoot the project’s promotional videos, one could not deny the caliber of talent in the room.

When you get that many exceptional musicians in one place, even a video shoot feels like a concert.

What makes the Incaband the best for the project?

Edgardo Cintron: the talented musicians, mixing the tribute of the Santana music we perform.

Taking some of the ideas from Danny's arrangements and the music of Santana, the percussion, the guitar work, and the Keyboards, it was a great fit.

It gave Danny's music new life.

What do you want people to take away from your new album?

Edgardo Cintron: The amount of talent we have in the band, working with Mike Ian, Working with Mike on arrangements and producing the project.

Reaching out to Kyle Maack, lead Vocalist on the project, reaching out to Gab Howarth Victoria Iannelli and Rayna Bocutti. Having the girls from the FM band to help arrange and sing the background vocals on some of the music we have

recorded so far.

Check out the videos and you will see what I'm talking about.

With all this talent you can’t go wrong. Re-recording Danny's legacy. I was always good at taking someone's music and coming up with some great ideas to renew.

Watching someone smile and say to you, wow that sounds awesome, that's when you know you made it happen.

The music will be available on all streaming apps SPOTIFY, AMAZON, APPLE MUSIC, SASHAM, YOUTUBE, and please check out the videos on YouTube.

Do you have upcoming tours?

Yes, we are working on touring after the project is finished. I think it would be amazing to go out and perform the music live with all the talented musicians and singers associated with the Danny Degennero legacy project.

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How does “I Found Somebody” leave you wanting more from the talented musicians?

Edward Mero: We envision building on this platform and bringing in additional guest celebrity artists, even a horn section. The songs are there for this team of professions to create magic. Perhaps the extremely qualified female background singers will take a lead vocal on one of the newly selected songs. They have their own careers as lead vocal entertainers. You can see the energy in all the musicians' faces. No hiding it. Look for the album release in 2024. " I Found Somebody" written

by John Austin Mulhern and Danny Degennaro / Performed

by Kyle Maack / Mike Ian / Edgardo Cintron All-star Band Dan RIO TRIBUTE www.dannydegennaro.org

DIOR EVENTS 2023 DIOR X MADAME FIGARO X MOËT & CHANDON DINNER

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JOHNNY DEPP The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Johnny Depp dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. Make up by Dior. He wore a kaki and purple striped peak lapel suit with matching vest and black leather boots. ©RedSilk SilkCarpet Carpet December ©Red January2023 2024

PIERRE NINEY The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Pierre Niney dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. Make up by Dior. He wore a navy cotton «gardener » suit, a classic white cotton t-shirt and black patent leather derbies.

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PIERRE-YVES CARDINAL The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Pierre-Yves Cardinal dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. He wore a grey wool notch lapel suit with jogpants, a black silk shirt with CD Diamond print and a pair of grey B27 CD Diamond sneakers. ©RedSilk SilkCarpet Carpet December ©Red January2023 2024

CLOTILDE COURAU The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Clotilde Courau make up by Dior.

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HIBA ABOUK The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Hiba Abouk make up by Dior.

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NADIA TERESZKIEWICZ The Stars in Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Nadia Tereszkiewicz dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Make up

by Dior

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ANNA BIOLAY The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Anna Biolay dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Make up by Dior.

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KARLIE KLOSS The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Karlie Kloss dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri.

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RAZANE JAMMAL The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Razane Jammal dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Make up by Dior

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MÉLITA TOSCAN DU PLANTIER The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Mélita Toscan du Plantier make up by Dior.

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BOYD HOLDBROOK The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Boyd Holdbrook dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. He wore a black wool notch lapel suit, a classic black cotton shirt and black leather derbies.

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LIO TIPTON The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Lio Tipton dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Make up by Dior.

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JEANNE DAMAS The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Jeanne Damas make up by Dior

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ALEX LUTZ The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Alex Lutz dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. He wore a navy wool peak lapel oblique suit, a silver brooch and black patent leather derbies

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SIMONA TABASCO The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Simona Tabasco dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Make up by Dior

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PAUL DANO The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Paul Dano dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. He wore a black velvet peak lapel tuxedo, a classic white cotton shirt, a black silk bow-tie and black patent leather derbies.

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GUILLAUME GOUIX The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Guillaume Gouix make up by Dior.

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BENOIT MAGIMEL The Stars In Dior attending the Dior X Madame Figaro X Moët & Chandon Dinner Benoit Magimel dressed in Dior by Kim Jones. He wore a black wool CD Diamond notch lapel suit, a classic white cotton shirt and black leather derbies.

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Wh e n M u s ic a n d Fa s h ion C om e Tog e t h e r : D r. Z wa c k ’ s Dr. Love Collection

By Saif Rahman Sozib

Dr. Zwack presented an electrifying video on International Digital Fashion Week debuting the Dr. Love collection with a twist. This season, Dr. Zwack collaborated with VOLK band to create a fashion-infused music video.

The result is an excitingly energetic performance of the best fashion and music have to offer.

We sat down with Megan Zwack, the designer and founder of Dr. Zwack, to learn more about her brand and inspirations this season. Read on to learn more about Dr. Zwack’s story and journey this season.

Q: What is the story behind your brand?

A: Founded in 2015, my brand Dr. Zwack is inspired by shamanic practices and loosely refers to the healing nature of my work. Infused with mystical insignia, animal totems, crystals, and nature prints, each look is designed to emit healing frequencies of beauty and mysticism. Dr. Zwack brings a futuristic twist to retro designs while utilizing the vibration of color and spirit-infused symbols, in tandem with couture sewing methods to shamanize and anchor the ethereal into rock-music

studded, high-fashion attire to inspire and diffuse alchemical

Q: Your video features a performance by VOLK. What inspired this collaboration? What was it

curative beauty. like to work with them?

Q: What is the inspiration behind your collection this season?

A: Each Dr. Zwack collection is ignited by and infused with music.

The latest Dr. Love collection is playfully named after the KISS song "Calling Dr. Love," and also suggests the incorporation of divine masculine energy, naturally connecting to the powerful performance by VOLK band featured in the collection video.

It was very important for me with this collection to introduce menswear looks, and to create a diverse and all-inclusive model line-up.

The Dr. Love line is made from an array of silks, incorporating animal and nature prints, metal, and leather, with a thread from the floral realm connecting each design in the collection.

The collection is made to be electrifying, explosive, and to exhibit a broad range of detail and techniques to add intrigue and dimension.

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A: It was my friend and video director Patrick Pierson who originally approached us with the idea to create a combined fashion and music video.

Patrick and I had worked together before, and he has done a number of amazing music videos with Nashvillebased VOLK band. When Patrick introduced me to their music, I instantly became a huge fan and had already used the instrumental portion of one of their songs in last year's Buffalo collection video. His idea for this season's video was to film the band with the models and new collection to make the production as big and extravagant as possible. The release of VOLK's new single "Pop Song" was set to coincide perfectly with their tour ending in Minneapolis for filming, as well as their eventual new music release and album promotion.

Not only are Eleot Reich and Chris Lowe of VOLK band insanely talented, but they are incredibly charismatic and some of the kindest people I have ever met.

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Working with them was an effortless and natural fit, which really shows in the final video.

Energetically and aesthetically, our artistic mediums were a perfect fit, and it was very exciting to see it come together.

country western vibes and bold color combinations. The reverse leather applique animal totems and symbols emblematic is a niche technique and very unique to my work. While each look is one of a kind, it tells a story while impacting the viewer in the subtle realms.

Q: What is the signature style of your brand?

A: Dr. Zwack melds rock n' roll chic-couture with futuristic

A: You can visit my website https://www.drzwack.com/ or follow my Instagram page at @dr_zwack. You can also watch my video on IDFW through this URL: https://watch.fnlnetwork.com/ video/dr-zwack/.

Photo Credits: Photography: Amber Griffin

Q: Where can our readers see more of your work?

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Clothes Designed by: Dr. Zwack

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Applause from the Audience and Diplomatic Support Highlighting Serbian Creativity in B u d a p e s t Fa s h io n We e k

By Saif Rahman Sozib

Thanks to the "Serbia Fashion Week," designer Suzana Perić achieved another significant milestone in her career by presenting her collection "Glam Galaxy" at the "Budapest Fashion Week."

This exceptional opportunity marks another step toward the international success of Serbian creativity. Some creations from Suzana Perić's new "Glam Galaxy" collection had already captivated audiences at the "Serbia Fashion Week" in Novi Sad, the "Word Fashion Festival" in Chicago, and the "Athens Fashion Week."

However, the part of the collection unveiled for the first time in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, brought special excitement. The city now proudly bears the imprint of "Glam Galaxy" design, creating space for a new fashion experience that will leave an indelible mark.

Alongside Suzana Perić, the first lady of "Serbia Fashion

Week," Svetlana Horvat, graced the "Budapest Fashion Week" with her presence. Her support and attendance further emphasized the significance of this event. Thanks to partnership agreements with 34 fashion weeks worldwide, "Serbia Fashion Week" provides domestic designers with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and luxurious fashion globally. This time, it was Budapest, and the media representatives and fashion enthusiasts of Hungary greeted the uniqueness of the "Glam Galaxy" collection with applause.

A particularly prominent guest at this spectacular show was the Chargé d'Affaires of the Serbian Embassy in Hungary, Mr. Aleksandar Lončarević. His presence at this exceptional event not only symbolizes diplomatic support but also underscores how crucial this is

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for Serbian fashion and cultural scenes. It further affirms that the fashion industry can be a powerful tool for representing and promoting Serbia's cultural identity worldwide.

Through such initiatives, "Serbia Fashion Week" becomes not only a platform for creativity but also an ambassador for fostering good relations and understanding among nations. "Serbia Fashion Week" continues to professionally, responsibly, and with high quality, represent the Serbian fashion industry worldwide. Therefore, we anticipate many more exciting moments and international successes in the future that will contribute to the recognition of Serbian fashion on every continent.

Foto: Zsolt Levai

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GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE RECORDING ACADEMY

The 2024 GRAMMYs will air live on Sunday, Feb. 4, on CBS and Paramount+.

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January 2024

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January 2024