PDA Entertainment Search Results

Name Description
The Boys Choir of Harlem World-renowned Boys Choir of Harlem presents an uplifting and inspiring musical presentation.
Shirley Jones & Marty Ingels Oscar winning actress, Shirley Jones and her husband, comedian Marty Ingels, present a motivating and humorous program.
The Amazing Kreskin World’s foremost menatlist and entertainer.
Dance Theatre of Harlem Internationally acclaimed professional ballet company, the Dance Theatre of Harlem was established in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, as his personal commitment to the people of Harlem following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Flirtations Nationally celebrated gay a capella singing group.
Montana Logging & Ballet Co. Musical political satire troupe.
Penn & Teller "We have been doing magic together for twenty-five years, and are so sick of it we could spit. So, in the new show, we are moving into the field of religion and will be performing real miracles." Penn & Teller are a couple of eccentric guys who have learned how to do a few cool things. Together since 1975, their award-winning theater show has been a long running hit on and off-Broadway. The duo keeps a busy touring schedule, performing live more than 100 times this year alone. Favorite guests on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman," and "Live! with Regis & Kathie Lee," Penn & Teller have made dozens of television appearances including, "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Today Show" and "Saturday Night Live."
Sweet Honey In the Rock Founded in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Sweet Honey In The Rock is a Grammy Award-winning African American female a cappella ensemble with deep musical roots in the sacred music of the black church - spirituals, hymns, gospel - as well as jazz and blues. The Sweet Honey experience is like no other. Six African American women join their powerful voices, along with hand percussion instruments, to create a blend of lyrics, movement and narrative that variously relate history, point the finger at injustice, encourage activism, and sing the praises of love. The music speaks out against oppression and exploitation of every kind. The septet, whose words are simultaneously interpreted in uniquely expressive American Sign Language, demands a just and humane world for all.
An Evening of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis Jazz great, award winning pianist, and the leader of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. An internationally known and acclaimed musician, renowned for his keyboard virtuosity, Ramsey Lewis is the recipient of nine gold records and three Grammy awards.
Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band From the steps of the White House to eight World's Fair appearances, this amazing group of performers from Trinidad play a repertoire of music that ranges from classic to rock and roll...on oil drums. This feat has astounded audiences not only because of the unbelievable fidelity and artistic accomplishments with which they render each concert...whether it be modern, classical, or their native calypso.
The Stylistics Well known R&B group of the 70's.
The Temptations Popular singing group.
The Raspyni Brothers COMIC JUGGLERS Barry Friedman and Dan Holzman are the Raspyni Brothers. As one of the most sought after acts on the corporate entertainment scene, they appear annually at over 100 events across America and internationally. Since 1982 their intelligent mayhem has earned them two International Juggling Championships, multiple appearances on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, and a place in the Guiness Book of World Records. In addition to the tremendous success they enjoy in the field of corporate entertainment, these unrelated siblings also tour as an opening act for dozens of superstars such as Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Howie Mandel, Dennis Miller and Tom Jones. Other audiences have ranged from the King of Spain and the Academy Awards to the sequestered O.J. Simpson jury.
Robert Randolph and the Family Band Robert Randolph and the Family Band are ready to change your life, just as music changed that of this group's dynamic leader. Raised in a firestorm of faith and danger, dividing his time between battles in the streets and safety in the arms of his music, Robert Randolph found his way up from darkness with help from a most unusual source: the pedal steel guitar. That's right -- those same slippery strings that weep and whine behind cowboy crooners and hula dancers. But in Randolph's world, which centers on the unique "sacred steel" tradition within the House of God Church, the pedal steel is a different animal, a source of ferocious, passionate sound. And in Randolph's young hands, it's a weapon, used to slash at darkness and rip away the shades that hide sunlight from our lives. What Randolph has done isn't just about taking the spirit of the church into the wider world, though that's part of the picture. It's more than a story of beating heavy odds, of watching friends die or disappear while trying to find your own way out. Certainly it's more than an odd twist of fate how an urban New Jersey artist finding his voice through an instrument seldom seen outside of Nashville studios or Southern honky-tonks. The buzz has actually been on for a while. Randolph began winning attention some three years ago, after being invited to join in on sessions for The Word, an adventurous marriage of gospel and "downtown" traditions with John Medeski and the North Mississippi Allstars. Interest picked up as he released Live At The Wetlands on his own Dare label, perhaps the most incendiary concert album of the year, recorded on the fabled venue's closing night with the Family Band that he formed with two of his cousins and fellow House of God musicians, bassist Danyel Morgan and drummer Marcus Randolph, and noted session keyboardist John Ginty.
Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars The show will feature Drew Carey along with some of the regular cast members from his most recent hit television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" - Greg Proops, Chip Esten, Sean Masterson and Jeff Davis. A native of Cleveland, Carey, 45, began his successful stand-up comedy career in 1986 at the Cleveland Comedy Club. Among his first significant breaks was competing on "Star Search" in 1988. National prominence came in 1995 when "The Drew Carey Show" premiered. Carey won the 1996 People's Choice award for "Favorite Male in a New Series"; 1998 Golden Satellite award for Best Actor in a Television Series-Comedy; 1999: TV Guide Editors' Award; and, he received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.
Most Brothers The Most Brothers have appeared in casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. They have performed on Def Comedy Jam, The Apollo Comedy Hour and comedy venues throughout the country. The Most Brothers are America's funniest comedy team.
The Coasters Rock & roll’s perennial favorite group, The Coasters sing “Charlie Brown” and their other golden oldies as though it were still the 50’s and 60’s. Fantastic!
The Crystals/The Sensations Eternally popular rock and roll legends, The Crystals and The Sensations bring back the 60's music with their inimitable style.
The Drifters Starting with their mega-hit “Under the Boardwalk,” The Drifters have never lost their status as one of the “biggies” of Rock and Roll.
Cedric The Entertainer Cedric The Entertainer is best known for his crowd-pleasing roles in the recent hit films Barbershop with Ice Cube, Be Cool with John Travolta, Madagascar (animated feature, Intolerable Cruelty with George Clooney, and The Original Kings of Comedy, MTVS documentary feature directed by Spike Lee. Additionally, in April 2004, Cedric was star and producer of the box office hit Johnson Family Vacation (ranked the #1 comedy in America for two consecutive weeks). On the big screen, Cedric has also been seen in The Honeymooners in which he starred as Jackie Gleasons famed character Ralph Cramden with thumbs up from Roger Ebert, Lemony Snicket with Jim Carrey, Man of the House with Tommy Lee Jones, Barbershop 2, Big Mommas House with Martin Lawrence, Kingdom Come with Whoopi Goldberg, Serving Sara with Matthew Perry, as well as displaying tremendous vocal talent in Dr. Dolittle 2 and Ice Age. He will next star in The Cleaner opposite Lucy Liu, Mr. Lucky co starring Bruce Willis, Johnson Family Vacation 2, Flash co starring Nelly, Preachin Aint Easy and the animated feature Charlottes Web. Cedric has celebrated many career successes spanning television, live performances and film. Some notable accolades include nabbing The AFTRA Award of Excellence in Television Programming for his Fox Television series Cedric the Entertainer Presents; a record-breaking (4) consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of the lovable Coach Cedric Robinson on the WBs #1-rated The Steve Harvey Show, which ran for six seasons. His first comedy book, Grown-Ass Man, was released in January of 2002 and sold out across the country. In 2001, a viewing audience of over 144 million saw Cedric star in the Bud Light commercial that landed in the #1 spot during the Super Bowl broadcast (subsequently, USA Today dubbed him Madison Avenues Most Valuable Player. And, in 1994, Cedric received The Richard Pryor Comic of the Year Award from Black Entertainment Television for his ground-breaking work as host of Def Comedy Jam and BETs Comic View (1994-95 season). Now helming his own production company, A Bird and a Bear Entertainment, Cedric will develop and produce feature films. Johnson Family Vacation was the first feature under the new company. As a philanthropist, Cedric founded The Cedric The Entertainer Charitable Foundation, which provides scholarships and outreach programs to enhance the lives of inner-city youth and their families in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. He plans to extend the foundation nationally.
Dance Theatre of Harlem Internationally acclaimed professional ballet company, the Dance Theatre of Harlem was established in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, as his personal committment to the people of Harlem following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Meeting A play based on a fictional meeting of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. In this moving work, playwright Jeff Stetson imagines for us what a clandestine meeting might have been like between two of the most influential men of their time: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. This fictional meeting takes place in a shabby Harlem hotel room in Febrary, 1965. Within a week, Malcolm will be assassinated and in three short years, Dr. King will also become martyred to the crusade for freedom. This play sold out hundreds of performances and we are pleased to bring it back for another run.
Vibe-n-Verse Five spoken word poets and musicians who make up Vibe-n-Verse do a performance that blends original spoken word poetry with live music. The two hour program ends with audience interaction and Q&A.
Gavin DeGraw Singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw grew up playing music at home with piano studies beginning at eight and later playing in cover bands with his older brother in upstate New York. After a brief stint studying music at the prestigious Berklee School of Music, DeGraw, who had been writing his own songs since his cover band days, decided to make a go of it as a singer/songwriter in New York City. Upon his arrival in the late '90s, DeGraw made an impression with crowds, and occasionally with journalists, as his name began to pop up in columns and best-of lists. The steady buzz led to offers from major labels, but DeGraw chose to take his time, and let his craft develop and his audience grow. He eventually signed a record deal with Clive Davis and his J Records imprint (home of Santana as well as R&B mainstays Alicia Keys and Angie Stone). DeGraw's debut, Chariot, arrived in the summer of 2003 and, like his early days in New York City, it slowly built momentum and earned the young singer a small but fervent following. ~ Wade Kergan, All Music Guide
O.A.R O.A.R. (aka Of a Revolution) converted from an Ohio State frat band to Billboard chartbuster and headliner at major venues across America. First, college reps hawked the band's two demo recordings to people and servers at universities. Then, word-of-mouth news spread about the band's roots rock and reggae-inflected upbeat songs. Before long, the band got thousands of hits daily on their website at www.ofarevolution.com. O.A.R.'s third CD, Risen, was produced by John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, Ben Folds Five) and recorded in summer 2000 at Water Music in Hoboken, NJ, and at Dumbo Studios in New York City for the group's independent label, Everfine Records. Formed in 1998 at Ohio State University, O.A.R. coalesced around lead singer/rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge, lead guitarist Richard On, saxist Jerry DePizzo, bassist Benj Gershman, and drummer Chris Culos. Roberge had known Culos since childhood in Rockville, MD, where he also became friends and played in local bands with On and Gershman. DePizzo, who hails from Youngstown, OH, met the others at Ohio State. O.A.R. first recorded The Wanderer independently as a demo in 1997. Many of the songs on O.A.R.'s debut disc were written while Roberge and Culos were living in Israel. During their stay in Israel, Roberge and Culos in 1996 and later Gershman in 1997 visited the Masada, where 900 people committed suicide rather than die at the hands of the ancient Romans.
KC and the Sunshine Band With sales of over 75 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and The American Music Award, KC and the Sunshine Band are one of the seminal forces in pop. The group pioneered an original funk style that continues to delight old fans and attract new ones into the millennium. Hits like Get Down Tonight, That’s the Way (I Like It) and Shake Your Booty established KC as a mover and shaker in the music business. Along with the Beatles, KC is the only artist to have four number one singles in the span of a year: Boogie Shoes, Get Down Tonight, That’s the Way I Like It, and Rock Your Baby.
The Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers are one of the very few American rock and roll groups that have been able to achieve and sustain a phenomenal level of success. It is a success that has sold more than 50 million records. This includes: 2 Grammys; 27 chart singles; 16 top 40 hits (including 2 number 1s); 11 multi platinum albums; 13 Gold albums and that most rare of distinctions, The Diamond Award, for the sale of 10 million units of a single title Best Of The Doobies Vol. 1. Combined with their consistent appeal on the road, The Doobies have earned a fanatical loyalty for their high energy shows and are truly one of Americas most loved rock and roll bands. The secret to their success is most certainly in their diversity.
Three American Tenors A truly unique evening of incredible musical entertainment. The performance includes a well-blended compendium of opera, popular and Broadway melodies meticulously performed by Bruce Reed, Thomas Comerford and J. Nelson Whittington, three of America's finest tenors. The uniqueness of the program comes with a special guest appearance of the "Three Muske Tenors". The Muske Tenors appear in traditional costume and present a novel compilation of songs about war, comradeship, women and unrequited love. This 'one-of-a-kind' musical and theatrical program will leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience it.
The Roots Though popular success has largely eluded the Roots, the Philadelphia group showed the way for live rap, building on Stetsasonic's "hip-hop band" philosophy of the mid-'80s by focusing on live instrumentation at their concerts and in the studio. Though their album works have been inconsistent affairs, more intent on building grooves than pushing songs, the Roots' live shows are among the best in the business. The Roots' focus on live music began back in 1987 when rapper Black Thought (Tariq Trotter) and drummer ?uestlove (Ahmir Khalib Thompson) became friends at the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts. Playing around school, on the sidewalk, and later at talent shows (with ?uestlove's drum kit backing Black Thought's rhymes), the pair began to earn money and hooked up with bassist Hub (Leon Hubbard) and rapper Malik B. Moving from the street to local clubs, the Roots became a highly tipped underground act around Philadelphia and New York. When they were invited to represent stateside hip-hop at a concert in Germany, the Roots recorded an album to sell at shows; the result, Organix, was released in 1993 on Remedy Records. With a music industry buzz surrounding their activities, the Roots entertained offers from several labels before signing with DGC that same year.
Los Lonely Boys Los Lonely Boys are the three Garza brothers: Henry on guitar, Jojo on bass and Ringo on drums. This trio of brothers, aged 21-25, from a tiny town in West Texas, has been making music together since they were small children. They write, sing and play music drawn from diverse sources -- Tex-Mex, country, blues and rock pioneers like Ritchie Valens, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino and such pop music giants as The Beatles. Though Henry, the oldest of the brothers, has been hailed as the inheritor of the great Texas guitar tradition epitomized by Freddie King, Johnny Winter and the Vaughan Brothers, he is also a well-known young player in the burgeoning Latino, rock-guitar style pioneered by Carlos Santana. "Our dad had five brothers and a sister, and they had a great conjunto band in the '70s and '80s," Henry says. "They did a mixture of stuff that nobody was playing back then, a mixture of conjunto with country music and Spanglish. They were really popular in South and West Texas. ... They basically just fell apart after the tragedy of one of the brothers dying, the drummer."
Black Eyed Peas Black Eyed Peas:They've transcended their vigilant hip-hop roots and have become a global phenomenon, the likes of which the music world has rarely seen. They've earned fans worldwide with their inventive approach to hip-hop music, inspiring people with loose rhymes, and a positive spirit and funkafied vibe. On Elephunk, Black Eyed Pea's third album, that spirit seems to course through their beings even more than ever. The Black Eyed Peas - will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and newcomer Fergie - named the album Elephunk to conjure up a big, deep funk sound. Produced in its entirety by will.i.am and apl, the album boasts a mix of live instruments and traditional hip-hop samples and beats. It also mixes the group's breathless verbal acrobatics with a very conscious view of the world. Interestingly, the top song from Elephunk, "Let's get it started" originally was titled "Let's get retarded". While the song would have been a hit with either title, the change to "Let's get it started" allowed Black Eyed Peas to appeal to a much wider audience. The NBA picked up on the song, and made it the central opening to all of the playoff games in 2004.
Arrested Development ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Speaks thru music to the world. Speech one of the vocalist for this collective says, "Our people have been through so much turmoil and strife for hundreds of years now. We get on stage every night with the mission to broaden perspectives and give inspiration to rise above the stereotypes and materialism." Unsurprisingly, then, the Grammy award winning group Arrested Development has been devoted to nudging folks in the direction of freedom and spiritual evolution for over 15 years. The group describes their sound as "Life Music." A.D. respects women, and promotes family, spirituality and "male responsibility." They are about conciousness, the earth, African self - determination and love. They are opposed to the pimp/ho approach to male/female relations. They define themselves as hip-hop artists but also just artists." They are dancers, vocalists, turntablist, drummers, and everything in between. Arrested Development is and has always been a communal music community with any number of talented members on board, picture your family reunion but more musical. Speech may be the most known member of the group, being the front man, but Dionne Farris, Eshe ("Black Life"), Rasa Don (Raz), Baba Oje (the elder), Nicha and many others have contributed much to this Kalidescope of image and sound. A.D.'s debut album 3 years, 5 months and 2 days in the life of, (EMI) referred to the amount of time passed between the start of the group and the signing of their first record deal.
Rhythmic Motivation Rhythmic Motivation Immerse your students in an energizing day of drumming ecstasy with internationally acclaimed educator/performer Jim Donovan. This program is designed to help students learn more about themselves through the ancient art of group hand drumming. Help your students feel enlivened, relaxed and focused as they discover new a strategies for conscious listening, de-stressing and the value cooperative effort through rhythm. Drums are provided for up to 50 students per session. First-time drummers are warmly welcomed.
Johnsmith Johnsmith is one performer who doesn't wear hype well. His artistry speaks for itself. In fact, the idea of 'just being real' is a prominent theme throughout his music. And yet, to simply say that Johnsmith is a great singer/ songwriter would not be enough. In addition to his incomparable musical abilities and finely tuned songwriting skills, Johnsmith possesses the even rarer gift of being able to share his soul. That gift is the foundation on which everything else about him is built, and it comes shining through in every song he sings. The following lyrics from the title cut of his new CD, Break Me Open, are a perfect example:
Dave Brubeck Quartet Pianist-composer Dave Brubeck has become a jazz legend. The public's first awareness associated him with the intricate, lightly swinging sound known as West Coast Cool. His distinctive harmonic approach and daring improvisations generated excitement with critics and fans. His group won the Critics Poll and the Readers Poll the same year in Down Beat magazine. The Dave Brubeck Quartet became the sound that identified an era. It was they who started the wave of popularity of jazz on college campuses in the 1950s. Concurrently, they were playing the leading jazz clubs and touring with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and other musicians of the bop era. The quartet won the first jazz poll conducted by a black newspaper, The Pittsburgh Courier.
Martin Short & Second City The legendary comedy theatre The Second City, founded in Chicago in 1959, has become the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest. Its alumni list reads like a "Who’s Who" of American comedy, including Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Shelley Long, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, Harold Ramis, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Chris Farley and countless others. An evening with Martin Short and The Second City will provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars in the making with hilarious satires and cutting-edge improvisation. If your parents asked you not to speak about it at the dinner table, chances are that this group will make fun of it. Second City’s spontaneous and irreverent humor inspired "Saturday Night Live" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".
The Neville Brothers Four powerfully unique personalities, The Neville Brothers thrive on an explosive fusion of diversity and unity. This collective of talented brothers is world-famous for its embodiment of the New Orleans sound. Aaron, Art, Charles, and Cyril Neville have expanded the horizons of New Orleans R&B while honoring the music's roots and traditions. Drawing on the vast resources and multiple styles of African-American music, The Neville Brothers have combined R&B, jazz, reggae and elements of rock and Zydeco with a harmony-based funk groove all their own.
The Passing Zone Take two guys with chainsaws. Put them in tights, throw in a Garden Weasel, and what do you get? Well, it?s kind of hard to explain. But they?re called The Passing Zone, and they?ll amaze you. And make you laugh. They juggle. Jugglers have been around for thousands of years. But Jon Wee and Owen Morse are different. They really are. And not just because they wear tights while tossing gasoline-powered destruct-o devices at each other. They?re funny. Really funny. And they?ve got class. So much class that they were asked to perform at The Royal Command Performance for Prince Charles in London. They break things. Lots of things. Like five Guinness World Records. And they?ve won eighteen gold medals from the International Jugglers Association ? more than any other team in the world. They?ve appeared on television shows you?ve actually watched (The Tonight Show), in movies you?ve actually seen (The Adams Family), and at venues you?ve actually seen (Caesar?s Palace and the MGM Grand). So invite them over. You?ll be in good company. They?ve been featured at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, on MADtv, and on Penn & Teller?s Sin City Spectacular. They?ve wowed them at IBM, McDonald?s, and Hewlett Packard. And they?ve performed with Bob Hope, Bob Newhart, Rita Rudner, and Tony Bennett. This isn?t just juggling. It?s The Passing Zone. Let?s face it ? a corporate event is a distinct and deceptively challenging venue. The objectives of corporate programs are as specialized and innovative as the companies they are designed to promote. Most performers can?t quite make the jump. They may have appeal for general audiences. But when it comes to corporate events, they fall flat because they don?t understand the nuance of corporate culture, convention objectives, team building, or the specialized field of corporate entertainment. You can?t afford to risk your reputation on entertainers who don?t comprehend your situation. That?s why The Passing Zone is extraordinarily popular on the corporate circuit. Put Jon and Owen?s award-winning performance to work for you. They won?t just juggle your company?s products; they?ll make your CEO part of the act. And they can custom design their show, tailoring their act to drive home sales messages, corporate themes, and other information critical to your company?s mission. Find out why Domino?s, Frito-Lay, Boeing, MCI, Andersen Consulting, and other Fortune 500 companies make The Passing Zone central to their corporate functions. Because when it comes to the success of your event, these guys mean business. You?ve heard of keynote speakers, but keynote jugglers? The best keynote speakers do a lot more than just present a meaningful and informative message. They act as a springboard to launch your imagination, expand your perception and open new doors to possibility. Jon and Owen do that. And they do it in ways you have to see to believe. Juggling is the perfect metaphor to describe what people do in their workday and how they balance life?s many demands. And these guys know about teamwork, learning from mistakes, and reaching goals. As members of the National Speakers Association, Jon and Owen demonstrate exceptional skills as highly motivational speakers. Add their artistry as jugglers, comedians, and entertainers, and The Passing Zone can turn your next function into the most talked-about and effective event your group has ever experienced. Keynote addresses include: ? Teamwork: The Power of Partnership ? Taking Risks: Learning from Mistakes ? Achieving Goals: Steps to Success
One-Man Star Wars Best known as the mastermind behind the in famous One Man Star Wars Trilogy and One Man Lord of the Rings. Word of Ross's one of a kind talent has spread across North America, from Toronto, Orlando, Atlanta, and Boston, to Chicago, San Diego, and Vancouver. To mark the release of Star Wars: Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, Charles was honoredto perform at Lucasfilm's official movie release convention, Celebration 3. Even the likes of Vin Diesel and Sir Ian McKellan have taken in his performances with ravereviews.
Guster Guster became one of the most successful bands to hit the U.S. East Coast scene in the late 1990s. Through relentless touring and humorous stage banter with the crowd, the band developed a strong grass-roots fan base which spread rapidly with a strong presence on the Internet. The Boston trio developed a unique sound with two acoustic guitars and a bongo set, successfully defying the typical industry pigeonholing. They wrote short, infectiously catchy tunes about love, suicide and absurdist rock star lifestyles. Through word of mouth alone, the band sold over 40,000 copies of independent debut Parachute and their second effort, Goldfly.
Our Lady Peace Our Lady Peace they later recruited bassist Chris Eacrett and jazz drummer Jeremy Taggart, playing around the area. Signed to Relativity, Our Lady Peace released Naveed, which sparked the modern rock hit "Starseed," in 1995. They toured with fellow Canadian Alanis Morissette later that summer, and earned a cult following. After replacing Eacrett with bassist Duncan Coutts, Clumsy followed in 1997, and two years later Our Lady Peace returned with Happiness Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch. The new millennium brought another OLP release, 2001's Spiritual Machines, and a sold out promo tour that spring. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Mike Turner left the band due to creative differences and Steve Mazur was brought in to replace him. He and the rest of Our Lady Peace restructed the band's heavy rock sound for the simplistic Gravity, which appeared in June 2002. The band toured throughout Canada and the U.S. in support of the album, and documented the jaunt the following June with Live from Calgary and Edmonton. In addition to the CD, OLP also issued a DVD of the tour. That same month, the band took part in the historic "Concert for Toronto," held at the city's Sky Dome as a way for the city, its citizens, and the nation of Canada to show Toronto's vitality and to quell fears in the wake of the city's bout with the SARS epidemic. Healthy in Paranoid Times, the band's seventh album, was released in late August 2005. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
MR. PRESIDENT The unlikely jump from pulpit to stage actually began in Bridge's childhood. A Dallas native, he moved with his family to northern California's Oakland Bay area at the tender age of three. Not many years later, his natural talent for making people laugh became apparent via his dead-on impressions of the Three Stooges (Moe, Larry, and/or Curly) done from the back seat of his parents' car. By high school, Bridges had carefully honed his uncanny characterizations to include contemporary political figures. Then, his biggest laughs came courtesy of Jimmy Carter. Today, he arguably does one of the best George W. Bush impressions anywhere. In between, he has mastered a host of other political characters (with the emphasis on characters) including Bill Clinton, AI Gore, Senators Phil Graham, Ted Kennedy, and Strom Thurmond - even the Reverend Jesse Jackson. He also has expanded his repertoire to include newsmen Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, Geraldo Rivera, and Sam Donaldson, as well as television characters like Regis Philbin and Homer Simpson - not to mention the ever-popular Mr. Haney from Green Acres. What makes Bridges such a comic standout is his ability not only to accurately voice these and many other characters, but to instantly switch between them to create "conversations" among two or more of them at the same time. A member of SAG/AFTRA, Bridges' extensive training includes work at the famed Groundlings in Los Angeles as well as private classes with some of the best comic trainers in the business. Also to his credit, he has made numerous appearances at many of southern California's best comedy venues including The Improv, The Ice House, and The Comedy Store. Known for his hilarious - but clean - comedic routines, Bridges has appeared on many television shows including ER (NBC), TheDistrict (CBS), and ABC News Overnight (ABCNationwide). His numerous radio credits include guest appearances on KABC (Ken and Barkley Show) and K-EARTH 101 out of Los Angeles, NBC Mutual Radio (nationwide), and even the venerable BBC. He also has done commercial voice-over work for clients HBO and Coca-Cola, to name a few. A resident of Pasadena, Bridges keeps audiences laughing from coast to coast with his club, commercial, and corporate work. His future plans include adding more local and national television appearances to his ever-expanding resume.
Traditional Aztec Fire Dancers The phrase In Tlanextli Tlacopan? is a nahuatl term meaning En El Esplandor de Tlacopan? in Spanish or ?In the Splendor of Tlacopan? in English. Our group is named such because our Aztec (Mexicah) traditions come from the barrio of Tlacopan (today known as ?Tacuba?). Our dances (5 to 7 dancers) represent the splendor of our Mexicah culture. Through these dances, we honor our Native American and Mexicah ancestors, and preserve our historical and cultural Mexicah identities. Our group is a family-based one, composed mainly of Tellez Family members. My entire family, including brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews are from Tlacopan (Tacuba). We have all learned the tradition of Aztec Dancing or ?La Danza Azteca? from our barrio in Tlacopan (Tacuba) since we were children and we continue to participate in important Aztec (Mexicah) ceremonies. We have presented our culture though our dances throughout the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Through our presentations at powwows or other community events, we try to share our culture with other people. We want people to know the splendor of the Aztec peoples is alive and well and not an imagination from the past. We hope you will become a part of that experience.
Immortal Technique Felipe Coronel better known as Immortal Technique, is a hip hop MC and political activist. Most of his songs focus on social justice, covering a wide variety of topics such as urban poverty in the US and international economic inequality (especially in Latin America), protest against the imprisonment of Mumia Abu-Jamal, militarism and the military industrial complex in the U.S., U.S. complicity in the September 11, 2001 attacks, media bias in favor of conservative and corporate interests, and racism (especially in regards to the mistreatment of people of color in the U.S.). Although he has been offered a deal with at least one major music label, he has never signed to any, since disagreements over the political content of his songs could could arise. Immortal Technique has also voiced a desire to keep control over his production, and has made statements in his music that he is very aware that it is record companies, not the artists themselves, who profit the most from mass production and marketing of music. He releases his music on and is also the President and A&R of Viper Records. To reach wider audiences, Immortal Technique's next projects will be distributed by Babygrande Records.
Ne-Yo Ne-Yo is an American R&B singer-songwriter. He is best known by his stage name, Ne-Yo. He is currently signed to Def Jam Records. He was previously best known for co-writing Mario's 2004 number one hit "Let Me Love You" before he began a recording career of his own in 2005. Ne-Yo's debut album, In My Own Words, was released in early 2006 and debuted at number one on The Billboard 200, selling 301,000 copies in the first week. During the same period, Ne-Yo's second single "So Sick" (produced by Stargate) became the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ne-Yo also wrote Rihanna's Top 10 hit, "Unfaithful". Recently he was featured on Ghostface's single "Back Like That".
Ozomatli In July of the first year of the new millennium, with the summer sun hot and blazing on thousands in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, it all changed for Ozomatli. The Democratic National Convention was in town, Bill Clinton was across the street, the barricades were up, and the crowd that Ozo faced were all looking for a soundtrack to the protest that had brought them there. Ozo gave them one song, the cops pulled the plug, and the rubber bullets started to fly. It had been three years since recording their debut, and in the middle of yet another explosion direct from the LA streets, it became immediately clear that the booming multicultural block party of their new album was being born right before their eyes. Embrace the Chaos: chapter two in Ozomatli's plot to let the world know that the future of urban America is already here, already singing, and already dancing salsa to a hip hop samba. "The DNC really impacted us," says tenor sax player Ulises Bella. "When we were there, we were given a lot of energy from the people who were there to protest, how they felt about our involvement in the protests. It was really inspiring. The negative part of it was how this group of people was just shut down. There was just a hand around a throat saying "you can't say this anymore." It was right at the moment when Clinton was giving his speech about how great America was. The irony of it, the cynicism of it, all of it influenced us. That's why we called the album Embrace the Chaos, accepting the fucked up things of the world but wanting to change them." The DNC show was the last with the band's original alto sax player, only one of the personnel changes the band has gone through since releasing their debut-- an album that established this polyglot Black-Chicano-Cuban-Japanese-Jewish-Filipino crew as a band committed to social change and community-building through the party pleasures of musical collision ("Ozomatli" is Nahuatl for the Aztec god of dance).
Orquesta Sabor Tropical SABOR TROPICAL Orquesta Sabor Tropical is both a high-energy salsa band and classic Afro-Cuban orchestra, bringing large doses of excitement, romance, feeling, and caribbean swing to their concerts. Sabor Tropical blends TROPICAL, Big-band Latin, retro-Cuban, Salsa and original jazz to create a non-stop, fully choreographed show. Sabor Tropical features the sultry voice of lead singer Maya Santamaria, the contemporary improvisational skills of singer/dancer Leo Burdier as well as the romantic, humid voice of Raffy Castillo. The orchestra also features a powerhouse 4-piece horn section, an infectious percussion section led by musical director Rey Rivera (NY) and a tight rhythm section. Sabor Tropical has been called the "Hottest Latin Orchestra" by the local salsa-dancing community because of the youthful energy and choreography the group brings to the stage. The repertoire of the orchestra features salsa, rumba, son montuno, guaracha, cumbia, bolero, cha-cha, jazz, bachata and other latin rhythms. Their first demo, "Llegó La Sabrosa," featuring Maya Santamaria, was based on the work of a number of retro-Cuban female legends such as Mercedita Valdez and Lourdes Torres from the 40s and 50s. Her new music from this CD won Maya the "Best New Artist" award from the salsaartists.com competition in October 2001 at Universal City, California. In addition, this year Sabor Tropical's lead singer Maya won La Prensa de Minnesota's "Community Artist of the Year" Award and the prestigious Sally Ordway Irwin Award for Innitiative. With a touch of American crossover mixed in, the cd is currently under negotiation with some major labels. In addition to this original repertoire, Orquesta Sabor Tropical has developed a totally power-packed repertoire designed for the dancers! Extremely versatile, this is the band for any occasion.
Africatam Africatam Born in the West African country of Cameroon. Djembe drummer, traditional singer and juju dancer goes back to his experience as a young boy growing up in Africa.Africa Tam was launched at the African Festival where Emmy's tribal drumming skills and folkloric ancestral dancers entertained the audience. As founder and group leader Emmy brings skills in tribal drumming, singing, African drama, ancestral dancing and wood works of art that offers a different perspective to entertainment and cultural education. Live traditional African entertainment in both public and private events. Emmy Ayafor's sculptures, songs, dancing, drama and drumming sometime depict his inner thoughts, artistic vision and the love for his culture. Drumming is the heart and soul of Africa and plays a huge role in the African community. Africa is often known as a festival continent Drumming is used as a means of communication. Drums and other African percussions have been used for centuries to express feelings, stories, events, wedding, child birth, death ceremony, rituals and links to ancestral roots. Africans use drums and other musical instruments to communicate in their daily lives. Instruments used include wooden flute, Balophone, "kora" and Iron Gong {popularly known as the "ogene" in Eastern Nigerian}. Africatamtam will provide drums and teach drumming through drum circles. The master drummer will teach and create drum sounds into groups that when merged gives an African rhythm. Each group will play a particular tone. These tones will be following by stages of tones from other groups. In much of Africa , percussion often dominates music and in many cases the drum is the leading instrument. Hand clapping, foot tapping, and body patting were also important percussive sounds. The village crowd claps at times to the rhythms of the dancer or the songs. Sometimes the audience sings together with dancers and drummers. This brings harmony and relates to ones' love of culture and tradition.
The Evasons Jeff & Tessa Evason have astounded audiences the world over with their mind-blowing repertoire of paranormal feats. Their incredible brand of mind magic generates amazement and enthusiasm unlike anything you have ever witnessed. Their peers and fans alike recognize them as the finest mentalist duo in the world. Their stylish presentation and stunning showcase of talent has earned them the distinction of being quite simply the most amazing mind readers you'll ever see! Whether you need a corporate entertainer or a performer for a college, theater, cruise ship or a casino showroom, The Evasons brand of psychic entertainment is your perfect solution!
Mayumana Mayumana is a performance group which specializes in percussion, dance, gymnastics, singing, and musicianship. Their shows are comparable to Stomp or Blue Man Group but with uniquely Israeli qualities. They perform regularly at their home theater in Tel Aviv, Israel and have also created several tours internationally playing to more than 2 million people in Europe, 1 million in Israel and 700,000 in South America. Although Mayumana officially began in 1996, they did not grow widely popular until 1998 at the Israel Festival, the annual national showcase for the performing arts. The name Mayumana is derived loosely from the Hebrew word meaning "skill" or "proficiency". Many skills are demanded of the performers in each Mayumana theatre troupe such as coordination, sight reading , flexibility, drumming techniques, and discipline in dance and yoga.
Sailesh He has taken the art of live entertainment and slammed it into the 21st century. Performing 5-6 shows a week throughout the globe, Sailesh has become the busiest uncensored hypnotist on the planet. Numerous international media outlets have dubbed him the Best Hypnotist around. This show has broken ribs due to uncontrollable laughter in Canada, The U.S., Sweden, Iceland, England, Finland and has now been booked into South Africa, Scotland, Australia and throughout Europe. Reinventing live entertainment, Sailesh captivates his audience with each command. Performing skits like The Jerry Springer Show, opposite sex Dating Service, Rubber Body Parts, Ballet Dancers or having an orgasm simply by shaking his hand, the audiences are brought to a euphoric high with laughter and anticipation of what may happen next. MTV in London had searched the globe for the best Hypnotist… we are honored that Sailesh was the entertainer their producers chose as best and most charismatic. Stockholm and Helsinki Newspapers raved about his large auditorium shows on the Cover of their local paper. Inside Entertainment declared Sailesh as the Hottest Hypnotist in the World and Pop TV in Europe says this show is Ridiculously Brilliant!! The Honolulu Advertiser exclaimed , “A potty-mouthed stage hypnotist who performs with a live DJ… count us in!!” The Icelandic National News expressed, "Original and incredibly funny! The audience went wild and this was without a doubt the best show of the year." SAILESH is featured on the popular internet site 'Kontraband'. His comical skits were seen by millions and are still one of the top clips of the past 2 years. Recently, he was featured on VH1 as one of the funniest video clips on the net. This popular entertainer visited The Opie and Anthony Show on XM Satellite Radio (millions of listeners). Isleifur Thorhallsson from Global Event Network states, "We've done many shows with international stars and Sailesh is one of our biggest success ever. In addition to putting on a truly magnificent show, that was a huge, huge success and completely sold out, he is the nicest and most professional performer we have ever worked with. I can't praise Sailesh and his show enough!"
Reno 911 Reno 911! comedy television series on Comedy Central that debuted in 2003. It is a parody of law enforcement reality shows, specifically COPS, with comic actors playing the police officers. Most of the material is improvised, using a broad outline, and with minimal scripted material.The series spawned a film, Reno 911!: Miami, featuring the same cast.
Comedy Coast-to-Coast A dazzling display of the zaniest comics since Second City and Saturday Night Live. An exclusive, tour of the hottest up and coming comedy performers from New York and L.A.'s famed showcase clubs: The Improvisation, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip and The Comedy Store.
Randall Duk Kim Who would have thought that the one who held the secrets to the twisted world of the machines in The Matrix Reloaded ran a little key shop downtown? He's small but fearless, and his rescue triggers one of the movie's biggest action sequences. He also gets the most obvious line in the film. When rebels spring him from his cell, which holds roughly one trillion keys, he says with a straight face, "I am the Keymaker." In costume as The Keymaker, Randall Duk Kim is now available to lecture about The Matrix Reloaded and its philosophy. He will also show footage from the movie and as The Keymaker brings souvenir keys for members of the audience.
Duke Ellington Orchestra : World famous orchestra conducted by Edward Ellington
Forbidden Broadway : Clever and entertaining musical review which parodies past and current Broadway shows.
Uptown String Quartet : Playing a "James Brown" tune is just one of the things that makes the "Uptown String Quartet" unique. The group, led by Maxine Roach, the daughter of jazz great Max Roach, breaks stereotypes all across the board. The four classically trained black women specialize in playing spirituals, blues, rag, bee-bop, R&B and jazz as a string chamber ensemble.
African American Dance Ensemble : These talented and dedicated dancers and musicians, led by charismatic Chuck Davis, don't just perform on stage - they fill it, inhabit it and bridge the gap between performer and audience. There are no spectators, only participants, as audiences are drawn into the experience of complex rhythms, innovative movement and spirited singing.
Malcolm X Lives : Malcolm X Lives is one of the most powerful, dramatic presentations currently receiving critical acclaim at college and university campuses nationwide. Since 1988, Black Student Organizations have repeatedly been inspired and challenged by the brilliant portrayal of Malcolm X’s philosophy by New York actor, poet and comedian, Dennis Rahiim Watson. This audience participation presentation is a simulated press conference with students and faculty soliciting Malcolm’s current views on racism, Black leadership today, rap music, integration, Islam/Christianity and police brutality. Dennis Rahiim Watson convincingly brings to life Malcolm X’s mission, his ideas, his observations, his concerns and challenges to all of us.
Sasha Sings Dinah : Singer/actress Sasha Daltonn portrays the late, great songstress Dinah Washington in an exciting evening of music, songs and drama. "Sasha Sings Dinah" chronicles the life, music and captivating spirit of the "Queen of the Blues." With her trio accompanying her, Sasha sings more than fifteen songs from blues to jazz to the lush lyrics of Gershwin and Porter.
Charo : Popular Hispanic singer and actress.
Gran Folklorico de Mexico : An exciting, colorful folk dance company from Mexico City complete with mariachi band, marimba players and singers. The troupe performs dances of every region, covering 1,000 years of Mexican history with spectacle and pageantry.
OCHEAMI Dance Troupe : African American performers with a common goal to study and share West African culture. OCHEAMI, in the "Ga" language (Ghana, Africa) means "linguist" the representative who speaks through the drums, dance, song and storytelling.
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly : The sound is distinctive--passionate, creative, original, soulful, honest and powerful. For nearly thirty years Frankie Beverly and Maze have created a unique sound and become one of the most influential groups in modern history.
Puerto Rican Theater Company : America's foremost ethnic drama company, the Puerto Rican Theater Company presents plays from a Hispanic point of view.
Three Mo' Tenors : A spellbinding musical celebration of the African-American tenor voice starring Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Diton and Thomas Young. Three Mo' Tenors is an entertaining, theatrically staged concert spanning opera, Broadway tunes, jazz, gospel, popular and hauntingly spiritual music. These three tenors bring together generations of singing by coordinating their talents in this not-to-be missed performance.
Gerald Albright Well known performer and saxophonist, Gerald Albright has recorded 7 CD's on the Atlantic label. His contemporary collections have established him as a prominent artist. He was one of ten featured saxophonists who performed at President Clinton's inauguration and was also featured at the Presidential Summit as well as several private functions for the President. Gerald has sold over one million albums in the U.S. alone and has earned a reputation of being a "musician musician".
Lalo Alcaraz Lalo Alcaraz, an award-winning editorial cartoonist and Latino journalist, created the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily strip, "La Cucaracha." Alcaraz has produced editorial cartoons for LA Weekly since 1992 and also creates editorial cartoons in English and Spanish for Universal Press Syndicate. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Village Voice, Los Angeles Times, Variety, Hispanic Magazine, Latina Magazine, La Jornada in Mexico City, and many other publications. Alcaraz recently published the book Migra Mouse: Political Cartoons on Immigration (Akashic Books) and also illustrated Latino USA: A Cartoon History (Basic Books, 2000). In 2004, he received the "2004 Latino Spirit Award" from the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Alcaraz serves as keynote speaker for George Mason's Hispanic Heritage Month.
Trey Anastasio Since co-founding the seminal improv rock outfit Phish in 1983, guitarist, composer, and songwriter Trey Anastasio has explored a wide variety of musical pathways ranging from atonal fugues and elaborate charts with Phish to adventurous free jazz on his first solo project, Surrender to the Air (1996), to collaborations with the likes of Tom Marshall, Les Claypool, Philip Glass, Stewart Copeland, and others. After Phish went on long-term hiatus in late 2000, Anastasio focused on a myriad of projects, including Oysterhead and his eight-piece solo band. Born Ernest Joseph Anastasio III in 1964, Anastasio attended Princeton Day School in Princeton, NJ, where he met future songwriting partner Tom Marshall. As a teenager, he helped his mother, Dina, write songs for children's records. At the University of Vermont, he teamed up with bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman, and guitarist Jeff Holdsworth to form Phish. After being suspended from the university for a semester for a prank gone awry, Anastasio transferred to the highly experimental Goddard College outside of Burlington, where he studied intensely with composer Ernie Stires while writing and rehearsing Phish's complicated early material. Soon after, Holdsworth was replaced by keyboardist Page McConnell.
Chris Angel Angel has been doing his Mindfreak performances since 2001; his television show debuted on July 20, 2005. Yet, his skills showcased on TV were developed through stage magic and conjuring in clubs. He also did a television special in 2003 called Supernatural. His brothers and mother are also regulars on the Mindfreak television series. Among the stunts Angel has performed for television audiences are: Being towed 80 feet into the air while handcuffed inside a barrel filled with water. The barrel was then released after Angel had taken off the handcuffs and tied himself to a safety rope. He often levitates himself and strangers off the street. Also he has been hung from fish hooks in his back and dangled from a helicopter. He has been filmed performing the illusion of walking on water. He has also lit and levitated a light bulb without electricity. Angel won the Merlin Award from the International Magicians Society in 2001, 2004 and now in 2005; he is the only two-time, and three-time winner of that award. He was named 2005 Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) at a press event at Hollywoods Magic Castle. Criss Angel is currently starring in the second season of Mindfreak which is filmed at the Aladdin Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Some allege that Angel uses camera special effects, forced viewing angles and assistants acting as amazed spectators for the tv audience, and this has caused controversy among fellow magicians. Many magicians who perform magic without camera tricks resent these methods while others simply see them as modern tools of magic on televison . Criss Angel himself claims he does not use camera trickery.
Michael C. Anthony Michael C. Anthony is recognized as one of the most successful stage hypnotists in the world today. Most recently he was named Campus Male Performer of the Year by Campus Activities Magazine. An every day performer he is not. His show is an avant-garde blend of the human psyche and eye-popping theater. Imagine a world where volunteers fall asleep at the snap of his finger and will obey the most hilarious and ridiculous hypnotic suggestions. Having hypnotized over 15,000 people, Michael C. Anthony has filled theaters throughout the United States and Internationally and continues to be one of the most sought after hypnotists in the world. Imagine you're sitting in the front row and several of your good friends are up on stage to volunteer for Michael C. Anthony's performance. Michael utters a few words, snaps his fingers, and you see your friends, one by one, drop to the floor sound asleep. Michael then works his "magic" and upon awakening, one of your friends suddenly jumps to her feet, grabs the microphone, and starts singing because she believes she is Madonna. Another friend has a horrified look on his face because he can't remember his name no matter how hard he tries. Somebody else is frantically scratching all over her body from imaginary insects. All along your most intelligent friend has been rolling all over the stage in combat, shooting invisible aliens with his shoe! This is a show you will never forget!!!
Bob Arno In his expose' show, The Art of the Steal, Bob redefines dynamic comedy. Demonstrating his spectacular brand of classic thievery, Bob reveals the sly tricks of pickpockets plying city streets worldwide. A few minutes of exclusive video footage showing actual pickpockets informs, amazes, and preludes Bob's surprising take on how it really happens--with a comedy twist. This is a full hour of innovative, unique, and hilarious pickpocket entertainment, free of fluff and padding. Bob is always profusely thanked for his invaluable advice, once guests have wiped away their tears of laughter. It's pure entertainment--with a take-away lesson.
Harry Belafonte The consummate entertainer, Belafonte is a world-renowned recording artist ,Broadway, movie and TV star and globally respected human rights activist. The winner of countless awards for his work as an artist and humanitarian, he continues to fight against injustice throughout the world.
Theodore Bikel America's beloved folk singer, actor and entertainer
Jim Breuer Jim Breuer, a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live," has been continuing to make us laugh since his departure at the end of the 1997 season. During his time at "SNL," Breuer was probably best known for his original character, "Goat Boy" and his Joe Pesci impression on the recurring, "Joe Pesci Show." Breuer's feature film career began to take off after leaving "SNL." He starred in Universal Picture's hit comedy, "Half-Baked" and in Phoenix Pictures', "Dick." He recently completed filming a role in Laurence Fishburne's directorial debut, "Once in The Life." A stand-up comedian since his college days on Long Island, New York, Breuer worked in comedy clubs around the country for several years before deciding to become a regular on the New York comedy club circuit. After being in New York for only seven months, he landed a gig on the nationally syndicated show, "Uptown Comedy Club" where he spent two seasons. Breuer has been featured on many network and cable television showcases, such as CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman," NBC's "Later," Comedy Central's "Denis Leary Roast" and hosted Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" series. Jim also had his own show at MTV entitled, "The Jim Breuer Show," and his own Comedy Central special, "Jim Breuer: Hardcore."
Karen Briggs Well known violinist - who is a featured violin soloist with Yanni. Karen plays violin to which no enhancement devices are attached. She extracts a basic pure sound weaving her way through standard times, blues, jazz and gospel numbers. Karen Briggs is available to do a lecture demo as well as a concert.
Smothers Brothers Time has been an essential ingredient in the Smothers Brothers' success. They have been considered ahead of their time, masters of timing and practitioners of timeless comedy. Now as they mark over 46years in show business, the Smothers Brothers are being saluted as time-honored legends whose lengthy career has surpassed all other comedy teams in history. With their singular blend of comedic and musical talents, the irrepressible brothers have made a sweeping impact on diverse generations of fans. Such lasting power is a testimonial to their intuitive humor, natural warmth, superlative showmanship and the pure unadulterated joythey bring to audiences of all ages.The Smothers Brothers' first professional appearance was at The Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1959 and their first national television appearance was on the Jack Paar show on January 28, 1961.
Bo Burnham Bo Burnham is a teenager and comedian. In 2006, Bo Burnham wrote songs, posted them online, and lots of people saw them. Then, Bo Burnham started playing live shows. Bo Burnham played at colleges, clubs and theaters. People came. In August of 2008, four days after his eighteenth birthday, Bo Burnham became the youngest person to record a comedy central special. Bo Burnham released a CD in March 2009. Some people think Bo Burnham is funny.
Ken Burns Ken Burns Celebrated documentary filmmaker Program Title: An Evening With Ken Burns Ken Burns has been making documentary films for more than twenty years. Since the Academy Award nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, he has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War (1990) and Baseball (1994). Stephen Ambrose, the historian, has said of Ken's films, "More Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source." JAZZ (a GM Mark of Excellence Presentation that will air on PBS in January, 2001) is Burns's third epic documentary, a ten-part that follows this most American of art forms from its origins in blues and ragtime through swing, bebop and fusion. As with The Civil War and Baseball, which with JAZZ constitute a unique trilogy of American life and culture, Burns explores in detail the culture, politics and dreams that gave birth to this most integral part of American history and life. As he wrote in the introduction to the companion book (Knopf, 2000), "having grappled with many Constitutional issues in our Civil War series and many other films, and having explored our national pastime and its exquisite lessons in our series on Baseball, we have over the last six years struggled to understand the utterly American art form of jazz. Ken's epics have received numerous accolades. The Civil War was the highest rated series in the history of American public television and attracted an audience of 40 million during its premiere in September 1990. The columnist George Will said, "If better use has ever been made of television, I have not seen it and do not expect to see better until Ken Burns turns his prodigious talents to his next project." The series was honored with more than 40 major film and television awards. The eighteen and a half hour long Baseball, for which Ken was also the director, producer, co-writer, chief cinematographer, music director and executive producer, attracted more than 45 million viewers. David Bianculli of the New York Daily News said that the film "resonates like a Mozart symphony." Time Magazine wrote that "Baseball is rich in drama, irresistible as nostalgia, and...an instructive window into our national psychology." The film won numerous awards, including an Emmy, the CINE Golden Eagle Award, the Clarion Award, and the Television Critics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sports and Special Programming.
Bill Burr I've been doing Stand Up for the last 15 years. I started out at a comedy club in Boston Ma, called Nick's Comedy Stop. I was supposed to do five minutes and I think I did about three. I've been doing it ever since.My biggest gigs have been The Chappelle's Show, HBO One Night Stand, The Opie and Anthony Show and The David Letterman Show. Because of those gigs I know make a comfortable living telling jokes around the country.If I were better adjusted that would be enough for me. For some reason it isn't, so as of yesterday I moved from New York to LA. I'll let you know how it goes.
Mike Burstyn Multi-talented star of Broadway and motion pictures.
Louis C.K. Louis is a standup comedian, actor, writer and director. I swear to god he is atually all those things. Here are some recent highlights. After that we'll start from the beginning... Louis has been cast to star with Ricky Gervais in a new film entitled This Side of the Truth, which is written and directed by Ricky Gervais. Louis was the star and creator of HBOs first and only multi camera sitcom Lucky Louie which ran for one season and then was cancelled. Louis starred in his own one hour standup special on HBO called Louis C.K.: SHameless which was critically acclaimed. A year later, he shot his second Hour SPecial called Louis C.K.: Chewed Up at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston Mass. Louis recently signed a deal with CBS to write and create a new series pilot, which he is writing with Pamela Adlon, who played his wife on Lucky Louie. Louis had substancial parts in two other films Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins starring Martin Lawrence and Diminished Capacity starring Matthew Broderick and Alan Alda.
Kimberly Caldwell You May Have Seen Her On...: Kimberly is probably most known for her appearance on American Idol 2, as well as being an entertainment correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. Kimberly has appeared as a live red carpet correspondent at several Hollywood award events including the the Grammy's, the Academy Awards, the People's Choice Awards, the Emmy's, and the Golden Globes. Kimberly has also been seen on:On American Idol 2: Kimberly was an instant fan favorite, finishing among the top finalists competing for the 'American Idol' title. Magazines Appeared In: Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly, Maxim, People Extra, and Cosmopolitan, to name a few. Other Notable Print Media: Featured in the "Sexiest Women of Reality TV" 2005 calendar. Performed Live At: Besides on the American Idol 2 stage, other notable live performances include singing the national anthem at the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 race, the Idols Live! tour, which traveled to 44 cities across the U.S. and parts of Canada, the "National Anthem" and "God Bless America" at the Democracy Celebration in Washington, D.C., and numbers at various other personal appearances across the United States. Currently, Kim is: an on camera personality for the TV Guide Channel. She currently co-hosts two weekly talk shows on the TV Guide Channel: "Reality Chat" & "Idol Tonight," the exclusive pre-show to American Idol on Tuesday nights. Kimberly is also in the process of recording a country/rock album in association with Randy Jackson and Diane Warren. She is recording original music with an independent producer, as well.
Michael Caracciolo I would like to take the time to introduce myself to you. My name is Michael Caracciolo. I am the president of a ticket company in New Jersey. However, although I have been in the ticket business for many years, I am certain that I am in the wrong profession. I should be an actor instead. I believe that I possess all the qualities necessary for success as an actor. I am a very conversational person, my voice easily projects, via my six foot six inch 400 pound amplifier! I also sing. My unique background, persona and life’s experience truly qualify me as one of a kind .The material recorded here is ad-libbed, improvisational and spontaneous. It contains profanity which is offered only in support of demonstrating my dramatic intensity and the context of the material. I am certain that after watching it once you will immediately want to contact me.
Diahann Carroll Glamorous star of stage, screen and television, Diahann Carroll has been a trail blazer in her multifaceted career. She was the first Black artist to star in her own TV series, "Julia" and starred in the hit television series, "Dynasty." Ms. Carroll is a legend in the world of entertainment, glamour and high fashion and is an excellent motivational speaker.
Nancy Cartwright Emmy Award-winning actress Nancy Cartwright is the voice of "Bart" on The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in history. She has voiced hundreds of characters in such favorites as Rug Rats, Kim Possible, Richie Rich, The Critic, God,The Devil and Bob, The Pink Panther, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Toonsylvania, Pound Puppies, My Little Pony, Glo-Friends, and the online cartoon Timber Wolf. While establishing herself as a voice-acting professional, Cartwright balanced that role with an on-camera career, landing guest roles on Fame, Empty Nest, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , Cheers, Godzilla and The Twilight Zone: The Movie. Cartwright is the author of My Life as a Ten-Year-Old Boy, the ultimate insider's guide to The Simpsons.
Suzette Charles Former Miss America, entertainer and TV personality.
Chevy Chase Buy this Chevy Chase poster from Art.com I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not. -- Chevy Chase, Saturday Night Live The son of a plumbing-company heiress, Cornelius Crane Chase was nicknamed "Chevy" (after the wealthy Maryland community of the same name) by his grandmother. After graduating from Bard college with a BA in English, Chevy held down several jobs (tennis pro, truck driver, bartender) before seeking work as a comedy writer; throughout his twenties Chase wrote for the Smothers Brothers, National Lampoon, and (just once) Mad magazine. His performing career began with "Channel One," a New York-based comedy video workshop, which evolved into the 1974 feature film Groove Tube. Chase's quick wit and smart-alecky stage presence led to his being hired by producer Lorne Michaels for the first season of NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1975. Ostensibly an ensemble show, S.N.L. quickly became a star vehicle for Chase on the strength of his satirical "Weekend Update" news reports and also because of Chevy's spectacular slapstick falls and his devastating lampoons of President Gerald Ford. Falling on his face (as President Ford on Saturday Night Live) made Chevy a star in 1975. Originally a comedy writer, his deadpan, preppy demeanor and reckless, smartass antics took him to Hollywood after only a year on S.N.L. Chevy stumbled on booze, drugs, and divorce after his initial hits, but his movie career and home life picked up again after a stint in rehab, four, count 'em four, National Lampoon's Vacation movies, and a new wife, Jayni. Chase is living proof that comedy really is hard: he developed a chronic back condition as a result of his frequent pratfalls for the camera.
Second City Taking its name from the title of A.J. Liebling s derisive profile of Chicago in The New Yorker, The Second City opened on December 16, 1959. Success was almost instantaneous. Before the startled actors knew it, they were inundated with praise from the press, including Time Magazine, which called it "a temple of satire." The concept that is The Second City has always been translated by six or seven actors who enliven an empty stage with topical comedy sketches. Using few props and costumes, punctuating scenes with original music, the ensemble creates a slice-of-life environment, lampooning our modern lives - political, social and cultural. The Second City develops all of its material in a performance situation, improvising on ideas suggested by the audience during improvisational sets held nightly after the regular show. Then by refining, culling, and amplifying the ideas during rehearsals, the finished pieces become the next revue. The Second City's National Touring Company For over 35 years, The Second City National Touring Company has been delighting audiences all over the world with The Best of Second City, a compilation of sketches, songs and improvised scenes. Choosing material from the early sixties to the present day, The National Touring Company compiles the best material from the best revues to make The Best of Second City. The Second City s National Touring company has always been something of a comedic "boot camp" for Second City' resident stages in Chicago and Toronto. Performers such as Bill Murray, Betty Thomas, James Belushi, Chris Farley, Mike Myers and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have all, at one time or another, completed a "tour of duty" with the Second City's National Touring Company. Providing a unique theatrical experience for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, The Second City's National Touring Company has also become a first-rate training ground for some of North America's best and brightest comedic performers.
Lenny Clarke Lenny Clarke was born in Cambridge, Mass., one of eight children. He decided to pursue stand-up comedy one night when he was working as a janitor, putting himself through college at University of Massachusetts in Boston. That night, he went to the Ding-Ho Restaurant in Cambridge and saw some comics performing. Convinced he could do the same thing, he returned the next week and, "The rest, as they say, is history!" he exclaims. Clarke spent several years as the host of the open-mike nights there and has traveled the world as a stand-up comic. His comedic abilities captured the attention of Rodney Dangerfield, who gave him his first big break, casting him in Nothin' Goes Right. He and Dangerfield also worked together years later on Meet Wally Sparks. After years of hard work, Clarke was "discovered" at the Montreal Comedy Festival. He had his own series, the eponymous Lenny, which ran for 18 episodes. Other TV work includes The John Larroquette Show, hosting The Sunday Comics, and appearances on Touched by an Angel and The Love Boat: The Next Wave.Clarke became friends with Denis Leary over 21 years ago on the stand-up circuit in Boston, and has worked with him in the feature films Two if by Sea and Monument Avenue, which Leary also produced. His other feature films include Baby's In Black, What's the Worst That Could Happen?, Me, Myself & Irene, Rounders, There's Something About Mary, Two if by Sea, Southie, Massholes, and the independent film, Bluff. Clarke has numerous charities close to his heart. Prompted by his sister's battle with MS, he works for several charities related to that cause, as well as for the Genesis Fund, which helps to prevent and treat birth defects
Judy Collins Legendary singer Judy Collins, known for her stunning interpretations of “Both Sides Now,” “Send in the Clowns” and “Amazing Grace,” has provided fans around the world with more than 40 years of music recording with 37 albums, top 10 hits, Grammy nominations, and gold and platinum status.
Patrick Combs Patrick Combs tells the amazing-but-true story of how he deposited a $95,093.35 junk-mail check marked non-negotiable hoping to spread a little banking cheer to tellers and how it erupted into a staggering and funny David vs Goliath-like adventure that still continues today if you count his internationally touring, award winning, off Broadway one-man show about the incident. What happens after the bank cashes the ridiculous check? To name only a few things: angry banking officers threatening jail time and death; the nations leading authority on banking coming out of retirement; astonishing legal twists; and worldwide media coverage (including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Good Morning America and calls from Letterman & Leno).The show sold out in New York during its off-Broadway run at the Lambs Theatre in the heart of Times Square. It also sold out at HBOs 2004 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival held in Aspen; sold out its six show run and garnered Critics Choice at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston; sold out its 10 show run in Winnipeg where it created 3 hour ticket lines, hundreds were turned away and it garnered the Best of Fest award; sold out the Comedy Central Stage in Los Angeles; won Best of Fest at the San Francisco Fringe where it also sold out and was awarded Best Solo Comedy; sold out in Auckland where it was an official selection of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival; sold out in Montreal and won the Just For Laughs prize for Best Comedy.
Diavolo Dance Company Diavolo was founded in 1992 in Los Angeles by Jacques Heim to create large-scale interdisciplinary performances which examine the funny and frightening ways individuals act with their environment. The craftiness and wit of Diavolo is captured by the stylized fox logo. Constantly changing the image presented to the audience, Diavolo has developed a movement vocabulary that creates an almost cinematic experience of powerful images that develop abstract narratives of the human condition. The company is comprised of dancers, gymnasts and actors who create performances collaboratively under the guidance of Heim. The sets created are outrageous and surrealistic and form an intrinsic part of each piece of work. Everyday items such as doors, chairs and stairways provide the back-drop for dramatic movement – leaping, flying, twirling – that creates metaphors for the challenge of relationships, the absurdities of life and the struggle to maintain our humanity in an increasingly technological world. The 10 member company currently has over a dozen works in repertoire (ranging from 10 to 75 minutes in length), most of which travel easily and can be adapted to large and small scale venues. Diavolo’s residency program, Learning To Fly, offers a broad range of community and educational workshops complementing the company’s dance performances. Employing the Diavolo technique, the program encourages risk-taking, trust and teamwork as means for achieving personal goals and interpersonal aspirations. Reaching In/Reaching Out currently offers four student level (K-12) workshops, and five college, community and professional level workshops. The residency programs are continually being adapted to fit a particular group’s affinity or needs. Diavolo has attracted the critics’ attention from the very beginning. After seeing Diavolo’s first Los Angeles performance, Los Angeles Times dance critic Lewis Segal wrote of Heim that the performance "establishes him as a creative force in the community, someone with both a compelling vision and the ability to inspire others to uncompromising performances." In 1993, the young company was nominated for two Lester Horton Awards in Los Angeles, and in 1995, the company made its European debut at the Edinburgh Festival where it was named Best of the Fest by The London Independent and Critic’s Choice by The Guardian. The company also received three Lester Horton Awards in 1995 for the work Tete en L’Air. In 1997, Artistic Director Jacques Heim was recognized by the Los Angeles Times as one of "36 Faces to Watch."
Alycia Cooper Stand-Up Comedienne, Alycia Cooper, wrote the Top 10s for the #1 radio show in LA, "The Steve Harvey Morning Show," and has written for the likes of Russell Simmons, of Def Jam fame. She has penned a feature length screenplay and has worked on "The Dr. Phil Show, Wanda Does It, “Bands Reunited, The Magic Hour, "The Love Connection, "Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus," "Oh Drama," "The Grown-Ups" and "The Parkers. Alycia has been featured in Essence Magazine as a comedienne to watch! She has also warmed up audiences for Girlfriends and Wanda at Large. Stand Up Credits include BETs Comicview. Alycia has also been on NBCs “Last Comic Standing, "BET Live" and "Oh Drama." She has produced several successful reality shows and has a development deal with Buena Vista/ Disney.
Dave Coulier Dave Coulier is living proof that sometimes nice, clean-cut guys do finish first. He is perhaps best known for his work on the long running ABC hit series Full House (currently running on Nick At Nite and ABC Family), but his talents as a wholesome entertainer have also helped him become a highly sought after television personality. As the host of ABC's The World's Funniest Videos and America's Funniest People and Nickelodeon's Out of Control, Dave has cemented his place as a fun, family-friendly entertainer. Highly regarded for his amazing voice-over talents, Dave's additional credits include many Saturday morning cartoon favorites (Scooby Doo and The Jetsons). He has also lent his fabulous voice to Jim Henson's Emmy Award-winning animated series Muppet Babies, where he portrayed Animal, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Bean Bunny and Waldorf and Statler. He also provided the voice of Peter Venkman for The Real Ghostbusters cartoon, as well as various voices for the Cartoon Network's Dexter's Laboratory. Dave also has developed a line of children's entertainment products, including the hit CD set Weaver Beaver and Friend Dave is equally at home in the stand-up arena, and has made several appearances on The Tonight Show, Detroit Comedy Jam and HBO's Comedy Relief. Dave continues to enjoy sold out performances of his stand-up act and his college events garner rave reviews.
Mark Curry Mark Curry is a actor and comedian known as the star of the ABC sitcom Hangin with Mr. Cooper. He also hosted Showtime at the Apollo for a brief time. Curry has also had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show as Drew's boss at Winfred-Louder. He attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California and California State University, Hayward. He also did an episode of The Jamie Foxx Show as an eccentric driving instructor. Mark Curry was featured in Too Short's music video "I Ain't Trippin'", and is also featured in Bow Wows "Take You Home" video as a father trying to get his daughter a doll of the rapper. He was the host of Comedy Centrals Don't Forget Your Toothbrush in 2000. In 2004 he appeared on "Celebrity Mole Yucatan". He came in second place to Dennis Rodman. On April 17, 2006, an aerosol can that had fallen behind Curry's water heater exploded and Curry, who was doing laundry at the time, was burned on over 18% of his body, including his arm, back and side. He spent many months recuperating at his home. According to an Associated Press interview posted on CNN.com on February 17, 2007, Curry considered suicide after waking from a three-day, medically-induced coma, reportedly hoarding pain medication. After talking with comedian friends who made him laugh, such as Sinbad and Bill Cosby, he decided against suicide. He went on The Montel Williams Show to discuss this issue.
Chuck D As leader and co-founder of legendary rap group Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of PE's explosive debut album, Yo Bum Rush The Show, in 1987. His messages addressed weighty issues about race, rage and inequality with a jolting combination of intelligence and eloquence never seen before. Chuck D and Public Enemy were celebrated in the May 2004 issue of Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "fifty most important performers in rock & roll history." Chuck D is also a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, and the National Alliance for African American Athletes. He has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. As he continues to work on commentary, music, and writing on rap, race, and reality, it is clear that there are few who have transcended music and have made an impact as loud of Chuck D.
Pey Dalid Pey Dalid performs a unique blend of musical styles, incorporating rock, reggae and many other popular genres with traditional Jewish sound and content. Their well-known and catchy melodies are sung both in Hebrew and English. The band's live shows are high-energy and intense, bringing audiences to their feet singing and dancing. Formed by three brothers, Mordechai (rhythm guitar/vocals), Shlomo (lead guitar/vocals), and Pesach Walker (drums/percussion/vocals), Pey Dalid has influenced and inspired thousands of people in its 6 years in the Jewish music field. They have traveled the world, performing throughout America, Canada and England. In Israel they have performed extensively, playing at the Klezmer Music Festival in Tsfat, Am Yisroel Chai Festival in Jerusalem and the World Jazz Festival in Eilat. Pey Dalid has appeared on television in America, Israel and Europe including the Chabad Telethon and MTV Europe. Their music has been played on the radio and Internet worldwide and their interviews have been heard across the globe. Performing at many clubs, theatres, as well as outdoor shows and festivals, Pey Dalid has played for crowds ranging from 50 to 2500, appealing to audiences of all ages and religious backgrounds. Pey Dalid has performed at hundreds of weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and has played for numerous Jewish organizations including, Hillel, NCSY, UJA, Aish HaTorah and Chabad. Pey Dalid has shared the stage with diverse musicians such as Matisyahu, Reva L'sheva, Moshav Band, SoulFarm, Blue Fringe, Chaim Dovid, Simply Tsfat, Shlomo Katz and Ruby Harris. Performing original songs, Pey Dalids influences include: Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach ztl, Safam and many other personalities in music including Bob Marley, Dave Mathews Band and everything in between. To Purchase "Garden of Eden" visit, http//www.mostlymusic.com/brothers-dalid-garden-eden-p-2717.html
Dov Davidoff Dov is one of the hottest up and coming comics on the scene today. In addition to performing regularly in clubs and at colleges throughout the country, Dov has appeared on several late night talk shows including The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Last Call with Carson Daly. Dov has also become somewhat of a regular fixture on Comedy Central having performed on Premium Blend and appeared on The Chappelle Show and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.Currently, Dov is shooting the Paramount feature film Invincible in which he stars opposite Mark Wahlberg. Dov has also been featured twice at HBOs U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen and has won numerous comedy competitions.
Angela Davis Angela Davis is known internationally for her ongoing work to combat all forms of oppression in the U.S. and abroad. Over the years she has been active as a student, teacher, writer, scholar, and activist/organizer. Professor Davis's political activism began when she was a youngster in Birmingham, Alabama, and continued through her high school years in New York. But it was not until 1969 that she came to national attention after being removed from her teaching position in the Philosophy Department at UCLA as a result of her social activism and her membership in the Communist Party, USA. In 1970, she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List on false charges, and was the subject of an intense police search that drove her underground, and that culminated in one of the most famous trials in recent U.S. history. During her 16-month incarceration, a massive international "Free Angela Davis" campaign was organized, leading to her acquittal in 1972. Professor Davis' long-standing commitment to prisoners' rights dates back to her involvement in the campaign to free the Soledad Brothers, which led to her own arrest and imprisonment. Today, she remains an advocate of prison abolition and has developed a powerful critique of racism in the criminal justice system. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the Prison Activist Resource Center, and currently is working on a comparative study of women's imprisonment in the U.S., the Netherlands, and Cuba. During the last 25 years, Professor Davis has lectured in all 50 United States, as well as in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the former Soviet Union. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, and she is the author of five books, including Angela Davis: An Autobiography (1974); Women, Race & Class (1981); Women, Culture & Politics (1989); Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday (1998); and The Angela Y. Davis Reader (1998). She is also the editor of If They Come In The Morning: Voices of Resistance (1971). Former California Governor Ronald Reagan once vowed that Angela Davis would never again teach in the University of California system. Today, she is a tenured professor in the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 1994, she received the distinguished honor of an appointment to the University of California Presidential Chair in African American and Feminist Studies.
Oscar De La Hoya The only fighter to win eleven world titles in six different weight classes, and as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional firm, Oscar de la Hoya is one of the most charismatic and beloved figures in the history of the sport. From the podium he recounts the thrilling story of his journey from a scrawny, bullied child in East Los Angeles to Olympic gold medal-winner, six-time world champion, revolutionary fight promoter and businessman. He talks about his Foundation and his biggest battle, to knockout Cancer. Oscar uses his experiences to motivate others to aim high and achieve their dreams too—no matter what obstacles seem to stand in their way. Boxing’s Golden Boy streaked to fame with his gold medal victory in the 1992 Olympics, a medal he had promised his mother he would win as she lay dying of cancer. His electrifying success inside the ring, as well as his personal character and charisma, have made him a worshiped figure in the Hispanic community and one of the most respected fighters in the world. While continuing his quest as a fighter, Oscar is revolutionizing the business side of the sport as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. Founded in 1994 and already one of the nation’s leading fight promotion firms, but Oscar's business interests extend well beyond Boxing, he has applied his golden touch to land development, boxing promotion and newspaper publishing. From the Podium, he shares the lessons he's learned as a boxer, businessman and father, and the message that any dream can be achieved through hard work, vision and a desire to be a world champion, whether in business, life or philanthropy. SPEECH TOPICS: § From East L.A. to World Champ § Turning Dreams Into Reality § Battling Cancer: Oscar’s Biggest Fight
Morton Dean Emmy Award winning news correspondent Morton Dean is one of the best know most highly regarded and widely traveled correspondents in the news profession. A solid writer, a gifted storyteller, his face and voice are among the most recognizable on the American scene. Truly one of America's most respected, trusted and experienced news correspondents. As a traveling correspondent Dean covered many historic , headline-making stories around the world for CBS News (20 years) and ABC News. Open a map of the world. Throw a dart at it. Dean has been there. He anchored regular newscasts for both networks. His Sunday CBS Evening News was rated number one during his entire tenure. Dean anchored the news segment as Good Morning America for several years during which GMA had the number one morning rating. Dean has extensive experience in international terrorism. In fact, he may be the only American news correspondent to cover all major terrorist attacks against United States interests linked to Osama Bin Laden and Al-Queda prior to September 11, 2001. When terrorists first attacked the World Trade Center in 1993, Dean was the first and only newsperson to see and report from inside the garage where the truck bomb detonated and later he covered the investigation into attack. He reported from Iran during the hostage crisis, and from Somalia during the U.S. intervention. Dean's passion for following the story wherever it led often put him the line of fire. While covering the turmoil in Israel and the Palestinian Territory he was caught in a potentially deadly ambush near Hebron. Dean was nominated for a national Emmy Award for his reporting during a fierce gun battle in Kosovo involving U.S. Marines who were pinned down by sniper. Dean has reported from Saddam Hussein's Iraq during numerous assignments. After the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait he was the first network TV correspondent to report from Kuwait City while it was still under Iraqi occupation. His reports from Belgrade for 30 days during the NATO air attacks helped ABC News win an Emmy for its coverage of the conflict. Dean's experience could fill many books. He has covered presidential campaigns, national nominating conventions, the civil rights struggle summit meetings, Papal visits, and space missions. In the recent past Mort reported on the historic presidential election in Mexico, the Hillary Clinton Senatorial, race in New York, the contentious Reform Party convention in California, and the Boris Yeltsin resignation from Moscow. When the revered Walter Cronkite stepped back from covering NASA activities, Dean became the lead space correspodent for ABC News and later reported on NASA activities for ABC News. He has also reported extensively from Russia on the Soviet/Russian space program.
Peter Duchin Pianist, conductor, and composer who presents a lecture/recital.
Duke Ellington Orchestra World famous orchestra conducted by Edward Ellington.
Sandy Duncan Award-winning actress.
Jeff Dunham Jeff Dunham is a ventriloquist and stand-up comedian. He has performed on numerous comedy shows including Comedy Central Presents in 2003 and The Late Show with David Letterman. Some of his famous puppets include a woozle named Peanut , a bitter old man named Walter, and José Jalapeno - a talking Jalapeno pepper on a stick (whose running joke is adding "on a stick" to the end of other sentences). His latest DVD, Jeff Dunham: Arguing With Myself, was released in April 2006. In this latest stand-up offering, Jeff plays straight-man to his usual crew and two recently added characters, the Playa-In-a-Management-Profession, Sweet Daddy D, and Nascar enthusiast (amongst other things), Bubba J.
Stephen Dweck Humorist, screen writer and co-author of the best selling books on Africa-American humor entitled Snaps, Double Snaps, and Triple Snaps. Their latest books are You're so Fine I'd Drink a Tub of Your Bath Water, and Baby, All Those Curves and Me With No Brakes. They have written "The Williams Family", a comedy for Paramount Pictures and a screenplay, "Puck U" starring Danny Glover, Adam Sandler and the Wayans Brothers.
Gil Eagles Gil Eagles is a dedicated researcher, educator and is an avid exponent of the more serious applications of hypno-therapy. His hilarious stage show is designed to be both a lot of fun and educational. Using his 20 years of experience as a stage hypnotist, Gil skillfully and tastefully guides his audiences through the amazing possibilities of their own minds. With miraculous speed, he unlocks his volunteers' creativity to create one of the most fascinating, entertaining, and informative programs you'll ever see.
Gloria Estefan Grammy-winning music sensation Long before Ricky Martin or Jennifer Lopez topped the charts, Estefan was infusing Latin American rhythms into pop music with over 50 platinum-selling albums and the support of worldwide fans. After her career was jeopardized by a tragic bus accident, she exhibited irrepressible energy and endurance as she returned to music with the double-platinum album, Into the Light. In an industry increasingly dominated by disposable artists and short-term careers, Gloria Estefan continues to thrive and firmly command the ardent praise of fans worldwide. With the release of Greatest Hits, Volume 2, she ascends to a rarified plateau that affirms her status as one of pop music's true and enduring originals. In addition to providing diehard fans with a nicely woven collection of Estefan's best-loved English-language hits from the past nine years, Greatest Hits, Volume 2 also effectively illuminates the most creatively plush period of the artist's career to date. It also leaves the listener appropriately enthusiastic about the next phase of Gloria's musical career, thanks to the inclusion of the three sterling new tunes: You Can't Walk Away From Love, Out Of Nowhere, and I Got No Love.
Michael Feinstein Grammy-nominated pop vocalist, composer & arranger No contemporary artist captures the essence of popular music like Michael Feinstein--"America's Ambassador of Song." A pop vocalist, composer and arranger, the Grammy-nominated Feinstein has released 20 albums, sold out shows worldwide and played for three Presidents at the White House, as well as England's Queen Mother. Feinstein understands music so well because he studies it, lives it and collects it. He has had the unique experience of starting out his career as Ira Gershwin's assistant for six years. While Feinstein was immersed in the life of one of the legends of American popular music, he was granted access to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, which he has since recorded and performed. Gershwin's influence provided a solid base upon which Feinstein has not only built himself into a captivating performer, composer and arranger of his own original music, but he has also become an unparalleled interpreter of music legends such as Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Harry Warren.
Michael Feldman Political and social satirist and host of NPR’s “Whad ‘Ya Know?”
Tovah Feldshuh Theater, film and television star.
Adam Ferrara A proven favorite in comedy clubs, festivals and sitcoms, Adam Ferrara has earned a name for himself as one of today's leading comedic talents. His popularity as a stand-up has been validated with two American Comedy Award nominations for Best Stand-Up and two "Comedy Central Presents" half-hour specials. Adam's stellar list of stand-up television appearances include multiple appearances on Comedy Central, as well as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The View," "Politically Incorrect," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," and "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn." Adam has also been a featured performer at the Comedy Central Roasts of Rob Reiner and Denis Leary. Adam's range as an actor has grown since his early years of playing the role of Pete on NBC's "Caroline in the City." He has moved onto projects such as the critically acclaimed ABC series "The Job," in which Adam co-starred opposite Denis Leary. Adam played the role of "Tommy Minetti," a young NYC detective in the prime-time series. He also starred in the behind the scenes Improv documentary "Contest Searchlight" on Comedy Central and most recently wrote and co-starred opposite fellow actor/comedian Lenny Clark in the Comedy Central pilot "Lenny and Adam." Adam was also a guest lead on the NBC hit drama "Law and Order" in their 300th episode entitled "Smoke." Adam's feature film debut "Ash Tuesday" was received at the Tribeca Film Festival with rave reviews. Additionally, Adam recently appeared in the feature "Dark Descends." Adam performed for all 48 of the Democratic Senators at the annual Caucus (with special guest Bill Clinton). Adam was delayed in traffic on the way to the event. Later that evening, Adam was quoted as saying, "I've waited this long for healthcare, now, they can wait for me."
Christian Finnegan Christians newest special, "Christian Finnegan: Au Contraire", premiered on Comedy Central in May of 2009. Christian Finnegan is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor based in New York City. He can currently be seen as a panelist on VH1's hit series "Best Week Ever" and as host of TVLands interstitial game show, "Game Time". Other credits include his own half-hour special, "Comedy Central Presents: Christian Finnegan", "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and numerous appearances on "The Today Show". You might also have caught him on "Chappelle's Show" playing Chad, the only white roommate in the infamous "Mad Real World" sketch. P.S. Christian Finnegan thinks you're a wonderful and talented human being.
Dick Flavin Social satirist, political humorist and one of America’s most entertaining and insightful speakers.
Ben Folds Ben Folds Five put on a high-energy, blistering live show. The band was signed to the independent Caroline Records shortly afterward, resulting in their self-titled debut one year later. Due to airings of their humorous anthem, "Underground" (which poked fun at the politics of the punk/alternative scene) on MTV's 120 Minutes) and constant touring, quite a buzz was stirring for the band by the time of their second album. Released in 1997, Whatever and Ever Amen was pure pop perfection -- easily one of the year's best releases, and perhaps the best power pop release of the '90s. The band's songwriting and sound had improved even further, as evidenced by such gems as "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces," "Fair," "Kate," and "Battle of Who Could Care Less," plus their whimsical tribute to breakups, "Song for the Dumped." But it was the ballad "Brick" that broke the band commercially -- unlike the majority of their material that was upbeat, the song contained melancholic music and vocals, as the lyrics told the story of a teenaged couple who decides to get an abortion (it has been speculated that the tale was autobiographical for Folds). The single didn't hit until several months after the album was released, which meant that the band stayed on the road for well over a year, playing with such notables as Dave Matthews, Beck, and as part of the H.O.R.D.E. 1997 festival -- earning Whatever platinum status. While 1998 didn't see a new studio album by the band, BF5's former label issued a 16-track rarities collection (Naked Baby Photos), as Folds released his first solo album, Volume 1, under the pseudonym Fear of Pop. Although the album went largely unnoticed, it included the song "In Love," which included overly dramatic vocals from none other than Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner (comparable in approach to Shatner's must-hear 1968 album, The Transformed Man) -- which was performed on The Conan O'Brien show shortly after the album's release. Ben Folds Five regrouped with 1999' s The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner, which was a more mature work than its predecessors, although the energetic lead-off single, "Army," showed that Folds' humorous approach hadn't dulled at all. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
Forbidden Broadway Clever and entertaining review which parodies current Broadway shows.
Michael Fosberg Michael grew up just north of Chicago in Waukegan, Illinois where he first stepped on stage during high school. During the summer of 1974 he attended the National High School Institute's Theater Arts Program on the campus of Northwestern University, or "Cherub's" as is affectionately referred to. He then went on to study acting, directing, and writing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, graduating with a BFA. It was while still attending school he founded the Small Change Original Theater; producing, writing, directing, and conducting workshops for kids of all ages throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North & South Dakota. He has now toured INCOGNITO to colleges, high schools, performing arts centers, festivals, and theaters all over the country and conducts workshops in race, diversity, identity, and theater related topics, while he finishes the memoir, INCOGNITO for Lawrence Hill Books, and participates in the filming of the documnetary about his life and play.
Jamie Foxx Despite being in the entertainment business for only a short time, Jamie Foxx has already proven himself an accomplished performer in film, television and music. Music was Jamie's first love, so he nurtured his natural talent by singing in a church choir and studying classical piano in his hometown of Terrell, Texas. He majored in music at a small liberal arts college in San Diego before a fateful visit to Los Angeles on his 21st birthday literally changed his life. While visiting a local comedy club, Jamie took a dare from a friend to go on stage and perform. He brought the house down with his impromptu routine. Realizing his comedic talent could be his ticket to Hollywood, he auditioned for the television show "In Living Color." Foxx was chosen from an open casting call of 300 for the coveted role of a series regular. His popularity on the hit show led to his own one-hour HBO comedy special, "Straight from the Foxxhole." In the special, he showcased his musical talents with a medley of songs that led to the 1995 release of his debut album, "Peep This." With all 12 songs written, produced and performed by Foxx, the album climbed to the #12 spot on Billboard's R&B chart. His other television credits include a recurring role on the critically acclaimed comedy series "Roc." Foxx also has made a name for himself in feature films. His credits include starring with Uma Thurman and Janeane Garofalo in "The Truth About Cats & Dogs" and "The Great White Hype" with Samuel L. Jackson and Damon Wayans. He will also star in the upcoming comedy "Good to Go" in which he was reunited with former "In Living Color" castmate Tommy Davidson.
Al Franken One of America's top comedians and political satirists, Al Franken was a part of Saturday Night Live's original writing staff and one of the program's most popular performers, bringing to life the quirky self-esteem guru, Stuart Smalley. He made a big splash with the publications of his books, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations and Why Not Me?: The Inside Story of the Making and Unmaking of the Franken Presidency. Al Franken is perhaps best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. In 1975, Franken was part of the original writing staff that created the groundbreaking late night show. Franken remained with the original show until 1980 and then returned in 1985. He stayed for another 10 years, leaving after the 1994-95 season. Franken received four Emmys for his writing on SNL and a fifth for producing. He also won recognition for his on-camera work, first as half of the comedy team of "Franken and Davis", then for his "Al Franken Decade" persona. He also was recognized for such characterizations as the one-man mobile uplink unit and Stuart Smalley, the new age cable TV host.
Aaron Freeman Humorist and political satirist, Aaron Freeman has been seen on "The MacNeil Lehrer News Hour," "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Donahue." A graduate of the improvisation group Second City, his columns have been featured in such magazines as Playboy. A delightful and outrageously funny speaker!
Chico Freeman Compared to the greats in jazz history by many critics, Chico Freeman the legendary tenor saxophone player, keyboard artist, composer and producer, embodies the intent of jazz by finding new avenues of expression that embrace the heritage and tradition of the music. Freeman presents a lecture/concert on the history of jazz in America.
Jim Gaffigan Raised in Indiana, Jim Gaffigan decided to make the move to New York City in pursuit of becoming a successful actor and stand up comic. It is apparent that Jim has more than arrived. After Jim's first appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Mr. Letterman personally chose Jim to develop a sitcom for World Wide Pants. A year and half later, Welcome to New York debuted to critical acclaim boasting a cast of Christine Baranski, Rocky Carroll and Sara Gilbert. The Wall Street Journal declared Jim "a true find" and TV Guide Nominated Jim for Best New Actor in a Sitcom TV Guide Award. Jim has guest starred on many other network television shows including Ed, Law & Order, Third Watch, Lateline, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Soul Man and Conrad Bloom. Jim was also a cast member of the VH1 sketch show Random Play. Jim recently completed a lead role in his eleventh independent film, No Sleep Till Madison a feature film directed by Erik Moe. Some of his other film credits include Three Kings, Road Trip, Endsville, Personals and Entropy. Jim also appeared in two films chosen for the 2001 Sundance Film Festival Super Troopers and Thirty Years to Life. Some recognize Jim from his numerous commercial campaigns, which include ESPN, Saturn, Energizer and Rolling Rock. Jim's commercial presence was a so large and successful in 1999 Business Week called him "Salesman of The Year". As a stand up comedian, Jim's cutting edge style has earned him 10 unprecedented appearances on Late Show with David Letterman. Jim has also numerous appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Comedy Central's Dr. Katz. Jim performed is own half hour comedy special for comedy central entitled Comedy Central Presents: Jim Gaffigan. Jim has performed at both the prestigious HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado and the world renowned Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada.
Janeane Garofalo Actress/Comedienne/Activist Janeane Garofalo has been consistently working in film and television since she got her start in 1992. This winter she completed the film "Stay," with Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, and can be seen in the recently released "Wonderland," with Val Kilmer. In addition to a demanding shooting schedule, Janeane continues to perform spoken word and stand-up comedy around the country. Janeane is currently working on a book for Simon and Schuster, titled "For Those About to Salute, We Will Rock You" which will be a collection of humorous, politically themed essays. In keeping in step with her out spoke ways, she will also host her own talk show on Radio Free America, slated to launch this March. A lightning rod for controversy, Janeane's well informed opinions and honesty have inspired laughs, as well as striking a chord with the left, right and everything in between. Janeane is probably most known for her memorable and critically acclaimed roles in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs," "Steal This Movie," "Copland," and "Reality Bites," as well as for her specific brand of sharp wit and comedy shown in her roles in "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion," "Bye Bye Love," "Mystery Men," "Clay Pigeons," "The Minus Man," and "The Cable Guy," directed by her friend Ben Stiller. Ben and Janeane also co-authored the best seller Feel This Book (Ballantine May 1999). Janeane was also a cast member of the Emmy Award-winning Ben Stiller Show. Janeane played the role of Paula, the acerbic talent booker, on The Larry Sanders Show, for which she received an Emmy nomination in 1997 and two Cable Ace nominations. During the fall of 94 she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. Some of Janeanes other television work includes two specials for HBO and the series finale of Mad About You.
Brad Garrett Brad Garrett is a three time Emmy Award winning American actor and comedian known for his roles on the television sitcoms Everybody Loves Raymond as Robert Barone and Til Death as Eddie Stark.The comedian, whose voice can be heard in such films as Casper, Toonsylvania and Finding Nemo, shines brightest when he is put on the spot, answering any number of questions from the audience. The night I saw the comedian, a college student asked Garrett to "bust a move" like he sometimes did on "Everybody Loves Raymond. Garrett first teased the student, poking fun of him and the number of drinks he mightve had, and then invited him and a friend up on stage for photos. Making every minute memorable, Garrett channeled Robert Barone and goofily danced while posing for a photo shoot all to the music of "Disco Inferno. Other highlights include Garrett, who likens himself to a cross between Greg Brady and Herman Munster and proves it by impersonating Munster, doing a laugh-inducing imitation of former co star, Ray Romano. Paying homage to his moments on the show, Garrett ends the night with amusing outtakes from "Everybody Loves Raymond."
Larry Gatlin Country and western superstar.
Dominic Gaudious A new sound for the new millennium Dynamic, Intense and Passionate are just some of the words used to describe the innovative work of instrumental guitarist and composer, Dominic Gaudious. After successfully releasing two albums and touring with an eclectic rock band in the 1980's, Dominic found his passion in the contemplative world of Classical/World Beat music. Working mainly with six & twelve-string acoustic guitars and incorporating exotic instruments such as the Australian Didgeridoo, Dominic expanded on the theme and created a uniquely intricate playing style which blends the sounds of Classical, Jazz, Flamenco, Rock, and World Beat. He has performed at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the Australian Embassy, Montreux Music Festival, National Geographic, opened for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Pat Benatar, Kip Winger, appeared with the well-respected jazz ensemble Acoustic Alchemy, The Rippingtons, and world-renowned guitarists such as Pierre Bensusan, Adrian Legg and Eric Johnson. He also performed at the after show party for John Petrucci, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Often compared to Michael Hedges, Eddie Van Halen and Al DiMeola, Dominic's appealing sound has become widely sought after for festivals, benefits and concerts such as the Race Unity Festival, Greenpeace, Sound Support for Autism and Citizens for a Better Environment. Dominic’s music has been featured on Echoes, Hearts of Space, National Public Radio and many local and syndicated stations throughout the world. Most recently Dominic was a finalist on FOX TV’s “30 Seconds to Fame,” a finalist and Honor Award Winner in the Great American Song Contest for his song " Far East Fusion," nominated 2003 Best Instrumental Artist by campus awards.com and nominated by SSA as National Radio Recording Artist of the Year.
Robin Gibb Best known for his unsurpassed catalog of hits and over 180 Million records sold with the Bee Gees, Robin and his group deliver a cross section of the biggest hits from that bands long career such as: Stayin’ Alive, Jive Talkin’, Night Fever, You Should Be Dancing, Nights on Broadway How Deep Is Your Love, More Than A Woman Emotion, Tragedy, To Love Somebody I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You, Words, I Started A Joke How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, Holiday and many more. Robin performs a spectacular, instantly recognizable hits driven show perfect for higher end corporate and private event dates.
Cuba Gooding Academy award winning actor best known for his role in the movie, "Jerry McGuire."
Ellen Gootblatt Relationships expert and a former ABC Talkradio show host and a nationally syndicated advice columnist, Ellen Gootblatt's topics include, Sex, Passion & Intimacy; "Meeting, Dating and Mating: 250 Important Questions to Ask Before You Go Further in a Relationship and Men Aren't Women Understanding and Appreciating the Inherent Differences Between the Sexes." Ellen presents an upbeat, humorous, entertaining and motivational program that will be the highlight of your booking season.A "relationships" expert, a nationally syndicated advice columnist and author, Ellen Gootblatt was the host of the #1 rated ABC evening talk show heard in thritynine states, Getting Together with Ellen Gootblatt. Her radio talk show was about just that: how to build and sustain the finest relationships one can in a positive, optimistic way. Her topics varied widely from program to program, and her shows unpredictability was part of its appeal. The umbrella was male-female relationships: marriage, divorce, the lifestyle of singles and widows. But on any given night, the topic may have been parents and children; neighbor and friend or any other aspect of the human condition that piqued her interest and what she thought might be meaningful to her listeners. Ellen Gootblatt is a person who lives a full life and, whey they're relevant, shared her experiences with her listeners and guests. A former educator, her curiousity about people, common sense and sense of humor set the tone for the show. She questioned her guests celebrities and ordinary people about just the topics most of us would wonder about but wouldn't dare ask and disarmed them by being open, vulnerable and honest about herself. Ellens personal warmth and her ability to draw out her guests brought to her program such celebrities as Steve Allen, Valerie Harper, John Denver, David Brenner, David Steinberg, Kris Kristofferson, George Carlin, Patricia Neal, Phyllis Diller and Lucille Ball and somehow, in her presesnce, each of these prestigious stars found new stories to share.
Ed Gordon Ed Gordon, award-winning anchor, managing editor of BET News With Ed Gordon, and host of Conversation With Ed Gordon, is one of broadcasting's most versatile journalists. Gordon's return to BET, after a three-year stint with NBC, was marked by what he is best known for... the exclusive one-on-one interview. Gordon's years at NBC were no less impressive. There he scored, for Dateline NBC, the only interview with Autumn Jackson, a young woman who made headlines by accusing entertainer Bill Cosby of being her father. While at NBC and its cable network MSNBC, Gordon was anchor and host of the talk show Internight. Periodically, Gordon hosts BET News special broadcasts, such as President Clinton Face to Face: A White House Special, where Gordon interviewed President Clinton and then moderated a discussion with the President and citizens from across the country. Murder Madness, looked at solutions to the growing problem of violence in America. Other specials include BET Town Hall Meetings, broadcast live from various cities across the country. These Town Hall meetings explore issues from AIDS to affirmative action. From 1989-91 Gordon hosted the critically acclaimed interview series Personal Diary. Guests included 60 Minutes co-host Ed Bradley, poet Maya Angelou, and tennis great, the late Arthur Ashe. Over the years Gordon has become a newsmaker in his own right. He has been featured in many publications including USA Today, Washington Post, Essence, Entertainment Weekly,, and was even chosen as one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful people. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Award of Excellence and the organization's Outstanding Journalistic Endeavor award. Other awards include an Emmy and the Communication Excellence to Black Audiences (CEBA) awards for Merit, Distinction, and Excellence. Gordon has also been nominated for an ACE award, cable television's highest honor. From 1985-1988 Gordon served as host of Detroit Black Journal, the nation's longest running locally produced public affairs program. He also co-hosted No Crime Day with Detroit Piston basketball star Isaiah Thomas. The program encouraged youth to stay away from crime.
Jim Gossett The most “listened to” impressionist/humorist in the country.
Dale Grand Dale Grand is a multi-talented comedian, who has appeared in every area of show business - nightclubs, hotels, TV, movies, cruises and corporate functions. He has played all the major nightclubs and resort hotels from the Desert Inn in Las Vegas to the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City. Dale has shared the bill with such stars as Engelbert Humperdinck, Pat Boone, Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, Vic Damone and Frank Sinatra, Jr. He has also appeared in a number of revues including "Radio Daze” at Westbury Music Fair and “Vegas to Broadway”, which had a very successful six week run in New York City. His TV appearances include “Late Show with David Letterman”, "The CBS Morning Show", "Good Day, New York", the "Barney Miller Special" and the "Morton Dean Show" along with numerous commercials. He is a very popular after-dinner speaker across the country, and has done testimonial dinners for many dignitaries including one for Elizabeth Taylor at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. He has also appeared in over 25 motion pictures, including "Quick Change" where he did a scene with Bill Murray. Dale Grand, Esq. is not only funny and talented, but he is a class act who will provide you with a memorable event.
Dick Gregory Well known comedian and social activist.
Mia Hamm Mia is widely recognized as the world's best all-around women's soccer player. In Atlanta at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games she proved it by leading her team to Team Gold in front of 80,000 screaming fans in Athens, Georgia. Never in history had so many spectators come out to watch a women's sporting event. The Games highlighted female athletes like no other time in modern history and Mia emerged as one of the Game's true examples for people of all ages who have a dream and go for it. The 1999 Women's World Cup, where the USA took home the championship in front of 40 million viewers in this country alone, sold over 650,000 tickets, including sellouts at Giants Stadium and the Rose Bowl. There is no stopping women's soccer and Mia's enormous impact, both on and off the field. Having played collegiately at UNC and leading her team to four consecutive NCAA championships, she inherited the nickname "Jordan" (after a basketball player at NC named Michael!) because of her athletic ability on the field and sportsmanship, determination and commitment off it. Her awards and accomplishments only tell part of the story of this remarkable athlete; she gives much of her precious free time to charitable causes and strives, in anything she does, to promote women's athletics, the sport of soccer, and a feeling of confidence and sense of purpose in young people (male or female). Mia was the youngest player ever to play for our National Team (age 15) and has been a member ever since (the team won the World Championships in 1991, Mia's second time on the team). Her records in appearances and goals, MVP awards and overall performance put her at the top of the sport as she looks forward to the 2004 Olympics (she has been US Soccer's Female Athlete of the year five consecutive years). As Phil Knight, Chairman of Nike says "I think we've had three athletes who just played at a level that added a new dimension to their games. That's been Michael Jordan, in basketball, and in some ways Mia Hamm in women's soccer and Tiger Woods in golf." In April of 1999, Nike named the largest building on its corporate campus after Mia. Having seen the enormous support her and her teammates received at the '96 and '00 Games, Mia became a founding member of the Women's United Soccer Association and led the Washington Freedom to the Founder's Cup. Poised, articulate and honest, Mia is a pioneer in her sport and a role model for athletes and fans alike who believe in equal opportunity, Title IX legislation, and the love of the game.
Tony Hawk Even though he has been retired from competition since 1999, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk is one of extreme sports most recognizable and celebrated athletes in the world. Tony Hawk was nine years old when his brother changed his life by giving him his first skateboard. By twelve, Tony had national sponsors, by 14 he had turned pro, and by age 16 Tony Hawk was the best skateboarder in the world. Hawk went on to win over 80 competitions, by far the best record in skateboardings history. Tonys career wasnt stress free, though. As the popularity of the sport rose and fell he felt the effects firsthand, and he strongly considered switching to a career other than the sport he loved. Ultimately his unrelenting passion was contagious skateboarding rose to prominence again, with Tony front and center. He remains the uncontested innovator and role model, still performing demonstrations several times a year. Tony has appeared in commercials and campaigns for Got Milk, GAP, Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, AT&T and Gatorade. His autobiography, HAWK Occupation: Skateboarder was a New York Times bestseller. The Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game series from Activision has become one of the best selling video game franchises of all time. He created Tony Hawk's Gigantic Skatepark Tour for ESPN, which is second only to the X Games in viewership. In 2002 he launched the Boom Boom Huckjam, a 30-city arena tour featuring skateboarders, BMX bike riders and Motocross riders as well as top punk and hip hop acts. He also has also has his own pro model shoe through Adio and developed Hawk Clothing, a kids skate clothing line. With the creation of the Tony Hawk Foundation, Hawk also has made an effort to give something back to the sport that has given him so much. Designed to promote and help finance public skateparks in low-income areas, the foundation has distributed more than $1,000,000 to non-profit groups building skateparks throughout the U.S. Tony is a proud and actively involved parent to his three sons, Riley, Spencer and Keegan.
Edwin Hawkins Multi-talented, multi-Grammy Award winner who recorded the biggest Gospel hit record of all time , 'O' Happy Day.
John Henton After five years on the Fox hit television series "Living Single," John Henton has earned a name for himself as one of today's leading comic talents. Through the lovable and sensible character of "Overton Wakefield Jones," Henton has found a loyal and endearing following.John Henton, Comedian and rest of cast of "Living Single" As seen at an appearance on Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Henton's appeal goes beyond the character he played on television as he captivated the audience with his observational and topical humor. John Henton has returned to series television on the ABC comedy "The Hughleys." Now with the character of Milsap, he continues his success into the new millennium.Born and raised in Cleveland, John never entertained the thought of a career in comedy. In 1982, while working during the day and studying computer science at night, he was urged by a co-worker to try his jokes at a local comedy club's amateur night. By his second night, he won the amateur night contest and began stand-up part time. John made the move to Los Angeles in 1985 and by 1988 started his stand-up career full time.John Henton After taking his comedy on the road for a year and winning the 1991 Johnny Walker National Comedy Search, he was spotted by "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" comedy executive, the late Jim McCawley, who booked him for a performance on the show.As he finished his set, John looked to Carson for his approval and received much more. He was called over to take a seat on the coveted couch where Carson asked him if he had an agent. To John's reply of "no," Carson mugged, "Well you will after tonight." It was a performance that John says gave his career a "serious jump-start."Since then John Henton has made appearances on "The Arsenio Hall Show" and "Bob Hope's Young Comedian's Special" as well as returning to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." In January 1993, he starred in his own half-hour comedy special for Showtime, "John Henton: Comedy With An Attitude.In April of 1993, he was cast in the FOX-TV series "Living Single" starring Queen Latifah and Kim Fields Freeman. The show received stellar ratings and TV Guide selected Henton's character as one of the "break out" characters of the 1993 fall season. When the show came to an end after five years, John was proud and pleased with the work he had done on the show.Even though he is now headlines his own concerts in venues around the country, John has opened for such big names as Little Richard, Paul Rodriguez, The GAP Band, The Pointer Sisters, Kool & The Gang, Kenny Loggins, Kenny G, etc.
RenĂ© Hicks RenĂ© Hicks is an internationally known comedian, has over 600 college appearances to her credit. She is determined to use her comedy to make a difference. She’s a comic with a social conscious. Most comics have comedy “acts”, RenĂ© has comedy “activism”. Her goal is to always provide quality entertainment that is not only hilarious, but helps lead to the break down of barriers that can contribute to cultural/social isolation and intolerance, with the end result being human solidarity - all people united in the recognition and strengthening of our common bonds. “There’s so much â€politically correct’ rhetoric about diversity and multiculturalism, with very little result of actually bringing people together on a lasting basis--laughter can bring people together.” Whether she is making you laugh about the experiences we have in common or making you laugh about the differences, the message is the same--“We need a lot more laughter in this world and a lot less of the dumb crap that divides us.”
Ballet Hispanico Noted ethnic dance troupe available for a concert or a lecture demonstration.This troupe has performed for more than 2 million people, appearing in such venues as the John F. Kennedy Center, Houston's Wortham Center, the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, the Annenberg Center in Philadelphia and Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va.
Richie Holliday Richie Holliday is many things: entertaining, silly, irreverent & charismatic, but mostly funny... very funny. described by peers as one of the most vibrant performers on the circuit, audiences everywhere are falling in love with his laid-back, yet quirky lifestyle. With a whimsical intuition and a subtle dose fo reality, Richie weaves through the absurd and thought-provoking seamlessly. He's shown he doesn't need to force feed his humor, it comes naturally. The ease in which he allows people into his silly world is refreshing. Though most will identify his talents as a performer, Richie's ability to craft a joke shows his unique thought process. Combine these abilities and you've got one of the most requested comics touring today. Richie Has performed for HBO and ABC as well as touring with the likes of Weird Al Yankovich, Tommy Davidson and Drew Hastings. His DVD "They call me Squishy" is quite popular among college students all over the country.
Zora Neale Hurston Broadway and television actress, Elizabeth Van Dyke, brilliantly portrays Zora Neale Hurston in a one-woman show, based on Zora’s life of triumph and disappointment. “Zora Neale Hurston” is a play about the famed novelist, folklorist, journalist and critic who for thirty years was our most prolific African American woman writer, hailed as “the Queen of the Harlem Renaissance,” and now undergoing an intense re-examination by a new generation attracted to her lyrical gifts and strong African American sensibility.
Gabriel Iglesias Gabriel Iglesias is a Mexican-American standup comedian from San Ysidro, California. He is best known for making fun of his obesity and his ability for impressions. His opening joke is "The 5 kinds of fat": Big, Healthy, Husky, Fluffy (which he says he is) and "DAAAAAAAMN!" He has made several guest appearances on such television shows as The Tonight Show, My Wife and Kids and in his own half hour special on Comedy Central. He was a series regular for one season of All That on Nickelodeon where his most notable role was portraying Bill Clinton. Iglesias was a finalist in the fourth season of the reality television series, Last Comic Standing. In the July 11, 2006 episode, which depicted the series' regular roast segment, Iglesias was chosen as the roast subject. He was evicted before that episode's elimination round, however, after it was discovered that he had violated the terms of the contestants' contract several times, having not only broken curfew, but having violated the rules against unauthorized outside communication more than once. Whereas the contestants are allowed one phone call every two days on the residence's house phone, on which conversations are monitored by the producers, Iglesias was discovered having smuggled a BlackBerry into the contestants' residence, and then, after the BlackBerry was confiscated, having used a payphone to call his girlfriend at approximately 3 or 4am, during which he revealed some of the contents of the roast competition.
Victoria Jackson Squeaky-voiced comedienne Victoria Jackson is perhaps best known for being a cast member of the NBC television sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1992, but she also makes sporadic film appearances.
Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band For almost two decades as leader of one of the world’s most celebrated Latin jazz bands, Concord Picante recording artist Poncho Sanchez has been an unswervingly passionate exponent of the bedrock style of Afro-Cuban Latin jazz pioneered half a century ago by such legendary musicians as Machito, Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie. The bearded, jovial conguero and the members of his veteran octet are virtual living symbols of the best of the modern jazz and tropical Latin traditions today. As they confidently demonstrate on their latest album, Poncho and his men are undisputed kings of a vibrant hybrid that has become one of the most dynamic and enduringly popular styles of the century.
Mason Jennings Mason Jennings is a Minnesota-based pop-folk singer-songwriter. He is well known for his simple yet catchy melodies, intimate lyrics, literary and historical themes, and deep tenor's voice. His music has appeared in the surf film Shelter and he has toured extensively. Jennings is married to Amy Turany Jennings and has a son, August, born in January 2003.Jennings produced his self-titled debut album in 1997 on an analog four-track in the basement of a rented home, manning all instruments himself. In October 1998, after bringing drummer Chris Stock and bassist Robert Skoro on board, he began a weekly gig at Minneapolis' 400 Bar as the Mason Jennings Band. Garnering local praise and a wide fan base, Mason began touring nationally. During this time Mason began expanding the depth of his sound inviting saxophonist Chris Thompson to play with them occasionally and replacing Stock with jazz drummer Edgar Olivera Birds Flying Away (2000) revealed Jennings' political activism and penchant for singing first-person narratives of imaginary rustic characters. Following the release of this album, Noah Levy took over drumming duties from Olivera.In 2002, Jennings releases a studio album, Century Spring, and a "fans only" collection of acoustic rarities, Simple Life. An EP supporting Century Spring was also released, featuring the album's opening track, "Living In The Moment," two live tracks, and the previously-unreleased "Emperor Ashoka." Jennings released all three discs -- and re-released his earlier albums -- on his homebrew record label, Architect Records.In 2003, Skoro and Levy left the band (the former to pursue a solo career), and were replaced by bassist Chris Morrissey (Bill Mike Band) and drummer Brian Mcleod.On February 10 2004, Jennings released Use Your Voice, which notably included the songs "Keepin' It Real," a foot-stomper ostensibly written at the request of Shrek 2 producers (but not used in the film), and "The Ballad of Paul and Sheila," an acoustic dirge for late Minnesota senator Paul Wellstone. On 30 September of that year, the band released a DVD entitled Use Your Van, which chronicled the recording of Use Your Voice and part of the promotional tour. The DVD was filmed by Andy Grund.On June 17, 2005, news broke that Jennings had finally signed with a major label: Glacial Pace, a subsidiary of Sony's Epic Records headed by Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock.
Sarah Jones Sarah Jones is a Tony Award winning playwright, actor, and poet. Her multi-character solo shows include Bridge & Tunnel, which was originally produced Off-Broadway by Oscar-winner Meryl Streep, and went on to become a critically acclaimed, long running smash-hit on Broadway. Jones career has taken her from a sold out run at The Kennedy Center to tours of India, Europe and South Africa to performances for such audiences as the United Nations, members of the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court of Nepal. Her multicultural cast of characters has always been a reflection of her diverse audiences. A proud Queens, New York native, Sarah attended the United Nations International School and Bryn Mawr College where she was the recipient of the Mellon Minority Fellowship, then returned to New York and began writing and competing in poetry slams at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. There she developed her first show, Surface Transit, which was presented at The American Place Theatre and PS122. Her next piece, Women Can't Wait! was commissioned by Equality Now to address the human rights of women and girls. A subsequent commission by the National Immigration Forum yielded Waking the American Dream, the inspiration for Bridge & Tunnel. Most recently, Jones has been commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation for a piece entitled A Right to Care, which tackles themes of inequality in health. Jones has also received grants and commissions from Lincoln Center Theater, The Ford Foundation, and theater honors including an Obie, a Helen Hayes Award, two Drama Desk nominations, HBOs US Comedy Arts Festival's Best One Person Show Award, and an NYCLU Calloway Award in recognition of Jones as the first artist in history to sue the Federal Communications Commission for censorship. The lawsuit resulted in reversal of the censorship ruling, which had targeted her hip-hop poem recording, Your Revolution. A regular uncensored guest on public radio, she has also made numerous TV appearances on HBO, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, CNN, and in her own special, “The Sarah Jones Show,” on Bravo. Jones lives in New York with her creative partner and husband Steve Colman.
Naomi Judd Naomi Judd has always dared to do the impossible. A former nurse and single mother, she turned a musical pairing with daughter Wynonna into a six-time Grammy Award-winning country music phenomenon. She is the best-selling author of Love Can Build a Bridge, a moving story of the human spirit. Although she would modestly insist otherwise, there has never been anything simple or commonplace about Naomi Judd - not her vision, her life, her faith, nor the music she and her daughter, Wynonna, created as The Judds. She dreamed bigger, worked harder, took greater risks and triumphed more resoundingly than most people ever will. From the beginning of The Judds' meteoric rise, her "china doll" looks and magnetic personality paralleled the duo's music for the public's attention and appreciation. As their songs became #1 hits, their RCA albums went platinum and their concerts became sellouts. Their popularity kept them undefeated for eight consecutive years at all three major country award shows. They received six Grammys and a vast array of other awards and honors. Bringing values and insistence on integrity to every aspect of her public and personal life, Judd helped The Judds set new standards of excellence and ushered in the resurgence of country music's popularity. America fell in love with the self-proclaimed country girl from Ashland, Kentucky. From small town humble beginnings, this daughter of a gas station owner father and riverboat cook mother became a hope seller to the duo's legions of fans. The music industry labeled her the "Cinderella" of country music because of her real life rags-to-riches story. During the Judds' eight-year reign as superstars, she became infinitely more to the public than a singer, songwriter and engaging performer. She came to represent every woman. Having been an R.N., a secretary, waitress and clerk, the divorced, working mother stood for the modern American family, with all its defects and glories.
Cary Judd The music of Cary Judd will punch you in the gut and rip your heart out. Whether you see his live performance or enjoy his new CD, entitled "Looking Back From Space", you will be intrigued by the contradictions he explores. His songs - vulnerable, clever, explosive, and beautiful-appeal to virtually all listeners because of their raw connection with human fear, hope, and triumph. With Cary, it's not about wearing his heart on his sleeve, it's about wearing your heart on his sleeve. Cary's live show is deceptively understated-just a man and a guitar. But what you see is not what you get. He starts by playing a riff or progression that finds itself embellished in a swirl of drum and guitar loops that he masterfully creates with a series of electronic pedals at his feet. His stage demeanor will make you feel like you're having a conversation and a good laugh with an old familiar friend. Cary impressively redefines the one-man-show.
Craig Karges Craig Karges dramatizes the unknown, the unexplained and the unbelievable. You don't just watch this performance, you experience it, through total audience participation. Audiences may be mystified when it comes to understanding how Craig Karges accomplishes what he does on stage but his popularity is no mystery at all. From the entertainment oriented "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" to the news oriented "Larry King Live," Craig Karges makes frequent guest appearances on national television shows. Karges has also starred in two one-hour television specials for Cox Broadcasting. He has also appeared on Lifetime Television, CNBC, United Paramount Network, CNN Headline News, Wisdom Television, SOAPnet, Fox News Channel, and E! Entertainment Television. The sheer number and diversity of Karges' television appearances is indicative of his widespread popularity. Performance, the international touring talent weekly, named Craig Karges touring show one of the top five variety/family shows in the country. Karges was in good company as the list also included the likes of illusionist David Copperfield and Walt Disney's World on Ice. Performance magazine called the extraordinist's performance "The next era in mystery entertainment." American Entertainment Magazine named him one of the the top five variety entertainers on the corporate circuit. Craig Karges first became popular touring college campuses. He was named Entertainer of the Year six times by the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Past NACA award winners include Bruce Springsteen, Alabama and Jay Leno. NACA's campus membership also elected to vote Karges as Variety Entertainer of the Year for twelve consecutive years. The independent Campus Activities Magazine named Karges Entertainer of the Year on four occasions. In addition to Entertainer of the Year, the magazine also named Karges Best Male Performer, Best Solo Act, Best Novelty Act and Best Performing Arts Attraction. In 2003, Craig became the fifth inductee into the National Campus Entertainment Hall of Fame. Even Craig Karges peers find his work fascinating. He was named the top performer in his field worldwide by the International Psychic Entertainers Association. The National Speakers Association (NSA) honored him with the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, a recognition bestowed on less than 10% of the NSAs almost 4,000 members and the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame Award. Craig Karges says that he does not possess supernatural powers, nor does he claim to perform as a psychic or a magician. While he acknowledges that he is an entertainer, and showmanship plays a role in what he does, he insists that he does not prearrange anything with members of the audience. Skeptical? Craig Karges has a standing offer of $100,000, payable to charity, if anyone can prove he uses stooges, confederates from the audience or hidden assistants to accomplish his demonstrations. Corporate giants such as IBM, McDonalds, General Motors and General Electric have relied upon Craig Karges and his unique brand of showmanship not only to entertain their employees and clients, but also to motivate them. "Ordinary people are capable of extraordinary results because we all possess extraordinary capabilities. I communicate that message both verbally and visually," Karges says.
Andrew Kennedy One fun Kennedy family tradition was the ritual 'Cleansing' of personal items (or as it was more commonly referred to: 'Tag Sale of Tears') where all the most revered possessions (like GI Joe Action Figures, Tonka Trucks, Big Wheels and such...) would be sold at a profit, before moving to another country. This of course leading to deep-rooted abandonment issues (not from the Kennedy boys as much as their toys). Andrew is the middle of three boys. He lives with his wife and two young sons in their Connecticut home. The house is about an hour from New York City where he currently performs weekly as a headliner at all the major clubs. Andrew can be seen on "The World Stands Up" (Comedy Central), "Premium Blend" (Comedy Central), "Comic View Best of" (BET) and some independent films which will undoubtedly come back to haunt him when he makes it big..
Kurt Kilpatrick Business humorist and mimic with a motivating message.
Thom King Relationship expert and author of Good Girls Guide to Great Sex; Sex, Intimacy and Lying about Love plus three other new books on love, romance and relationships. His presentation of An Evening of Foreplay is an adventure in human desire, sexuality and relationships.
Robert Klein A career in entertainment was not a "legitimate" pursuit for a middle class kid born in the Bronx, even though his father, Ben, was a good livingroom comedian, and his mother, Frieda, was a show business fan. So, Robert Klein graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School and entered Alfred University as a pre med student. At Alfred he joined the college's acting company and graduated in 1962 with a B.A. in Political Science and History. But the acting bug hit hard, and Robert's drama professor convinced Ben Klein that his son should pursue an acting career. Yale Drama School beckoned, and Klein was on his way. Robert Klein finished a year at Yale, followed by summer stock. The following fall, in order to earn a living while paying his dues at New York City clubs, Klein took a job as a substitute teacher. In 1965 Robert Klein auditioned for the famous Chicago "Second City," became a member of the troupe, and there he spent the single most important year of his career. Klein returned to New York as a seasoned member of "Second City," was seen by producer Mike Nichols and chosen for a role in his Broadway musical, Apple Tree. Two more Broadway shows followed, and in 1970, he starred in Comedy Tonight, the CBS summer replacement for Glen Campbell's show. In 1973, Robert Klein released his first album, Child of the Fifties, an ingenious collection of material which brought Klein to a vast audience and won him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album of the Year. Two more albums followed, including Mind Over Matter, also nominated for a Grammy, and New Teeth. Klein's most recent album, Let's Not Make Love, was released in 1990 on Rhino Records. Probably no single event is more indicative of Klein's success than his first sold out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1973, The First Annual Robert Klein Reunion. In 1979, Robert Klein returned to Broadway in grand style with a Tony nomination for Best Actor, and a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his performance in the hit musical, They're Playing Our Song. During this time, Klein began hosting The Robert Klein Radio Show, an internationally syndicated comedy rock show. Klein's movie credits include The Sisters Rosensweig, Hooper, One Fine Day, Next Stop Wonderland, Primary Colors, How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and many others. Robert Klein has also frequently guest starred on such programs as Murder She Wrote, Frasier, Law and Order, and Mad About You, among others. From 1986 through 1988, Klein hosted Robert Klein Time on the USA Network, which was nominated for seven Ace Awards. He currently hosts New Joke City on the Metro Channel. Robert Klein is currently writing a book for Simon and Schuster.
Mychael Knight Mychael Knight a fashion designer. He was a contestant on the third season of the Bravo network reality television series Project Runway, where he came in fourth place. Knight holds a Bachelors degree for apparel design and merchandising from Georgia Southern University. The Atlanta-based designer has increased his fan base by creating a line of custom tees for Starbucks and designed a one of kind dress for Malia on Episode 45 of MTVs My Super Sweet 16. He appeared on the BET show Rip the Runway in March of 2007 where he introduced a line of clothing. Knight used part of his $10,000 fan favorite winnings to help launch his unisex fragrance, MajK. His newest fashion endeavor I like Kitty & Dick, a line of racy lingerie debuted in January 2008.
The Amazing Kreskin World's foremost mentalist and entertainer.
Bill Kurtis Acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, and multimedia production company president, Bill Kurtis is celebrating his fortieth anniversary in the field of broadcasting. Over the years, Kurtis has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled. Born in Florida and raised in Independence, Kansas, Kurtis graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He attended Washburn University School of Law where he was awarded a Juris Doctor degree. Kurtis began his television career at WIBW-TV (CBS) in Topeka, Kansas. In 1966, after being recognized for his 24-hour coverage of a devastating tornado, Kurtis was hired by WBBM-TV in Chicago where he was a field reporter and later anchor of The Channel Two News. Kurtis moved on to the network level at CBS where he anchored the CBS Morning News and contributed to CBS Reports. During his career as a network newsman, Kurtis covered such notable stories as the Richard Speck murders and the Charles Manson trial. He is also credited with breaking the Agent Orange story and the story of Amerasian children in Vietnam. Returning to Chicago and WBBM-TV as news anchor in 1985, Kurtis began his career as a documentarian, traveling to the far ends of the earth for the Peabody Award-winning series The New Explorers, which aired on A&E®. In 1990, he founded Kurtis Productions and began producing programs for the A&E Network, including the long-running, award-winning Investigative Reports and Cold Case Files® as well as Investigating History for The History Channel. Kurtis has also served as the host of A&E's AmericanJustice – the longest running non-fiction justice series on cable. Cold Case Files® was nominated for 2004 and 2005 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Nonfiction Series. Kurtis also provides satirical narration for the feature film comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, starring Will Ferrell and has provided spoken word elements to the recent Dandy Warhols' album released by Capitol Records. Kurtis is also an author. The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice (PublicAffairs) is his most recent book, which explores issues surrounding capital punishment in America. By profiling two murder cases, Mr. Kurtis reveals his change of mind regarding capital punishment.
Lisa Lampanelli Dubbed by The New York Times as the "Lovable Queen of Mean," Lisa Lampanelli is a no-holds-barred insult comic. Her ability to make people laugh at their own stereotypes and differences helped her conquer the club scenes in both New York City and Los Angeles. Her popularity skyrocketed in 2002 when she was the only female comedian invited to skewer Chevy Chase on the NY Friar's Club Roast on Comedy Central. Since then she has become a staple of the Comedy Central Roasts for Jeff Foxworthy, Pamela Anderson, and William Shatner. In addition to her success on Comedy Central, Lisa is a regular on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Howard Stern's Radio show. She appeared on Comedy Central's "Last Laugh 2005" and her one-hour special, "Take It Like a Man." As one of the few white comedians to perform on BET's "Comic View," Lisa has cemented her huge crossover appeal. Lisa has also taped several specials for VH1, MTV and CMT, and with frequent spots on Sirius satellite radio. Lisa can be seen in "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector," in which she plays a foul-mouthed dirty broad. She also starred in "The Aristocrats," in which she played a foul-mouthed dirty comic. This fall, Lisa will tape her new stand-up special, which will air on Comedy Central in the first quarter of 2007. She will also be in the feature "Delta Farce" starring Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy and D.J. Qualls, which is also set for release early next year.
Bobby Lee Bobby Lee is notable for his membership in the recurring cast of comedians on the live comedy series MADtv. As an American of Korean ancestry, he is the shows first cast member of Asian descent, he has played Asian and Asian American celebrities and political figures including Kim Jong-il and Connie Chung. Hes also played non-Asian roles including John McCain, Seth MacFarlane (as Stewie Griffin from Family Guy), Jai Rodriguez, and The Penguin from the Batman series. Lee performs regularly at the legendary Comedy Store in West Hollywood, California.
Jay Leno Jay Leno has been the host of NBC's Emmy-winning "The Tonight Show" since May 25, 1992, following in the footsteps of legendary late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. Jay has created his own unique late-night style with a combination of humor, talk and entertainment each night at 11:35 p.m., the start of the wee hours when viewers want to wind down with a few laughs before drifting off to dreamland. Jays everyman style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans all over the world, but primarily at home in the states where people can relate to his personable style and work ethic. He has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business, and the hardest working a winning tandem for the man who says anyone can have a life, but careers are hard to come by! One of the country's premiere comedians, Jay has appeared in hundreds of comedy shows around the United States for the past 20 years. He remains passionate about performing in front of live audiences and appears regularly in Las Vegas, on college campuses around the United States, and in other venues.
Roger Lodge As the host of BLIND DATE, television's most successful syndicated dating program, Roger Lodge is a dating expert extraordinaire (in watching the show, you'll notice he's also adept at recognizing when people are making fools of themselves). In addition to the often hilarious commentary he shares between video dates on the comical show, Roger writes a dating column for popular publications such as Mademoiselle, Glamour, Seventeen, and Elle. While lecturing on campuses across the country, Roger provides students with a humorous behind the scenes glimpse of BLIND DATE, by showing film clips and outtakes and by telling anecdotes that might even make Hugh Hefner blush! During his funny and entertaining lecture, Roger also discusses dating do's and don'ts with his audience.
George Lopez Well known Hispanic stand-up comedian.
Patty Loveless Country and western singing star.
Patti LuPone Broadway musical star and actress.
Steven Lutvak Steven Lutvak had a remarkable 2006. In one week of April alone, Steven and his principal collaborator, Robert Freedman, won the Kleban Award, the premiere prize for lyric writing in Musical Theater; their musical KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS was presented as part of the Breaking Ground Series at the Huntington Theater in Boston; KIND HEARTS was invited to be the only musical developed at the Sundance Theater Lab; and Steven received a rave review in the New York Times for his cabaret act of his own songs. In January, their musical, CAMPAIGN OF THE CENTURY, won the California Musical Theater Competition from the Beverly Hills Theater Guild. MAD HOT BALLROOM, the film for which Steven wrote the title song, became the 9th most successful documentary of all time. July marked the debut of Shoulder to Shoulder, a new song commissioned for the opening ceremonies of the Gay Games in Chicago, which was sung by Billy Porter, and a 250-voice choir. In November, Steven and Robert won the Second Annual Fred Ebb Award for Songwriting for the Theater. And with the release of CLASSIC AMERICAN POPULAR SONG, a follow-up to Alec Wilder’s classic book, AMERICAN POPULAR SONG, by David Jenness and Don Velsey (Taylor & Francis, publishers, 2006), where several of his songs are discussed at some length, Steven Lutvak’s place in the American Popular Songbook is even more firmly planted.
Stephen Lynch Whether he's singing an ode to an ailing grandfather (and the inheritance that his death will bring), breaking up with a girlfriend because of her racial make-up (she's just "too white"), or opening the door to his mind to let the voices inside his head sing out, Lynch is a self-proclaimed "musician trapped in the body of a comedian." His unique blend of musical based comedy has earned him fiercely loyal fans around the world who live to experience his sold-out live shows, three best-selling CDs and DVDs, and his top-rated Comedy Central Specials. Raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Stephen is the son of a former nun and priest. He admits to actively entertaining friends and family since he was a child. True to form, Stephen graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.A. in Drama, and found his talent as a comedic songwriter. Stephen moved to New York in 1996, with the goal of becoming a performer. While temping during the day, Stephen wrote songs and performed at clubs and underground music venues around Manhattan at night. He quickly developed a devoted fan base and became a regular on the wildly popular "Opie & Anthony" radio show. The radio exposure, matched with Stephen's live shows and rabid following, turned the heads of the Comedy Central Network, which invited Stephen to record his 1st special in 2000. That special became one of their highest rated performances, almost unheard of for an unknown.
MC Lyte Renowned hip-hop artist and actress MC Lyte is a legendary rap artist. MC Lyte is the first rap artist ever to perform at Carnegie Hall and the first female rapper to ever receive a gold single, which sold over 500 thousand copies. MC Lyte's inspiring 1993 anthem, the classic Ruffneck was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Single, making MC Lyte the first female solo rapper ever nominated for a Grammy. Her newest project Undaground Heat vol.1, Hosted by Jamie Foxx, has garnered this rap legend her 2nd Career Grammy nomination, 10 years later, for Best Solo Female Rap Performance, for her single "Ride Wit Me", produced by MAAD PHUNK!, on her own label SGI/CMM/BMG. Lyte was also a familiar face in film and television. Her film career included roles in the recent Playa's Ball and in a Trimark/Lions Gate feature release Civil Brand. Lyte has also landed roles in feature films including Extreme Pictures' Train Ride, Cinergi Pictures' Burn Hollywood Burn, Warner Brothers' Fly By Night, and the independent features, Luv Tails and Short Handed.
Wynton Marsalis The most popular and acclaimed jazz musician of his generation, Wynton Marsalis is also a distinguished classical performer and the first artist to win Grammy awards for both jazz and classical recordings. He is available in either a lecture/demonstration format or a concert.Marsalis has achieved international success as a musician and bandleader, composer, educator, author and arts advocate. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. Founded in 1987, Jazz at Lincoln Center operates from its home in New York City, the Frederick P. Rose Hall -- the worlds first multi-venue performing arts facility designed specifically for the sound of jazz. Each season, the organization produces thousands of performances and educational events for people of all ages in New York and around the world. Marsalis oratorio Blood on the Fields, featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, won the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for music, the first ever awarded to a jazz musician. Winner of nine Grammy Awards, Marsalis is the only artist to win Grammys for both jazz and classical recordings. Marsalis other honors include Frances Chevalier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres, the American Arts Councils Arts Education Award and the National Medal of Arts. He also has received 29 honorary degrees and was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
Demetri Martin Demetri Martin dropped out of NYU School of Law to pursue comedy. Since then, he has performed in most of the English-speaking countries in the world (not in South Africa or New Zealand, though) and won trophies for comedy in America, Scotland and Australia. Martin was a staff writer for "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and has appeared on a lot of late-night television shows, both onstage and in the audience. He made a stand-up CD/DVD, "These Are Jokes," which was released via Comedy Central Records in 2006 and his "Trendspotting with Demetri Martin" has been a featured segment on the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart since December 2005. Martin was featured in his own one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central, "Demetri Martin. Person." (which was also released on DVD by Comedy Central Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment). His show, Important things Demetri Martin -- a fusion of original sketch and stand-up -- debuted on Comedy Central in February 2009. Future projects for Martin include the lead role in the upcoming Ang Lee film, "Taking Woodstock," for Focus Features (slated for release this summer). He is writing the feature script, "Will," for Paramount Pictures. He is also co-writing, with James Bobin, the feature script, "The Moon People," for Sony Pictures with Mosaic Media Producing. Martin is also planning to clean up his apartment some time in 2009.
Chris Mata Chris was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to earning a black belt at the age of 17, he worked his way through public school by manning the cash register at a local McDonalds. His very first attempt at standup comedy was in front of a J.C. Penney, at a mall talent show. Unfortunately, he lost to a saxophone player. Then Iin 2001, just three years into comedy, Chris became a finalist in the San Francisco Comedy Competition. In 2004, He moved to New York City, for its stage time and development possibilites. Where else in the world would he be able to stand severe humiliation night after night in complete anonymity?
Kurt Mazur Internationally acclaimed conductor and Musical Director of the New York Philharmonic.
Bobby McFerrin Multi-talented bop-pop jazz singer/songwriter Bobby McFerrin has been captivating audiences for two decades, combining his jazz and classical background with a post-modern flare that has drawn the attention of fans and musical peers alike. McFerrin has won praise for his extraordinary vocal appearances, his best-selling recordings and his collaborations with other jazz gurus. The 1980s were full of award winning albums and endeavors by McFerrin. Before his monster success with the 1988 release Simple Pleasures, which featured "Don't Worry, Be Happy," McFerrin had already won two Grammys for Another Night in Tunsia. He also recorded Spontaneous Inventions in 1986, a collaborative effort which featured Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Jon Hendricks and Robin Williams. Around this time, Cosby looked up McFerrin again and asked him to sing the theme song to his hit TV series, "The Cosby Show." The soundtrack to Bertrand Tavernier's "'Round Midnight" became another Grammy-winning enterprise and by 1990, his success as a solo artist and performer was soaring to great heights. 1992 saw two more collaborative releases by McFerrin, including Hush, which featured cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, and Play, which contained noted performances of jazz standards with Chick Corea. The latter won McFerrin his 10th Grammy award. In 1994, McFerrin became the Creative Chairperson to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra where he developed CONNECT (Chamber Orchestra's Neighborhood Network of Education, Curriculum and Teachers) and established himself as a classical conductor and soloist. He has since led the Chamber Orchestra and the Dale Warland Singers. The Sony release of Paper Moon captured his debut as a conductor and has remained in the Top 10 of Billboard's Classical Charts since its 1995 premier. McFerrin continues his work as an orchestra conductor and has most recently collaborated with the San Francisco Symphony. His innovations in this field have led to debuts with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, members of Hamburg's MDR Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic. His work with the Bang!Zoom jazz quartet was featured on the album of the same name in 1996. McFerrin is currently putting his efforts into composing an opera for the San Francisco Opera. His latest release, Circlesongs, was released in
Jim Mendrinos Jim Mendrinos, a versatile comic and writer living in New York City, has been one of the most sought after comedy writers of his generation. He started writing and performing his stand-up at the age of 19, sharing the stage with future stars Chris Rock and Colin Quinn. Soon after he began touring across the country with Sam Kinison and Bill Hicks, all the while honing the comedic skills that audiences have come to love. As a performer Jim has appeared on Comedy Central, and is one of the most sought after club acts. He is a regular performer at Gotham Comedy Club, and has performed internationally. He has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, and FOX. Jim is also one of the most sought after comedy writers, having contributed jokes to touring comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers. He has contributed jokes to many late night television shows; including SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE'S WEEKEND UPDATE featuring Colin Quinn. He was the sole writer for USA NETWORK PRESENTS: THE PROBLEM CHILD, Staring Gilbert Gottfried. Jim was also the first talent coordinator for Gotham Comedy Club, and is a respected industry expert who has lent his opinions and observations on comedy to publications such as The Daily News, Newsday, Daily Variety, Time Out New York, and the BBC. He is also a columnist for the industry publications "Two-Drink Minimum" and "Sheckey Magazine."
Ben Mezrich Whether describing the thrills of insanely high stakes poker or exposing the seamy underbelly of boxing promotion, Ben Mezrich has established himself as the premiere chronicler of the lives of the young, the brilliant, the impossibly rich and the borderline crazy. On the lecture stage he brings to vivid life the clandestine worlds that have figured in his blockbuster books and made him one of the hottest commodities in publishing and entertainment today. Recently named People magazines Sexiest Author, Ben has penned ten books with a combined printing of more than one million copies in nine languages. They include the wildly popular bestsellers Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions (currently the MGM feature film 21 starring Kevin Spacey); Ugly Americans: The True Story of the Ivy League Cowboys Who Raided the Asian Markets for Millions; and Busting Vegas: The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought the Casinos to Their Knees. Ben also co-hosts GSNs World Series of Blackjack, contributes regularly to Stuff magazine, and advises casino owners on ways to avoid getting fleeced by the card sharks whose exploits he has made the stuff of legend. Ben Mezrich recently released his newest book Rigged- a startling rags-to-riches story of an Italian-American kid from the streets of Brooklyn who claws his way into the wild, frenetic world of the oil exchange. Rigged is the explicit, exclusive, true story behind the headlines that dominate the world stage.
Marilyn Michaels Popular comedian and impressionist.
Raul Midon Raul Midon brings a vibrant sound steeped in classic soul to the pop arena, because pop is where a singer and a song can have the biggest and most widespread impact. When an envelope-pushing song becomes a pop hit, it shifts the entire musical landscape, forcing out the shopworn and clich?d while opening the windows of change to let in fresh ideas. The notion of shifting the landscape is this artist's passion; the wide-ranging skill sets he brings to bear on his mission provide him with the tools to pull it off. The New Mexico-born, New York-based writer/vocalist/guitarist burst onto the scene in 2005 with his audaciously original debut album, State of Mind, and he's followed it up with an even more memorable song cycle, one that substantiates the depth of his talent and the degree of his dedication. A World Within a World, the title of the new album (Manhattan Records, Sept. 25), might refer to the status of pop music within the culture as a whole; it could also describe the expansive interior realm that this single-minded artist, blind from birth, has created with his imagination.Midon is bringing currency to a rich tradition of pop inventiveness, combining the beguiling soulfulness of Stevie Wonder, the inventive appropriation of non-indigenous musical elements pioneered by Paul Simon and the trend-defying individuality of Bill Withers. "These are mainstream artists who were on the charts and making art," Midon notes. "There isn't that much originality in pop these days, because everybody is trying to sound like what they think might fit into the narrow formats on radio. But the best pop is as important as much as any music. I mean, I love Paul Simon or James Taylor or Prince as much as I love Miles." With A World Within a World, Midon aims to do his part to replant the pop wilderness. In the pop field, says Midon, with what turns out to be characteristic outspokenness, "You have to think about your audience, and at the same time make music that's interesting to you as an artist. If something you hate becomes successful, you still have to play it every night, and that's no way to live. Because my first record was successful enough to satisfy the label, and because of the quality of the people I'm working with, we made the second album exactly the way we wanted to make it, which is pretty extraordinary in this day and age. There was no interference, no 'Where's the single?' We didn't go through any of that."
Montana Logging & Ballet Co. A musical political satire troupe.
Melba Moore Award winning singer, actress and philanthropist, Melba Moore's enduring talent has earned her a rewarding career in theater, television, music and film. She started the Melba Moore Foundation for children because she is devoted to the prevention of child abuse, neglect and illiteracy. Ms. Moore is a positive role model for all people and is a firm believer that through faith all things are possible. Her dynamic lecture is entitled, "Great Inspirations." Tony Award-winning singer and actress Melba Moore returns to her roots with this biographical and beautifully moving one woman, two act musical. Moore captivates the audience with her singing and stories of her life in this poignant and thrilling show.
Frank Morgan Renowned alto saxophonist, Frank Morgan, performs jazz and old standards for an unforgettable concert.
Tracy Morgan Tracy Morgan segued from the completion of his seventh year as a cast member on NBCs Saturday Night Live to primetime as star of his short-lived series, The Tracy Morgan Show. Even after seven amazing years in late night, theres nothing like getting a shot at primetime. On SNL, Morgan most recently popularized two memorable characters Safari Planet host Brian Fellow and the space adventurer Astronaut Jones. Other popular characters include Woodrow, the homeless romantic, and the longtime favorite, Dominican Lou. His impressions include Mike Tyson, The Views Star Jones, Della Reese, Busta Rhymes, Maya Angelou and Samuel L. Jackson. He has also made numerous comedic appearances as himself, both on Weekend Update and in backstage sketches where he grills the guest host with inappropriate questions. Born and raised in New York City, Morgan is a standup comedian, actor and sketch-comedy player, who continually works the national standup comedy circuit while appearing on television and in feature films. After appearing on Def Comedy Jam, he first became well known appearing on Martin as the recurring character, Hustleman. Morgan debuted an hour-long standup special on Comedy Central in August 2002 and contributed a voice to Comedy Centrals Crank Yankers. He also hosted the channels standup showcase, Comic Groove, and in 2002 was named the It Ready for Prime Time Playa by Entertainment Weeklys It List. Morgan recently appeared in a featured role in the film Head of Statedirected by and starring SNL alum Chris Rock. Other movie credits include A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Half Baked, the independent feature 30 Years to Life, How High and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Tim Watters Mr. President Uncanny Impersonator of President Bill Clinton Tim Watters' likeness to Bill Clinton has garnered national recognition on such shows as The Tonight Show, Entertainment Tonight, CBS Morning News, CNN, Larry King Live and Dateline NBC. He has also been a celebrity guest on television shows from Japan to Germany, and he has even learned to play the saxophone. A former real estate agent from Florida, Watters recalls, "Not a day would go by when someone wouldn't come up to me and ask if I'm Bill Clinton, or tell me how much I look like the President." He found all this amusing, considering that it all started as a big joke around the office about the time of the presidential election. "Every day, when I would return to my office, there would be another picture of Bill Clinton, on my desk ... so I decided not to let the opportunity pass me by." Watters now pursues the role of Bill Clinton on a full time basis for television, film and special events. To prepare, he wets his hair, applies a gray mousse, and then blows it dry using white hair spray for highlights. The final look is extremely believable, but it doesn't stop there. He is accompanied by an entourage of mock-Secret Service agents-complete with earpieces and sunglasses-and occasionally has a limousine decked out with American flags - with the stereo blasting Hail to the Chief!
Jason Mraz Singer/songwriter Jason Mraz hails from Mechanicsville, VA, where he grew up as a fan of the Dave Matthews Band and local roots musicians the Agents of Good Roots. But it was Mraz's interest and participation in musical theater that was his first introduction to music. Mraz moved to New York following high school to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but dropped out a year later when he took up the guitar and began to focus on songwriting. Nonetheless, Mraz's training as a vocalist would show itself on his debut album which is marked by the pure clarity and range of his vocals. After busking around New York, Mraz eventually returned to Virginia; but, in 1999, he ultimately made his way West, settling in San Diego, CA, known for its coffeehouse scene and support of singer/songwriters, most notably Jewel. Mraz began playing local shops and landed a weekly slot at local hot-spot Java Joe's. At the same time, Mraz met drummer Toca Rivera and the two began performing together -- Mraz on acoustic guitar, Rivera on djembe -- honing a live show that featured as much comedic banter between the two as music.
Charlie Murphy Charles Quinton 'Charlie' Murphy is the older brother of comedian Eddie Murphy. He is best known as a writer and actor on the American television program Chappelle's Show, as well as providing the voice for Ed Wuncler III in the animated Adult Swim show The Boondocks. He is also a stand up comedian himself. He is noted for having a ridiculously deep bag of "pimperish, prisony" catch phrases. Dave Chappelle once said Murphy is "just as funny or funnier than a comedian." Murphy's most famous contribution to the show is the Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories sketches (spoofing the eponymous E! Entertainment Television show). In these, Murphy recounts his misadventures as part of his brother's entourage, including his encounters with various celebrities; most importantly the late Rick James and Prince. Although wildly successful, in an August 2005 interview with TV Guide, Murphy announced that Chappelle's Show was finished [1]. Murphy was associated with the late 1980s hiphop group, K*9 Posse. The K*9 Posse was Vernon Lynch, Jr. (Eddie and Charlie's half brother) and Wardell Mahone. Charlie Murphy is credited as the executive producer of the K*9 Posse's self-titled album as well as having writing credit on two tracks on the record, Say Who Say What and Somebody's Brother. The latter track is written about Murphy himself reflecting on a relationship with a woman who was caught up in the excitement of being around all the famous people that Murphy associated with. But Murphy comes out on top with the lyrics, "You see I don't mind workin undercover, It's a blessing not a curse to be somebody's brother." Possessing a distinctive voice and an extraordinary talent for verbal illustration, Murphy has done voiceovers for Budweiser radio commercials, Cartoon Network's Adult Swim series The Boondocks and voiced a pimp named Jizzy-B in Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game. Recently, Murphy provided the voice for Spock on the G4TV's Star Trek 2.0 shorts. In 2004, Charlie embarked upon a sold out national comedy tour, The I'm Rich Bitch comedy tour featuring Chappelle's Show regulars Donnell Rawlings and Bill Burr. In 2005, his stand up career continued to grow with a sold out follow up tour, Charlie Murphy and Friends, as well as a co-headlining tour with Mike Epps. Murphy and Epps will co-star in Fox Searchlight's Garbage Men, a spin-off of Roll Bounce.
Chuck Norris World famous movie star, health and fitness expert and motivational speaker.
Patrice ONeal Patrice O'Neal grew up in Roxbury, MA across the street from the projects. Even though the buildings on both sides of the street were brick and looked just alike, Patrice and his friends let the kids from the projects know the distinction - Patrice's and his friend's buildings were privately owned and they took pride in that. The pickup football games became "Projects vs. Private Property" - the trash talking that went on during those games honed Patrice's early comic sensibility. In high school Patrice's talent in football was recognized and he was recruited by the coach at Northeastern University. But Patrice hated playing football... he really wanted to be a comic. And so it was. He attended Northeastern University, but studied theatre arts. He never played football again. Patrice got his first real taste of standup at a place called "Estelle's" in Boston, where he heckled a comic. The comic suggested maybe Patrice thought he could do better. Patrice did - the following week, Patrice went up at the club and brought down the house. From there he went on to work at The Comedy Connection and then moved to working at most of the clubs in and around Boston, New England and New York. Now, years later, Patrice has a wide range of comedic tools - from whispers and tiny facial expressions to animated movement and shouting. In one bit, Patrice at 6'5" and 300+ lbs, makes the audience hear and almost see the story of an eastern gymnast quietly speaking of her difficult upbringing and training. The Boston Globe said, "It is a hilarious piece, made all the more so by the contradiction between O'Neal's very visible presence and that of the tiny, tough white girl he is playing". Asked to whom he aspires, Patrice mentions only two names: George Carlin and Richard Pryor; Carlin for his distinct point of view and universal appeal; Pryor for his honesty, vulnerability and personal revelation. Patrice has appeared on many many TV shows in the USA, and will be appearing on the Comedy Factory for Dutch TV. He is making his debut appearance at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is set to become one of the regular visitors to the UK Comedy Circuit.
Marie Osmond As a child and a teenager, Marie Osmond endeared herself to an entire generation. That bond with her audience not only continued, but grew stronger through the years as Marie’s career blossomed into hit records, network television shows, Broadway musicals, movies of the week, world-wide concert tours, a top ten New York Times best selling book author, television commercials, lecture tours and an extremely successful Marie Osmond Collector Dolls business. With all her successes over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Marie’s legion of fans now spans generations. Marie was first thrust into the spotlight in 1963 on “The Andy Williams Show” when the host placed the three-year old on his lap and introduced her as “the youngest Osmond Brother.” She began to make a name for herself 10 years later when at 13 years of age she exploded onto the music charts (#1 country/#5 pop) with “Paper Roses,” marking the first time in country music history that a female artist debuted with a #1 record. Her first concert performance soon after was a sold-out date at Madison Square Garden alongside The Osmond Brothers, with whom she now performed, prompting the group’s name to be changed to The Osmonds. Barely a teenager, she garnered a gold record and Grammy nominations for 1974’s Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best New Artist. After the Paper Roses album, she released In My Little Corner of the World (1974) and Who’s Sorry Now (1975). Among the many TV guest appearances she made, one featured a duet with her brother Donny of their #4 top selling pop record “I’m Leavin’ It All Up to You” and a guest hosting role with Donny. That, in turn, led to their weekly television variety series “The Donny & Marie Show” (1976-81). During the show’s run, because of her famous “Marie Cut” hairstyle and her stylish wardrobe and keen eye for fashion, she became recognized as a trend setter and a role model for women throughout the world. Ever in demand, in 1995 ABC Television asked Marie to star in the sitcom “Maybe This Time” with Betty White. In 1997, she made her Broadway debut as Anna in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” opening to rave reviews, and in the spring of 1998, she headlined the show’s national touring production in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Then, in the fall of 1998, Columbia Tristar Television Distribution premiered the popular daytime entertainment/talk show “Donny & Marie,” which ran for two full seasons. True international icons, NBC Television invited Marie and her brother Donny to perform for the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, viewed by a world-wide audience. And again, in 2003, Marie and Donny were teamed with the popular Ozzie Osbourne and his family for the hilarious Pepsi Twist television commercial seen world-wide and voted the most recognized commercial spot of Super Bowl XXXVII. In August, 2003, Marie and her family received a star on Hollywood’s prestigious Walk of Fame. After 40 years of television, 47 gold and platinum records and selling over 100 million records world wide, the Osmonds are acclaimed as on of the most prolific entertainment families in the world. Marie’s highly successful career had involved her in every medium of entertainment except radio, until in 2004 she launched into a whole new experiment and vista of entertainment with her fun and informative nationally syndicated talk/music radio show “Marie & Friends.” After her final broadcast, Marie jokingly said it was fun for her because with eight children she really enjoyed the adult conversation with her radio “friends” every weekday! In August, 2006, Marie joined the Fox Television Network family as a judge on American Idol executive producer Simon Cowell’s newest singing competition “Celebrity Duets”. She had a great time working with host Wayne Brady and fellow judges rock â€n roll icon Little Richard and famed producer/songwriter David Foster, “because all the people involved are so talented, quick and bright ---- and besides, I kind of miss giving my male counterpart(s) a bad time!”
Adam Pascal Adam Pascal The performer, singer, and songwriter, best known for the hit Broadway musical "Rent" as well as the movie.
Penn & Teller Award winning entertainers and magicians.
Ty Pennington Ty Pennington has certainly carved out a niche for himself as the lovable, off-the-wall, hunk-of-a-carpenter and home design guru. During his four-year stint on Trading Spaces, Ty became well-known as the cute and playful carpenter who would sometimes work shirtless. So it is not surprising that dozens of women desperately hope to catch a glimpse of Ty in action. Beyond cracking jokes, though, Ty enjoys designing, building and working with contractors and his fellow designers to help create magical homes for deserving families. A self-proclaimed "Jack of all Trades, Master of None," Ty can add bestselling author to his vast list of skills. His first book, Ty's Tricks, published by Hyperion in 2003, was a New York Times bestseller. In addition to being an author, Pennington has just signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with Sears. He will be partnering with Sears in a broad range of activities, including product design and development, merchandising and advertising, and is the ambassador for the Sears American Dream Campaign. Ty spent most of his childhood in Atlanta. Following high school, he attended Kennesaw College, focusing on art and history. After one year his art professor suggested a career in graphic design, so Ty started working as a carpenter by day and attending classes at the Atlanta Art Institute by night. After graduation he continued his education at the Atlanta College of Art, studying painting and sculpture while honing his carpentry skills to pay for his education. During his final semester, Ty was approached by a modeling scout and soon began an exciting and lucrative career. He traveled the world and modeled for various clothing companies and appeared in television commercials. He recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, and appeared in the independent film, The Adventures of Ociee Nash, playing aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright.
Recycled Percussion Members of Recycled Percussion make their instruments from stuff other people throw out: barrels, basement garbage, building site leftovers, pots, pans, stepladders, fifty-gallon drums and even the occasional recycled chainsaw. Then the guys proceed to create heart-pounding beats in an interactive show that is great for all ages. In the four years Recycled Percussion has been together, the group has played with performers such as LL Cool J and entertained crowds during halftime shows of many NBA and NFL games. They have also been featured on television shows such as Late Night and Talk Soup.
Roberta Peters Metropolitan Opera star.
Forever Plaid A musical comedy which has received rave reviews from New York to Japan. Forever Plaid is the story of four unlikely heroes whose dreams of musical glory come true. It concerns the miraculous return to earth of the Four Plaids. This endearing harmony group was snuffed out in a collision with a school bus. Now through a hole in the ozone layer these nerdy crooners with angelic voices come back to do the show they never got to do in life.
Def Poetry The acclaimed late-night series RUSSELL SIMMONS PRESENTS DEF POETRY COMES TO YOUR SCHOOL. The audacious, uncensored late-night series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry returns to HBO with a fifth season. This year the seminal spoken word series presents seasoned and up-and-coming poets performing their work onstage before a live audience, interspersed with a big-ticket lineup of celebrities also trying their hand at poetry.Praised by the New York Times as an "exuberant, daringly fresh series that breaks poetry out of the neat little boxes it's so often put it," Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry features a spectrum of voices.
Paula Poundstone Paula Poundstones insightful musings about the world around her have been catching on like a house afire. She tells the truth and makes it funny - about her life as she lives it, about our public figures and about the little things in life we may have noticed ourselves but never stopped to reflect on. As one of the most popular stand-up comedians in the country today, Paula Poundstone's humor know no bounds. She continually goes where no comedian has gone before: providing backstage commentary to the '93 Emmy Awards telecast, adding humor to the pre- and post-shows for the '94 Oscar Awards, serving as "official correspondent" for The Tonight Show during the '92 Presidential race. As a performer, Paula Poundstone enjoys a uniquely intimate rapport with her audience. Her relaxed, comfortably humorous wanderings from topic to topic turn each show into a brilliant stream-of-consciousness experience. Her off-kilter view of the world and her complete honesty strike a receptive chord and have led to an impressive list of achievements, including: Two Cable ACE Awards, Best Female Stand-Up - American Comedy Awards, and an Emmy Award - as producer/star of a local PBS piece titled Life & Times. Other credits include: her own comedy series on HBO and ABC and numerous special appearances, including headlining the prestigious White House Correspondent Dinner in '92. Paula Poundstone is a contributing editor for Mother Jones Magazine with her own politically-skewed column in each issue for two consecutive years. She has written articles for the Los Angeles Times' Sunday Calendar, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour Magazine and Buzz Magazine and others.
Joe Queenan Author and humorist, Joe Queenan has written such books as, If You're Talking To Me, Your Career Must Be in Trouble; and Red Lobster, White Trash, and The Blue Lagoon: Joe Queenan's America.
Mike Reiss Mike Reiss has won four Emmy Awards for his work on The Simpsons, the wacky animated series that has kept America laughing for more than a decade and earned Time magazine's vote as "the greatest TV show of the twentieth century." During his eleven seasons on the show, Reiss penned a dozen scripts and produced over 200 episodes. His other television credits include The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Alf, Eddie Murphy's The PJ's and It's Garry Shandling's Show, where he earned an ACE award for writing and producing. Reiss is also the co-creator of The Critic, an animated series starring Jon Lovitz as a lovable movie critic. The well-reviewed series has been running on Comedy Central for five years. Reiss also created Queer Duck, the animated adventures of a gay duck. An Internet hit with rave reviews in the U.S. and Europe, the series recently made the jump to the Showtime network. Culled from more than two decades of creating the funniest and most outrageous shows on television, Reiss' presentation is a unique glimpse inside the cutting edge of entertainment, including rare video clips from The Simpsons and The Critic. He takes audiences inside the lives of Springfield's first family, revealing how The Simpsons was almost cancelled before it hit the air, secret trivia of the show, insane dealings with network censors, and lots of juicy gossip about celebrity guest stars. Reiss also delves into the current state of television programming, describing with his characteristic wit why TV is so rotten and what steps need to be taken to bring the medium back to life. A former editor of both The Harvard Lampoon and The National Lampoon, Reiss continues as a consulting producer on The Simpsons. In addition, he is a frequent contributor to Esquire and Games Magazine, and is an award-winning mystery writer. He has published four children's books, including the surprise best seller How Murray Saved Christmas, a Christmas story for Jewish kids. His latest work is Santa Claustrophobia. He has lectured on comedy and animation at more than two dozen colleges, as well as the Smithsonian Institution.
Debbie Reynolds Vivacious star of stage, screen and television.
Jim Donovan...... Rhythmic Motivation with Jim Donovan of Rusted Root Jim Donovan the primitive howl he heard in that coffee can was evolving into a divine whisper, one that sent him into the University?s classical music program and into the waiting arms of those with whom he would create Rusted Root. Over the past fifteen years Rusted Root has made millions of people all over the globe dance, smile and sweat. They have sold in excess of three million recordings, made countless trips around North America where they were blessed to share the stage with such Rock and Roll legends as Santana, Page and Plant, Sting, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and many others. They have appeared on numerous national TV shows, including MTV, FX, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien VH-1?s Hard Rock Live and the CBS Morning Show. Their music has been featured on numerous television shows as well as major motion films such as Ice Age, Mathilda, Twister and the PBS Web of Life Documentary. On his own Donovan has released 3 solo CDs as well as 4 instructional drumming CDs. he has also recorded with with Triloka recording artist Krishna Das on his highly acclaimed CD ?Live on Earth?. Donovan's most recent CD Revelation #9 was nominated for 2004 Electronica Album of the Year by Just Plain Folks Songwriters organization. Fulfilling his desire to share the power of rhythm first hand to people, Donovan has built a series of educational drumming workshop programs that he teaches across the US at universities, festivals, schools, corporations and specialty venues. He is an adjunct professor at Saint Francis University and is the current director of drumming at the New York Institute of Dance and Education. He is a featured columnist in Drum! Magazine, the worlds number one drumming magazine. He was nominated for ?Best Rock Pop Percussionist? in the 2004 Drum! Magazine Readers poll. 2005 and 2006 finds Donovan expanding his musical world into two new performance projects: the highly acclaimed Drum the Ecstatic International Tour and The Drummer and the Dancer International Tour. Donovan's two new live performance shows continue to break new ground as they combine world class musicians from all over the globe, astonishing choreographed dance and multimedia. Donovan's current media projects In process due out in 2006 are his first Instructional djembe DVD titled Rhythmic Foundation, Drum the Ecstatic Live CD and The Rhythmic Mantra Drum and Chant Meditation CD.
Chita Rivera Well-known Hispanic singer, dancer and actress, Ms. Rivera has starred on Broadway, in films and on television.
Mo Rocca Mo Rocca, contributor to NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno and former correspondent for Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, is known for his wacky, tongue-in-cheek news reports and hilarious commentary. He is regularly seen on VH1's I Love...series. Rocca's book, All the Presidents' Pets, just released in paperback, is a satirical tour-de-force of investigative journalism that blows the lid off of a long-held secret in Washington: the presidents' pets are more than just photo ops. Equal parts All the President's Men, Charlotte's Web and The Da Vinci Code, the book is the journalistic watershed event of the decade. Really. At the podium, Rocca delivers his uniquely informed commentary on current news events and the coverage of them by the "mainstream media," and takes audiences behind the scenes of America's most popular news satire program with never-before-seen clips from The Daily Show and his other television appearances. He also provides the inside story of the pivotal role that presidential pets play in politics, and shines a klieg light on the complacent Washington press corps that missed the hot story. The former president and writer of Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals, Rocca is no stranger to the stage. His acting credits include the role of "Doody" in the Southeast Asia Tour of Grease. Rocca began his career in TV as a writer and producer for the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning PBS children's series Wishbone. Rocca went on to write and produce for other kids series, including ABC's Pepper Ann and Nickelodeon's The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, a pre-school series combining the whimsy of Seuss characters with the magic of Henson puppetry. He served as Consulting Editor at the adult men's magazine Perfect 10. Doing "pre-school by day and porn by night" helped prepare Rocca for the broad range of topics he'd soon tackle on The Daily Show. On The Daily Show, he profiled eccentrics ranging from a man so obsessed with First Ladies that he dresses up as Florence Harding (wife of Warren) to a husband and wife pet mummification team. A regular panelist on NPR's Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!, Rocca is also a frequent commentator for Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Larry King Live and the Fox News Channel.
Paul Rodriguez Paul Rodriguez career has spanned more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 30 films and countless television series and specials. His first big break came while doing comedy warm-ups for Norman Lear's show "Gloria." Lear ultimately wrote and developed a weekly series for Paul, "a.k.a. Pablo." Paul holds the honor and is enshrined at the Smithsonian as the first television show about a Mexican American Family on mainstream American television. He went on to do two other series, "Trial and Error," and "Grand Slam" for CBS. For four years (1990/94) Paul hosted "El Show de Paul Rodriguez," an entertainment talk show for the Spanish-language Univision Network. The show reached an international audience throughout the United States and 17 other countries in Central and South America. Paul's directorial debut came in 1994 with the film "A Million to Juan," a family comedy in which he also wrote and starred in. In addition, Paul also found time to guest star in several episodes of Showtime's original series "Resurrection Boulevard," and starred in six comedy specials for HBO, including "Loco Slam," "Live in San Quentin" and the most recent being "Idiots and Armadillos," which he also wrote and executive-produced. He also served as host for The Alma Awards on the ABC and the Latino Laugh Festival for Showtime, as well as his own television creations- four specials for the Fox Broadcasting Company ("Back to School," "Behind Bars") Paul segued nicely from television to motion pictures, making his feature film debut in the Universal Pictures comedy "D.C. Cab." Paul also had co-starring roles in Orion Pictures' "Miracles," Paramount's "The Whoopee Boys," Columbia Pictures "Quicksilver," and Universal's "Born in East L.A.", as well as "Made in America." He landed the coveted role of outspoken fight physician Freddie Pacheco in Columbia Pictures big budget biopic Ali for director Michael Mann and Producer John Peters. Other movie roles that followed are New Line Cinema's The Price of Glory, starring Jimmy Smitts, Metro Goldwyn's Tortilla Soup, with Hector Elizondo Crocodile Dundee in LA with Paul Hogan The Shipment with Mathew Modine, Jerry Zuckers Rat Race and Chasing Papi directed by Linda Mendoza Recently he had the opportunity to work with the legendary Clint Eastwood in the Warner Brothers film Bloodwork. Paul was the executive producer and star of the comedy concert film, The Original Latin Kings of Comedy, distributed by Paramount Pictures. His latest film projects include, A Cinderella Story starring Hilary Duff, Badassss directed by Mario Van Peebles, Cloud Nine starring Burt Reynolds and still in theaters, The Worlds Fastest Indian starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and directed by Roger Donaldson. Paul currently is in pre production on two series which were picked-up by VH1 and UPN/ Revolution Studios and just finished starring in a comedy showcase series entitled, The Laugh Factory: Very Funny, set to air on TBS. Paul Rodriguez is an in demand performer with a busy schedule of concerts and personal appearances. As a well rounded stand-up comedian, having honed his craft over the past twenty five years, it is estimated that Paul has performed live to well over one million concert goers from coast to coast building a solid fan base. Within Hispanic communities, Rodriguez is considered to be the Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin when it comes to original comedy. Hands down, he has become the Original Latin King of Comedy. Paul remains strongly rooted in the Latino community, working with civic and educational groups and his main contributions go to the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund (NHSF). Paul also contributes to such charitable efforts as Comic Relief appearing on the HBO's program every year since its inception and hosts the annual Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics Aids Foundation celebrity Golf Tournament.
Charlie Rose Emmy Award-winning Charlie Rose entered television journalism full-time in 1974, when he became the managing editor of the PBS series Bill Moyers' International Report. He later worked with Moyers on two other series: Bill Moyers' Journal and U.S.A.: People and Politics. From 1984 to 1990 he anchored Nightwatch, the CBS television network's late-night interview series, and won for himself what some observers have described as a cult following for the in-depth conversations that have since earned him a reputation as "the best interviewer around today," in the words of Marvin Kitman. "[CHARLIE ROSE] is the purest extension of my skills as an interviewer," Rose told Joyce Saenz Harris, who interviewed him for the Dallas Morning News (May 2, 1993). "Whatever craft there is, that's what it's about: stripping away all the barriers to good conversation. I'm looking for people to be at their best, their most real. If I can do that, it makes for telling television."
Jeff Ross Comedian JEFFREY ROSS is adored by his fans for going where no other comedian dares to go in his roasts of celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Hugh Hefner, and Flava Flav. Jeffrey is one of the most versatile talents working in the comedy business today. His stand-up performances at comedy clubs and colleges are legendary. Jeffrey is regularly featured on MTV and Comedy Central. His all new Comedy Central stand-up specials: Jeffrey Ross: No Offense Live From New Jersey, is scheduled to air August 22nd. And as if that wasn't enough, he has had dozens of appearances on the late night shows including Letterman, Leno, Conan and Kimmel.
John Roy John Roy is a unique and positive voice on modern urban life. John began his professional career at the famous Zanies Comedy Club on Wells St. in Chicago's Old Town. He went on to tour the country's best clubs, including the Laugh Stop in Houston, and the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, where John earned a regular spot in 2002. In 2003, he appeared on the CBS television show, "Star Search," and was its first champion, earning 100,000 dollars and a development deal with CBS. In 2003, John performed at the NACA Central convention and was the most requested act in any category. In 2004, John appeared in the prestigious US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, as a square on "Hollywood Squares," and on HBO. .John has appeared several times on the nationally syndicated "Bob and Tom" radio program, available in over 200 markets. In 2005, John appeared in DVD series called "Live at the Laugh Factory", available in stores nationwide, alongside such acclaimed comedians as Butch Bradley, Bob Marley, Tom Papa, and Tony Rock. John is a regular performer at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, and the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles and the Hollywood Improv. John appeared on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" in the 2005-2006 season, and a November 2005 episode of CBS' "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." In 2006, John contributed an essay to CollegeHumor.com that was collected in their nationally released book. John appeared in several episodes of NBCÂ’s "Last Comic Standing" where he advanced to the semifinals of the reality show/ competition. In 2007, John made an unprecedented four appearances in two months on the nationally syndicated TV show, "Comics Unleashed." His CD, "1246 W. Arthur," was released, featuring John headlining at his home club of Zanies in Chicago. In addition, John was recently approved for NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and will appear on the show in the near future.
Andy Samberg Andy Samberg is an comedian, singer, rapper, actor, and writer best known for being a cast member on Saturday Night Live and a member of the comedy group The Lonely Island.
Mr. Belding From Saved By The Bell Dennis Haskins actor best known for his role as principal Richard Belding in the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC. Before his foray into acting, Haskins briefly worked as a concert promoter, associating with the likes of Earth, Wind, and Fire and Tom Jones. After the end of the original series, Haskins would continue his role with the spinoff "Saved by the Bell: The New Class", until its cancellation in 2000. He has also made guest appearances on a variety of TV series, including The Dukes of Hazzard, 7th Heaven and JAG. Most recently, he appeared in an episode of FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. On the E! True Hollywood Story special on Saved by the Bell, Haskins mentioned his difficulty of obtaining parts, as he is now typecast as Mr. Belding. Haskins grew a moustache to distance himself from the character.
Marlena Shaw Well known jazz singer, Marlena Shaw performs traditional jazz, soul, pop and classic R&B. In 2000, an anthology of her best music was released including "California Soul", "You-Ma Go Away Little Boy" and "Look At Me Look At You." Shaw recorded five albums and several singles for Blue Note and critics compared her singing style to Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington. One of the most charismatic and versatile vocalists on the scene today.
Harry Shearer Harry Shearer, a Los Angeles native, began acting at the age of seven at the suggestion of his piano teacher-turned-agent. He made his film debut in the classic Abbott and Costello Go To Mars and had a small role in the first Cinemascope movie The Robe. When the last days of network radio made way for the early days of live TV, the young thespian appeared often on The Jack Benny Show as well as appearances on GE Theatre , Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and played the role of Eddie Haskell in the pilot episode of Leave It To Beaver. Harry gained national recognition as one of the creators and stars of This Is Spinal Tap, where he portrayed heavy metalist Derek Smalls in the mock rockumentary. Harry was a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live for two seasons. His on-screen performance as a NASA recruitment official in The Right Stuff shows that he can also support a convincing "establishment" persona as well. Harry's other film work includes Oscar, The Fisher King, Wayne's World II, and Pure Luck. His television work has included Politically Incorrect, Martin Mull's Portrait of a White Marriage, HBO Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live, Fernwood 2 Night, Ellen, Friends, Murphy Brown, LA Law and The News Hole for which he just won his second Ace Award for Best Game Show ('95). Harry is now known to a new generation as the voice of Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders, among others, on the international hit series The Simpsons, now in its eighth season and recently reunited with Michael McKean and David L. Lander for the 25th anniversary reunion of the classic comedy group The Credibility Gap. Harry has just debuted his new theatrical production, co-written with Tom Leopold and Peter Matz titled J. Edgar!, a dark musical comedy about one of the most powerful men in Twentieth Century America. Also, Harry recorded a two-CD compilation entitled O.J. On Trial: (The Early Years and That Endless Summer), selected excerpts from his nationally-syndicated radio program titled Le Show. Le Show has become a critics' favorite public radio show since its inception 12 years ago. He is currently at work writing an upcoming movie for Showtime entitled Saturday Night Dead, which he will direct next year. Harry is also developing a new computer animated series for HBO.
Joanne Shenandoah Award winning Native American singer, songwriter, entertainer and social activist.
Sarah Silverman From stand-up comedy to film to television, Sarah Silverman has seen her share of success. Last year, Silverman made an impressive splash when the feature length film version of her one-woman show, "Jesus is Magic," directly by Liam Lynch, opened in theaters to rave reviews. Silverman most recently co-starred in the feature film, School For Scoundrels, opposite Billy Bob Thornton and John Heder for the Weinstein Brothers. Prior to the release of Jesus is Magic, Silverman garnered glowing reviews in the documentary feature The Aristocrats, in which she co-starred with 100 of the industry's most prominent comedians. She appeared opposite Jack Black, Mike White and Joan Cusack in Paramount's The School of Rock and has co-starred in a number of films, including the blockbuster There's Something About Mary, The Way of the Gun, Evolution, The Bachelor and Say It Ain't So. On television, Silverman co-starred in the Fox comedy, Greg the Bunny, opposite Eugene Levy and has guest-starred in acclaimed and notable shows such as, The Larry Sanders Show, Seinfeld, Mr. Show and Crank Yankers. Silverman will also return to host the Independent Spirit Awards in February of 2007.
Stephen A. Smith Stephen A. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer joined ESPN as an NBA analyst in October of 2003. Smith hosts Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith, a 60-minute daily dose of sports news, opinions, issues and headlines, which premiered August 1, 2005 and is televised each weekday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Since April, Smith has also hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show weekdays from 12-2 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1050 in New York City. Additionally, Smith serves as an analyst on the NBA Shootaround pre-game show, update segments and at halftime, as well as between games of Friday night doubleheaders. Smith regularly appears each Tuesday throughout the NBA season on ESPN2s NBA Nation (formerly NBA Fastbreak Tuesday), the unique weekly 90-minute program featuring NBA highlights and analysis along with live cut-ins to games, and he contributes to ESPN2s NBA Fastbreak, a five-night-per-week recap of the NBA generally aired at midnight, as well as SportsCenter and other studio shows and ESPN Radio. Smith has been a sports writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer since 1994. After first serving as a general sports writer, he has covered the 76ers and been the paper’s NBA columnist before becoming a general sports columnist in 2003. Previously, he covered news and sports at the New York Daily News (1993 – 1994) and worked at the Greensboro News and Record (1992 – 1993) and the Winston-Salem Journal (1991 – 1992). Since 1999, he has also been active in television and radio, primarily in Philadelphia, but also on Fox Sports Net, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports Radio and CNN/SI, in addition to appearances on ESPN Radio.
Suzanne Somers Well known actress, entertainer, and anti-drug and alcohol activist.
Sister Souljah Rapper, organizer, activist, lecturer, and creator of the epic album, "360 Degrees of Power," Sister Souljah has lectured all over the world. In the United States, she has stirred audiences from Harvard to Howard to UCLA. She is the author of No Disrespect.
David Spade David Spade joined "Saturday Night Live" in 1990 as a regular cast member and writer. In 1995, after many of the cast left, Spade stayed to help in the transition with the new cast. Spade returned to host an episode in 1998 and another in 2005. Spade also has a successful movie career highlighted by his work with fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast member, the late Chris Farley. His more recent movies include "Joe Dirt", "Grandma's Boy", and "Dickie Roberts Former Child Star". He also played roles in the popular television series, "Just Shoot Me", "Beavis and Butthead", and "8 Simple Rules". David Spade received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, September 5, 2003. The star is located at 7018 Hollywood Blvd. Currently, David Spade is the host of a new Comedy Central show, "The Showbiz Show with David Spade". On the show, he makes fun of Hollywood and celebrities similar to his old "Hollywood Minute" segment on "Saturday Night Live".
Henry Rollins... Spoken Word For almost two decades, Henry Rollins has been doing talking/stand-up shows internationally. He tours with his hard-rock group, Rollins Band, and is a Grammy Award-winner for Best Spoken Word Performance. The former frontman of legendary Californian band Black Flag, he is the author of Smile You're Traveling (Black Coffee Blues Part 3). Rollins has written articles for Spin and Details; published numerous books under his own imprint, 2-13-61 Publications; and done EPKs for Black Sabbath, Wayne Kramer and Jerry Lee Lewis. Singer, songwriter, MTV darling, actor, monologist and writer, Henry Rollins has been making edgy, humorous observations on a variety of topics for almost two decades at his international talking/stand-up shows. He also tours with his hard-rock group, Rollins Band, whose albums include Weight (which went Gold and featured the hit single "Liar") and Get Some Go Again. A Grammy Award-winner for Best Spoken Word Performance for his album Get in the Van, he is the former frontman of legendary Californian band Black Flag and has written articles for Spin and Details. A real Renaissance man, he has done EPKs for Black Sabbath, Wayne Kramer and Jerry Lee Lewis; is the host of the Fox TV suspense series Night Visions, which features stars such as Bridget Fonda and Brian Dennehy; played at Woodstock '94; and has hosted VH1's The List. A culture icon in all facets of media, he acted in the movies Heat with Al Pacino, Frost with Michael Keaton, Lost Highway, The Chase with Charlie Sheen and Johnny Mnemonic with Keanu Reeves. Rollins has appeared in ads for Macintosh, General Motors, Partnership for a Drug Free America, The Gap and anti-gun promotional spots. He has also been a guest on Dennis Miller, The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien and Politically Incorrect. Rollins has published numerous books under his own imprint, 2-13-61 Publications, and is the author of Smile, You're Traveling (Black Coffee Blues Part 3), Eye Scream, Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag and The Portable Henry Rollins. The king of the spoken word show, he relishes going on stage and talking to college students. His observations never fail to touch a nerve with audiences. He has said, "Those 20 kids that stick around after a show- that is my family, That's why I'm never nervous before I go on stage. That's why I talk for three hours. I wanna take 'em all home. They're the only people I need."
Mavis Staples Soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. From her early days sharing lead vocals with her groundbreaking family group, The Staple Singers, to her powerful solo recordings, Mavis Staples is an inspirational force in modern popular culture and music. A 40-year-plus veteran of the music scene - a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and one of VH1's '100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll - Staples (both with The Staple Singers and on her own) is responsible for blazing a rhythm & blues trail while never relinquishing her gospel roots. Her voice has influenced artists from Bob Dylan to Prince (who dubbed her "the epitome of soul") and she has appeared with everyone from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Bill Cosby, Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton, to Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Santana and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and has recorded with Bob Dylan, Los Lobos, Aretha Franklin, Marty Stuart and many others. Her new CD Have A Little Faith (Alligator), is a stirring collection of uplifting, gospel-rooted songs deeply seated in her faith and spirituality. Produced by Jim Tullio and Staples, the album features the strongest collection of material - both originals and interpretations - Mavis has ever assembled. Have A Little Faith takes listeners deep into the heart of the singer Vibe magazine called "one of pop's most distinctive voices." Of releasing her music on Alligator, known worldwide for its blues releases, Mavis says, "Blues and gospel are cousins. They're very closely related. Both styles of music lift you up from what's keeping you down." Mavis began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples' scored a hit in 1956 with "Uncloudy Day" for the VeeJay label. When Mavis graduated high school in 1957, The Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck "Pops" Staples on guitar and including the voices of Mavis and her siblings Cleo, Yvonne, and Pervis, the Staples were called "God's Greatest Hitmakers."
Ben Stein Ben Stein is probably the closest any man comes these days to being a true renaissance man. His financial and economics work was cited in the efforts of the recent Nobel prize winner in Economics, George Akerlof. He is also the host of the long running comedy quiz show on Comedy Central, Win Ben Stein's Money, a show that has won seven Emmies. He has written hundreds of thousands of words about financial fraud and investment policy, but two words made him a household name: "Bueller" and "Anyone, Anyone." ( From his iconic role in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off.") He has written novels that the New York Times describes as "stunning," but what you have probably heard him talk about recently are "dry eyes, red eyes, and clear eyes." He worked and demonstrated and struggled for voting rights for African Americans, and he also was a speech writer for Richard Nixon and for Gerald Ford. He introduced the world to complex concepts of the politics of culture, but he also introduced the world to Jimmy Kimmel and made possible The Man Show. Lawyer, teacher, actor, comic, economist, father, novelist, essayist, expert on finance, meet Ben Stein!
Capitol Steps A rousing musical political satire performed by a talented group of Washington insiders. Appraised by The Washington Post as “the funniest, most ably wrought musical satire this side of Tom Lehrer!”, the Capitol Steps has given more than 300 performances over the past five years. Their shows hit the lighter side of current events and can bring highsprited fun to your next meeting, banquet or college event.
Sweet Honey in the Rock Internationally acclaimed female a cappela singing group.
Aerle Taree She has been characterized as a modern-day Renaissance Woman: Poet, songwriter, vocalist, producer, stylist, public speaker, and entrepreneur all describe the multi-talented, 25-year-old Atlanta-based Aerle Taree. Now, with her most recent venture as the president and founder of Reality Writings, Inc., Taree’s fans can add publisher to that list of accomplishments. Using her own experience as a successful recording artist, Taree is now on the other side of the microphone: as an advocate, coach, and publisher for promising talent in Atlanta.Born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1973, Taree was inspired through the admiration of her mother, a civil rights attorney and poet/writer, and her father, an editorial writer for the city’s newspaper. Their guidance led Taree to an appreciation for intellectual thought, creativity and education, and she spent most of her childhood writing and composing (anything from restaurant jingles to award-winning poetry). She continued her poetic quest while attending Cornell University in New York, where she studied fashion and apparel design. Her writing talent culminated in 1989 when she joined the Grammy award-winning group Arrested Development.It was as a member of that Atlanta-based group that Taree’s writing blossomed, co-writing the hit songs Tennessee and Revolution, (at the request of Spike Lee for Malcolm X: The Movie). During this time, Taree continued her studies at Clark Atlanta University; by the age of 21, she had won two Grammy Awards and a BMI .Taree’s career with Arrested Development gained her nationwide recognition and awards, including MTV Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Rolling Stone Critic Poll’s Band of the Year. During this time, Taree also made several feature appearances in magazines videos, albums and television, including Arsenio, BET Teen Summit, and Yo! MTV Raps. She also toured with pop group EnVogue, the Black College Tour, and the Lollapalooza Tour.Following her departure from Arrested Development, Taree continued to grow artistically. She has also started her own multifaceted entertainment company in Atlanta called Reality Writings, Inc., one of the newest members of the MCA Music Publishing family: “I really want to be seen as an artist and as a writer of pop poetry,” she says. “A modern-day Princess of Poetry.”Taree has written her own book of narrative poems entitled PoeTaree: The Jurisprudence of Life, which details an evening in the lives of college students from different social, racial, and class backgrounds. Writer Zona Neale Hurston, activist Angela Davis, and poet Gil Scott Heron have largely influenced her work.Taree has a keen interest in African-American communities; she continues to stay focused with what’s going on and the changes she can make through public speaking and panel appearances. She has spoken at the Athlete’s Village during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the 1997 National Black Arts Fest, the IAAM Conference in Washington, DC, the North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus, as well as at other colleges and universities across the country. She also participated in the Vibe Magazine Music Conference in 1996 and the Jack the Rapper panel that same year.Today, Taree is involved in The PhD Project (phdproject.com). The organization aims to improve workforce diversity by diversifying business school faculties, and helping those pursuing a business PhD. Taree remains devoted to her personal commitment to promote change and progress in the community through writing and speaking.
Brianna Taylor Brianna Taylor a reality show personality, singer and songwriter, having appeared on both the fifth season of American Idol and The Real World Hollywood, the twentieth season of MTVs long-running reality television series, The Real World. She released her debut, self-titled EP, Brianna Taylor, in 2008, on Chamberlain Records; according to that labels website, she is now signed to Universal Music.
Lily Tomlin Lily Tomlin continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in productions in television, theatre, film, animation and video. Recent projects include the film I Heart Huckabees and the hit NBC television series The West Wing. Throughout her extraordinary entertainment career, Tomlin has received numerous awards, including six Emmys; a Tony for her one-woman Broadway show, Appearing Nitely; a second Tony (Best Actress), a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics’ Circle Award for her one-woman performance in Jane Wagner’s The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe; a CableACE Award for executive producing the film adaptation of The Search; a Grammy for her comedy album This Is a Recording; and two Peabody Awards—the first for the ABC television special Edith Ann’s Christmas: Just Say Noël and the second for narrating and executive producing the HBO film The Celluloid Closet.
Donald Trump Chairman of The Trump Organization and star of The Apprentice As Chairman of The Trump Organization, Donald Trump sets the highest standards of excellence in real estate, gaming, and entertainment. He was named the "Visionary of the Century" by the UJA Federation and is the author of several best-selling books, including The Art of the Deal and How to get Rich. Trump stars in the very successful reality TV program, The Apprentice, earning rave reviews making history in its ratings. Trump is most famous for several large skyscrapers he developed in Manhattan and named after himself. Starting with Trump Tower, he developed Trump World Tower along the East River and then began construction of the Trump Place Apartment complex along the Hudson River that same year. His nickname of "The Donald" was given to him by ex-wife Ivana Trump. He is often known as "A Schoolboy's Dream" and "A Competitor's Challenge," as he is rarely afraid of defining the ways of a prolific American business executive, and thus became an example of one.
Gene Turner For more than a decade, Gene Turner has been repeatedly "caught in the act" of entertaining audiences with his amazing sleight-of-hand and unique brand of comedy. Only Gene can lift a watch from the wrist of one person and place it on the wrist of another without either knowing. Whether he's performing his nationally acclaimed stand-up comedy pickpocket act or presenting his customized "Magic with a Message" as your keynote speaker, Gene's ability to connect with an audience has made him one of the most sought after performers in his profession. He'll steal the show every time!
Baron Vaughn Baron Vaughn, actor, comedian and writer Actor, Comedian, Writer. Baron Vaughn. He appeared in Manhattan Theatre Club's "Drowning Crow" on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre. He started doing Stand-Up in Boston and made the move to New York where he can be seen at various comedy clubs and alternative comedy venues. He's also appeared in numerous national commercials, performed at the 2007 DC Comedy Festival, and the 2006 HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, CO.
Shirley Verrett Singing star of stage, screen and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Shirley Verrett is always in marvelous voice! She has received rave reviews for her role in the Broadway revival of "Carousel" and tours around the world doing operatic roles.
John Wagner Come Academy Award time this year comic readers will have a reason to cross their fingers: A History of Violence, David Cronenberg’s filmic adaptation of the graphic novel. While much of the press’ emphasis will be on the famed director and the stars Viggo Mortensen, William Hurt and Ed Harris, the original source material, written by John Wagner and drawn by Vince Locke mustn’t be forgotten. A History of Violence’s first half adheres very closely to Wagner’s book about a Midwestern man who on the spur of the moment commits a great act of courage which gets him nationwide press. That press, however, alerts some mobsters back east who have been looking for him for many years so they come looking for him. And while Cronenberg and Wagner’s versions of the story may veer away from each other, at the end of the day, A History of Violence is another feather in comics’ collective cap. A month before the film opens; Newsarama had the chance to speak with Wagner. Through the writer hasn’t had a chance to have seen the film yet (“I’ll see it for the first time at the premiere”) Wagner did admit that even with his limited connection to Cronenberg’s version of the story, the experience was “infinitely” better than seeing once of this other co-creations, Judge Dredd, make the leap to the screen in the 1995 film starring Sylvester Stallone. “I had no control at all over what happened with Dredd,” Wagner said. “Of course, once you’ve signed the contract you have no control anyway, but up until that point things were far more satisfactory.” The deal to adapt the film from the 1997 graphic novel published by DC’s now defunct Paradox imprint was made a couple of years ago, Wagner said. “So I suppose they’ve moved pretty quickly in movie terms.” And though he wrote the initial story, Wagner was willing to the let A History of Violence go once the deal was done, eschewing even the chance to write the screenplay. “If I said anything about being a part of it at all, it was more likely to be that I didn’t want to write the screenplay,” Wagner said. “I’d written the book, and I felt that this might cloud my judgment when it came to turning it into a film. A fresh mind wouldn’t be so burdened.”
Rob Weinstein Rob Weinstein has performed stand-up comedy across the U.S. and around the world, including appearances on NBC, MTV, FOX, Lifetime and three different shows on Comedy Central. Rob is devoted to giving every audience the very best in clean, clever and hilarious comedy. Read his amazing corporate and college show reviews, and watch video of Rob performing some of his funniest routines. You'll see and hear firsthand why Rob has received so many accolades for his well-crafted material, expert timing and warm, friendly performance style
Kanye West In a short span of time, Kanye West went from hitmaking producer to just plain hitmaker, as his stellar production work earned him a solo record deal and soon his beats were accompanied by his own witty raps on a number of critically and commercially successful releases. His flamboyant personality also made a mark. West showcased a dapper fashion sense that set him apart from most of his rap peers, and his confidence often came across as boastful or even egotistic, albeit amusingly. This flamboyance, of course, made for good press, something West enjoyed plenty of during his sudden rise to celebrity status. He was a media darling, appearing and performing at practically every major awards show (and winning at them, too), delivering theatrical videos to MTV that were events in themselves, and mouthing off about whatever happened to cross his mind. For instance, he once spoke out against the rampant homophobia evident in much rap music, and he also posed for the cover of Rolling Stone as Jesus Christ. He seemed to court controversy. West's steady presence in the celebrity limelight, on the other hand, could sometimes eclipse his considerable musical talent. His production ability seemed boundless during his initial surge of activity, as he not only racked up impressive hits for himself like "Jesus Walks" and "Gold Digger," but also graced such fellow rap stars as Jay-Z and Ludacris with smashes. In addition to these many accomplishments, it's worth noting how West shattered certain stereotypes about rappers. Whether it was his appearance or his rhetoric, or even just his music, this young man became a superstar on his own terms, and his singularity no doubt is part of his appeal to a great many people, especially those who don't generally consider themselves rap listeners.
Kate White Kate White is the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, the largest-selling women's magazine in the world. Under her editorship, guaranteed circulation has increased by over 500,000 and Cosmo now sells two million copies a month on newsstands alone. She also oversees Cosmo Style magazine, Cosmo radio and Cosmo books. White began her career in the magazine business by winning Glamour Magazine's Top Ten College contest and appearing on the cover. She was a neditorial assistant at Glamour and laterbecameafeature writerand columnist for the magazine.She went onto holdkey job satseveralnational magazines,andeventually was named editor-in-chief of Child and then later Working Woman and McCall's. Before joining Cosmo, she served as editor-in-chief of Redbook for four years. In addition to editing Cosmo, White is the New York Times best-selling author of the Bailey Weggins murder mystery series for Warner Books, including If Looks Could Kill, and most recently, Over Her Dead Body. She is also the author of the bestselling career book, Why Good Girls Don't Get Ahead but Gutsy Girls Do. Her newest book, How to Set His Thighs on fire, 86 Lessons on Love, Men, Life and (Especially) Sex, will be published in June.
Vanessa Williams A former host of VH-1, Vanessa Williams was the first Black woman to win the Miss America Pageant. A talented actress and singer, her record albums, "The Right Stuff" and "The Comfort Zone," quickly climbed to the top of the charts.
Leroy Williams Even with a degree in Architecture, it's hard to believe there was ever a time Leroy Williams considered not being a performer. In place at a nice secure government job with the Corps of Engineers in Norfolk Virginia, Leroy stumbled into an open mic night at a local comedy club ...and took first place. After winning a gig as the MC, Leroy was hooked. Bitten, but still practical, Leroy did not commit to standup until returning to his home town of Houston, Texas in 1991, the Mecca of comedy in the southwest US. Leroy became a regular at the Comedy Place, which proved a great training ground. Even though the audience only consisted of 3 to 150 patrons, the show went on. You could be called on to MC or headline with no advance notice. You either worked hard at becoming a better comedian or got left back in the pack of also rans and could have beens. Leroy paid his dues the old fashioned way ...by working the road. The experience proved invaluable as Leroy climbed through the ranks to headline such notable clubs as Pierce St. Annex in Anchorage, Alaska, The Punch line and Bobby's Comedy Corner in Houston, Texas, The Comedy Lift in Omaha, Nebraska. His international performances include Germany, Japan and Korea. Having appeared on BET's Comic View numerous times and opening for such notable acts as Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.C. Curry. Leroy added hypnosis to his repertoire to the delight of audiences in clubs, colleges and corporate events nationwide.
Robin Williams Robin Williams had a good deal of success with stand-up during the 1970s, including a stint at Los Angeles? Comedy Store in his own showcase. After performing on the revival of the Laugh-In series in 1977-78, Williams landed a guest role on the popular sitcom Happy Days as Mork, a lovably weird space alien from the planet Ork. Before too long, he had brought the character to his own spin-off sitcom, Mork + Mindy (1978-82), which costarred Pam Dawber as the female earthling with whom Mork falls in love and Jonathan Winters as a fellow alien. With a successful sitcom under his belt, Williams also brought his talents for improvisation and stand-up comedy to cable television, headlining two Home Box Office (HBO) comedy specials, An Evening with Robin Williams (1982) and Robin Williams: Live at the Met (1986). In 1986, he joined fellow comics Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg in hosting HBO?s annual Comic Relief telecast, which donated all funds raised to helping the homeless. Despite Williams? undeniable success among audiences with his television work and stand-up comedy, his film career got off to a somewhat slower start. He made his film debut in the title role of a disappointing live-action version of Popeye (1980), directed by Robert Altman. Though he earned acclaim for his performances in a film version of John Irving?s The World According to Garp (1982) and the well-reviewed Moscow on the Hudson (1984), he also starred in less inspiring projects such as The Survivors (1983), Club Paradise (1986), and The Best of Times (1986). In 1987, Williams made the leap to the Hollywood A-list with his Oscar-nominated performance in Good Morning, Vietnam, Barry Levinson?s comedy-drama about an irreverent deejay assigned to a radio station for the U.S. Armed Services in Vietnam. Even on the set of a movie, Williams? improvisational skills became famous, and he was known for ad-libbing many a scene. Billed as Ray DiTutto, Williams turned in another funny performance in the somewhat bizarre The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), written and directed by Terry Gilliam. Williams earned his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 1989, for his performance as John Keating, the inspirational prep-school teacher at the heart of Dead Poets Society. In 1990, he starred as a doctor who treats a catatonic patient (Robert De Niro) in the acclaimed drama Awakenings, directed by Penny Marshall. On a less serious (and less successful) note, he played Peter Pan in Steven Spielberg?s Hook (1991), a notorious big-budget flop which costarred Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts.
Katt Williams Known just as much for his permed hair as he is for his animated performances and quick wit, comedian Katt Williams has been making his mark in Hollywood for over 10 years. Beginning his career at an age when most teenagers are seeking their driver's license, the young comic quickly discovered that he had a gift for making people laugh. Inspired by the likes of great humorists such as Richard Pryor, Donn Knotts, Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Thomas Marshall, Jeff Foxworthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chapelle, whom he calls the "Malcolm X of comedy," Katt Williams' entertaining standup routines are laying the blueprint for a new generation of comics. In 1999 Katt became a presence at The Improv, The Comedy Club, The Icehouse and even had his own room at The Hollywood Park Casino where he had a large, loyal following. He's become a staple comedic force on BET, appearing on shows such as "Comic View", "Rip the Runway", "Black Carpet", "106th & Park", "The BET Awards" and "BET Comedy Awards." Throughout his success he has been massively embraced by the Hip Hop community, receiving praise from Master P ("Hands down Katt Williams is the next Richard Pryor") and Snoop Dogg ("Katt is doing his comedy thing so flamboyantly and so fly with spirit of the late great Red Foxx and the spirit of Richard Pryor") Last month Katt hosted the 1st Annual BET "Hip Hop" Award Show from The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. In his role as host he received an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and had a chance to speak directly to Hip Hop audiences globally and share his insight on urban culture, folklore, lifestyle, history and music. More than a musical style, hip-hop is a history of American culture, and a testimony by its artists of their life experiences. The Award Show was an electrifying evening of non-stop homage and entertainment to the genre of Hip Hop music. Performances included Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Young Jeezy and T.I. while Award Nominees include everyone from Common and Busta Rhymes to DMX and Jay-Z. Telling jokes with ease, the stand-up comic/actor wants to conquer the globe's problems with laughter. "Everything, everywhere is comedy material. To watch and view the world via television, newspapers, movies and music translate our world into funny. There is no subject where funny doesn't exist." The current Los Angeles resident has undoubtedly become a fixture on the comedic and Hollywood landscape with more than enough charisma and talent to spare. Possessing the ability to make millions of people laugh, Katt Williams is healing the world one smile at a time. Katt sums it up best, "I'm in the great comedian lane. Once you're in that lane, that's just the beginning of it. The getting there is the journey."
Harlem Wizards The Wizards present a spectacular, funny basketball exibition. Like the Globetrotters, they bring mass confusion to the courts with their hilarious shenanigans.
Benjamin Zander World-renowned conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Benjamin Zander has been the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) since its formation twenty years ago. Mr. Zander, who was born and educated in England, began to compose at the age of nine. Since 1966, Mr. Zander has been on the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music, where he teaches graduate courses in interpretation and chamber music, conducts the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and regularly conducts the Conservatory's Symphony Orchestra. He is also the artistic director of the music program at Walnut Hill, a boarding school for the training of highly accomplished young performing artists. In his twenty-eight years as conductor of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, he has led the orchestra on twelve international tours, including a tour to Cuba and Mexico in 1999, Brazil in 1997, and to Argentina and Chile in 1995. A two-hour documentary of their 1995 tour, entitled A New World of Music, has won several prizes in prestigious film festivals, and was recently nominated for an Emmy Award. A recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 5, performed by the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra on its tour of Brazil, was released last year.
Strauss Zelnick Media and Entertainment Executive As one of the only executives to have run every type of major media company including music, technology, film and television, Strauss Zelnick is a leading expert in all facets of the media industry. Under Zelnick's leadership, BMG Entertainment's success in North America included the remarkable ongoing performance of Arista Records, one of the world's leading record labels, and the establishment of RCA Records as one of the industry's hottest creative homes with acts like Christina Aguilera and the Dave Mathews Band. Before moving on to music and gaming, Zelnick began his media career in film. He was President of Vestron Inc. in 1987 when the company produced Dirty Dancing, the most successful independent film of the time. He went on to become President of 20th Century Fox, where he was involved with the hits Home Alone, War of the Roses and Sleeping with the Enemy. In his newest venture, ZelnickMedia, Zelnick is capitalizing on his varied breadth of experience to create a dynamic and diverse media company. ZelnickMedia is seeking out companies with strong operations and opportunities and helping them to succeed by infusing them with capital, management expertise and strategic direction.
Alan Zweibel Alan ZweibelRenowned comedy writer: Saturday Night Live, Curb Your Enthusiasm, "700 Sundays" Alan Zweibel's career began writing and creating characters for the most legendary comedians of a generation: Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Steve Martin. That the setting was one of the most successful entertainment programs in television history and live made it all the more memorable.