Interviews

 

*Update to CD Release date, at bottom of interview*  

He’s the tall bassist with the golden voice, a voice given to him by God.  His beautiful voice fills arenas as he sings with the Beach Boys on songs like “Don’t Worry Baby” and “Warmth of the Sun” amongst others.  Randell Kirsch is a man with an incredible gift to share with the world and also a very interesting musical background.  Read about his beginnings when he first heard “Good Vibrations,” what “Poetry of the Burning Deck” is and what he plans to do this Christmas.  Enjoy!
 

What is your favorite Christmas song?

Silent Night is my favorite Christmas song. That song brings me to tears. I love that song and I love “Silver Bells.”

Favorite Holiday movie?

My family always watches “A Christmas Story” and “Lord of the Rings.”

What are your Christmas traditions, what do you like to do for the holidays? 

Well we made root beer for the first time for Thanksgiving this year, it was such a hit I think we’re going to do it for Christmas too.

We make sure the kids don’t sneak out and see what’s under the tree until morning time. Our kids really love Santa Claus. We leave a note for Santa every year with cookies, celery and carrots (for the reindeer). Santa, bless his heart, he writes back! He leaves a nice note. He is so nice.

I have actually seen Rudolph’s red nose go by the window and hear the jingle of santa’s bells at night right after the kids go to sleep.

You are inspiring me too though, this Christmas, we’re starting a lot of new traditions. We have a new baby so that will start a lot of new things. We do service at various times during the year, but we’re going to find something special to do for Christmas. I think that’s a good thing to do during Christmastime. Santa would approve, he likes service.

We also have a party every year and help carry on our friend Janelle’s tradition with Christmas desserts and Christmas caroling.

When did you begin playing music?

I was 7 or 8 years old. I had my first gig at the Fresno fair. The Beach Boys did that this year. I played at the Fresno fair in 1962 or 1963 as a little kid. It was a joyful moment this year, because I saw my friend that I discovered music with, Jeff. I got back in touch with him and he’s still doing music for a living, sings like a bird and plays drums. He played the drums on “Help Me Rhonda” in that show on stage with some of the guys from the band we grew up listening to together.

Do you play any other instruments?

Professionally I’ve played dulcimer, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and sung. I’ve played a little fiddle on recordings, recorder, french horn, trumpet, and trombone.

Who inspired you to play music?

I’d say my friend Jeff, because we both just loved music. Anytime a new song came out we would be glued to the radio or the record player listening to it. We had a band called “The Scorchers” that started in 1963 or 1964. We played parties. I moved away in 1967 and that was a big change in my life.

Where were you living at the time?

Fresno, then we moved to the Bay area near Berkley and that was a big change. I began making money for playing. We played gigs, we won the 6th grade talent show, I remember that. We played parties in grammar school, but I didn’t do it professionally until later in the 1960’s. I always loved doing it, I played whether I was paid for it or not.

Now we play at church, Luann and I both play if I’m home on a Sunday, we play at church. We perform songs we’ve written that are spiritual in nature. It’s fun because people sing along.

What have been some highlights of your musical career so far?

Some highlights have been playing with Jan and Dean, Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, and Steven Stills.  Important musical mention I’d like to say, is the first time I heard “Eight Miles High” by the Byrds on radio. That was pivotal. It was such a mind blowing record. The same is true for “Good Vibrations.” Both those songs blew my mind. A lot of songs did. Jeff and I would hear these songs and just be amazed. When we first got together playing with electric instruments beyond the two of us with just drums and guitar, the sound that came out was just amazing. You’d hear that on records, drums and guitar together. It was such a rush. It’s a big experience.

That which supercedes all though is playing music with the spirit of God.

You also have your own music, you write music with your lovely wife Luann. Please tell us a little about your new cd project you’re working on, what type of music is on it, etc.

Luann and I did something for IRS, a record company with the big acts of REM and the Go-Go’s. They signed me as a solo artist, but I didn’t want to be a solo artist, I wanted to be in a band. Luann and I were in a band called “Show of Hands” with a friend Chris Hickey. We toured all over the United States and we put out a record, touring the states, Canada, and China. We had a lot of fun with it.

After the group disbanded the next thing was this group of songs I wanted to record called “Poetry from the Burning Deck.” The idea was to record them all live in the studio. We did a test run and I didn’t have Luann sing on the cassette because we didn’t have enough microphones at the time. She was disappointed at that and I was a rookie for even telling her there weren’t enough microphones. We ended up using that recording instead of doing it again because everything worked out ok.

I released a cassette version in 1991 called “Poetry of the Burning Deck” which could be categorized as “college music.” I sold it live at gigs and such. Luann wasn’t on it, except for one cut that was a studio cut. Just this last week I was listening to it and thought to put it on the internet but I didn’t want to do it without Luann’s voice on it. When the kids were asleep, we setup the microphone, she had our new baby in her arms. We recorded the vocals about 18 years after the fact. She used to sing those songs live when we performed. The fun thing is that in almost every era of music that we’ve recorded there are baby noises. So we’re either holding them or they’re in the other room. Our newest baby will have some guest vocals on this, his recording debut.

Randell plans to have his cd, “Poetry of the Burning Deck” available online in places such as iTunes and Amazon.com amongst others in the early part of 2010, by March 1, 2010.

Luann, Randell’s wife also created a cd that is out titled “The Girl Who Knew Too Much.”

You made it a “must see” last season and now “The Secret Life of an American Teenager” is back for an all new dramatic run on ABC Family. We caught up with Shailene Woodley (Amy) and got a look at the girl behind the character and found out how she got her big break on The Secret Life. Read all about it right here on Feeling the Vibe.

Q&A with Shailene:

FTV: How do you like the cold?

Shailene: Actually, I don’t mind it. It’s so warm all the time in California, so it’s nice to have a little change for a little while.

FTV: I’m sure it is. What was the audition process like for you with this show?

Shailene: It was pretty much like any other audition process. I went in and met with the casting director; and then there was interest there so they brought me in, and I met with the director. Actually, I didn’t know it at the time, but Brenda Hampton was in the room and she took a liking to me, and then we did a director session after that where it was me, Brenda, and the director, Ron Underwood, and then I went to testing. So it was kind of a quick, crazy process that flew by. It all happened so quickly and it’s been such an amazing journey.

 

FTV: We saw you out here in New York for the ABC Family event. Didn’t get to talk to you, there wasn’t time, but we saw that you have really cute styles. Where do you like to shop and what’s your “must have” for the winter season?

Shailene: Well my “must have” for the winter season in New York would be a big fluffy jacket but, in California, I don’t know. I don’t think that I have a style, I’m very eclectic I guess with it. I love shopping in thrift stores and vintage stores more than anywhere else. Urban Outfitters , sometimes you can find the most amazing deals on the sale. I’m a very big sale shopper, so everything I wear is from the sale rack, and I’m kind of eclectic as far as where I shop.

FTV: Great, that’s cool though. What kind of music do you like to listen to, any favorite artists right now?

Shailene: There’s this one band called the Streetfighters that I think is amazing and there’s a lot of other like alternative Indy Rock Bands that aren’t as big as them. For instance, like my best friend the other day showed me a band it’s called Porcupine Tree. It’s absolutely insane. I don’t know, I just like a lot of different bands like Radiohead I guess you could say.

FTV: Thanks so much.

Shailene: No problem, nice talking to you.

 

“The Secret Life of an American Teenager” premieres January 4, 2010 at 8/7 central on ABC Family.

Everyone’s anticipating the new season of ABC Family’s original smash hit “The Secret Life of an American Teenager”.  We had the chance to talk to Francia Raisa who plays the rebellious Adrian.  She was having  a great time hanging out in New York, checking out the local shops and dishing about the upcoming season of the Secret Life.

FTV: We’re here in New York City. How do you like New York?

Francia: I love it, I’m freezing but I really enjoy it. I love wearing coats now with scarves.

FTV: It’s a pretty style right?

Francia: It’s such a nice style and you could wear something so ugly underneath and no one would even know! haha

FTV: Where are you from originally?

Francia: L.A. born and raised. It’s always so warm out there.

FTV: This is very different. Makes you feel like Christmas is coming though.

Francia: It sure does with all the decorations!

FTV: What are you doing for the holidays?

Francia: I just bought a house, so I’ll spend my time decorating it. My family will be visiting for the holidays.

FTV: That’s exciting, Your first Christmas in your new house!

Francia: Yeah I’m so excited about it!

FTV:

You have a great style. Where do you like to shop?

Francia: Guess and Marciano. I live in L.A. so I didn’t have any warm clothes for this trip. I went to Express and just let them dress me. So I’m decked out in Express and some Tommy Hilfiger. I went down on 5th Avenue (in NYC) and I’m obsessed!

FTV: What’s the hottest item for you, the must-have?

Francia: Definitely my hoop earrings. Then as far as makeup, my lip gloss and mascara.

FTV: Do you have any makeup tips for our readers?

Francia: I always say go very natural. That’s my rule. My mom taught me that when people see you natural everyday and then they see you at night and you glam up a bit it’s a shock! Then they will want to see you more. I’ll give you a tip on what guys want. I hardly ever wore makeup to school. If I did it was just concealer and mascara but I didn’t have eye shadow or liner, nothing at all. Then when prom or winter formal came up I glammed up and did my hair. I put on this smokey eye makeup and the guys were like, “hey girl!” They want to see you again! That’s how you get a man.

FTV: We got a good tip there! What’s coming up for your character?

Francia: Oh! So much drama and new hookups. I can’t even say without giving it away but it’s really good. It’s really juicy and you guys will all be surprised. I’m doing the season finale now.

FTV: Getting the scripts and you just can’t believe it…

Francia: Everytime I think, “oh my gosh!” I don’t know what’s going to happen next season, so I’m just in suspense.

 

 The Secret Life premieres January 4, 2010 on ABC Family at 8/7 central.

It was a cool brisk day in the middle of Manhattan, Bryant Park to be exact. Scarves and gloves were the accessories of choice, of course accompanied by big warm coats on almost everyone who walked by. A small outdoor mall was setup in the park which had some Christmas shoppers peering into the boothes to see what special gifts they could buy. Only a few feet away was a big promotional event occurring near the ice skating rink. It was ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas with over 250 elves gathered in the center cheering and having a fantastic time. To the side was the red carpet where the stars of ABC Family, particularly Candace Cameron-Bure.
Candace made her way down the red carpet to us and she was accompanied by a

young girl. A girl who resembled young Candace. It was Natasha her daugher. She and her entire family (husband, Val and two other young sons) were in New York city for the event. We talked to Candace about her stay in New York, Christmas, and of course Twitter! Read to find out.

We have Candace Cameron – Bure here, with her beautiful daughter, how old are you?

N: I’m eleven

So you’re both here in NY, when did you get in?

C:  We got in very early Saturday morning, we took the red eye. My husband and my boys are here, but they are way too shy to come down the press line, but Natasha loves it.

Is this her first time in NY?

C:  No, they were here last year. I think they’ve been here two or three times.

We heard you took the subway the other day.

C:  Did you ready my twitter?? We did! The subway’s great and it gets you there so much faster! We sat in the car for two hours to go to New Jersey last night. I thought, why couldn’t we take the train??

What’s coming up for Make it or break it? We’re so happy to see you back on tv…

C:  Thanks. Lots of good stuff, some changes in relationships. My character, Summer of course is broken up with Steve, so she might…be finding a new love. Maybe in the gym, maybe not. I don’t know!

Have to keep it suspenseful! 
C: Yes, we do, haha

What is your favorite Christmas song?

C: Our favorite Christmas song? maybe Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, for the kids?

N: No, no….

C: Silent Night?

N: It’s the most wonderful time of the year

C & N: *sing* It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Your hair is beautiful. What do you do?

There’s this great stuff. I have very fine hair. There’s a lot of it, but it’s fine. It’s Osis, It’s a dusting matting powder. It gives grit to your hair, and volume. It’s fantastic!

 

*edit below to original interview* Look for the *.

We caught up with the dynamic songwriting duo of Kirsch and Love (Randell and Christian as you may better know them) on a recent tour stop they were on with the Beach Boys here in the northeast. They are continuously writing songs and ready to take the next step. That’s right, they are preparing for one of their very first acoustic shows together in California. In an impromptu interview we found out a little more about these creative guys…

How many songs do you have together now? 

R&C: Eighteen, some are halfway finished, but in all we have eighteen songs or somewhere thereabout.

Where can people find them?

Christian: ITunes, well actually moreso on Randell’s computer.

Randell: We are looking at a Valentine’s Day release on itunes, and we might call it “Apples and Oranges.”

When did you and Christian begin writing music together? How did that come about?

R&C: Jeff Peters is the culprit. He is a friend and producer, who mixed the Beach Boys live on many occasions. He thought it would be a good idea for us to get together, and create music with the natural harmonies.

We hear you’ll be playing an acoustic show with each other. When and where?

Christian: Santa Barbara, California on December 11, 2009 at the Brew House

Randell: “Be there, or don’t bother showing up.”

What can someone expect from a Christian and Randell show?

Randell: A scintillating evening

Christian: with devastating good looks

Do you think you both would ever play one of your songs in a Beach Boys show or do you keep that separate?

We played “My Remote” (a 5 Alarm song) a few times. As for the other songs, we’re not sure.

Would you say you have similar musical tastes or are they different?

We can have similar tastes. We like music that expresses love, and has nice natural harmonies.

Randell: I like music that will illuminate the veil between real and made up.

Randell, you’ve known Christian a long time. Did you think you would one day end up creating music together?

I did, yes. Back when we first knew each other Christian was surfing a lot but he was also starting to play music, thought it would be fun to work together..

Which is your favorite song you’ve written together? Why?

Randell: I’d have to say, “Falling Away and Then We Rise.” It’s a song about connection.

Christian: A slow song but not a ballad.

Three words to describe Randell:

Christian says: dorky, intelligent, and funny

Three words to describe Christian:

*Randell says: comfortable in his own skin, sexy, and insanely talented/God – given voice

You can find their music on  Itunes in compilation albums that they have songs on.  They are billed as “Randell Kirsch and Christian Love.”

Best known for her role as Sheridan Crane in the hit NBC soap, “Passions,” McKenzie is back!  We recently sat down with her for an exclusive interview and got to know the girl behind the character.  She reveals beauty secrets, what she’s most recognized for, and what she really thinks of twitter!

Do people still think you’re “Sheridan Crane” out and about? Do they call you that?

Once in a while people do but mostly i get stopped as McKenzie Westmore which is nice to get the personal recognition and not just a character.

How did you like New York when you were here taping “All My Children?” Had you been here before?

I had been to NY a few times but never to live and I LOVED it there!!

We understand you have a new show you’re working on. Can you tell us about it? What type of show is it and where can people watch it?

I’m working on a new webseries that will have other outlets as well that I would love to share but have to wait just a bit. It’s “Sex in the City” meets “Desperate Housewives” meets “Entourage” for the music world.

You recently had some news about a new movie you will be in! Congratulations. What type of movie is it?

The movie is a drama title Between the Lines.

It’s great that you are also very musical and so is your husband. How would you describe your musical style? What type of music do you sing and what are the plans for that part of your career?

I love all music. I was trained in opera but my voice seems to really fit country.

You met your husband, Seven, on the set of Passions! For girls out there who are dating, what would you say are the qualities they should look for in a guy. What did you look for when you were dating?

My top qualities are humor (a guy has to be able to make you laugh and laugh hard!), intelligence, kindness, genuine, honest, and a cute face dosent hurt!

We’ve heard you’re very much into fitness. What type of workouts do you do?

Right now I do YRG workouts. They are yoga based with martial arts and isometrics. It also gets your heart rate up. I feel the best I ever have. I also live off of isogenixs products…that really changed my life!

Your father is a makeup artist and behind some very well known lines such as Max Factor and Smashbox. Any inside makeup secrets or tips you can give to us and all the female readers of Feeling the Vibe?

I believe makeup should be kept to a minimum. Always let your natural beauty shine through. I actually have even stopped using base makeup and just use a tinted lotion. A little bronzer, eyeliner, mascara and gloss. The simpler the better!

You have a three year old! When is his birthday and what is it like being a mother? You were only 3 when you started acting, does Maddox seem to have the acting bug?

Maddox was born may 2006 and yes, he is a ham!! He loves to fake cry just to make me laugh.

When you’re not working what is your favorite family activity to do?

My favorite family activity is going over to Malibu Mart and let Maddox play at the park, get a coffee and have a great lunch at one of the little shops around there. Easy and low key is my motto these days!

How did you find out about twitter and do you think your other costars from Passions will jump on the bandwagon?

I had so many fans write to me on my website www.mckenzie-westmore.com and tell me to join twitter. I resisted for so long but before I knew it I was joined and addicted!! LOL! I love it and it’s such a great way to keep in touch with friends and fans.

 

The holidays are right around the corner, Christmas is just a few weeks away. So of course it is only natural that ABC Family would be gearing up for a fun lineup of movies and shows for the occasion titled, “ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas.” So what is the newest in the lineup for 2009? “Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe,” starring Dean McDermott and Jenny McCarthy. The movie is about Santa and his daughter, “Mary Class.” Santa has a mid-life crisis and it is up to “Mary Class” (Jenny McCarthy) to choose between saving Christmas or her big career in New York City along with her romantic relationship with boyfriend, Luke (Dean McDermott). Adventures ensue as we watch to find out where Mary’s heart really is at.

We had the opportunity to take part in a special phone call with Dean McDermott as he answered questions about his upcoming role in the new ABC Family movie and he also gave us some insights to his favorite Christmas memories, plus what he and his family have planned for the upcoming holidays.

 

How was it working with Jenny McCarthy?

There was chemistry right awa, hit it right from the jump. She is amazing, so generous and does not have an ego. She mad me laugh so much my sides hurt!

Where did they film “Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe” ?

It was all filmed Calgary, Alberta, Canada and in the Rocky Mountains.

Which was the easiest scene to film and which was the toughest?

There easiest scene was where we were out skating around on the lake near the mountains. It was so pretty.

The toughest scene was actually the last one. That day it was so cold, below zero, you could get frostbite. We were actually pretty lucky with the weather otherwise, but that day it was freezing.

What is your favorite holiday memory?

I was probably about ten years old at the time and I really wanted a “Big Jim Camper Set.” (might be something from Canada as we weren’t familiar with that toy) It’s like a GI Joe but he’s more of a woodsy guy and had a hawk attached to him. I really wanted it for Christmas, and on Christmas morning, I ran downstairs in my hockey player pajamas and there it was. I was so excited I actually passed out!

Another funny holiday memory was when my dad was dancing with my sister and he spun her around a number of times. She ended up falling into the Christmas tree and knocked it over!

What is the message of the movie? 

When the chips are down, you can always count on family. When you need them the most they are there. Whether they are close or distant, troubles can bring everyone closer together. That’s how I see the message of the movie.

How do you feel about being a part of ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas? Is it your first time?

It is actually my first time with ABC Family. I am so thrilled. This is a big project, it’s for ABC. I feel it’s such a blessing, love doing this for Christmas time.

What was the audition process like?

It was actually the best type of audition. They just offered it to me. I was so thrilled about the offer, but there’s also a pressure that comes along with being given a role. ABC took a leap of faith in booking me, so I really want to deliver for them.

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

I don’t normally set resolutions for the New Year. This year, I think it will be to improve my fitness level. I want to be in better shape.

What will you be doing for Christmas?

Normally, we go home to Canada for Christmas, (he’s originally from Toronto, Canada) but now that I have a family and all we decided we would start a new tradition. We’re just going to stay in, open presents, be in our pajamas, graze on food, enjoy a wonderful dinner, and just be together enjoying everything.

Is this a movie for families?

Yes, absolutely, it’s so great for families to all watch together.

Will your kids be watching it?

Definitely. Tori, my kids, and I we’ll all be watching. There are presents, elves, Santa, the kids will definitely like to see it.

This movie sounds really cute. We know Dean McDermott and Jenny McCarthy will be very entertaining. Look forward to seeing it!

“Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe” is due to be on a tv screen near you premiering on December 13, 2009 at 8pm ET/PT on ABC Family channel.

 

“Hello Mr. Hankel, this is Harvey Johnson…”  That’s right, we caught up with the famed “Harvey Johnson” from the Telephone Hour in Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie.  Paul Pilcz, the 18 - almost 19 year old from New Jersey told us about his very first job on Broadway, what it was like performing on “Good Morning America,” and what type of special advice John Stamos gives the “Birdies” as they like to be called.  Learn more about Paul and Bye Bye Birdie now. 

Quick Facts:

 
How old are you? 18, I’ll be 19 October 30th.

Where did you go to high school?  I went to a performing arts high school in NJ
 

Funny fact: Went to school with one of the girls in BBB
 

Where did you grow up? Monmouth County, New Jersey
 

Siblings: One older sister and one younger sister
 

Have they seen the show? Oh yes, plenty of times
　

Q&A

What were the auditions like for Bye Bye Birdie?
For this audition, I was actually planning on going to the open call which was in April. About a week prior to that, my agent called me and said I could get a private audition for BBB. What’s really funny is that she didn’t even know I was planning on trying out at all. So I went and got a couple call backs. I had to dance and sing in front of the production staff a couple times. It was scary but I’m glad I did it.
Do you remember what you sang for the audition?
Oh yeah. I sang “It Takes Two” from Hairspray.

We see it’s your first time on Broadway. What has been the most surprising for you so far working in musical theater?
Nothing really surprised me actually. It’s really so much fun. I’ve been trying to audition and act since I was in elementary school. Finally getting to work is so exhilarating; playing night after night in front of packed houses.

We saw you on Good Morning America. What was that experience like?
It was awesome! I had to wake up at 4:45am but it was so worth it. You never know who you’re going to bump into. Emeril (Lagasse) was apparently supposed to be there and I didn’t even know it. Since the GMA studios are so close to the theater, they had us change into our costumes right at the theater. So picture this, all of us are parading down the street in Manhattan really early in the morning in our costumes. It was a sight. I had an orange suit on and people were looking at us wondering what was going on.
　
Where are most of the kids in the cast from?
There are a bunch from New York and New Jersey. There are some from Delaware, Maryland and there’s actually a girl in the show from Iowa. Two of the kids are also from California. They’re from all over the place. I didn’t even realize it. Kids would fly in all the way from California just for their callbacks.
　
What do you guys do for fun in the cast?
We’re such a high energy, love to have fun group. Bryant Park is right down the street, so some of us will go there. Two weeks ago Bryant Park had a festival going on and they had different people come in so I went to that with another kid from the cast. A bunch of us from the cast went to Birdland to sing with MirandaSings (from Youtube). We ended up singing “It’s a Hard Knock Life” from Annie. It was a lot of fun.
　
How do you like working with Gina Gershon and John Stamos?
They are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I didn’t know what to think going into the process but John is such a great guy.  He performs with the Beach Boys a lot so while we all were in rehearsals, they played near my hometown in New Jersey and I told him I wanted to go and see the show. He ended up getting us in and brought us up on stage to sing with them during “Barbara Ann.” It was such a blast. Gina is so nice too. Before the big dance number, “Lot of Livin’,” we’re backstage doing push ups together just to get pumped for the number. Going into this I was so excited getting to work with John Stamos and Gina Gershon. You can forget that all these celebrities are real people. I feel so lucky to be able to work with such extraordinarily talented and nice people.
　
Do they give you any advice?
A big thing that John told us was that the theater is our safe place. We don’t want anything to get near us that might hurt us. For instance, if we hear something from an outside source that’s not so great, just shrug it off your shoulders and don’t listen to it. We’re here doing 8 shows a week so our job is to make the audience happy and not listen to the naysayers. That’s one of the biggest pieces of advice that John gave us. It’s definitely a happy play, you don’t want to let anything ruin that.
　
Did you know any of the Bye Bye Birdie songs before you auditioned for the play?
I did the show in a community theater a couple of years ago. Everyone has a connection with BBB and the song “Put On a Happy Face.” A stranger could finish the lines for you to that song, it’s so well known.

Why do you think someone should come see Bye Bye Birdie who has never seen it?
I would tell them that it’s just such a fun show. With all the hard times that this country is going through, it’s a great retreat to go to. You can smile, listen to music and look at all these colorful costumes. You can kind of forget about all the bad things that are going on and just enjoy yourself for a little while.
　

Do you have an official website, myspace?

I do. My music myspace is www.myspace.com/paulpilcz . I also have a twitter: www.twitter.com/paulpilcz . People can definitely follow me. I update it everyday.

Check out Paul and the rest of the cast of Bye Bye Birdie at the Henry Miller Theater in New York City on 43rd Street.  For tickets go to telecharge for Bye Bye Birdie.

You saw the review for “Bernie Williams: In Concert” and heard about Bernie with his fantastic 8-piece band. We also had the chance to sit down for a one – on – one interview with the World Series Champion and multitalented musician. Bernie’s music days go back almost as far as his baseball days if not exactly the same. He already has two albums to his name, with the newest one, “Moving Forward” nominated for a Latin Grammy. A CD release at the famed Nokia Theater in New York, starting a tour which is currently bringing him out to California, plus much more has this former Yankee very busy.
We met up with Bernie before his concert to a sold out crowd at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Backstage was a buzz with the musician and family members. Music has been such an important part of Bernie’s life.  Find out all about it now.

On his music background and education…

You said you had the opportunity to take guitar lessons at the age of 8 and prior to that you would always listen to your dad play the guitar. Do you feel music lessons are important for children to
have at an early age? What have been the benefits of them for you?

Yes I think so. In my particular case, it created a musical mind at a very young age. I would think in terms of melodies which is cool. It’s been proven that it can help other subjects as well such as math and science.

Were you strong in math and science?

I was. I went to performing arts school in Puerto Rico. It was a great experience. I went at about the time that the movie “Fame” came out way back then! We were very excited about that school. They also had a big emphasis on dance and arts (painting and drawing.)

Beginning of baseball…

How did you start with baseball then? You just had a love of baseball…

Yes, at a very young age I ended up playing baseball and guitar at the same time. I was about 8 years old. My mom and dad used to take me to little league games. My dad spent a lot of time with me teaching me the game of baseball. When it came time to be part of a team, I did that at 9 or 10 years old. We played on the weekends. I kept it as an extracurricular activity.

So you had baseball and guitar at the same time. That must have been a lot to keep up with..

It was a lot. High school was about an hour away from where we lived, I had to wake up at 5am! If I had an opportunity to do it all over again, I probably wouldn’t change it. It gave me so many opportunities to interact with different people being involved in sports, music, and academics. My mom was a school teacher for 30 years. Then she became a school principal for the last ten. Then she took a part time job in a college teaching english as a second language. For her, academics were first and foremost a priority to her. So, we had to earn our right to play music and play sports. It was privilege to play.

That’s a great way to think about it. 

If we got good grades then we can play the music or sports. If anything happened, the sports were the first to be taken away.

Baseball to Music… the great switch

What would you say has been the biggest challenge with going from a professional athlete to a touring musician?

People might say “oh this guy is used to playing in front of 50,000 people, he should be used to this.” It’s different though. When I was playing baseball, I didn’t really have to interact with the crowd. All I had to do was hit the ball or throw it and run the bases. I would go through the whole game without looking at the crowd at all. However, here I have to interact with the audience.  The crowd is more intimate and now I have to invite them into our little world. It’s quite interesting. Most of the shows we’ve been doing has been in the NY area so it’s nice to play with the homefield advantage. I noticed that a lot of the people are coming because of the baseball background.

Cultural Exchange and English…

Was it a culture shock for you when you came here to the United States? How so?
Yes definitely. I knew some English but I didn’t know the terms and expressions. I started watching sitcoms.

Which ones?

I started watching the “Cosby Show,” “The Golden Girls,” “Full House,” and “Different Strokes.” I needed to learn what made people laugh and the expressions that people here use. I also had to learn that hidden sarcasm.

And also how words have double meanings.

Yeah exactly. For instance if you went to Atlanta they’ll say “how y’all doing?” Then you go to the Bronx and they say “what up dawg?” As a Puerto Rican you come in and say “oh that means hello!”

Professional MLB beginnings…

Where did they put you in the minor leagues?

Sarasota, Florida to play rookie ball. I was always the youngest guy. I was signed when i was 15. I came here because they scouted me out in Puerto Rico. The seasons were very short in rookie ball in the first couple of years so my mother was always getting on me about going to school and getting my degree. So I did take about three semesters of biology at the University of Puerto Rico. Then it came to a point where I really had to make a decision, baseball or school since I wasn’t really doing well at both. I dropped out of college which was devastating for mom. I made that decision and never looked back and that was in 1988 I believe. Three years later I made it to the major leagues in 1991 and started playing as a regular in 1993 all the way up to 2006.

They loved you.

I was very fortunate to be able to play with the same team for my whole career. I consider myself very fortunate. It’s a very hard life playing from team to team especially if you have family. I was a very rare case.

I think there would have been a big uproar if Bernie was traded.

It almost happened in 1998. I became a free agent. One of the teams that wanted to get me was the Boston Red Sox. I knew I wanted to stay a Yankee. My kids were here, they had their friends and lives here. They were used to life in New York. We made New York our home and stil live here.

Performances and Concert Experiences….

You’ve played at many different venues. Which would you say was the most exciting concert?

It’s weird but everytime I play, I feel that was the best. The first concert we played was at the Nokia Theatre in Manhattan for this album. I was very nervous. The more I played, the more comfortable I became. Now we’re on tour, it started in Westbury, New York.

Speaking of Westbury, how did you do on that circular stage that turns?

Oh they didn’t turn it for my concert. We just stayed still. I liked playing there. We then played at the Egg in Albany, NY. It was a very oddly shaped structure, but very cool. Then we went to Annapolis and played some place down there. It was near Baltimore, Maryland. We played yesterday in Morristown, New Jersey.

Speaking of the stage, we’ve talked to other musicians and they say when they’re on the stage they’re either trying not to think or they just stay in the moment. Do you do that or do you think about something in particular?

I try to think about the music and then I try to go into my own little place mentally. That’s why I usually find myself closing my eyes a lot.

The Big Help…

Are you involved with any charity organizations now ?

We have been sponsoring this food outreach non profit organization. It’s called the Hillside Food Outreach. It feeds about 500 – 600 families in Westchester County, New York. We do a charity dinner for it every year. I think the next one will be in February of 2010.

It’s all in the family…

Do your children take after you as far as playing music?

I think they’re very gifted musically. My oldest is a boy who is 19, Bernie Alexander. He can play the piano, very talented. He’s in college right now.

Maybe he’ll play with you one day on stage.

I certainly hope so. He kind of just wants to do his own thing right now. Then I also have two daughters. The 15 year old, Beatrice is the athlete. She plays volleyball and basketball, varsity. My youngest is 14, Bianca, she’s our resident diva. She is into singing and fashion, all that girly stuff. She actually has a very good singing voice.

Being a spectator…

What was the last concert you went to?

Def Leppard. That was very cool. It was such a different experience with rock. What a show. They had these lights and monitors everywhere. They were so separate from each other on the stage. It was a huge stage! The drummer was all the way on top. The two guitar players were running from one side of the stage to the other. It was a very different experience from what we do here. There was a lot of energy and movement on that stage. There were probably about 30,000 people there.

Let’s get technical…

What type of music is playing on your Ipod right now?

Of course “Moving Forward.” No, I’m just kidding. Gerarld Finzi. He has an orchestra. He’s contemporary, lived in the 1800s. He probably has the most beautiful music that I’ve ever heard.

Which sites do you enjoy going on?

I usually find myself on music geared websites. I like going on youtube to watch other musicians and live concerts.

Yankees Postseason…

Do you watch the Yankees games or keep up with them on ESPN during the postseason?

I do keep up with them. I still see a lot of my teammates such as Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, and Joe Girardi.

Closing

The name Bernie Williams will always be synonymous with Yankees Baseball, however it is quickly becoming the name of a multi-talented musician. His humble ways and quiet demeanor represent that of someone who is involved with music for the love of it above all else. Bernie’s passion creates a winner not only in Yankees’ baseball but also on the world’s musical stage. Be sure to catch Bernie Williams in concert by checking out www.berniewilliams.com .

 

We caught up with Gary Melvin on tour with The Four Seasons in September of 2009, read what he has to say, but first, a video message from Gary…

Well it’s been about a year since we first sat down with you for an interview. We’re sure a lot has happened since then. What is the status of the cd you released?
It’s been going great, slowly but surely. I’m starting to work on another one right now. I have about 75% more of it to write. I want to try some more creative work with this second record compared to my first. I’m aiming for the spring of 2010 to have it out.

Are you writing on this record or are you collaborating with other people?

I’m writing this one. I have been collaborating with other people but for other projects. I just found out the other day that a song I wrote with someone is actually going to be featured on an episode of The Young and the Restless this month. But I’m going to try to do everything myself for this record. If I feel there’s a song I wrote with someone else that I really want on this record, then I’ll use it.

Have you written music with your bandmates?

A little bit, not full songs but parts here and there. Most of the time we write to try to get placement on TV or film.

What is the song called that will be on The Young and The Restless?

It’s called Taking Over Me. I sing and play it.

How has the tour been for 2009 with Frankie Valli? Any changes to the lineup of songs?

We have another guitar player. He’s from Italy, his name is Roberto. He joined the group this past February. Other then that, everything has stayed the same. Frankie took the month of August off to spend time with his children so we’re getting back into the swing of things now.

Do you have shows booked for the rest of the year?

Oh yes definitely. I believe we have a show for the New Year in Texas somewhere.

Which area was your favorite to visit this year? Go anywhere you’ve never been before?

We played a really fun show in Orlando, Florida in February. It was the downtown area, Universal. They had about 20,000 people there I’d have to say. In addition, it was a free show so everyone there was very excited.

 

Questions from his Bandmate Craig (The Drummer)

Craig interviews Gary…

Were you mad when Nick and Jessica broke up?

I had no idea it even happened!

Do you think Frankie would be a good candidate for Queer Eye for the Straight Guy?

I don’t think so *laughs* He would probably beat everyone up.

Who is your favorite host of “The View?”

Oh Whoopi for sure.