Monday, August 25, 2014


The Mrs. LIVE at 9:30am on Get the FUNK Out! KUCI 88.9fm and streaming on www.kuci.org

As recently featured on the Huffington Post:
All-Female Rock Band Reminds Moms They Are 'Enough'
The Huffington Post | By Caroline Bologna

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/14/the-mrs-rock-band_n_5675642.html?1408046871

Learn more by visiting: www.themrs.com


ABOUT THE BAND

Amid tales of teenage heartbreak and gone-wild nights at the club, where’s the music for women like us? We weren’t hearing our lives reflected on the radio, so we decided to sing it ourselves.Can’t find what you need? Contact info@themrs.com.

MEET THE MRS.

    andra-4

    Considered by her bandmates to be “the driving force of The Mrs.,” Andra’s passion, strength and energy are what has turned The Mrs. from a personal project into a mission. Andra is determined to bring a new genre of music to the radio that connects with women like her—wives, mothers, career women, and those who are trying to do it all.

    Starting out as more of an athlete than a musician, Andra began playing drums “later in life,” both to occupy herself while her two daughters were practicing their instruments, and to set an example for them (hard work pays off!). She was quickly hooked, fitting practice into any gap she’d find between professional and parental commitments.

    Andra’s heart is always with her husband and two young daughters, but her soul is with The Mrs. Between work functions, workouts, afternoon activities and the bedtime routine, Andra can’t stop practicing her drums, writing and dancing to new songs, and dreaming about bringing The Mrs. to women who should know what she recently learned — that it’s never too late to go for it.
  • ANDRA LIEMANDT

    Considered by her bandmates to be “the driving force of The Mrs.,” Andra’s passion, strength and energy are what has turned The Mrs. from a personal project into a mission. Andra is determined to bring a new genre of music to the radio that connects with women like her—wives, mothers, career women, and those who are trying to do it all.
    Starting out as more of an athlete than a musician, Andra began playing drums “later in life,” both to occupy herself while her two daughters were practicing their instruments, and to set an example for them (hard work pays off!). She was quickly hooked, fitting practice into any gap she’d find between professional and parental commitments.
    Andra’s heart is always with her husband and two young daughters, but her soul is with The Mrs. Between work functions, workouts, afternoon activities and the bedtime routine, Andra can’t stop practicing her drums, writing and dancing to new songs, and dreaming about bringing The Mrs. to women who should know what she recently learned — that it’s never too late to go for it.
  • mandy-3


    Mandy’s insatiable passion for music began in small-town Indiana where she surprised her parents with an original song at age 3. Since then, she has rocked out in a grunge band in high school (while also performing in show choir), in a girl band in college (while working as a radio DJ at U of Chicago), and while learning audio engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona.

    Mandy has worked hard to follow her musical dreams no matter where they’ve taken her, most recently in New Orleans, where she played in a cover band until Katrina hit. Post-Katrina, Mandy and her soul mate Anthony packed up instruments, cats and a few belongings and drove to a city where she knew she could keep performing, enjoying amazing original music, and living her bohemian lifestyle- Austin.

    In Austin, Mandy bartends at Threadgills (the musician mecca best known for giving Janis Joplin her start) to keep her schedule flexible enough to play and perform as much as possible. The Mrs. has been the perfect opportunity for her, offering a fun and meaningful outlet for her creativity in a group of women who understand the power of music throughout all of life’s twists and turns
  • MANDY PRATER

    Mandy’s insatiable passion for music began in small-town Indiana where she surprised her parents with an original song at age 3. Since then, she has rocked out in a grunge band in high school (while also performing in show choir), in a girl band in college (while working as a radio DJ at U of Chicago), and while learning audio engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona.
    Mandy has worked hard to follow her musical dreams no matter where they’ve taken her, most recently in New Orleans, where she played in a cover band until Katrina hit. Post-Katrina, Mandy and her soul mate Anthony packed up instruments, cats and a few belongings and drove to a city where she knew she could keep performing, enjoying amazing original music, and living her bohemian lifestyle- Austin.
    In Austin, Mandy bartends at Threadgills (the musician mecca best known for giving Janis Joplin her start) to keep her schedule flexible enough to play and perform as much as possible. The Mrs. has been the perfect opportunity for her, offering a fun and meaningful outlet for her creativity in a group of women who understand the power of music throughout all of life’s twists and turns.
  • Jennifer-3

    Jennifer fell in love with music as a child, and started singing at age 3 in her small town Georgia church. She credits her Granddad, a Music Minister, as her greatest musical influence. In high school, Jennifer sang with classic rock bands at graduation parties, and in college took karaoke contests and singer-songwriter nights by storm.

    Moving to Austin, Texas in 2000, Jennifer was instantly immersed in the music scene. She’s been a member of numerous music outfits for the past 15 years, and is a regular at standards like The Elephant Room and Brasshouse, performing with jazz and big band groups.

    While Jennifer’s music roots center around her small town family values, her unconventional ideas have led her to perform for a President and write her own indie-folk music. Her next goal? To create an album with her young daughter, who loves to sing, too. Jennifer’s theory on music is that by keeping it honest and real, it can enhance people’s lives. She thrives on collaborating with new musicians and making friends in the process, and The Mrs. has been no exception.
  • Jennifer fell in love with music as a child, and started singing at age 3 in her small town Georgia church. She credits her Granddad, a Music Minister, as her greatest musical influence. In high school, Jennifer sang with classic rock bands at graduation parties, and in college took karaoke contests and singer-songwriter nights by storm.
    Moving to Austin, Texas in 2000, Jennifer was instantly immersed in the music scene. She’s been a member of numerous music outfits for the past 15 years, and is a regular at standards like The Elephant Room and Brasshouse, performing with jazz and big band groups.
    While Jennifer’s music roots center around her small town family values, her unconventional ideas have led her to perform for a President and write her own indie-folk music. Her next goal? To create an album with her young daughter, who loves to sing, too. Jennifer’s theory on music is that by keeping it honest and real, it can enhance people’s lives. She thrives on collaborating with new musicians and making friends in the process, and The Mrs. has been no exception.
  • jenny-2


    The moment anyone meets Jenny, they understand why her bandmates call her “the heart of The Mrs.” Jenny is a friend to many, a very involved mother of three, and a committed nonprofit volunteer, always the first to bring a meal, lend a hand or offer an ear to those in need.

    Which is exactly why The Mrs. has been such an enlightening experience for her. Through the challenge of conquering the bass and the bravery required to rock out on stage, Jenny has learned that doing something for yourself actually makes you a more well-rounded mom, wife and friend.

    Admittedly frilly on the surface, Jenny’s true personality is actually more like her favorite style from a decade of running her own interior design business. “Traditional with a twist,” Jenny is loyal, thoughtful and sweet… but is also ready to shake things up when there is fun to be had with friends. Always on the lookout for new adventures, Jenny is thrilled that the bass and this band have grown from challenge to career, and can’t wait to see where they take her next.
  • JENNY MASON

    The moment anyone meets Jenny, they understand why her bandmates call her “the heart of The Mrs.” Jenny is a friend to many, a very involved mother of three, and a committed nonprofit volunteer, always the first to bring a meal, lend a hand or offer an ear to those in need.
    Which is exactly why The Mrs. has been such an enlightening experience for her. Through the challenge of conquering the bass and the bravery required to rock out on stage, Jenny has learned that doing something for yourself actually makes you a more well-rounded mom, wife and friend.
    Admittedly frilly on the surface, Jenny’s true personality is actually more like her favorite style from a decade of running her own interior design business. “Traditional with a twist,” Jenny is loyal, thoughtful and sweet… but is also ready to shake things up when there is fun to be had with friends. Always on the lookout for new adventures, Jenny is thrilled that the bass and this band have grown from challenge to career, and can’t wait to see where they take her next.
  • larissa-2


    Music has been the center of Larissa’s world since she was a toddler, running between the beach and the piano in the small Texas fishing town where she grew up. This piano was literally the centerpiece of her little home — it had been forklifted inside and was not only used constantly by her family, but also by the students of Larissa’s piano teacher mother.

    Larissa has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a piano teacher, but her taste in music is considerably edgier. Her funky style was apparent from the moment she began writing and recording professionally at the age of 16, and she has released albums and singles as a solo artist across such genres as jazz, Latin, hip-hop, pop and electronic music.

    Both as a newlywed and as someone who has studied countless genres and bands, Larissa sees The Mrs. as an opportunity to bring the world something totally new — music that connects with a huge, fabulous population of women who could use an updated anthem or two.
  • LARISSA NESS

    Music has been the center of Larissa’s world since she was a toddler, running between the beach and the piano in the small Texas fishing town where she grew up. This piano was literally the centerpiece of her little home — it had been forklifted inside and was not only used constantly by her family, but also by the students of Larissa’s piano teacher mother.
    Larissa has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a piano teacher, but her taste in music is considerably edgier. Her funky style was apparent from the moment she began writing and recording professionally at the age of 16, and she has released albums and singles as a solo artist across such genres as jazz, Latin, hip-hop, pop and electronic music.
    Both as a newlywed and as someone who has studied countless genres and bands, Larissa sees The Mrs. as an opportunity to bring the world something totally new — music that connects with a huge, fabulous population of women who could use an updated anthem or two.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Walter Dominguez and his wife, Executive Producer Shelley Morrison, chatted with host Janeane Bernstein about their powerful film, Weaving the Past - Journey of Discovery


Walter Dominguez and his wife, executive producer Shelley Morrison joined me this morning to discuss their film Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery, and the thirteen-year journey to complete it and bring it to the public. 

If you missed Walter and Shelley, listen here.

The premiere is Friday, August 15. It runs until Thurs Aug 21- a one-week exclusive engagement in Pasadena at the Laemmle Playhouse 7 theaters.


Filmmakers Walter Dominguez and his wife Executive Producer Shelley Morrison (an actress known for her role as Rosario on the long-running sitcom “Will and Grace”) discuss their documentary “Weaving the Past:  Journey of Discovery.” The film had its world premiere on Friday, August 15 at 7:00 PM at the Laemmle Playhouse 7 theater complex in Pasadena’s historic Playhouse District. The exclusive engagement runs through Thursday August 21st. Screenings are daily at: 1, 4, 7 and 10pm.

As a young man, Dominguez was inspired by his grandfather, Emilio, known as “Tata,” who was one of the most prominent and beloved Mexican Methodist ministers in idyllic Santa Paula in rural Southern California.

Walter Dominguez spent eleven years to uncover Tata’s past, through the border town of El Paso, to the rural mountains of turn-of-the-century Mexico.


Weaving the Past Official Movie Trailer:
http://www.weavingthepast.com/trailer/

Weaving the Past Official Website:
http://www.weavingthepast.com

Weaving the Past Facebook Movie Page:

Weaving The Past: Journey of Discovery

Walter Dominguez,
Producer/Director/Writer
Chasing Light Pictures, LLC

Email: weavingthepast@yahoo.com
www.weavingthepast.com

Monday, August 11, 2014

Rip Ribble, an icon at the Santa Ana Zoo, joined me today at 9am pst!

Rip Ribble, an icon at the Santa Ana Zoo, joined me today at 9am pst! And we also chatted about Zoofari 2014 – Monkey Magic! coming up August 23 --- their 22nd annual black tie fundraising gala, Zoofari 2014, “Monkey Magic!”

If you missed Rip on today's show, you can listen to our conversation here!

ABOUT RIP RIBBLE
  • Retired Executive Director of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency.
  • Past President & current Board Member of the Friends of the SA Zoo.
  • For the past 10 years, have Volunteered each Tuesday as one of the Zoofari Express Train Engineers.
  • Responsible for adding the Crean Family Farm to the Zoo and assisted in the purchase of the new Conservation Carousel.


The Zoo's Entertainment Stage, entitled the "Rip Ribble Education Station" was named after him.

Worked 4 years as a "Skipper" on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise. Rip resides with wife Karen in Yorba Linda, has two grown children. He is a graduate of Orange Coast & Cal State Fullerton & honorably served 4 years in the Marine Corps.

Here's a feature on Rip:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/zoo-314599-rip-president.html


Coming up at the Santa Ana Zoo....August 23 with our 22nd annual black tie fundraising gala, Zoofari 2014, “Monkey Magic!”

Zoofari 2014 – Monkey Magic!

Let the magic, merriment, and moneymaking begin on August 23 with our 22nd annual black tie fundraising gala, Zoofari 2014, “Monkey Magic!”

The evening includes valet parking underwritten by the Tudor House, a fully-hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, “50 Monkeys Jumping On The Bed” signature drink, photo opportunity, Magician and Monkey-themed decorations by R.W.B. Party Props, and live and silent auctions. Ed Arnold returns as our honored host for the evening, while Glen Fladeboe, our preeminent fundraising auctioneer, will serve as the master of ceremonies again for the live auction, followed by a fully-catered sit-down dinner by Parties by Panache and dancing into the night.

Honorees this year are Thanh Nguyen, PhD & Ginger Nguyen and Tana Everhart from Knowlwood Restaurant, and our very own resident veterinarian, Scott Weldy, DVM.

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo Board President David Exline says “Join Zoofari Event Manager Cathi Decker and myself for the best-ever Zoofari Fundraising Gala. Bid on wonderful trips, beautiful baskets, and one-of-a-kind gifts in our live and silent auctions, as well as enjoy an evening under the stars with a delectable catered dinner, drinks, music, and dancing!”

This year, Zoofari is raising money to help the monkeys at the Zoo as well as numerous other Zoo improvements. Your support of Zoofari will help make the Zoo a fabulous place for the young and young at heart!


ZOOFARI 2014 –“MONKEY MAGIC”

August 23, 2014

5:30 PM to Midnight

(714) 953-8555 x10

www.santaanazoo.org

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Martin Gerschwitz joined me Monday on Get the FUNK Out!

Today's show featured special guest MARTIN GERSCHWITZ!



If you missed Martin on today's show,
listen to our conversation
here.

ABOUT MARTIN
Martin Gerschwitz's formula for success is a fine blend of luck, a whole lot of struggle, and a strong belief that some day he'll be at the top. That day is just around the corner for Martin Gerschwitz, the classically trained German born keyboardmaster.

At the age of 16, he already played with big german orchestras, of course all classical music! Then in 1968, his older brother (who is a very successful Cello - player) gave him a record to listen to ("Five Bridges Suite" by The NICE, Keith Emersons first band), and Martin discovered Rock’n’Roll. Within 3 weeks, he put his first band together ("THE AVENGERS").....

After several years playing on the german scene with german bands, backing up famous german singers and being among other things the keyboard player for “PERCY SLEDGE” ("When a man loves a woman") for a whole european tour, he finally in 1978 formed his own american-style Rockband "BREAKPOINT" (they recorded one album in 1981 called "First Serving", and in 2006 it got re-released as a CD in the USA by “Regeneration Records”), which toured very successfully all over the american Military Circuit in Europe. But that wasn't enough for Martin, he wanted to make it worldwide - so he gave up everything he had, sold his equipment very cheap, paid off his debts and went on his way to the USA!

So here he was - in 1985 - in the United States - without money, a band or equipment.....
For the first 2 months Martin worked for a messenger service to make some money to buy equipment again, and it didn't take long for him to put his aforementioned formula to work. After one audition “TIM BOGERT” (ex - “Vanilla Fudge” bass player) asked him to join his band, and by the end of the year Martin Gerschwitz added “LOVERBOY” and EDDIE VAN HALEN to the list of musicians which he's shared center stage with.

Over the next 28 years Martin performed at well over 12.000 live events worldwide, from solo appearances with orchestras in Germany to European Rockfestivals, from the Russian Rhythm and Blues Festival to the Singapore Blues Festival, from a concert tour of the Persian Gulf countries to the Iceland Rock Festival, Martin Gerschwitz toured the U.S. and the world with such acts as “LITA FORD” (1987 - 1989), “MEAT LOAF” (1989 - 1990), “VANILLA FUDGE” (1991), “WALTER TROUT BAND” (1993 - 1998), just to name a few. He also recorded many CD's as a result of these tours.

In 1996 he also started his own project utilizing the classical knowledge he had, and as a result of that, Martin put out 2 more CD's, "Lazy Afternoon" (1999) and "Nobody knows me" (2000) - wonderful, relaxing all keyboard pieces of music, and both are available through his website (www.martingerschwitz.com), too - a must have for every music fan!

In March of 1999, Martin got approached to join “Eric Burdon & The Animals” as their permanent keyboard/violin player. Martin toured with them all over Europe, North America, Hongkong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, etc., actually - the band was touring constantly all over the world with more than 140 shows per year!
In the midst of all this touring, the band (with Martin) made time to record 3 Live CD's, "Eric Burdon & The New Animals - Bootleg 2000" (which was recorded at "Stephen Talkhouse" in Amagansett, NY), in 2002 "Eric Burdon & The New Animals - Live in Seattle" (which was recorded at the "Experience Music Project" in Seattle, WA), and in December of 2004 “Athens Traffic Live” (which was recorded in - you guessed it - Athens/Greece)!



In the summer of 2003 Martin recorded yet another CD (called “Martin Gerschwitz & friends”, which amongst others featured his band mates of “The Animals” as well), he then toured Europe several times with a mostly german line-up, and finally shot a high quality concert DVD of his band in Frankfurt/Germany in November of 2004 (“Martin Gerschwitz & friends” - Live)!

Once again - everything aforementioned (CD’s/DVD’s) is available through Martin’s website (www.martingerschwitz.com)!

As of November of 2005, Martin is a proud member of “Iron Butterfly” – in fact, he’s their keyboard player/lead singer - and maybe at some point the violin will be part of the show again, too…..???

In May of 2007, Martin released a remastered re-issue double CD of 2 of his most successful earlier CD’s (“Lazy Afternoon” and “Nobody knows me”, both of those are sold out), it’s called “Somebody should know me by now”… and in September of 2008 yet another masterpiece, “Bridge to Eternity”, feat. for the first time his european touring band “Martin Gerschwitz & friends” !!!

Finally – in September of 2011, Martin released 2 more instrumental CD's (“I only look loud”, and “Martino's Christmas Music”) ... again, a must have for everybody, and most certainly for music lovers !!!

Ever since 2008, Martin has been and still is touring extensively as a solo-act all over Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Belgium … and as of 2011, he finally started touring in the US as well, several times in Oregon, Washington state, Nevada, Arizona, and also all over California …

Try to catch him at one of his performances, you're definitely in for a treat !!!



Martino

Coming up 3/13 at 9:00am - Armita Jamshidi, Founder of Aunt Flo’s Kitchen, a company Run By Women, For Women. She is also a student at Cornell University, where she studies Women’s Health and Computer Science, as she builds Aunt Flo’s Kitchen.

Armita Jamshidi, Founder of Aunt Flo’s Kitchen,  a company Run By Women, For Women. LISTEN Today's show featuring  Armita Jamshidi  Aunt...