Steel Notes March 2020

The Whirling World Of Marlowe B. West Presentz Cliq International NY Fashion Week

THE RUNAWAYS CHERIE CURRIE

AND FANNY’S BRIE DARLING COME TOGETHER TO BRING

“THE MOTIVATOR”

Interview with Singer/Songwriter/Actress Kitty Summerall The New England Music Hall Of Fame And Much More!

Steel Notes Magazine March 2020 steelnotesmagazine.com

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IN THIS ISSUE FEATURED

STAFF

p4 The Runaways Cherie Currie & Fanny’s Brie Darling Come Together to Bring “The Motivator”

ADMINISTRATIVE

STAFF WRITERS

p 18 The Whirling World of Marlowe B. West Prezents Cliq International NY Fashion Week

Alexxis Steele Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Marlowe B West Jerry Saravia Scott Saxon Josie Janci Luca Cerardi Monique Grimme Scott Aber Nikki Palomino Jennycat Rex Maurice Oppenheimer Todd Sobczak JR Peterson Christopher Annino Domenic Marinelli Dawn Belotti Don Aters Jim Allford Sam Leighty Angela Graham Dex Shellhammer Johnny Reed Steven M. Kalish Nikki Palomino Scott Saxon Nick Christophers Sammi Z

p 64 Marlowe B. West Takez Manhattan Interviews Patricia Joy p 70 Marie Currie Creations p 76 Interview with Singer/Songwriter/Actress Kitty Summerall

MORE IN THE SPOTLIGHT p 80 Band Of The Month- North Jersey’s Stiff Upper Lip p 86 People To Watch- “Gig Diggers” Daniel Benedict p 88 “When The Lights Went Out in NYC Buddy Cage”

By Don Aters p 89 Alice Cooper: Shock Rock Alive and Well p 90 The New England Music Hall Of Fame

FILM & MUSIC REVIEWS p 98 Dex’s Featured film of the month- “Leprechaun” p 99 Dex’s Dungeon Of Horror Presents: 20 St. Patrick’s Day Films p 100 Jim Allford’s CD Review of The Cherie Currie/Brie Darling collaboration- “The Motivator” p 101 Jim Allford’s cd reviews of “The Stanley’s”, and “Weal”

THE INTERNATIONAL CORNER p 105 Italy’s Luca Ceradi’s interview with Luigi Stefanini p 108 UK’s Angela Graham’s Ramblings Of A Yorkshire Lass

MUSIC NEWS p 110 Loudwire celebrates 100 episodes of Popular Guitar on You Tube Series “Gear Factor” p 112 Megadeth & Lamb Of God Announce Massive 2020 Tour Across North America presented by Sirius XM

MORE p 118 St. Patty’s Day Creepy Leprechauns p 120 JT’s Vintage Audio and Vinyl Attic Treasures p 124 The Adventures of Lucia & Glynn p 130 Reflections on Santa Barbara by Rex Maurice Oppenheimer p 131 “Musings” by Rex Maurice Oppenheimer

Josie Janci VP of Business Development Kristy Jamison of Sparrow Forge Branding House Layout

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Klein Sheri Bayne Ron Shirey John Turk John Millington Gary Preis Mike Dorn Brian Limage Larry Dell Rhonda Jean VanBuskirk Dave Hummell John Warner Nick Christophers John Turk Melody Tallarico

VIDEOGRAPHERS Lisa Koza Larry Dell John Turk

Photo credit: Corey Parks 4

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The Runaways Cherie Currie & Fanny’s Brie Darling come together to bring “THE

MOTIVATOR” (Los Angeles, CA) – September 3, 2019 – Los Angelesbased, female rock icons, Cherie Currie and Brie Darling have announced the initial dates for their first-ever tour together. The tour, in support of their recently released new album The Motivator kicked off in Las Vegas on November 8. The month long trek will weave through major markets including Chicago, Philadelphia and New York as well as some Canadian dates.

“I’ve worked my whole life for this. I feel so lucky to share this new experience with an icon I truly admire.” says Cherie Currie while Brie Darling sums up her excitement for the upcoming tour with “It’s gonna get noisy ...You’re gonna wanna be here!”

The Motivator debuted in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Heatseeker’s Chart and has received rave reviews with The Big Takeover saying “the chemistry of Currie and Darling is awe inspiring as the vocal gymnastics of both complement each other perfectly,” while Uncut magazine raves “The pick of their three originals is the defiant poprock anthem, “This Is Our Time”. “It ain’t over yet, turn up our voices past 10,” sings Currie. And they have.”

In addition to major feature stories in the LA Times HERE and Billboard Magazine HERE Cherie & Brie recently sat down with CNN to discuss the new project: Brie & Cherie on CNN The Motivator via Blue Élan Records was produced by the six-time Grammy nominated Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Stray Cats, Janiva Magness, Tom Waits) and features nine classic covers by bands including The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and John Lennon, plus three powerful new originals, “Too Bruised,” “I’m Too Good, That’s Just Too Bad” and the topical “This Is Our Time.”

Order The Motivator here: https://smarturl.it/ ccbdmotivatoroutnow/ The Kinks classic “Do It Again” - View the video HERE and also stream “Do It Again” HERE The Youngbloods’ “Get Together” and T. Rex’s “The Motivator”

Guests on the album include a host of family and friends who came in to do backups, including Currie’s sister, actress Sondra Currie, her ex-husband, actor Robert Hays; friends, Susan Olsen of Brady Bunch fame, Leslie Koch Foumberg, and actress/director, Allison Scagliotti.

Darling’s brother, Henry Berry is on “He Ain’t Heavy”; and brother Phil Berry does a guitar solo on the Kinks tune “Do it Again” while her sister, Rory Berry Bishop plays drums on Thunderclap Newman’s “Something in the Air.” Patti Quatro—Suzi’s sister and a member of Fanny—plays guitar and sings on “For What It’s Worth.”

The Runaways front-woman and solo artist, Currie, met the Fanny drummer and singer, Darling, in 2017 and immediately connected. Currie had come in to contribute vocals to Fanny Walked the Earth, a reunion album from the trailblazing Fanny, the first all-female band signed to a major label (Reprise) in 1969. Though the two musicians were certainly admirers of each other, they had not yet met until that session. Once connected, the idea to continue collaborating was hatched and soon the idea to record an album was solidified.

It was decided they would record an album of cover songs that resonated with the duo. The covers chosen mostly share—unintentionally—a socio-political resonance that’s as relevant today as when the songs were written. “The original album concept was that Brie was going to sing a few, I’d sing a few, and we’d back each other up,” furthers Currie. “But I knew our voices really work well together. On T. Rex’s ‘The Motivator,’ Brie did a great soulful rock scratch vocal but maybe I have more of a tough rock quality to my voice, so I think Dave decided I was going to sing it. But in my head I heard a duet, me doing the first verse, her on the second verse…. and that started the dialog of using our voices together as a concept. Our voices complement each other, so we decided we should share the majority of these songs, because it makes them better.” Producer Dave Darling says, “It’s extremely rare to have two such powerful vocalists in the same band. Cherie’s a steam roller and Brie’s a flame thrower. That just doesn’t happen!”

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Song Commentary Cherie Currie & Brie Darling Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones)

He Ain’t Heavy (The Hollies)

For ages I wanted to record “Gimme Shelter” as a duet with some badass male rock/soul singer. I loved Merry Clayton’s stratospheric, hard vocal from the moment I first heard it… my kind of style!

The counterpoint lyric that Cherie wrote is beautiful and genius. It makes me cry. (Brie)

When Cherie and I first talked about making a record, I presented the idea of doing ‘Gimme Shelter’, and then together, we might choose other songs that we loved from that era, something we shared in common. It was a cool concept, and I wanted to send her a raging demo of what we could do with ‘Shelter’, I knew it would have to blow her away. Dave (my husband and our producer) and I wrestled that one to the ground at our home studio. Singing it with another female, meant I wasn’t able to hit the chorus octave like I could singing with a male!

It became too high. Several attempts later, it morphed radically, but it paid off and she loved the demo! When she came in bringing yet another dimension with her ideas and unique style, we made it our own. (Brie) This was the first song we recorded together. It cemented my desire to work with Brie and Dave Darling.

The key was a problem. In the original key we had to sing actives. I kept pressing Dave to find that right key where we could harmonize, blend and he did. That key change changed the whole song! It’s fresh but not overdone. It just worked for me, how our voices (and the studio experience) was something I wanted and needed to continue with Brie. This was the turning point for me as an artist. I felt I’d found the Holy Grail. (Cherie)

For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield) This song always takes me back…to 1969 in my teenage band, laying on the floor in front of my drums in the rehearsal room of our band-shared house in San Jose, just before I moved to LA. Sometimes after rehearsal, we’d hang out in the dark, pass around a bottle of Thunderbird, stare at the glow from the power amps, occasionally someone would beat out a hole burning into the old carpet, and we’d listen to this song over, and over, and over…along with Stevie Winwood, Jackie Lomax, Richie Furay, Steve Miller, Bob Dylan…(Brie) This has always been one my favorite songs growing up.

Classic and exceptional! (Cherie)

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My twin sister Marie Currie has asked me to record this song for a decade so I threw it in the hat. I know it wasn’t Dave’s top choice because it’s tricky and has been done so many times before. Yet I was hearing something special in my head for Brie to sing as a lead, background that focuses on our homeless vets. It adds something special and different to a heartfelt and beautiful song. (Cherie)

Get Together (The Youngbloods) Kirk Pasich, our record company president, put this one on his ‘suggestion list’. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this song. (Brie) Another one of my favorites that speaks to us in any day at any time. Especially now. (Cherie)

Do It Again (The Kinks) My brother, Henry suggested this song. It’s from a little later date, the 80s. Cherie’s voice ‘kills’ on this song.

I couldn’t have sung it. I learned so much from her during this record. She had me sing the bridge in a super exaggerated British accent. She made it fun, and it shows on the recording! (Brie) I love The Kinks and I adore Dave’s strong kicking production on it. My friend Phil Campbell (Motorhead) added his voice to the song as well as friends and family who added their voices to it! What a fun song! I just love Brie’s vocal in the bridge! (Cherie)

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The Motivator (T. Rex)

Too Bruised (Original)

Dave picked this one. I wasn’t really feeling it at first, but he insisted that he lay down a track and thought it would be a good one for Cherie to sing. I laid down a demo vocal for her at our studio. Oh man, I LOVED singing it. But the song was going to her. (Brie)

Sometimes we want so badly for something to work out, that we go way beyond, knowing the odds are against it. Having put in so much time and effort into making a relationship work, it becomes hard to give up. Then you reach that moment, you realize that’s exactly what you need to do…let it go. Leave the pain, the hurt, and some of the joy, along with the anger and resentment behind and accept your part, accept it for the past that it will become, free yourself and move forward. Bruises fade with time. (Brie)

This is the song was meant for me but cemented my desire to do as many duets as possible on this record.

I love Brie’s voice and told Dave we needed to switch verses. Brie had no idea we had mixed it down with her and I sharing the song. It was thrilling to see her face when there she was on that second verse! (Cherie)

Something In The Air (Thunderclap Newman) It just feels so good to sing this song. Plus, I get to sing my guts out. It modulates twice, sending me into the stratosphere by the end high chorus parts! Plus, who doesn’t like to sing a song by a band called Thunderclap Newman! (Brie) This was a challenge for me because I naturally sing a higher harmony and rarely all lower harmonies but Dave’s a great teacher! It turned out great and Brie kills it! (Cherie)

Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon) Don’t hate me, but it took a minute to love the idea of singing this song…up until I sang it the first time through. When you get to sing/moan/yell/spit out …“Just give me some truth, All I want is some truth”, full throttle, out into the world, to whoever… how can you not love that. At that moment, howling those words, it was right. (Brie)

When I first heard this song I kind of freaked out! I called my son Jake Hays and said “I’ve just heard a song that is a perfect thing!” When he heard it, he agreed! It’s a perfect thing! (Cherie)

I’m Too Good, That’s Just Too Bad (Original) Another song Cherie and I wrote together.

There are those who will want to hold you back, for whatever reason. This song is coming from the perspective of someone who has grown to recognize that, and doesn’t buy into it anymore. Who hasn’t been there?? (Brie) Ditto Brie! It’s was also fun to sing! (Cherie)

I wasn’t a fan of this song since I’d never heard it before but when I heard Brie sing it I turned to Dave and said, “Well that’s done!” (Cherie)

Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder) This song was suggested by our friend, Patti Quatro.

Stevie Wonder has written some of my favorite songs, and this scared me a little, ‘cause it’s hard to do iconic songs and not sound like a cover band. Dave had this brilliant idea to do it rock style, straighten out the shuffle, use modern sounds and scream it! Oh Yeah!!

(Brie) This song was just fun to do! Brie and I worked really well together on the choruses! (Cherie)

The Ones That Got Away Hey Hey, My My (Neil Young) For Your Love (Yardbirds) Lay Down (Melanie) Day AfterDay (Bad Finger) Ball Of Confusion (Temptations) I’m Not Like Everybody Else (Kinks) Heart Full of Soul (Yardbirds) We Gotta Get Outa This Place (The Animals)

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CHERIE CURRIE BIO

Photo credit: Patti Ballaz

Cherie Currie was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, where she spent her early teenage years living the Southern California lifestyle with skateboarding and surfing being her pastimes of choice. Cherie would regularly sneak out to Paradise Cove to catch the waves on her eight-foot, blue and yellow gun board. Cherie describes her life at this time as “about as Ozzie & Harriet as it comes.” However, soon the idyllic existence ended with the demise of her parent’s marriage.

“Kim walked up to me and asked if I had heard of The Runaways and I had,” she recalls. “Joan was there, and I was kind of star-struck, and Kim goes, ‘We really like your look.’”

After the divorce, Cherie’s mother, a former Republic Studios contract actor, remarried and moved to Indonesia, taking Cherie’s younger brother Don with her.

Cherie and her twin sister Marie moved in with their Aunt Evie, their Grandmother, Onie and their father, Don.

“They were searching for a lead singer for the all-female rock band they were forming, which then consisted of Joan Jett on guitar and Sandy West on drums, and was called The Runaways”

Inspired by the music and image of David Bowie, Cherie found an escape and a raison d’être in rock & roll. The twins began frequenting the Sugar Shack, a club for teens in North Hollywood, which played all the hottest glam rock cuts coming out of the UK. It was there, where she met producer and manager Kim Fowley and a young guitarist named Joan Jett, who also frequented the club. They were searching for a lead singer for the all-female rock band they were forming, which then consisted of Joan Jett on guitar and Sandy West on drums, and was called The Runaways.

Cherie was asked to learn a Suzi Quatro song for her audition, but when she arrived to the audition with “Fever”, a Peggy Lee original (which Quatro had covered), the band would not play the song. Unable to agree on a suitable alternate song, Joan and Kim wrote an impromptu audition piece, the chorus and title being a play on words referring to Cherie’s name and “cherry blonde bombshell” good looks. “Cherry Bomb” became one of The Runaways signature songs, and still stands today as a universal anthem for teenage rebellion.

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Cherie was just 15 when she became The Runaways lead singer. “I was thrust into fronting a band. I’d never really sang; I’d never been on a stage with a live band,” says Cherie. “It was like being in the center of a hurricane, everything was moving so fast.” Within a month of Cherie joining The Runaways, the band secured a deal with Mercury Records. Two weeks later they were in the studio recording their self-titled first album.

The Runaways faced opposition and criticism simply because they were unlike anything the world had seen before. They were a teenage all-girl band, which people hoped to dismiss, however, they delivered – technically and creatively – with maturity well beyond their years.

With the triple threat of talent, self assured sexuality, and style, The Runaways rocked as hard, if not harder, than the men in the male-dominated rock world.

Their provocative image, which was augmented by the outrageous fishnets and corset Cherie wore for “Cherry Bomb,” would lay the groundwork for pop star fashion we still see today.

The release of their debut album in 1976 was followed by a national tour across America. During this time, the girls headlined bills over legendary bands such as Cheap Trick, Van Halen, Tom Petty, and The Ramones.

By the time their sophomore album, Queens of Noise (1977), was released, The Runaways’ legend had gone international.

The band embarked on an international tour of Europe and then ultimately Japan, where Runaways mania had reached a fever pitch, as they were the fourth most popular international act there behind Led Zeppelin, ABBA, and Kiss.

Drained by their non-stop schedule, overworked, and underpaid, the already fractured and fragile group began to fall apart. A Live In Japan album was released as a coda to the tour. It was the last full-length release to feature the original Runaways lineup. Cherie left soon after the band’s return to the US. She went on to record an album with her sister, Marie, on Capitol Records, entitled Messin’ With The Boys in 1980.

During that same year, another of Cherie’s many talents took center stage. She was cast opposite Jodie Foster in Foxes, a coming-of-age movie, set in the San Fernando Valley, where she played Annie, a teenage runaway, dabbling with substance abuse to cope with the scars inflicted by an abusive father.

Cherie got excellent notices for her acting in Foxes, which led to more roles in film (Wavelength with Robert Carradine, Parasite with Demi Moore and, Twilight Zone: The Movie with Dan Aykroyd) and TV (Murder She Wrote and Matlock).

Cherie recounted the story of her incredible ups and downs, dealing with success, as well as with her struggles with addiction, in her 1989 autobiography, Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story. Cherie was forced to leave much of the more salacious moments of her story out, as the book had been written specifically for the young adult market.

Cherie set out to tell the story of her incredible journey again, this time, leaving no detail censored.

Cherie showed the new manuscript to Joan Jett’s longtime collaborator, producer and partner in Blackheart Records, Kenny Laguna. He had been a close friend for many years and offered to shop it for a book deal. In the process of doing so, he ended up securing a film deal, which is now The Runaways, which stars Dakota Fanning as Cherie and Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett. The Runaways film slated for release, March 19, 2010, is produced by Linson Entertainment (Into the Wild, Heat, Great Expectations, Lords of Dogtown) and River Road (Brokeback Mountain, Into the Wild)

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and distributed by Apparition Entertainment. Cherie says of her time on set with Dakota, “It’s kind of hard to explain, but it’s very surreal when you see someone like Dakota Fanning on set. She’s so gifted. I still do this day have a hard time believing how lucky I have been in this life to have one of my favorite actresses portraying me.”

One of the most enjoyable parts for Cherie was having the chance to get back in the studio with Joan to recreate The Runaways’ music for the film. “We really had a treat with this movie because we hadn’t been in a studio together since 1977,” she says.

“I didn’t realize how good that band was until the last ten years. We didn’t have a chance to breathe and look at what we were really doing and the impact, the foundation we were laying for countless girls and women we would open doors for.

But everyone was pitting us against each other, keeping us on edge all the time. We never had a fighting chance.” In 2002, Cherie decided to pick up a chainsaw and has become an award winning artist, competing and winning in chainsaw championships and making it her career out of the spotlight.

and had just signed a record deal for his own band Maudlin Strangers.

Within five days they were in the studio with Kim Fowley at the helm, but by day four Kim was too ill to continue and passed the task of completing the album “Reverie” onto Jake Hays.

As Jake and Cherie worked to finish the album, Cherie also brought Kim into her home and cared for him, but sadly, Kim died a month before the album was finished.

“My most cherished memories are the days when Kim were here at my home.” Currie said. “I just wish he could have heard the finished product. I know he would be proud”.

Cherie also got her wish, with her new book, Neon Angel-A Memoir of a Runaway. The book is being published by IT Books/ HarperCollins Publishers and hits stores March 16, 2010 to coincide with the release of the film. The Runaways, the film, is based on Cherie’s, Neon Angel-A Memoir of a Runaway (It Books/HarperCollins).

In late 2014, Kim Fowley contacted Cherie to see if she would be interested in making an album.

Fowley had been battling cancer for many years and the two ‘buried the hatchet’ of her teenaged past and was thrilled at the prospect to come full circle and work with Kim again. Within weeks they were writing songs, but this time she had brought her son, Jake Hays, 23, an accomplished musician in his own right who had toured with his mom

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“We didn’t have a chance to breathe and look at what we were really doing and the impact, the foundation we were laying for countless girls and women we would open doors for. “

Photo credit: Barbara Porter

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Photo credit: Janet Macoska

Neon Angel

A MEMOIR OF A RUNAWAY

By Cherie Currie with Tony O’Neill

“Neon Angel is a chronicle of a AMAZING journey—the story of a remarkable woman, who has an uncanny knack of reinventing herself—from singer, to actor, to drug counselor, to physical trainer, to mom, to author, to painter, to chainsaw carver . . . While excelling at every turn, Cherie has also exhibited an ironic flair for finding herself in dramatic situations.” — Joan Jett 12

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Cherie Currie was only fifteen when she became the lead singer of The Runaways, the now legendary teenage punk band that would quickly become the first all-girl rock group with platinum album sales. Thrust into the international limelight, Currie was soon living the highs and lows that characterize the glamorous and decadent rock star lifestyle. In her nakedly candid memoir, NEON ANGEL: A Memoir of a Runaway (It Books/An Imprint of HarperCollins; Hardcover; On sale: March 16, 2010; $24.99), the iconic singer who band mate Joan Jett has called “a little tough, a lot nasty” chronicles the band’s meteoric rise, its sudden fame and premature crash, and her own subsequent struggle to reclaim her life.

as Currie, and Kristen Stewart (Twilight, New Moon, Into The Wild, Panic Room) playing Joan Jett. The Runaways also stars Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) as manager Kim Fowley, and Oscar winner Tatum O’Neal as Cherie’s mother.

The Runaways movie hit theaters nationwide March 19, 2010.

NEON ANGEL is both a story of girl empowerment and a darker tale of the price of early fame. Currie was just a teenager from Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley when she was discovered by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley and won the coveted gig as lead singer for their band, The Runaways. At her audition, Jett and Fowley dashed off a song for her to sing, and “Cherry Bomb”—a coy play on Currie’s first name—became a worldwide hit of teen rebellion. In no time, the band rose from playing in LA clubs to selling out stadiums on their first US tour.

Currie electrified audiences singing hits like “California Paradise,” “Cherry Bomb,” “Thunder,” “Secrets,” and her unique stage persona and fashion style—exemplified by her signature Bowie-inspired haircut and fishnet stockings—has influenced many of the artists who came after, from Madonna to Lady Gaga.

Currie’s story exposes the side of the music industry that fans rarely get to see. Riding high, Currie and her band mates—Jett, Lita Ford on guitar, and Sandy West on drums—encountered predatory men who were not necessarily looking out for their best interests. On the road, unsupervised for months at a time, she grew up fast and experienced things that no teenage girl should—drugs, rape, violence. At an incredibly young age, Currie found herself on the edge of a complete drug-and-alcohol breakdown. The Runaways would ultimately fall apart, and Currie would lose almost everything during her descent into drug abuse. But her amazing resilience got her back on the long, hard road to recovery—an ongoing journey of three decades.

While a memoir of survival, NEON ANGEL is also a celebration of a singular time in rock culture. Currie supplies a vivid portrait filled with untold anecdotes from an amazing time in punk rock. The Runaways headlined shows with such opening acts as the Ramones, Van Halen, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Cheap Trick, and Blondie. They played at the legendary CBGBs, and took part in the London punk scene, hanging out with The Sex Pistols.

Currie’s story has come full-circle. With the help of multi-platinum hit songwriter and producer Kenny Laguna, NEON ANGEL has been made into the feature film, The Runaways—starring Dakota Fanning (War of the Worlds, New Moon, The Secret Lives of Bees)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cherie Currie rocketed to rock and roll stardom when she joined The Runaways at the young age of 15. She has been described as “the lost daughter of Iggy Pop and Brigitte Bardot.” Shortly after the band’s demise, the rock star landed a coveted role in the Jodi Foster movie Foxes, and later went on to appear in the films Wavelength with Robert Carradine, Parasite with Demi Moore, and Twilight Zone: The Movie, with Dan Aykroyd.

Currie is still performing, writing, and acting, and she continues to take on unorthodox endeavors. One of the most prominent chainsaw carvers in the world, Cherie placed in two major competitions in 2005.

Visit: www.CherieCurrie.com and www.TheRunaways.com

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Cherie’s Currie’s Amazing

CHAINSAW ART

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LEARN MORE ABOUT CHERI’S CHAINSAW ART CNN CHAINSAW ART: https://www.cnn.com/videos/entertainment/2020/02/18/cherie-curries-chainsaw-art.cnn

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AMAZING CHAINSAW WORK BY CHERIE: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu. be&v=xFpeIE75pdU CHAINSAW CARVING EVENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYf0Ip_ VyaY “CAREER RETROSPECTIVE” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDjxKB-CUIo&feature=share

CHERIE CURRIE ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/CherieCurrieOfficial?fref=ts LEARN MORE ABOUT CHERIE AND HER CHAINSAW CARVING HERE: http://www.chainsawchick.com/about.html

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Steel Waves Radio brings you the best in both indie, national & international rock music and shows

steelwavesradio.com www.steelnotesmagazine.com

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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of All Ages … My name is Marlowe B West and I am your Ring Leader … My Steel Notes Magazine platform is frequently entitled Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan, where I bring my beautiful readers and fans with me as I focus in on some of the most interesting people, places and things I may discover on my constant treasure hunt here in Manhattan, New York … and today’s colourful and exciting story is about the world famous annual New York Fashion Week … However … Considering the majority of our designers are from outside of our fair city, I have climbed up upon another plateau which I refer to as The Whirling Worldz of Marlowe B West.

A few weeks back I received an invitation from my beautiful New York City entrepreneur friend and nightclub owner, Nick Lion ... He was throwing an enormous extravagant birthday bash for the ecstatic supermodel bombshell Wendy Stuart at Club Belgium ... Believe me ... it was shimmering and packed to the Maxx, like Studio 54, with so many different kinds of celebrities and incredibly beautiful people ... The paparazzi went bonkers ... Flashbulbs in overkill ... and there, in the midst, was this strikingly mysterious character, named Phil Harris, who could not help but stand out in the crowd, whom I politely yanked in front of the camera’s with me and Nick ... Turns out he was a designer who had this New York Fashion Week show coming up with CLIQ International ... He was so kind and introduced me to one of the big shots, a beautifully friendly guy named Carmelo, who, although he had his handsful in every which way, was immediately attentive and welcomed me aboard with open arms, and that’s how I got in there ... Talent, my dear ... sheer talent and plenty of something I find to be exceedingly rare these days ... Politeness ... It’s so divine being treated with loving respect by all these elegant, refined, important professionals and the place was gorgeous, like a palace, running over with Beautiful Models ... Backstage ... The dressing rooms ... Mirrors full of makeup, hairdressers, wardrobe and clumps of cameramen.

While speaking with another fine gentleman, Mr. Rodney Delapaz, I came to find that CLIQ International is a talent directory and platform with a mission to promote and elevate artists around the world and provide opportunities to be discovered. The founders, Carmelo Soberano and, himself, Rod Delapaz, have a personal mission to help raise Mental Health awareness, which they debuted through their fashion show called, “CLIQ Fashion Show 2020 - Fashion with a Mission”, during the prestigious NY Fashion Week in February 2020.

The CLIQ Fashion Show 2020 featured 6 world-class international designers: Royal Designer Heizi and JOJO Kids from China, Liz Enriquez from the Philippines, Carolina Dela Pace from Brazil, Jai Isadora Calo - NY Chula and Phil Harris from the NY Metropolitan Area.

Each designer contributed a beautiful display of fashion, passion, and compassionate love. Also, there were highcalibre performances by the electrifying Yut the Violinist, world renowned Hip-Hop Dancer/Choreographer Geo

Hubela (one of the most sought out Hip Hop Dancers and Choreographers, who danced with Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Britney Spears, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, and choreographed for BillyJoeCrawford) and his Dance Group, and CLIQ International Ambassador Dancer William Liu. The fashion show was directed by the lovely Fashion Runway Director Cynthia Liu, who owns and operates MaYong Performing Arts Group, helping to develop the next generation of young leaders.

Notable mention of the celebrity guests: Sergio Delavicci, Rico King, and Jerzey.

CLIQ International is looking forward to the next NYFW in September, covering Red Carpet Events, hosting a major dance competition, and producing an international movie scheduled for release in Q3 2020.

Stay tuned!

CLIQ FASHION WITH A MISSIONNew York Fashion Week 02.13.2020 at 4W43 Building Social Hall Founder/Promoter: CARMELO SOBERANO & ROD DELAPAZ Runway Director: CYNTHIA LIU Media Supervisors: Frankie Gorchess & Jonathan Delapaz Photography: Daniel Dagotdot InHouse Videographer: Jonathan Delapaz & Nicholas Cinco MUA: Cakra Fashion Makeup and skincare by Wendy Lin Hairstylist: Wai Ng Production Coordinator: @Vannessa Castro Backstage Co-Ordinator: Grace Chen, Luling Song, Huimin Shi Front house Supervisor: Samir Sawa & Jaclyn Lee & Janine Bianca Valdez CliQ Ambassador USA: William Liu CliQ Ambassador PH: Querubin Gonzalez CLIQ Fashion Show Sponsors: BellaSkin’s Collection Cakra Fashion Makeup Boxed Water AdConnexion AIRSWIFT #cliqinternationalfashionweek #cliqtv #newyorkfashionweek #nyfw #fashionweek #runwaymodels #runway #highfashion #fashionmode #hautecouture #NewYorkEvents #ThingstodoinNewYork #UnitedStatesEvents #NewYorkPerformances #NewYorkFashionPerformances “TRAVEL THE WORLD, FIND GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES, GET DISCOVERED.” For Inquiries Contact Us at: cliq100m@gmail.com / +1 908-720-3924/ Cliq International (FB Page) Cliq International - A CliQ away from your big break! @ New York, New York New York, NY, United States

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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of All Agez … My name is Marlowe B West and I am your Ring Leader …

Without saying, everyone already knows that Manhattan happenz to be the most lucrative, glamourous & convoluted melting pot in the whirled … I thrill everyday just walking down the streets … a never ending, never sleeping, maze of amazement … Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan is one of my platforms as your host here on Steel Notes Magazine … and I delight in sharing with you, my loving, adoring, readers and fans, the many wonders, of all shapes and forms, I might run across along my constant treasure hunt here in this wonderland known as New York City … I must add; the title Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan also happens to be the name of my New York City nightclub act … presently consisting of, after a six year whirl winding metamorphosis, me and a five piece cream of the crop ensemble of musicians … These awesome guys, Mick Oakleaf on drums and Paul Anthony on guitar and I go all the way back to the Queen of the New York Underground’z Rew & Who underground cable TV show where I frequently co-hosted for three years … then things began to aspire to even greater heights when Claude Campbell came along with his mastery on the keyboards … top that with Duran Duran’s World Touring Trumpeter, Mac ‘the Knife’ Gollehon and most recently, from The Cotton Club, bassist, Stan Thompson … We

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had a wonderful & consistent residency at Sidewalk NYC right up until the owner of the Lower East Side building went and sold his soul … however … (and here is where today’s story finally begins) …

One fine hot and sweaty downtown night, Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan were rocking out onstage, when in walks this perfectly glamourous elderly couple … you could not mistake their glamourousness … they stood out like a lamppost because the majority of the crowded room was filled with rowdy loaded highly undignified, you know, rock ‘n rollerz … so cutting to the point, to my utter joy, the lady was immediately enchanted by the singer … me … We met after the show and she turns out to be a living, breathing, angel straight from Heaven above … On another occasion she bought my book, Go West, and had me sign it for her and we’ve been the greatest friends ever since … I am very happy and proud to introduce you to Patricia Joy. MBW: So lovely of you to join us here at Steel Notes Magazine, Patricia … I just gotta ask … What on earth were you and your debonair husband, Steve, doing in a crazy madhouse joint like Sidewalk NYC that night ??? You evidently could see and hear the racket all the way down the block … I’m afraid to ask but are you a … a rocker ???

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PJ: (laughing and gently brushing a tear from the corner of her eye with a hanky) My first memory of Rock & Roll was when I was 3 and my father brought home the 78 rpm of HOUND DOG by Elvis. When my Dad played the B side, ‘Don’t be Cruel” I was hooked and for weeks after I continuously played “Don’t Be Cruel” on our portable record player, driving my family to distraction until my Dad would yell, “Someone take that record away from that baby!” They would ..I’d find where they hid it and the cycle would start all over again! Still one of my favorite records!

MBW: Sounds like you were just born to rock!!!

PJ: When the BEATLES arrived I was gobsmacked …

Asked for guitar lessons and received my first guitar (and lessons) when I was 12. The guitar and I were essentially attached from then on … Being placed in Catholic Schools from 1st-12th grades I also sang in Church … the music spanned from Gregorian Chant (which we were drilled on from 4th-8th Grades so that we could provide song during Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Masses … and God forbid you did not show for those Masses … the nuns were fierce with punishment!) long about High School, Folk Masses started to be the thing and I played for EVERY mass! This skill enabled me to skip class on the premise of practicing new material for mass … however, we (myself and other guitarist/singers) were (more often than not) known to be playing “Hey Joe” or some Beatle Tune in the back of the auditorium stage!

MBW: I certainly would have noticed and admired you even all the way back then ...

PJ: … when I was 14 I was allowed to visit NYC with some friends (with one friend’s older cousin as chaperone. She promptly left us after she deposited us in Union Square!) We walked up from the subway and I smelled the incense burning ... looked around and just saw Kids EVERYWHERE ... we walked to Washington Square Park … KIDS EVERYWHERE … MUSIC PLAYING ...

I WAS IN LOVE AND IN HEAVEN …

MBW: I told you she was from Heaven !!!

PJ: I felt like I was Home ... I knew I HAD to go to NYU … fast forward to Senior Year (after escaping MANY times to visit NYC especially The Village … My very Catholic Guidance Counselor told me she “refused” to send my transcripts to NYU b/c if I went there I would “lose my faith” … Catholic School had pretty much taken care of that for me and … again, my Dad to the rescue, when I told him the situation he took off work, showed up at school and informed the Principal and said Guidance Counselor that they WOULD SEND THOSE TRANSCRIPTS AND ONLY HE WOULD HAVE A SAY

OVER WHERE I attended college ... (he REALLY didn’t want me there … especially since I was only 17 but) … I got in, and, the rest, as they say, is history.

MBW: Oh … So you obviously had excellent grades … seems like you just breezed in and got everything you wanted … Blessed child !!!

PJ: I started in The School of Education Theater department … decided I liked the science courses I took in Voice and Language and then transferred to the Department of Speech/Language Pathology. During the college years, through a mutual musical friend, I met the man who would become my Singing Partner for the next 20 years, Charles “Chuck” Jesky ... We just clicked musically and began to perform at coffee houses and colleges (mostly in Connecticut … The Kiva in Bridgeport, The Carriage House, Sacred Heart University and for some weddings as well) We also sang with other musician friends in NYC as well … mostly non-paid but always great fun.

MBW: I can relate to your spirit and interests … but then I know you’ve read my book Go West - The Rock and Roll Memoir (1967-1970) so you already know how very much we always had in common … You’re like a friend I’ve known most of my life.

PJ: In my 20’s I began to study Classical Voice with James Wilson who was out of Julliard … wonderful man to who I owe so much appreciation for opening up my musical world ... not only to Opera but also to the likes of Cleo Laine who became an Idol to me and learning her arrangements gave my voice a new life!

MBW: Oh yes,Cleo! The Queen of Jazz. Very interesting …

So now, tell me please … from there, how and where did you begin to acquire this magic you possess … that of being the saint (so to speak) one would seek to find to help a child born with breathing and or speaking difficulties ???

PJ: 1979 was graduation with my Masters Degree in Speech/Language Pathology from NYU and the beginning of the journey into treating children with multiple neuromotor disabilities ... my caseload was 75 children ranging in age from 6 months old to 21 years when I was with The State of Connecticut, Dept. of Disabilities. Those wonderful children let me learn so much from them ... about empathy, love, sweetness and pure joy ... about how we take the simplest things for granted … our vision, our hearing, the ability to move, the ability to swallow, voice, speak … I am indebted to those children. after working with the State for 8 years, private practice became my goal when I had my daughter, Julia 34 years ago. My practice was and is now dedicated to helping infants and children who - either due to being born prematurely (earlier than 30 weeks and they are known as ‘micro-preemies) or

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because of structural inefficiencies or because they have a Genetic Syndrome - are placed on tube feedings (Nasogastric - through the nose down the esophagus to the stomach / Gastrostomy - tube place directly into the stomach through the skin of the abdomen or Jejunal - Tube placed into the small intestine) I assist with transition to oral feedings ... Many of my little people have other issues as well … respiratory (often requiring a tracheostomy tube through which they breath, often oxygen dependence early on which we work to wean and neuromotor issues resulting in motor planning difficulties impeding development of sitting unsupported, crawling, walking and talking.

I work to help them develop voicing, intonation patterns (to use as mood indicators - happy, sad, mad, etc.) as well as instruct in both manual language and augmentative communication. The invention of the iPad has been a FABULOUS tool for my patients. in 1981 I became Certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) (formerly known as the BOBATH Approach to Cerebral Palsy) MBW: My God … I see you’ve traveled a well investigated and Onsight path to constantly enhance and deeply perfect your inborn blessings to help others. A beautiful mission with purpose and built in spiritual rewards.

PJ: This changed my life, the way I think and the way I treat everyone … even the singers whom I now help. The premise of NDT is that the whole body is ONE organism and that positioning/body mechanics directly impact respiration, swallowing, voicing … well , everything. I am known to ‘reposition’ keyboard players, guitarists, singers and often microphones to improve alignment for maximum output of vocal production with least effort.

MBW: A very beautifully humble and modest professional specialist !!!

PJ: To that end, I have also over the past 10 years incorporated the techniques of the ESTILL VOCAL METHOD and techniques from Jacob Lieberman’s Circumlarlyngeal Treatment as well as Myofascial Release/Manual Therapy for Swallowing and Voice Issues. ESTILL came into my life as a blessing after I lost my singing voice to undiagnosed Lyme Disease. After 4 years of pain and brain fog and exhaustion I found a physician who understood what was going on and treated me aggressively with antibiotics but - by that time - my voice had devolved into an unreliable, shaky shadow of what it had been. NYU to the rescue … My connection to the University allowed me to be notified of advanced courses in my field and in 2010 (I believe) …

Up popped the course in ESTILL FOR VOICE taught by Mary Klimack, CCC/SLP who had been trained by none other than Jo Estill herself! (Added bonus to the Estill Courses I’ve taken in NYC has been the visiting of Joan

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Lader, THE VOICE INSTRUCTOR TO BROADWAY - she was also trained by Jo Estill!!) With this vocal method I have my voice back again ... I have learned to adjust the mechanics of my vocal tract to ‘get hold of and keep’ stability and ease of production … Fatigue and Pushing are Gone! Because of my education and personal experiences, I’d like to think of myself as the ‘Singer’s Therapist” since I can identify with performing.

MBW: Well if anyone ever really did lose their your voice, you certainly did get yours back … You completely blew me away at one of our vocal sessions when you casually sang along with Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and knew all the words and everything !!!

PJ: I absolutely love Bruno. I think he is the sweetest most genuine and talented young performer.

MBW: Yes, so do I … I was there in the audience at the 2011 Grammy’s when I first saw him … beautiful voice … completely stunning !!!

PJ: It is so very interesting to me that one will learn the structures and functions of the instrument - the guitar, the trumpet, sax, keyboards, but have never learned - or never have been taught - the structures and functions of the mechanics that make up VOICE. It has become a mission to help singers who get stuck, who are working too hard vocally, who get fatigued … to learn the techniques that can free them to ‘vocally fly’ and that includes providing hands on/ manual therapy/ myofascial release techniques to first get the voice (and singer) out of stress. So far I have had the pleasure of helping many NYC based singers some of whom are, Nicole Zuritis, Vocalist for BIRDLAND BIG BAND and Grammy Nominee, NAFSICA, singer and songwriter as well as lead in ROCKTOPIA on Broadway, performers at FRIAR’S CLUB and my dear friend, Marlowe B. West !!!

MBW: Thank you verry much, Patricia for allowing me to share you with the whirled … Now I have one last question … If I could grant you 3 wishes what would they be ???

PS: Wow … well that’s heavy … I guess Firstly … would be a World United for Only Good (that wish would allow for peace, comradeship and preservation of this planet) !!!

Secondly … complete health for All (this doesn’t mean not aging but healthy people in body and mind especially children) !!!

Thirdly … and this might seem morbid, but - that Steve and I leave this world at the same time … we both have spoken about not wanting to stay if either is gone !!! … Mind you … the third wish is Hopefully not granted any time soon !!!

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At 16 with my brand new, straight from the factory in Japan, 12 String In the 70’s.. singing with my performance partner, Chuck Jesky. We Electric ARIA Diamond (the gentleman behind me was a business were performing at coffee houses & colleges in Connecticut associate of my Father) who was instrumental (pun intended) in guitar.with We became friends when I lived Chuck in Nagoya for 3 We were performing at coffee In acquiring the 70’s..the singing my performance partner, Jesky. months with my parents the summer before. Still have the guitar!

@ 16 with my brand new, straight from the factory in Japan, 12 String Electric ARIA Diamond In the 70’s.. singing with my performance partner, C (the gentleman behind me was a business associate of my Father) whogood was instrumental (pun houses & colleges in Connecticut ..

19 .. modeling.. god ! Those houses & colleges in Connecticut .. pants!!! intended) in acquiring the guitar. We became friends when I lived in Nagoya for 3 months with my parents the summer before. Still have the guitar!

ThinkThink I wasI was @ 19.. diddid some @ 19.. somemodeling modeling

19 .. modeling.. good god ! Those pants!!!

19 .. modeling.. good god ! Those pants!!!

1979 NYU Graduation..Master’s Degree in

Speech/Language Pathology ( can’t find 1979graduation NYU Graduation..Master’s Degree in Speech/Lan pic from 1974 NYU Bachelors pic from 1974 NYU Bachelors Degree in Speech/Langu Degree in Speech/Language Pathology)

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OMG .. just found this! Me ( with the guitar) Myrtle Beach with friends..

I am 14!! Seriously, the guitar was attached to me all through high school!!

The night the Great Mr. Bill Sims said we all needed a selfie and took it at 55 Bar

The night the Great Mr. Bill Sims said we all need OMG .. just found this! Me ( with the guitar) Myrtle Beach with friends.. I am 14!! Seriously, the

OMG .. singing just found this! Me (partner, with Chuck the guitar) Beachat coffee with friends.. I am 14!! Seriously, the In the 70’s.. with my performance Jesky. WeMyrtle were performing houses colleges in Connecticut guitar& was attached to ..me all through high school!!

The night the Great Mr. Bill Sims said we all needed guitar was attached to me all through high school!!

Think I was @ 19.. didHubby, some modeling Myself, Daughter and Son-in-Law hanging with Donovan after the John Lennon Tribute Concert

19 .. modeling.. good god ! Those pants!!!

Marvelous Nafsica in New Years Eve

(she had a lead singing role in ROCKTOPIA!) Marvelous Nafsica in New Years Eve (she had a lead

Myself, Hubby, Daughter and Son-in-Law hanging with Donovan after the John Lennon Myself, Hubby, Daughter and Son-in-Law hanging with Donovan after the John Lennon Tribute Concert www.steelnotesmagazine.com 68 Tribute Concert

Hubby ( Steve Maggiola, Esq.) & I - present day

With some if my ‘magical musical babies’ at BIRDLAND .. Nicole Zuraitis is the Singer with the Birdland Big Band .. She is Fabulous!! The 2 fellas on left and right are incredible musicians and Hubby ( Steve Maggiola, Esq.) & I - present day song writers - Brett Miller (L) and Nick Cabrera (R) Hubby in Hat! Hubby ( Steve Maggiola, Esq.) & I - present day

19 .. modeling.. good god ! Those pants!!!

With some if my ‘magical musical babies’ at BIRDLAND .. Nicole Z Birdland Big Band .. She is Fabulous!! The 2 fellas on left and rig and song writers - Brett Miller (L) and Nick Cabrera (R) Hubby in H

With some if my ‘magical musical babies’ at BIRDLAND .. Nicole Zuraitis is the Singer with the Birdland Big Band .. She is Fabulous!! The 2 fellas on left and right are incredible musicians and song writers - Brett Miller (L) and Nick Cabrera (R) Hubby in Hat!

1979 NYU Graduation..Master’s Degree in Speech/Lan pic from 1974 NYU Bachelors Degree in Speech/Langu

Marlowe B West and I outside Sidewalk NYC

Marlowe B West and I outside Sidewalk NYC www.steelnotesmagazine.com

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Marie Currie

CREATIONS

by Alexxis Steele

Marie Currie is an uber talented artist that creates exquisite pieces of art that you can own!

Check out her full collection on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarieCurrieCreations Check out some of her work here in this issue!

Easter is coming fast! Check out Marie’s great creations, and order a gift for your loved one!

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Bountiful

Meet ‘Bountiful’ featuring a Somerset Greenwoman by artist David Lawrence.

This piece is absolutely spectacular. It is all about home, family gathering and to be grateful for all we have.

I started by painting the woman using rich copper and bronze and I painted the birds in orange and yellow shimmer to blend with the peaches. I then went on to paint the cross in a deep hunter green with gold and copper leaves tipped in bronze. I covered the piece in beautiful hand-painted clay peaches, branches, vines with rhinestone flowers finishing with dragonflies throughout.

This baby is truly breathtaking and will leave a smile on all who admire her. This is a large hand cut cross by Steve Isaacs and measures 30/15”. Please PM me if ‘Bountiful’ belongs to you! $425

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E Harmony 72

Meet~‘eHarmony’ featuring a hilarious steampunk woman entitled “Waiting for the perfect man” by Summit Collections. I started with a black back with a black, red and green front covered with a gear design. The piece is plastered with beautiful crystal pieces, silver and copper, JEROLLIN jewels, gears, amber stars, branches, handmade clay flowers, green opal pieces and the list goes on and on. I placed her in a sea of black raw onyx, beads and red diamond rounds with branches and stars then built her cliff of auburn and green ice with faceted crystals, raw quartz, sea glass, foliage, flowers and gears. This piece is one of my very best and is perfect for that woman with a sense of humor as to the men in her life.

24/9” and hand cut by Steve Isaacs. PM me if she’s yours! Comes with a black chrome stand. $700

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Silver Sky

Meet~‘Silver Sky’ featuring a stunning flying Angel I found on one of my outings. This incredible find had a hint of silver on her wings and belt and turned into one of my most beautiful crosses yet.

I started by highlighting the Angels hair with a mercury metallic silver to bring out her curls and painted the cross in soft beige with silver tips and swirls throughout. I added filigree, Swarovski Crystal, Austrian Crystal, JEROLLIN leafs, rhinestone pieces and finished with pearl. This gorgeous cross would be a standout in any room and will bring so much joy to all whom see her. Hand cut by Steve Isaacs! PM me if she belongs to you!! 26/15” $450

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Sundown

Meet ‘Sundown’…the 2nd of my tea light lantern crosses and how stunning is this baby?! I started by painting the hand carved cross black opal with a satin finish. I added a mirror to the lantern for a more dramatic effect and surrounded the lantern in JEROLLIN gold leafs and black enamel and rhinestone flowers. Once the lantern was mounted with brackets, the cliff took an entire day to build of fire glass, raw onyx, faceted crystals and ice. So striking and demands attention even before the lantern is lit. Comes with 2 electric tea lights. PM me if he’s yours! 24/15” $400

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Get your business in front of music lovers & support our mag with a sponsored ad.

Contact us to find out how!

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Interview with Singer/Songwriter/Actress

KITTY SUMMERALL 76

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by Alexxis Steele

Kitty Summerall, Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Is Also Completing A Screenplay And Penning Her Autobiography, Among other Projects.

Best known for her sultry voice, Kitty Summerall is a multitalented creative force, and has been a part of music scenes in five world capitals.

Alexxis: Kitty, first of all, please tell us about your current projects.

Kitty: I am happy to share that I am in the first stages of two new music projects, one of my original jazz songs along with a few standards, and another, a blues album, with mainly original songs.

Alexxis: I understand that you also write, as well as acting in films. Would you tell us more about these?

Kitty: Yes, first - two or three film ideas have come my way lately, and I am seeing how their scripts progress, but they sound very interesting. Also, one of them wants me to do the soundtrack, and that’s doubly exciting!

Of course, I also have my own projects - two screenplays that are being developed that will showcase themes that I am fascinated with, and which I am well-qualified to showcase, given my Southern background.

Alexxis: You have lived in several countries, and in cities like New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and London, as well as in Paris and Florida. Has the diversity in locale influenced your music and writing?

Kitty: Of course, but then, I was always interested in other cultures and their creative realms.

Yes, it influences me, and informs my writing subjects, plus, in the autobiography that people have been urging me to write, I will share much about having been in the music a scenes in these creative hubs.

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Alexxis: Kitty, you are a vegan, compassionate about animals and the environment. Please tell us more about this.

Kitty: Yes, I’ve been a vegan for most of my life, since I had understood too early what happens to the sweetest animals on earth.

I love them too much not to actively assist our fellow beings in any way I can. I spend hours every week promoting compassionate causes, and sharing petitions. It’s my duty, I feel, since either one is a helper or not helping at all.

I am so happy that the great Joaquin Phoenix has brought veganism to the forefront of world society! Isn’t he great?

Alexxis: I know you have new EDM and rock songs, too, and some Ethereal music.

Kitty: I love EDM, and mood music, too. I write and produce in so many genres! I love music, and it’s a part of my whole vibe. I could never confine myself to any one kind of music, since I am a creative with so many interests.

Alexxis: Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

Kitty: I love the fact that so many avenues of expression are open today, and that creators can be more independent, find creative funding for projects, and explore so many fields of artistry and culture! Although the world is in a rapid transition, and information is flooding in at all times, we must stay focused on the good things, too, and stay positive and hopeful for the world. I hope we all do our part to care and to help the innocent.

Thank you!

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In the Spotlight: Band of the Month

NORTH JERSEY’S

by Alexxis Steele STIFF UPPER LIP is made up of seasoned musicians from the Northern NJ area with a common passion for the music of AC/DC past and present. The band has been around since 2007 playing many venues in the tri-state area along with many benefits and MC shows.

As Stiff Upper Lip we recreate the music of AC/DC but do not have the exact image of the band. We believe that having our own unique look while performing the music exactly the way AC/DC plays it is what is most important.

This band of rockers not only pays homage to ACDC, but also does a set of your favorite classic rock tunes.!

Band Members Peter Lee - bass Joe Wittness - guitar, - drums, John Greenwald - guitar Glenn Tags -vocals For bookings contact Peter Lee:(973) 476-2190 Email: stiffupperlipband@yahoo.com http://www.stiffupperlipnj.com

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People To Watch: “GIG DIGGERS” DANIEL BENEDICT

by Josie Janci

What Benny does with his business, Gig Digger Promotions sounds simple. Find a venue that hosts live music and get a band. We all know that’s not as easy as it sounds – if it were, everyone would do it.

Due to Benny’s deep lehigh valley roots, his reputation precedes him in many of his initial meetings, and getting his foot in the door has always been one of his selfprofessed strengths. Using these tools, Benny works to partner with venues that are open to his negotiations.

These discussions include a wide range of topics from band payments, to timelines, breaks, equipment, etc.

He works as a liason between the clubs and the venues and needs to keep everyone happy.

Photo Credit: Randy Klotzman In the world of music, the business end of it is almost just as important as the talent end. If a musician is lucky enough to get to focus their energy on just the music, they are blessed but finding a businessman they can trust is a tough task for everyone. The Lehgih Valley music scene has welcomed with open arms this month’s person to watch, Mr. Daniel “Benny” Benedict of Gig Digger Promotions. I met with Benny to ask how this successful endeavor began.

Benny was the fifth of five children born to Lehigh Valley native parents. His folks loved to have parties and some of Benny’s earliest and fondest memories are of the laughter and fun had at these parties. Fast forward to his high school years where he was a popular athlete who managed to secure invites to all the parties and then to his Rugby Coaching years when he’s having parties of his own, at his house, for the Rugby team – parties so well thought out that he even named them!

And before anyone really realized what was happening Benny’s Blues Jam’s became the precursor to Gig Digger Promotions. These music-themed partiesturned-fundraisers, benefited more than the rugby teams it supported. Benny’s Blues Jam benefits Benny and his wife’s post retirement livlihood as much as it does the Lehgih Valley Music scene.

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He told me how he may have ruffled some feathers along the way, but all for the good of the industry. The various topics which may be addressed include what provisions are to be made if there isn’t good attendance at the gig, what happens if a band has to cancel, does the band get free drinks or food,and of course, who is responsible for the equipment to be used.

Equipment is something that is almost “behind the scenes” to most fans. The cost of maintaining their instruments and gear can be prohibitive and carrying it from gig to gig is one of the biggest tasks every band faces. Benny, always conscious of the fact tah a happy client is a happy venue, decided that he was going to buy a PA system for his gigs. This means he can set up at times so that all the musicians need to do is show up and be fabulous. I asked him, during the interview if there had ever been any equipment failure during a gig, (having that issue personally more than once) and Benny very non-chalantly said “well a speaker blew at a show but I had one in my car”. Such a simple solution making such a big difference.

Benny works with about 2 local bands ranging from rookie groups who are just getting into the industry to veteran performers who are able to morph into anything Benny needs for his venues. He’s expanded venues already into New Jersey and Philadelphia area and has his sights set on CA when he’s there for the rugby clinic he sponsors. An innate networker with a penchant for making you like him, Benny, has contacts everywhere and thanks to his lifetime of learning – he keeps those contacts. Keeps them happy and working with him!

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“When The Lights Went Out In New York City”

BUDDY CAGE - 2020

By Don Aters He was gifted, a few prominent musicians played as well but none would ever play better than Buddy Cage. During the infamous Train Tour of Canada in 1970, Buddy was involved with Ian & Sylvia and was completely flawless while performing.

Jerry Garcia was playing with The Grateful Dead but on occasion with New Riders of the Purple Sage with his friend from the embryonic days in San Francisco folklore. Jerry was soon to be on tour with The Grateful Dead and was mesmerized by Buddy’s ability so it was his train of thought that would eventually see Buddy take Jerry’s place in New Riders.

The alchemy with David Nelson, Dave Tolbert and Spencer Dryden would see the band transcend into a veritable “Rock n Roll” machine with a plethora of melodic arrangements and subsequent tunes. New Riders were catalyst for the “rock-country genre although frequently unappreciated by the masses. All of that is now somewhat passe’ while Buddy crosses his chosen River Styx. Years ago he called and ask if I would write a eulogy for his resent loss of Skip Battin who I vaguely knew from his brief tenure with the Byrds.

days that could demean what we stood for in reference to music that could be the cure for universal peace . When in the midst of any crowd, his dexterity on a pedal steel was visually intoxicating, one of our chosen Gods that could always make the heart smile. The idolatry of your gift remains, a reverence for “Music that mattered” for those of us who were lucky enough to know you. We now seem laden with regret for not seeing you again before you left this realm. I can only speak for myself, I will wear my NRPS shirt for as long as I can walk this planet, retain the memories of a Golden Soul” and assure you that i will not allow you to be forgotten....

Rage on “Crazy Diamond”, Sam, PK, Marty and Robert await your arrival.

Much love from horse country, will see you down the road....say hello to Tipsy for me & my Mom & Dad.........As the axiom of yesteryear comes from the recesses of this menial mind, “You were a keeper ”.........

Buddy was always thinking of others, a trait not exactly running rampant in a genre now saturated with greed and internal complications with integrity and trust.

Buddy was a charm, quiet but not inhibited, a prototype “hippie” who circumvented the garish demeanors of his peers. The scarcity of these admirable souls is sweeping the genre in the last few years and inclusive of Sam Andrew, Paul Kantner, Marty Balin, Robert Hunter amidst others and now the untimely demise of another “Royalty of Rock”.

There is a paucity that defines these musical warriors and we seem to be on the brink of extinction of those similar to Monsieur Buddy Cage. His stage charisma was “colored” with passion for music, a majestic contributor to the music that defined an entire generation and his astute demeanor to avoid a blemish of those storied

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Alice Cooper

“SHOCK ROCK, ALIVE & WELL”…

By Don Aters It was an era where “folk rock” and psychedelia had reached epic proportions and Detroit was aware of something had to change to maintain the escape from political corruption, another useless war and the decadence of racism and hedonism amidst the grandeur of music that could and would save an enitre generation. “Shock Rock” would evolve as the savior and Alice Cooper would be the King amidst the impending hierarchy of neoteric bands like The Stooges and David Bowie. These were the seminal bands who would display the audacity of a guillotine, snakes, a straight jacket and make it work. Alice Cooper (Vincent Furnier)knew that something neoteric might capture the souls of youthful America who sought yet another road less traveled. The music was an epiphany at first, a paucity that would soon change with Alice Cooper along with Neal Smith, Glenn Buxton, Michael Bruce and Dennis Dunaway. Over the years, changes were inevitable but the last few years have been defined with Ryan Roxie, Chuck Gancic, Tommy Henrikson, Glen Sobel & Nita Strauss. Nita of course is the “Misha” Baryshnikov of contemporary guitarist who displays a flexibility unlike any guitarist in the history of recorded music. These are not the acolytes of previos genres but merely idolaters of “shock rock”. Alice has a storied past, was a chosen favorite of Bill Graham who booked the band to plsy the Fillmores East & West & Winterland, 1968-1971. Spirited renditions of the Alice Cooper repertoire seemed to be a reverie that brought back memories of The Golden Age and lolling patrons of the venues that are now fodder for Musical Trivial Pursuit.

It is another epoch in time, an omen that indicates that music that matters continues. Alice retains the nasal vocals of yesteryear and yet, an unfettered practitioner, an entertainer who continues to pursue The Grand Illusion of the perfect performance. These are The Dionysian Rockers of 2020 and with Nita as the constant cherub touring with Alice & the band, they remain the doyens of music that is now our common denominator..

Cheers, Don Aters - 2019

The New England Music

HALL OF FAME

by Christopher Annino

FEATURED FILM: LEPRECHAUN Leprechaun is a comedy/ horror film which was released in 1993. The film was written and directed by Mark Jones and stars Warwick Davis in the title role.

Some consider it noteworthy that Leprechaun features the film debut of Jennifer Aniston.

The story follows a vengeful leprechaun who is after a family he believes has stolen his pot of gold. Originally the film was meant to be a straight horror, but the lead actor injected humor into the role. Later, reshoots were added to make the film more along the lines of the original vision, and appeal more to an older audience.

Leprechaun actually led to six sequels and had a reboot as well in 2014. The film is often played on television on Saint Patrick’s Day. The latest film in the series, Leprechaun Returns was a television film released in 2018.

Leprechaun Returns was made a direct follow-up to the original film, ignoring all the sequels. The lead female character in the film plays the daughter of Jennifer Aniston’s character from the original film.

Dex Shellhammer is a lifelong horror movie fanatic. He contributed to underground horror films with his music as well as having minor acting roles. Dex is a Lehigh Valley music scene veteran as a singer/ songwriter and founding member of longtime heavy metal band Father of Sin. He also recently started a goth/industrial band under his last name, Shellhammer.

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20 St. Patrick’s Day Films Boy Eats Girl (2005) The Canal (2014) Cherry Tree (2015) Citadel (2014) A Dark Song (2016) The Eclipse (2009) God Told Me To (1976) Grabbers (2012) The Hallow (2015) Holidays – St. Patrick’s Day short (2016) Isolation (2005) Leprechaun (1993) The Lodgers (2017) Maniac Cop (1988) Muck (2015) Rawhead Rex (1986) Red Clover (2012) Shrooms (2007) Stitches (2012) Wake Wood (2009)

The Motivator: Cherie Currie & Brie Darling

By Jim Allford Get ready for some great music by these two musical legends. Do their names sound familiar to you? They should!

CHERIE CURRIE was the front woman and soloist for famous all female rock band, THE RUNAWAYS. BRIE DARLING was the drummer and singer for the famous all female rock band, FANNY. All lead vocals are done

by Cherie and Brie, which includes 9 cover songs . The musicians and background singers that contributed to the 12 song epic CD include: Sondra Currie, Cherie’s sister, and her ex-husband, Robert Hays; Brie’s brother, Henry Berry, Phil Berry and Rory Berry Bishop; Susan Olson of the The Brady Bunch and Patti Quatro, a member of Fanny, Suzi’s sister on guitar and backup vocals.

The 12 song was Produced and Mixed by Dave Darling. Engineered by Zachary Darling. Mastered by Stephen Marsh and Recorded at Disco Party Party West. THE MOTIVATOR kicks off this CD which has a great groove and will have you singing along within minutes. I must admit, it definitely has a T-REX sound.

GIMME SOME TRUTH is great as you can feel it coming from their heart and soul. This song is a real gem. GET TOGETHER is their great version of The Youngbloods classic song that will make you float away. You have to give it a listen. THIS IS OUR TIME is a sweet rocker that you’ll fall in love with from the very first note and it’s great melody. I’M TOO GOOD , THAT’S JUST TOO BAD is as solid as a rock as the guitar riff is in your face and they are singing directly in your face. Turn it up and get your groove on. HIGHER GROUND, the Stevie Wonder song, ends this amazing CD. This CD is a must to have and go check them out if they are on tour in your area.

You can find then at: www.blueelan.com; Rolling Stone, Amazon, You Tube, TuneIn, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Play Music. Facebook and Pandora.I would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to Ken Phillips and Melissa Dragich-Cordero.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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The Stanleys

By Jim Allford MEET THE STANLEYS a Power Pop band that hails from Perth, Western Australia. THE STANLEYS played hundreds of gigs around the world including the U.S., Canada, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden and many other countries.

THE STANLEYS are: MARK Di RENZO: Lead vocals, Bass guitar, Piano. Keyboards and Percussion; JAMIE HORSBURGH: Guitars, Vocals and TOMAS DAHL: Drums, Percussion, Guitar and Vocals.

Their 2017 11 song CD was PRODUCED by THE STANLEYS with additional help. ENGINEERED By Andy Lawson, Ken Stringfellow, Michael Carpenter, Anders Henningsen, Tomas Dahl and Mark Di Renzo. MIXED by Andy Lawson and MASTERED by Leon Zervos.They also have quite a few guest musicians playing on this CD. AMY starts out the CD with guitars pounding away and in your face. The harmonies are great to hear. I can, definitely, hear reflections of Brownsville Station, and that says a lot.

CIGARETTE GLOW has a great melody as the band is as tight as ever. Crank it up and get carried away. This is as sweet as ever. MY WORLD slows down the tempo a bit as the solid rhythm keeps the pace. The guitar riff is great throughout the song. The vocals are a real highlight.

ALWAYS is another great song as the band breezes their way through the song. The melody will have you hooked in no time. SAY YOU WILL reminds of The Raspberries with the excellent melody and harmonies. I love this one. There is no doubt, you will, too! KID’S GONNA ROCK has a great guitar riff and will definitely catch your ear. This song would make BIG STAR proud.

You can find THE STANLEYS on: Facebook, Spotify, www.thestanleys.com.au/, Bandcamp, You Tube. Discog and Triple J Unearthed. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Mark Di Renzo and the band for being in touch and giving me the opportunity to review their CD. Also, hats off to everyone that was involved in the making of this great CD. Please check them out.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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Weal: Melt

By Jim Allford WEAL is a shoegaze indie rock band from Copenhagen, Denmark. The band members are: PETER THIELST JESSEN: Vocals and Guitar; MARTIN NIEDZIELLA NORGAARD: Guitar; STEPHAN NIEDZIELLA NORGAARD: Bass and PETER NYGAARD Drums.

MELT is their new 2019 release which is mixed and produced by PETER THIELST JESSEN. Also, appearing on this 4 song EP is TANJA SIMONSEN [Superheroes, Private and ONBC] which brings the unit to a higher level with her angelic voice.

HANGING LOW starts out this EP with a fast and furious pounding guitar as the vocals come in. The melody is great as you seem to melt into the song. I must admit, I hear a hint of Nickelback.

WEAK DAYS brings the band to a new realm as it brings a haunting guitar in the intro. The melody is strong and will stay in your head for days. The low vocals in the song reminds of The Cure. I must admit, this song is quite a gem.

NIGHT DRIVE will definitely have your attention within minutes. The vocals are quite amazing in this song as Tanja brings the song to a whole new level. The band is tight on every note played and they demand that they have your attention. Watch their video of this song on You Tube.

WINTER RAIN is NOT on this EP, but worth checking out on their website. A great song that will be in your head for a long, long time. This song reminds of KATO, the British band. This is the band’s third release and you might to check out their other 2 releases. FIRST OF ALL [2017] and DIVING IN [2018.]

You can find the band at: REVERBNATION, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and YOU TUBE. My hats off to the band and to all of those involved. Thank you PETER THIELST for being in touch. Keep you eyes and ears open for this band, because they are making their mark in the music business.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

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Thank You for Your Support Let’s make 2020 our best year yet.

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Luca Cerardi Interviews

Luigi Stefanini This month it is a huge pleasure to give voice to Luigi Stefanini, a masterclass sound engeneer and producer from Treviso, Italy. He owns the New Sin Studios where many rock-metal-blues acts recorded their album during the past 30 years. To me it is so special because I worked with him in three of Merendine’s albums, in Not Over Yet disc and my playthroughs for Ddrum and now we are working on the new project called The Low Sins Club. 15 years in his studio learning and growing as musician so this interview is also a thanks for the job we made in this long time together.

When did you officially become a producer?

What was your first assignment?

Well, in all the bands I had been in, I was always the one who had to prepare and fix the equipment. When I had my first home studio, I was doing the recording for all the tapes of my bands, as well as for other local bands. Then I started visiting other studios, and realized that my sound engineering knowledge was actually pretty advanced, even compared to long-standing professionals. That’s when I decided to focus on this career – which I have had for the past 25 years.

You were a musician first, then moved on to be a producer/sound engineer. How do you think being a musician impacted the second part of your career?

I played the guitar, the keyboard and the bass with different bands, and had the chance to have a stable job with a big major. For years I was the client, and that really helped me understand the potential difficulties musicians encounter when going to studios for the first time. I realized how people can end up being treated, it was a great learning lesson.

How do you approach the recording of every album with all the different artists?

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I listen to the artists, I focus on understanding what they are looking for, then I work on finding the best way to get there.

I have noticed many times that in some parts of the production process you want to work alone.

Can you talk about that?

Over all these years you must have collected an incredible amount of memories and anecdotes.

What do you treasure the most?

Think about a building. When designing it the interaction with all the stakeholders is essential.

But when calculations need to be done, the expert works by him/herself. There is no need for creative discussions at that point, and distractions can actually be detrimental to the process.

I have a ton of anecdotes, but the thing I treasure the most is the relationships that I built with many fantastic musicians.

Can you give me a definition of music that relates both to your technical and philosophical knowledge?

Philosophy cannot be forgotten once studied, it is a forma mentis that stays, that keeps me curious and positively skeptical. Music is technically just air vibrations, but for us it’s an emotion. While music is currently associated with the show business, I am still one of those people who would sit on the couch, close their eyes and carefully listen to a record.

Outside of your studio life, can you still enjoy a song with overanalyzing it?

Unfortunately, “simply enjoying” a song is something I have not been able to do for a really long time. Without even wanting to, I start analyzing frequencies, arrangements, sounds... but this does not mean that I don’t enjoy it!

Music is still, to this day, my favorite hobby.

Do you think there are certain rules that make a song universally commercial? A world-wide hit?

You know, it’s happened many times that albums that I recorded were very quickly categorized as “non-commerical” – then you end up listening to the radio and hearing pretty much the same tunes, defined and glorified as original and innovative. This happens in the music industry.

On the bright side, everybody is free to listen to anything they like and judge for themselves.

What has always impressed me about the New Sin Studio is the obvious attention you put in keeping up with the latest production techniques and equipment. You do put a lot of work into updating yourself continuously, don’t you?

I do, BUT... keep in mind that the perfect record does not exist, it’s a myth. In every record there are mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes made the record incredibly famous!

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What do you think about the role of technology in music production? Spefically when it comes to the current widespread use of apps and software for home-made records.

Being able to record at home to finalize an idea or to make a specific arrangement was great. The peak happened when there were 4 tracks per cassette. If the record worked with 4 tracks, good, otherwise the product wasn’t valuable.

However, the need to monetize from young aspiring musicians has changed things, so now there’s an invasion of softwares and equipments that promise to tranform your bedroom into a

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professional studio. The result of that is a loss of actual musical knowledge. Studying music has taken a step back, and people self-proclame expertise after watching a YouTube video. Is this democratization of technologies a real progress?

It might be more of a slavery than a democracy.

The cultural aspect of music has been lost. Plus we now have a ton of records that are of lowquality. There might be treasures somewhere out there, but they are now so hard to find, so it’s easier to accept to listen to what others are playing. What would I really love? More education and culture around music – it’s a right we have and we need to exercise it.

Ten years from now: dreams, projects, ideas?

I am curious to see how music sales mechanisms evolve over time, as the past few years have been characterized by a lot of “free” music. My hope is that musicians continue playing the music that speaks to them, and it would be great if they were compensated properly for the emotions they provoke.

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By Angela Graham

DO YOU REMEMBER In I3th Century time We lovers, holding hands Walked the castle walls You taught me bow and arrow I watch you jousting You fell from your horse And never awoke That day, my soul died Do you remember…

In 16th Century time Our souls reunited You taught me to sword fight I was your wife; we lay entwined...

Together, on a four poster bed As you held me tight You kissed my eyes, and I slept At dawn, I awoke To the sound of clinking armour As you dressed, I pressed myself Into your cold metal chest, and wept

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REFLECTIONS My lover, my husband, my Knight Mounting your horse Sun reflecting, on your armour Dazzled, I watch you ride away Over the hills, into battle You never, came back That day, again my soul died As Centuries pass Forever, I am searching Visiting new places Looking at faces Longing only, to be reunited With you, my love I, now trapped in 20th Century time Guided to a foreign land Where I met with a man When he held my hands Looking into his eyes I felt within him – you I am asking, show me...

Is it you…

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In slow meditive pace Gliding graciously Across a marbled hall She tiptoes, in silent splendour Glancing into a gilded mirror Sees her reflective image Now a drooping flower of youth Who lost her way “Oh mirror, mirror” she sighs...

“Vow me! Reach back, bring forward The day, where no eternal sorrow Reflects mournful, in my eyes” Raising a museful hand to her lips To stifle only, her sombre cries...

Longing, for he once courted From times past, love again Reflecting, in her eyes...

We are looking for contributors!

Love the music scene? Want to share your story?

We are looking for diverse contributors from all over the world.

Do you love to write or are you passionate about photography?

Email steelnotesmagazine@gmail.com for more info Want to help support our magazine?

Consider buying ad space!

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Music News Celebrates 100 Episodes of Popular Guitar YouTube Series Gear Factor

by Alexxis Steele The rock and metal world’s leading source for music and culture news, Loudwire, is celebrating the 100th episode of its popular Gear Factor series, which tells the story of rock’s most popular guitar players through the riffs that shaped them.

Since its launch on YouTube in 2018, the show has featured many rock and metal legends, including Robby Krieger from The Doors, Nancy Wilson from Heart, Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, John 5, Tobias Forge from Ghost, Frank Iero from My Chemical Romance, Gary Holt from Slayer and Exodus, Vivian Campbell from Def Leppard and more.

With interviews focusing on the story of how iconic players learned their craft and developed as a player, the series celebrates artists sharing the songs and musicians that inspired them to pick up a guitar in the first place. Showing that everyone has to start somewhere, Gear Factor aims to speak to the audience in a way that inspires them to do the same.

“I try not to use the word luck when I discuss Gear Factor,” says Squiggy. “Luck is when something falls in your lap, Gear Factor was built on passion, hard work from many people and a belief in the journey.”

These interviews, along with many others, were a huge success with Loudwire’s 1.4 million YouTube subscribers and beyond, with the series amassing over 17 million views since its inception.

Based on the number of messages Squiggy has had from fans saying, “Just watched your video with _____, what kind of guitar do you think i should buy,” the format is working. It’s that passion that fuels the show.

The idea was birthed by the show’s host Squiggy of The Music Experience and Loudwire’s former Head of Business, Josh Bernstein. Noticing a gap in artistfocused instrument playing segments, the two set out to create something leaning less on technicality and more on passion, discovery and inspiration.

“I have been in the instrument business for over 23 years,” Squiggy says. “Unlike many people in the business who are driven by sales, I am driven by the things I want people to say at my eulogy.”

“It’s been amazing watching Gear Factor grow on our channel, and we are proud to tell the stories of how great players got their start while hopefully inspiring new ones to pick up a guitar,” says Loudwire Executive Editor Rabab Al-Sharif.

Today, every fan wants to relate to their favorite artist and Gear Factor sought to show these fans that even the most celebrated rock and metal musicians had the same humble beginnings — just figuring out how to play their favorite riffs.

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To celebrate the milestone, Gear Factor host Squiggy recalled his 10 Favorite Gear Factor Moments in a special episode.

Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale made a young fan’s life last year, bringing her onstage during the band’s performance at the 2019 Sonic Temple Festival. Young Karissa first met up with Halestorm at their meetandgreet session, before being invited backstage to hang out with the band and exchange Howard Dean “Byah!” screams. Finally, Hale gifted her custom Epiphone Explorer to the young superfan.

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Photo: Chris Casella

We also learned about the history of Anthrax and Public Enemy’s iconic collaboration, “Bring the Noise,” during a Gear Factor episode.

“I had to work with Public Enemy somehow,” Scott Ian recalls. “I had to work with Chuck [D.], and I just had an idea for a riff that came off the horns that they sampled for ‘Bring the Noise.’ That’s what inspired the riff. I feel like I was just transposing the existing horn part, keeping things the same.”

In another great episode, Gary Holt recalled the first guitar he ever had — a Montgomery Ward given to him by Kirk Hammett, but when his love for something better came along, it landed him in a spot of trouble. Holt says he purloined a Gibson Les Paul gold top copy, but got busted and spent some time in a juvenile hall.

Check out all of the great Gear Factor moments and revisit every episode here.

Gear Factor would also like to thank its many valuable partners, including Danny Wimmer Presents, Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, Monster Energy Drink, Fearless Records, Spinefarm Records, IK Multimedia, ESP, WWE, Orange Amplifiers, American Music Supply, Sweetwater and Ibanez.

About TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.: Townsquare is a radio, digital media, entertainment and digital marketing solutions company principally focused on being the premier local advertising and marketing solutions platform in small and mid sized markets across the U.S. Our assets include 321 radio stations and more than 330 local websites in 67 U.S. markets, a digital marketing solutions company (Townsquare Interactive) serving approximately 18,150 small to medium sized businesses, a proprietary digital programmatic advertising platform (Townsquare Ignite) and approximately 200 live events each year. Our brands include local media assets such as WYRK, KLAQ, K2 and NJ101.5; iconic local and regional events such as WYRK’s Taste of Country, the Boise Music Festival, the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival and Taste of Fort Collins; and leading tastemaker music and entertainment websites such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com and Loudwire.com.

For more information, please visit www.townsquaremedia.com, www.townsquareinteractive.com, and www.townsquareignite.com

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Megadeth and Lamb Of God Announce

MASSIVE 2020 CO-HEADLINE TOUR ACROSS NORTH AMERICA Presented by SiriusXM

by Alexxis Steele

Special Guests Trivium and In Flames Will Join Summer and Fall Legs Two of the biggest bands in heavy metal – Megadeth and LAMB OF GOD – will be joining forces on a coheadline tour across North America this year, presented by SiriusXM. And to add to the firepower of this already formidable tour, Trivium and In Flames are joining, making this THE must-see heavy music package of the year.

Megadeth, fueled by Dave Mustaine’s triumphant return to the stage following his diagnosis and recovery of throat cancer, will embark on their first North American tour since 2017. Speaking on the epic announcement, Megadeth’s leader and frontman, Dave Mustaine says, “Hello me! I’m back again, better than ever and coming to a town near you with Lamb of God, Trivium and In Flames. If you want high octane metal madness this is the tour for you.”

LAMB OF GOD released their first new music in five years last week with the single “Checkmate.” The track is the first to be released from the band’s self-titled eighth studio album, due out May 8, which is one

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of the most anticipated and important metal records of the year. Commenting on their upcoming co-headline run, Mark Morton, lead guitarist of LAMB OF GOD, adds, “The world has never needed heavy more than it does today and top to bottom, this tour delivers! LAMB OF GOD has toured with and been friends with all of these bands for years, but for all of us to be on the same bill is something extra special. Come early and stay late. This is THE metal tour of the year.”

Trivium’s Matt Heafy adds, “We are happy to be a part of the biggest real metal tour of the year. This tour is the main event and represents heavy metal and the culture that goes with it.“ With In Flames singer, Anders Fridén stating, “We were honored to be asked to join this package. We were actually supposed to take this summer off, but of course we couldn’t say no. After playing shows with all of these guys for years, 2020 is going to feel like a kick ass reunion. See you on the road, Jesterheads!”

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Produced by Live Nation, this epic 55-city tour will stretch across summer and fall, kicking off June 12 in Bristow, VA, and hit every region of the U.S. before wrapping November 13 in Reno, NV. Multiple Canadian shows are scheduled as well. See full itinerary below.

Tickets and VIP packages for all four artists go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 14 at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com. Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets & VIP packages beginning Tuesday, February 11 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, February 13 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment® For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

It was over 30 years ago that Dave Mustaine founded Megadeth, in the process pioneering the sound that would become known the world over as thrash metal. And from the very beginning, the band proved to be the most lethal and audacious unit on the heavy music scene, pushing thrash to the limits of musical ferocity and instrumental virtuosity on early efforts like their 1985 debut, Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good! and 1986’s seminal Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?

Megadeth have taken their place as one of metal’s most influential and respected acts—not to mention among its most successful. They have gone on to sell more than 38 million albums worldwide, earning numerous accolades including a 2017 GRAMMY® Award for “Best Metal Performance” for the title track “Dystopia,” 12 GRAMMY® nominations, and scoring five consecutive platinum albums. With sheer determination and a relentless recording and touring schedule, MEGADETH worked their way up from headlining clubs to headlining arenas, festival and stadiums, cementing a legacy that continues to grow and spread throughout the world.

Megadeth are slated to release their 16th studio album later this year.

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MEGADETH AND LAMB OF GOD NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: Summer 2020: 6/12 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live 6/13 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion 6/14 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater 6/16 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater 6/17 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater 6/18 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion 6/20 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center 6/21 – Boston, MA @ Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion 6/23 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Heath Amphitheater at Lakeview 6/24 – Providence, RI @ Bold Point Lake Amphitheater 6/28 – Burgettstown, PA @ S&T Bank Music Park* 6/29 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage 7/1 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theater 7/2 – Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino Amphitheatre 7/3 – Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center 7/5 – Atlanta, GA @ Ameris Music Center 7/7 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion 7/8 – Cleveland, OH @Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica 7/10 – Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL 7/11 – St. Louis, MO @ Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO* 7/12 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium 7/14 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP* 7/16 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater 7/17 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7/18 – Irving, TX @The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory+ 7/20 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater 7/21- Phoenix, AZ @ Isleta Amphitheater 7/23 – Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheatre 7/25 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre 7/26 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center 7/29 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre 7/30 – Pocatello, ID @ Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre 8/1 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion

Fall 2020:

10/2 - West Palm Beach, CA @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre 10/6 – Birmingham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre 10/7 – New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena 10/9 - Corpus Christi, TX @ American Bank Center Arena 10/11 – El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center 10/14 – Springfield, MO @ JOH Arena 10/16 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center 10/21 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center 10/23 – Huntington, WV @ Mountain Heath Arena 10/24 – Bethlehem, PA @ The Wind Creek Event Center 10/27 – Quebec City, QC @ Centre Videotron 10/28 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell 10/30 – St, Paul, MN @ Armory 10/3 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center* 11/2 – Omaha, NE @ Baxter Arena 11/3 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center 11/5 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center 11/7 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center 11/10 – Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena 11/11 – Nampa, ID @ Ford Idaho Center Arena 11/13 – Reno, NV @ Reno Events Center *on sale starts 11 a.m. local time +on sale starts 12 noon local time

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LAMB OF GOD propelled heavy metal into the new millennium two decades ago with the prophetically titled New American Gospel. They followed with 2003’s As the Palaces Burn, which made the Rolling Stone list of the Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. Ashes of the Wake, released in 2004, was the first LAMB OF GOD album to be certified gold by the RIAA, as was 2006’s Sacrament, which also made a Top 10 Billboard 200 chart debut. In 2009, LAMB OF GOD released Wrath, their first with Wilbur at producer, and earned the number one album spot on Billboard’s Hard Rock, Rock, and Tastemaker charts, with a number two position on the Billboard 200.

Those number one positions were repeated with 2012’s Resolution, which swung effortlessly between thrash, traditional metal, sludgy doom, with flashes of crust punk swagger and bravado. LAMB OF GOD’s last album, VII: Sturm und Drang (2015) made its debut on the Billboard 200 at number three and finished number 2 in the world charts, reaching Top 5 in five countries and six addition Top 15 positions.

In 2020, LAMB OF GOD is re-energized and unrelenting, ready to lay claim to the metal throne.

Tickets for this gargantuan tour package are bound to fly out when they go on sale on Friday, February 14.

Grab yours before they’re all gone.

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Creepy

LEPRECHAUNS

By John Turk

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JT’s Vintage Audio & Vinyl Attic Treasures

THE RESURGENCE OF THE LP In my travels over the years of going to yard sales, auctions, and estate sales, the demand of vintage LP’S has grown. Where at one time nobody showed any interest, it has now become in extremely high demand.

You will find the early vultures at the yard sales waiting outside for an hour before the sales start! Now don’t get me wrong, you can still get great deals for someone such as young kids that don’t know the value of their parents treasures.

They just want to get rid of the LP’S because the knowledge of downloading music makes more sense to them, and of course easier! With auctions, and estate sales, this is where it gets more difficult and the competition is heavy.

With an estate sale the person who owns the business will have a set price on the albums, because of course they know the real value. Same with the auctions....

High competition between people that are there for one reason...likely to get the LP your also after!. But still lady luck can be there if you’re at the right place at the right time to get that gem you want....But you must be disciplined to get up early and sacrifice some ZZZZZ’S to find it!

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JT’s Vintage Audio & Vinyl Attic Treasures

OZZY OSBOURNE RANDY RHOADS TRIBUTE ALBUM

A FOOLISH STUNT TURNS OUT TO BE THE SENSELESS DEATH OF RANDY RHOADS

It was late in the evening on March 19th 1982, near the end of my Junior year at high school,that I heard the tragic news about the loss of Randy Rhoades. Now of course in 1982 there was no social media so it took days to get all the information together.

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Rhoades played his last show on Thursday March 18th 1982,at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. The next day, the band was heading to a festival in Orlando, Florida.

Ozzy Osbourne recalls his final conversation with Rhoades that night on the bus involved the guitarist admonishing him over the heavy drinking.

The last thing Rhoades said to him that night was “You’ll kill yourself, you know? One of these days. After driving much of the night, they stopped in Leesburg, Florida, to fix a malfunctioning air conditioning unit on the bus while Osbourne remained asleep.

On the property there was an airstrip with small helicopters and planes. Without permission, tour bus driver and private pilot Andrew Aycock took a singleengine Beechcraft F35 plane registered to a Mike Partin.

On the first flight, Aycock took keyboardist Don Airey and tour manager Jack Duncan. He then landed and a second flight took to the air with Rhoades and makeup artist Rachel Youngblood aboard. Rhoads had tried unsuccessfully to coax bassist Rudy Sarzo to join him on the flight, but Sarzo chose to get some extra sleep instead. During the second flight, attempts were made to “buzz” the tour bus.

Aycock succeeded in making two close passes, but botched the third attempt. At approximately 10 am, after being in the air approximately five minutes, one of the plane’s wings clipped the top of the tour bus, breaking the wing in two parts and sending the plane spiraling out of control. The initial impact with the bus caused Rhoades’ and Youngblood’s heads through the plane’s windshield.

Title: Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads Tribute Album Released: March 19th 1987 Label: Epic....CBS Producers: Max Norman, Ozzy Osbourne Highest position on USA charts/6th Billboard 200 Highest position UK charts 13th

The plane then severed the top of a pine tree and crashed into the garage of a nearby mansion, bursting into flames. Keyboardist Don Airey was the only member of the band to witness the crash, because the rest were asleep in the bus. Rhoades (25) was killed instantly, as were Aycock (36) and Young blood (58). All three bodies were burned beyond recognition, and Rhoades was identified by dental records and personal jewelry.

According to Sharon Osbourne, who was asleep on the bus and awoken by the crash, “ They were all in bits, it was just body parts everywhere.”

Though all were quite distraught, the remaining band and crew members were forced to remain in Leesburg for an additional two days, until preliminary investigations were completed. Rhoads’ brother-in-law flew from California to Leesburg to identify what remained of the guitarist’s body.

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The Adventures of LUCIA & GLYNN The Saint Patrick’s parade in Scranton boasts 12,000 participants, including multiple bagpipe, high school and string bands. The parade is enhanced by many floats and large balloons. Many Irish groups and societies are also represented. It has been going on annually since 1962 and is organized by the St. Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County. The parade has received national attention as being one of the better St. Patrick’s parades.

The parade route begins on Wyoming Ave in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral, proceeds to Lackawanna Ave. over Jefferson Ave. then down Spruce St to get to Washington Ave. where it passes the William J. Nealon Federal building and finally the reviewing stand.

The parade is preceded by the Parade Day mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Brian Kelly Memorial race.

St. Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

For more information on the parade check out https://stpatparade.com/

Adventures Italy - Italy, a European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins.

Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

I seen my family for the first time in 31 years. We visited Rome, Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, and Spigno Saturnia.

So many pictures, but we showed you the best one of them all.

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Montreal – took us to see Formula 1 this year. The Canadian Grand Prix is an annual auto race held in Canada since 1961. It has been part of the Formula One World Championship since 1967.

India/Nepal – we got to see the Golden Triangle. We Enjoyed a visit to Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi that serves now as a museum We got to see Amber Fort with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors WE also got to see the Taj Mahal, the most perfect architectural monument in the world

“This is where I learned about freedom.”

MSC Cruises to the best European destinations, including the Mediterranean! Enjoy a sea vacation to Italy, Greek islands, Croatia and much more! Seeing the Game of Thrones Walk of Shame was the best highlight.

Amsterdam, Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths.

This is where I learned about freedom. After traveling to Amsterdam, I came home and got certified for medical marijuana. This was the best thing to happen to my back.

AC, Atlantic City is a resort city on New Jersey’s Atlantic coast that’s known for its many casinos, wide beaches and iconic Boardwalk. Established in the 1800s as a health resort, today the city is dotted with glitzy highrise hotels and nightclubs. In addition to gambling at

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slot machines and table games, the casinos offer spa treatments, performances by famous comedy and music acts, and high-end shopping.

Here we enjoyed this as a small trip. The boardwalk was very plain, and it was a ghost down. Such a shame to see a lot of the hotels and casinos not open anymore from when I was little growing up.

Florida/Mexico – It was nice to get back to Florida once again and hit up Universal Studios and Disney. We met some amazing Canadians and had the times of our lives.

Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period. What is so special about Chichen Itza?

The term Chichen Itza means ‘the mouth at the well of Itza’. It is believed Itza means ‘water magicians’, deriving from the Mayan Itz for ‘magic’ and á for ‘water’. 3. El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulkan) is the famous pyramid which dominates the site of Chichen Itza and it actually sits on another much older temple Zurich/Berlin – IT was nice to see family again in Zurich after 31 years, and meet my cousins that I haven’t met yet. Germany is always an annual trip. We always have the best time.

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Reflections on

SANTA BARBARA

by Rex Maurice Oppenheimer

REFLECTIONS ON SANTA BARBARA – 701 words I was driving along listening to my iPod, and two songs played in succession that stirred memories and seemed to characterize a particular period in my life.

The songs were Joni Mitchell’s “Carey,” and the Rolling Stones “Honky Tonk Woman.”

It was the beginning of the 1970s, I had been smuggling Pre-Columbian art out of Mexico, spent some time living on a yacht at the World’s Fair Marina in New York City and out at Montauk, went back to London for awhile and had ended up in Santa Barbara.

Well, initially it was actually out in Isla Vista, the college town for the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Other than the fact that I was uneducated, unemployed and had no ambition other than to write poetry and lyrics, it was an idyllic time. The 1970s were really the 60’s, it was a time of sex and drugs and rock and roll, and Isla Vista, with its nearby nude beaches, and hippy atmosphere was perfect.

When I’d listen to Joni Mitchell’s album, “Blue,” and the song “Carey,” in particular, the lines, “The wind is in from Africa,” and “my fingernails are filthy; I’ve got beach tar on my feet, and I miss my clean white linen and my fancy French cologne,” were like a soundtrack for my life.

Back then the beaches were paradisiacal. I would lie naked on the sand, smoking dope and drinking wine, watching the sunlight sparkle like diamonds on the glassy sea. The islands in the distance were like the far-off homes of goddesses. The sea told its story of continuity, power and fate. Reassuring yet threatening, it seemed to hold the whole of yin and yang and imbued my life with a mysterious romance. I had beach tar on my feet, and taking deep draughts of the cocktail of idealism and hedonism, Joni’s words about the Mermaid Café, the carefree, sun-filled frolic yet with the ability to go to Rome, rent a grand piano, put

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some flowers around the room, fulfilled my vagabondminstrel dreams.

Much as had the images of the villa Keith Richards had rented in the south of France, when the Stones, as tax exiles from England, were recording “Exile on Main Street.” The beautiful villa was almost devoid of furniture and the trappings of the rich. Instead it was filled with guitars, keyboards, amplifiers and Rock Stars, drinking, smoking and creating.

In Santa Barbara, wearing bellbottom jeans and an embroidered tank top, dreadlocks falling on my shoulders, when I wasn’t on the beach, I’d be cutting a tape at Rainbow Recording, tending bar at “The Headband,” or sitting in the courtyard of the old El Paseo.

Santa Barbara is so much more built up and gentrified than it was back then. The old El Paseo was a quiet collection of offices and little shops. I’d get coffee from the little cafe and sit at one of the round metal tables in the courtyard writing or halfheartedly looking through the want-ads for a job.

I met women there. Dominique, who was French, and Rachel, who was Japanese. Fun, short-lived relationships.

There were lots of others, either from the beach or the Blues Club called the Headband, where I worked for a few months as a bartender. I don’t remember if I quit that job or got fired. I do remember that when Big Mama Thornton played there I was drinking hard with her and the band backstage. At one point I crashed two pitchers of beer together, shattering them, which didn’t go over too well. But I was also tired of working. I was writing every day, and realizations were sparking in my eyes like the sunlight on the waves.

When Joni Mitchell sang about the Greek Islands, and that loose hippie, transient, sun-filled song of a life, it described my days, and when Mick Jagger sang Honky Tonk Woman, it melded with my nights, and fit my image of standing at the mike in the studio, drinking from a half-pint and smoking a joint.

I was loaded, irresponsible and unrealistic, but I felt justified in my search for a truth. I may have been living a lie, but I didn’t know it.

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MUSINGS

by Rex Maurice Oppenheimer

people can now receive HBO’s content, via television and Internet, and emphasizing how HBO focuses both on serving the consumer and competition.

He has a rather large space between his nose and upper lip, and I’m focusing on his philtrum, the indention between those two lines below the nose.

I’m thinking it’s the same as it would have been on an ancient Roman or one of Ghingus Khan’s warriors, or a cowboy in the Wild West.

MUSINGS – 403 words I’m in my comfortable home, lying on my back and looking at a painting of the colorful buildings facing the bay of Villefranche. Some blue shuttered windows catch my eye. They are beautiful in an imperfect sort of way. I love the way the buildings look like they were troweled together by a mason who had had a little too much wine.

They wouldn’t have any idea what he’s talking about.

As the images in the painting stir feelings and memories within me, my thoughts wander, from the reflective waters off the Côte d’Azure, to the latest evidence confirming the Big Bang theory reported in the news this morning. Then my thoughts, those strange intuitive messages, start to think about themselves, and how my thoughts are colored by my environment and the time in which I live.

I think of how similar I am, physically and emotionally, to someone who lived centuries ago but whose frame of reference was so different. I think of how much alike we are and yet how different so many of our thoughts must be.

Take a truly primitive man, who would not have a house or apartment or even the knowledge of modern housing. If he were lying on his back one morning, perhaps in a cave in Africa, and looking at a drawing on the wall, at what level could our thoughts mesh?

How would the way in which we perceive and name our own thoughts and feelings, such as the unknown aspects of death, or love, desire and fear, be similar, considering how all of our perceptions are colored by the time in which we live. We are the same biological beings. Would we share any pure thought or feeling arising from our deepest center of what human beings truly are?

I am watching the CEO of HBO on TV. He’s talking about the stock market and competition involving all the new technology. He’s listing all the different ways

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