Great day today at Whole Foods with the Laura’s House Blender Bike Event!

Great day today at Whole Foods with the Laura’s House Blender Bike Event! We all rode the blender bike and blended purple smoothies in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Proceeds benefitted women and children who are escaping violent homes and receiving therapy and legal services from Laura’s House while living at the Emergency Shelter. For more information, please visit: http://www.laurashouse.org/

Debi Smith Jaworek of the FOUR BITCHIN' BABES joins me on MOMz Rock the House!

THE FOUR BITCHIN' BABES/MID LIFE VICES CD

Photo by Kendra Chilson

Start with four richly gifted singer-songwriters, add 3/4 cup married life, 2 kids, four part harmony vocals, one piano, four guitars, one Rockin' Purple Bass, a celtic drum, a mandolin, a dollop of sharp social commentary, cheerleading pom poms, a pinch of pms, a wardrobe of bling-bling, and you’ve got THE FOUR BITCHIN' BABES' Estrogen-fueled hilarious shows that celebrate the best of Babes, Boys, and Botox.

With sorority sister chemistry they perform original songs and stories offering both poignant views and unbridled comedic commentary on the joys and dilemmas of everyday life. With harmony, they share the struggles of balancing careers and family, chocolate obsessions and low carb inner peace, CNN and TV Land... From promising to never pay retail and finding a man who cooks, to dealing with inadequate pay and inadequately cut swim wear, all the while living victoriously after the Romantic Bubble Bursts.

After the success of their 2009 "Diva Nation...Where Music Laughter and Girlfriends Reign," The Babes are proud to announce "Mid Life Vices...A Guilt Free Musical Revue." This tour de force musical comedy group presents their 9th CD of songs that revel in the choices made by a generation who's "been-there-saw-that-drank-that-ate-that-came-back-to-kick-back-and-lay-back!" Of course, the question remains: "How can funny sound this pretty?" (The Boston Globe)

Summer/2012 marks the beginning of their 23rd season of touring and recording. Longtime Babes; Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith and Deirdre Flint welcome new Babe Marcy Marxer of the wonderfully eclectic Grammy-winning and (still touring) duo of Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. As songwriters and accomplished musicians, they become a renegade sorority of modern women who vow to age gracefully, but refuse to go quietly! Continuing to showcase their “BABES” signature brand of estrogen-infused mayhem and award winning songwriting, they set to music their collective Mid Life Crises and the inherent need for Mid Life Vices!

Babe tunes come from the wackiest of viewfinders. On Mid Life Vices, with acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, piano, bass, drums and harmonies from heaven, these multi-talented gal pals offer a peek into the mind of an absolutely organized scatterbrain in “Just in Case, ”an exhausted perfectionist with “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda,” and a loving look at romance in “Dim the Lights.” It wouldn't be a 4BBabes' recording without a few statements from the heart. With such moving pieces as, "In My Dreams," and "The Table" and we hear of those generational transitions that affect us all. Of course there are songs dedicated to the passions and misdeeds of our age, with “Facebook,” “The History of Cheese,” and the rocking release of "Bitchin' Babe Boogie."

Performing in the theatres everywhere, The Four Bitchin' Babes have proved to be wildly successful, as women of all ages (and man-Babes too!) join with their book clubs, bowling leagues, and college reunion events for a night of music and laughs, memorable songs, big hair, and, of course, a totally Babe attitude! With their release of "Mid Life Vices," The Babes continue to celebrate self acceptance, grace and humor, through "Whine, Women and Song!"

Singer/songwriter/activist Jen Chapin is this week's featured guest on MOMz Rock the House!

Photo Credit: Merri Cyr

Singer/songwriter/activist Jen Chapin, daughter of Harry Chapin, joins me on MOMz Rock the House Thursday August 2, 2012 at 12n pst on OC Talk Radio -- catch the show streaming on www.octalkradio.net.

Jen Chapin’s music is urban folk soul — story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk and improvisation of the city. Critics have hailed her work as “brilliant.. soulfully poetic” (NPR), “thoughtful.. worth-savoring” (People), “addictive” (Boston Globe), “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). JazzTimes has called her “a first-rate storyteller” while Relix regards her as “one of the freshest voices singing today."


She has been featured on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien,” honored by the USA Songwriting Competition, appeared on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and opened up for Bruce Hornsby and the Neville Brothers. Her performances are powerful, spotlighting the world-class musicianship and rare chemistry of Grammy-nominated acoustic bassist/husband Stephan Crump and “unflappable melodist” (New York Times) guitarist Jamie Fox. As an activist, educator and mother based in Brooklyn NY, Jen also brings the knowledge and insight of varied experience (student/traveler in Mexico and Zimbabwe, BA in International Relations, longtime Member, former Chair and present Secretary of the Board of WhyHunger – (http://www.whyhunger.org/) to her workshops and presentations to college, church and community groups.


Jen’s latest recording, the EP Five Songs, available now.

Jen Chapin Discography:

ReVisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder (2009) “sophisticated ..little short of miraculous” - The Sunday Times

Light of Mine (2008) “crossing multiple musical boundaries ..mesmerizing” -- Time Out London

Ready (2006) “supremely confident, slightly off-center, and instantly compelling." -- River City Reader

Linger (2004) “uncommon wit and sweetly supple singing” - Entertainment Weekly

Open Wide (2002) “cool ..spare funkiness” - Washington Post




All available on http://www.jenchapin.com/

I had the honor of Emceeing Guard A Heart's VIP Fashion Show Fundraiser at The Strand in Dana Point!

Nicole Rash - Ms. America 2012 at The Strand during Guard A Heart's VIP Fashion Show

Guard A Heart held a “Know Your Risk, Save a Life” Fashion show Saturday evening at a beautiful home located at the incomparable Strand Resorts. The show featured designs by Tommy Bahama, Dr. Bahar Couture and Marisa Kenson Fashions. The event was being held to raise money for the Charity and also included a performance by recording artist Hope.

According to Special Events Director Gina Waggener, The Foundation’s principles are based on the premise that heart health is a lifestyle choice and that up to 80% of the time it is preventable. We have been given the awesome privilege to work alongside other local philanthropic organizations including The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, Tommy Bahama, Dr. Bahar Couture, Marisa Kenson Fashions, Athletes For Life, Ms. America Pageant, Kyani, Aviir and Max International who all share our vision of saving lives, one heart at a time.

Guard A Heart Foundation Hosts VIP Fashion Show Fundraiser; Proceeds Will Towards Saving Lives from Heart Disease

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Guard A Heart Foundation Hosts VIP Fashion Show Fundraiser;
Proceeds Will Towards Saving Lives from Heart Disease

July 18, 2012 (Irvine, CA) – Guard A Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization, raising awareness for cardiovascular disease by educating on the dangers of vulnerable plaque, held a Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Strands in Dana Point on July 14. Aviir Diagnostic Laboratory hosted the event. The event’s theme of “Keeping the Moments Alive” resonated throughout the evening, emphasizing how important it is for us to make heart disease prevention a part of our every day lifestyle, and that each moment we share with our loved ones is the true measure of our life’s value. Dr. Bahar Sederati reminded attendees of the importance of heart health, smoking cessation, regular exercise, stress management and getting thorough physicals. Celebrity designer Marisa Kenson also gave a heart-felt testimony regarding the importance of heart disease prevention, pledging her support to Guard A Heart’s mission to save lives needlessly lost or those disabled by heart disease.

The evening festivities included festive live music by Hope and Hawaiian Artist Brian Pi'ikea Vasquez. Upon arriving, guests were offered tasty drinks donated by Tommy Bahama, Blue Ice Vodka, Vegan Wine and mouthwatering appetizers donated by K’ya, Vintage Steakhouse, Stillwater Grill, Gemmells and Socially Sweet.

More than 150 guests attended this elegant event, featuring a lively fashion show with designs by Tommy Bahama, Marisa Kenson and Dr. Bahar Couture, directed by highly regarded fashion show producer Julie French. Brian Tierney, official Guard a Heart photography captured highlights of the evening’s events. In addition, several VIP’s were awarded the Guardian of Hearts award for their philanthropic efforts on heart disease awareness and prevention. Dr. Bahar Sederati, lead internist with Bahar Medical Group; Dr. Douglas Harrington, CEO of Aviir Diagnostics; Susan Jeske, CEO of the Ms. America Pageant; Willie Gault, Founder of Athletes for Life, former America football wide receiver and Olympic athlete; and Lora Thomas, of Kyani were included in those honored.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the event will go towards Guard a Heart’s "Know Your Risk, Save a Life" campaign, which uses donated funds to offer free cardiac testing for those who cannot otherwise afford it. Its mission to save lives is only made possible by countless volunteers within the community raising awareness of this highly preventable disease.

Members of the Guard A Heart Board of Directors including Hayward Sawyer, Jerry Nostadt, Tom Scuccimarra & Najib Khoury were in attendance and presented the evening’s awards. Other guests who attended include: Annie Nelson, founder of OC American Soldiers Network; Michele Berk, producer of Baywatch creator, Soul Surfer, K-11; Debbie Durkin, Los Angeles Sustainable Producer; Janeane Bernstein Event MC and Radio Talk Show Host; Hawaiian Artist Brian Pi'ikea Vasquez; Miss Afghanistan, Vida Samadzi; Ms. America Nicole Rash; and US Marines Timothy Black, Angelo Sarni, Andrew Grothem and Cress Forester.

About Guard A Heart
Guard A Heart is a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease prevention by spreading the word to guard your heart and save your life. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. If individuals know their risk and take the necessary steps, the good news is that most cardiovascular disease is preventable. Although heart disease is typically diagnosed in adulthood, its roots are often found in childhood. Compelling research has shown that plaque buildup in the arterial walls begins very early in life and progresses through increasing degrees of atherosclerosis. Intervention strategies and healthy lifestyle changes to reduce heart disease risk should begin in childhood when reversal of the process is easier, not later in life when the disease is more fully developed. Guard a Heart Foundation provides funding for individuals who are unable to pay for cardiac risk assessments. Please visit www.guardaheart.org for more information.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dina Scaglione
949.910.9401
dina.scaglione@aviir.com

Nita Whitaker LaFontaine joins me on MOMz Rock the House!

On Thursday, June 14, I had a very special guest on the MOMz Rock the House Show -- Nita Whitaker LaFontaine! Nita is a renowned Singer and Wife of Voiceover King Don LaFontaine - www.donlafontaine.com. We chatted about her new book, Finding My Voice: My Journey through Grief to Grace—Living with the Loss of Don LaFontaine. The book offers a never-before-seen look at what life with Don was really like, and what she endured following his death. Hers is a tale that is as universal as it is personal as she exposes the raw pain that follows any kind of loss.

For more information about Nita, please visit www.nitawhitaker.com.

You can listen to the entire interview below:

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Arlene Kole joins me on this week's MOMz Rock the House Show!

Arlene Dawn Kole of The Koles joins me Thursday on the MOMz Rock the House Show - Thursday at 12n pst tune in to OC Talk Radio on www.octalkradio.net!

About Arlene Kole

Arlene and her husband Bill Kole have been together for over 30 years and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1992, Arlene worked 3 jobs and sang sessions, nightclubs and weddings while Bill got their music business up and running. They truly embody the American dream as their hard work has manifested as a successful production business and commercial studio.

Arlene Kole graduated the vocal program at the prestigious Grant McEwan College jazz school in Edmonton, Canada. She has sung hundreds of sessions for television, records, and commercials. In the late 80’s she had the honor of seeing a composition penned by herself and husband Bill performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (of Procal Harem fame). Arlene embarked on her solo career in 2006 and her 2008 debut CD has been met with critical acclaim as has her live show.

In her relatively short singer songwriter career, Arlene Kole has made a tremendous impact on the singer songwriter scene. In fact, the December 2009 issue of Music Connection Magazine named Arlene in their HOT 100 list of the top live acts in the nation. Art of the Song, the nationally syndicated radio program featured Arlene and her debut album in a one hour show that they say is their most responded to and successful show to date. Viv Nesbitt, co-host says:

“We simply weren’t prepared for what we received in the mail. Arlene Kole’s debut CD “One Day” stopped us in our tracks. The lyrics, the arrangements and instrumentation are amazing, but it is the voice that grabs your heart with the gentle firmness of an artist, mother, bombshell blonde and says “Listen, I have something to say. Brilliantly produced by her husband, Bill Kole supports with elegant production and astounding lyrics. This team is non-stop musicality and heart.

"One Day" chronicles the life of a wife, parent, and the eventual plight of us all: growing older in a society that prizes youth. Most importantly, as the title implies, Arlene sends an inspiring message of hope to those who have given up on their dreams, whatever the reason. The dedication on her record says it all:

"This music is dedicated to women everywhere. To wives, mothers and girls like me…those seeking to redefine themselves while being told that their best years are behind them. To all who have dreamed of “one day…” This is that day. This is one day."

Arlene’s second release features her family and the strong musical support of Jim Rolfe & Wyatt Stone. As stated on the CD liner “The funny thing about this record...it was originally a collection of songs that we performed life. However, with the addition of Wyatt it started taking on an interesting life of its own. With now four lead vocalists, a beautiful instrumental song from Jimmy and a couple of cover tunes, this album has truly earned the moniker “Odds & Ends.”

Arlene & The Koles believe that the heart of a society is reflected in the value they place on art. Your support is what allows them and other artists to continue creating and bringing a quality experience to the venues they play and the music they create.

Please support your local arts programs and LAWIM for there “Young Talent Night Program” so that children and teens have the opportunity of discovering the joy of creating and expressing themselves through the arts. Art nourishes the soul while inspiring us all to see the good in the world and in ourselves.

Encourage art. Buy art. Support your local artists and arts programs.

Arlene Kole & The Koles music is available on itunes, CD Baby, Reverbnation, and the website at www.arlenekolemusic.com