Coming up July 15th at 9:30am - Ryan Hallahan who plays Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts joins Janeane

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD will make its Costa Mesa premiere at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from July 11 - 25, 2026. Today's show will feature Ryan Hallahan who plays Draco Malfoy.

About Ryan Hallahan
Ryan comes from Chicago where he’s appeared on stage at Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Writers Theatre, Goodman, Northlight, Indiana Repertory, Peninsula Players, and Steep Theatre. Film: Pass Over (Spike Lee/Amazon), Working Man, Orpa. Television: “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire.”


Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany.  

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD features movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe. US Casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA.


From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history.

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:

 CAMERAS INVITED TO HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD HOUSE PRIDE NIGHT WEDNESDAY, JULY 15^TH

 

 

It’s Time to Celebrate Your Inner Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw



WHO: HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD HOUSE PRIDE NIGHT

WHAT: Cameras are invited to capture witches and wizards of all ages dressed in their Hogwarts House colors at a special community event celebrating the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production. Segerstrom Center for the Arts will welcome fans for an evening of interactive experiences and photo opportunities, including an exclusive wand dance choreography class led by a member of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child company, special gift bags with training dowels, as well as the chance to enter the Triwizard Goblet for magical prizes, vote on fan art submissions, and more! 

Fans who arrive in costume will receive a commemorative Harry Potter and the Cursed Child poster, and the evening will conclude with the announcement of the Harry Potter Fan Art Contest Cast Choice winner. Guests are encouraged to proudly represent Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin. All TV cameras must be self-contained. To learn more about House Pride Night and register for the wand choreography class, please visit https://scfta.org/HousePride To enter the Harry Potter fan art competition, click here.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 15th at 5:30 pm

WHERE: Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 9262

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

The production will run from July 11 - 25, 2026. Tickets start at $44, are available for purchase online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and by phone at 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts of 10 or more, call the Group Services offices at 714.755.0236.



PRESS CONTACT
Carla Cruz 714.942.6209, CCruz@scfta.org
Susie Lopez 714.556.2122 x 4076, slopez@scfta.org

Jacqui Pash 714.556.2122 x4726, jpash@scfta.org

Joining Janeane July 15th at 9:00am - Pius Kamau author of Running with Lions

 

Running with Lions, is simply a remarkable story! He's a tireless advocate for education and equity, among other causes. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.


Dr. Kamau champions education and equity, supporting African women in STEM and serving on boards to expand minority access to science. His philosophy is rooted in openness, inquiry, and service—striving for a more humane world through healing and storytelling. As a Health Equity Leader, he continues to inspire with a vision of unity and the power of diverse voices

Born in Kenya and trained in Spain, Pius Kamau has been in surgical practice in the Denver area for three decades. He was a columnist for The Rocky Mountain News and has written for The Denver Post. Kamau’s commentaries have also been featured on NPR, in the Huffington Post and other national magazines and newspapers. He’s also contributed to several books and recently finished his memoir.


"A perceptive psychological exploration of the impact of racism and colonization."
-Donna Bryson, author of It's a Black-White Thing and Home of the Brave

As a boy in colonial Kenya, Pius Kamau learns early what it means to run with lions-both the metaphorical powers that stalk his people and the real leopard he encounters alone in the forest, the first of many times he will stand eye-to-eye with death.

Born under British rule and hardened by the unspeakable violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Pius grows up where curable illnesses claim loved ones and hope feels scarce. Inspired by his tubercular father, he dares to believe education can be his escape. He flees on foot toward Sudan in search of schooling but is arrested and sent back. He refuses to surrender. A scholarship to Strathmore College in Nairobi leads to medical studies in Spain, where Europe's art, philosophy, and culture widen his world even as he confronts the contradictions of colonialism.

Returning to an independent Kenya as a doctor, Pius discovers oppression has simply changed hands. This powerful memoir traces his journey from dirt-poor village boy to physician and eventually to surgeon, proving resilience, intellect, and courage know no color or border.
About the Author

Pius K. Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for HuffPost, Denver's Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He's been published in NPR's This I believe, Marlo Thomas's The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor's Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.



Publisher ‏ : ‎ Koehler Books

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 14, 2026


by Pius K Kamau MD (Author)

Here's a link to just some of his pieces from NPR News/ KUNC



From colonial Kenya to Colorado: Local surgeon and humanitarian recalls 'running with lions' in powerful new memoir

DENVER, CO., July 14, 2026—Thoracic surgeon, author, and humanitarian Dr. Pius Kamau has released his newest book with Koehler Books. His powerful memoir tells the extraordinary true story of his journey from a small village in colonial Kenya to a career as a physician and surgeon in the United States.

Growing up during British colonial rule and the violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Kamau witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty, disease, and political oppression. Determined to pursue an education despite overwhelming obstacles, he fled his village in search of schooling, even enduring imprisonment before ultimately studying medicine in Spain and going on to become a respected thoracic surgeon.

When asked about how he’s scaled these seemingly insurmountable barriers, he says, “My life may have been full of deep valleys of despair and seeming loss, but it too was a life full of kind people, full of generous men and women. I believe that I did well because I allowed charity and kindness to shine on my dark days and nights. And in addition to my persistence and resilience I kept hope alive. I still keep hope alive.”

The memoir explores themes of perseverance, faith, and the enduring pursuit of justice. Through deeply personal stories—including surviving encounters with wild predators, political violence, and life-threatening hardship—Kamau reflects on the experiences that shaped both his character and his calling to medicine.

In addition to his work as a thoracic surgeon, Kamau is an accomplished author whose writing has appeared in HuffPost, The Denver Gazette, NPR's This I Believe, Chicken Soup for the Soul of the Cancer Patient, and other national publications. He is also the founder of Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists pursue graduate education in the United States, and hosts Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.

Kamau's memoir offers readers an intimate look at one man's determination to overcome extraordinary adversity while illuminating the lasting impact of colonialism, the transformative power of education, and the resilience of the human spirit.

For more information about Dr. Pius Kamau and his new book, visit koehlerbooks.com.


ABOUT PIUS KAMAU, MD

Pius Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for Huffpost, Denver’s Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He’s been published in NPR’s This I believe, Marlo Thomas’s The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup of the Soul of the Cancer Patient, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor’s Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.   

Coming up July 8th 9:30am - A Billion-Dollar Drug. A Trail of Dead Teenagers. One Doctor Refuses to Stay Silent. Writer/Director Doug Bremner talks about his film,THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG - which premiered at DANCES WITH FILMS JUNE 27.

 

THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG WORLD PREMIERING AT DANCES WITH FILMS ON JUNE 27 BASED ON A TRUE STORY!!

photo courtesy of K.O. PR To view the trailer, go to: https://vimeo.com/1104117373 🎙️LISTEN to today's show🎙️

WRITER/DIR: Doug Bremner  PRODS: Doug Bremner, Julia Hobgood, Catherine Kagan, Joshua Looby, Viola Vaccarino CAST: Andy Evans, David de Vries, Hannah Fierman, Shaan Sharma, Caroline Avery Granger, Nisey Woods When a psychiatrist discovers that a medication for the treatment of acne is causing teenagers to kill themselves, the pharmaceutical company sets out on a campaign to destroy the source of the threat to their billion-dollar-a-year drug. Described as Erin Brockovich meets The Constant Gardener, THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is inspired by a true story that involves greed, power, lies, tragedy, danger, and death. After the death of her son, Amanda Bellaconda seeks the help of Dr Jack Forteo to understand why teenagers are suddenly taking their own lives after taking a medication for acne. Carinaderm is the goose that keeps laying golden eggs, an acne medication bringing in a billion dollars a year for the Renzon Pharmaceutical Company. When Dr. Forteo sees a potentially lethal side effect of their blockbuster acne pill, Renzon doesn’t hesitate to pull out the stops with personal attacks and accusations of fraud, bringing Forteo’s marriage and career to the brink of destruction. With nothing left to lose, Forteo goes on a journey to revisit a tragedy from his own past. When he unearths painful secrets and deceptions that parallel those he has discovered in the pharmaceutical company, his voyage of self-discovery gives him strength to resume his struggle, leading to the ultimate conclusion. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG team includes writer/producer/director Doug Bremner and executive producers Neil Shulman, M.D., Patch Adams, M.D., and Raymond Schinazi., PhD. Producers include Bremner, Julia Hobgood, Cat Kagan, Joshua Looby, and Viola Vaccarino. The lead role of Dr. Jack Forteo is played by Andy Evans (86 Melrose Avenue). Plaintiff’s attorney Red Leghorn is played by David de Vries (The Founder). The bereaved mother of the teenage suicide victim, Amanda Bellaconda, is played by Hannah Fierman (VHS). Shaan Sharma (The Chosen) is Ryan Singh, plaintiff’s attorney. Jack’s wife, Isabella Forteo, is played by Caroline Avery Granger (Cobra Kai), and Crystal Watson, the ruthless attorney heading up the Renzon legal team, is played by Nisey Woods (Vampire Diaries).   THE REAL STORY… Douglas Bremner is professor of psychiatry and a researcher. He did brain imaging research on the effects of an acne medication, isotretinoin (Accutane), on the brain, and as a result became an expert witness in multi-district litigation related to depression and suicide in teenagers who had taken the drug. The research was funded by private donations from affected families. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is a fictionalized story with elements of truth. In reality, the plaintiffs settled with the drug manufacturer and part of the settlement was that they couldn’t talk about the settlement. The film has a running time of 92 minutes. It is currently not rated by the MPAA and is available for sale in all territories.     THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG PREMIERES AT DANCES WITH FILMS ON JUNE 27 AT 3:45 p.m. IN THEATER 4 https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-the-goose-that-laid-the-golden-egg/

Joining Janeane July 8th at 9:00am - Jeff Hanson shares details about Surf Guitar 101 Festival coming up July 31st-August 2nd in Orange County, California

 

🎙️ LISTEN to this week's Show 🎙️

Surf Guitar 101 Festival

with Surf Guitar 101 Festival Weekender

The 17th Annual Surf Guitar 101 Festival is a 3-day extravaganza

 featuring some of the hottest bands in surf!

2026 is bigger and better than ever, with a fantastic new location 

in the heart of Orange County where the music mania originated.

Enjoy the ballrooms, bars and stages at the temple of surf music known as 

Garden Grove Elks Lodge, 11551 Trask Ave. near the 22 freeway and Harbor Blvd.

Make plans now to be part of one of the world’s largest and 

longest-running surf music festivals.

ABOUT JEFF

                              The event started as a forum in 2006. 

 

He is the founder of this event running since 2008 (with a 2 yr break for covid).

He was in choir and chamber singers in Jr. High and high school.

He owns a guitar and a bass and dabbles in playing.

His passion is booking shows.

He found a passion for the surf guitar sound that started here in Southern California because of the surf scene.

It evolved from instrumental bands around the country, but
Dick Dale used to play for the surfers in the 60s and had a show
at the rondevue ballroom; it was packed with surfers.
They showed up in surf gear and had to borrow bow ties a the door to get in!

Here is the best place to read about the history of the festival:

https://surfguitar101.com/about/

Stellar Shows | Surf Guitar 101 Festival

Coming up July 1st at 9:30am - Amy Durham, CEO of NAMI Orange County, joins Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm

                          🎙️ LISTEN to today's show 🎙️

ABOUT AMY DURHAM
Amy Durham is the CEO of NAMI Orange County, where she has served for more than 13 years. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is passionate about expanding access to mental health support, strengthening communities through collaboration, and helping individuals and families find hope. Amy enjoys sharing practical insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of human connection.

NAMI OC WarmLine - (714) 991-6412

Joining Janeane LIVE at 9:00am - The NaNaz are an all-female punk/alt rock collective from Newport, South Wales - six women in their 50s and 60s who met at a punk workshop. Three members, Anne-Marie, Claire, and Jade will call in to KUCI 88.9fm studios.

 

                         🎙️ LISTEN to today's show 🎙️

               WATCH this week's episode recorded live!

               

The NaNaz — South Wales’ Riot Women of Punk

The NaNaz are an all-female punk/alt rock collective from Newport, South Wales, known for proving that punk has no age limit. The NaNaz were born out of community punk music workshops for women over 50 in Newport, Gwent — and quickly became a riot in motion. 

Blending punk, alt-rock, raw honesty and sharp humour, they prove attitude has no age limit. Fuelled by fearless energy, loud guitars, unapologetic lyricism and huge personality, The NaNaz have caused mayhem across South Wales, England, and now New York after playing Loud Women NYC. Their sound is loud, honest, chaotic and made to be felt as much as heard. 

 With members spanning generations, they tear up expectations and redefine what a punk band looks like — bringing community, creativity and rebellion to every stage they hit. Their growing story has already led to major press attention and a BBC Our Lives documentary. 

 “A punk uprising wrapped in laughter: The NaNaz are melodic, mischievous and impossible to ignore.” — Repeat Records

Origins and Inspiration

The group began as part of a grassroots initiative to give older women a creative outlet, with no prior experience or instruments required. Participants included former nurses, foster carers, and ice-cream van drivers, all united by a love of music and a desire to perform The Guardian. The name “NaNaz” came after a lineup change, and the band now features a mix of new and experienced female musicians Green Gathering Festival.

Debut Single — “60 Lies”

Their first single, “60 Lies”, was released in September 2025 and produced by Jeff Rose of Skindred loudwomen.org+1. The track supports the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, addressing the injustice faced by 3 million women who lost up to five years of pension entitlement. The song is a sharp, hook-laden protest anthem that channels fury, humour, and unapologetic truth-telling loudwomen.org+1.

Music and Style

The NaNaz’s sound is loud, honest, and unapologetic, mixing punk urgency with art-rock sophistication. Their repertoire tackles social issues — from pensions and menopause to recycling and care home fees — alongside personal and political themes The Guardian. They’ve been featured on guitar.com’s homepage and in Age Cymru’s poster campaign The Guardian.

Live Performances

Since their formation, they’ve played sold-out shows in Newport, Cardiff, and Swansea, and have 13 gigs and festival dates booked for 2026 Green Gathering Festival. Their headline Cardiff show is set for 24 October 2025 at The Canopi, with support from Scare Bears and Daisy Green loudwomen.org+1.

Why They Matter

The NaNaz are often called the real-life “Riot Women” — a nod to the BBC drama Riot Women — and are seen as a zeitgeist moment for women over 50 in the punk scene. They embody the DIY ethos, community spirit, and fearless attitude that punk has always championed loudwomen.org+1.

In short: The NaNaz are a riot in motion — a generation-defying punk force using music to tell their truth, inspire others, and prove that attitude, creativity, and noise have no expiry date.

ABOUT THE BAND:

Jade is an accomplished drummer who played in orchestras in her youth and has played in several bands. She calls herself Viper for a reason!

Anne-Marie is the band 'agitator' and writes & sings many of our songs about her social observations as well as plays bass. She has a lot to say, and you're going to know about it!

Claire is another of our song writers & singers, she also plays rhythm guitar, manages our merch and is band treasurer.

Deb is the viola player, she enjoys harmonising with the others, both musically & otherwise, she also deals with a lot of the band admin. Another crafty one, she's worked with costumes for TV and theatre and also has a side line making sustainable clothes art & accessories.

Marega (currently en route back from France) is the performance artist & creative genius of the band, she's also one of our song-writers & singers & plays all the instruments and more!

Coming up June 24th at 9:00am - Actor Bruce Dern with writer and EP, Elissa Shay, talk about their new film FRACTURED - screening June 25th at Dances with Films

Bruce Dern

Elissa Shay

   🎙️ LISTEN to the show 🎙️

FRACTURED, a compelling psychological thriller written by Elissa Shay and Cary Haze, and directed by Mädchen Amick, will have its World Premiere at the 29th Annual Dances With Films on Thursday, June 25th at 8:30 pm at the TCL Chinese 6 in Hollywood.

WRITERS: Elissa Shay & Cary Haze
PRODS: Iris Torres, Penny Edmiston, Chelsey Neders
CAST: Julia Ormond, Bruce Dern, Elissa Shay

In FRACTURED, Hayley’s infamous ex-boyfriend suddenly shows up and triggers memories of her father’s death. Having spent a lifetime masking the trauma of her childhood Hayley must now face a truth that will either heal or destroy her.

FRACTURED stars Emmy Award winner Julia Ormond (Legends of the Fall, My Week With Marilyn) as Dr. Rose, Bruce Dern (The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as Papa Joe, and Elissa Shay as Hayley, with an outstanding supporting cast including Anne Dudeck (Mad Men), Christopher Redman (NCIS: Origins, Chicago Fire), Igbal Theba (Glee ), Jordan Belfi (Entourage), Tom Franco (The Disaster Artist), Roger Guenveur Smith (Summer of Sam), Anzu Lawson (The Blacklist) and Johnny Ferro (Hand of God) as Jax.

“Fractured started as a question I needed to answer for myself — and bringing it to the Chinese Theatre, carried by this extraordinary cast and amazing crew, is proof that the stories we’re most afraid to tell are usually the ones most worth telling. Thanks to Dances With Films for supporting independent film and inviting us to join their prestigious film festival." says Shay.


FRACTURED is Produced by Iris Torres, Penny Edmiston, and Chelsey Neders, with Executive Producers Wavelength’s Jenifer Westphal and Joe Plummer, joining are Milan Chakraborty and Shay, along with Co-producer and Casting Director Gayle Pillsbury. Director of Photography is Justin Henning. Editors are Robin Gonsalves and Bridget Smith. Thomas Cuce and Chad Fischer composed the film’s original music. Production Designer is Melissa Woods and Costumes by Maria Giagiozis. Legal representation by Arnold Peter of Peter Law Group.

FRACTURED was filmed entirely in the Los Angeles area.

"Los Angeles is the bedrock of my career; this city gave me my start, my network, and my creative voice. Being able to film Fractured right here in L.A. was incredibly important to the producing team. This city has an unmatched creative soul, and keeping production local means supporting the world-class crews and talent who make this industry run. Thanks to actors like Julia Ormond and Bruce Dern, independent filmmaking is still alive in Los Angeles ensuring that the next generation of storytellers actually gets a chance to build a sustainable career where Hollywood began." – says Producer Penny Edmiston

"Fractured is a film with a fearless soul, crafted from deeply personal experiences that beautifully illuminates the complexities of emotional reckoning. We believe that female driven stories not only deserve attention, but true investment, and Fractured is a shining example of what happens when you empower talented female artists”. - Executive Producer Jen Westphal

The film will screen on Thursday, June 25th at 8:30 pm at the TCL Chinese Theater, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, 90028.

For tickets go to:. FRACTURED | DANCES WITH FILMS

Tickets on sale now.

WORLD PREMIERE 8:30PM PST June 25th, 2026
TCL Chinese Theater @danceswithfilms

#elissashay #fracturedthemovie #jaxisback #dwfla #indiefilm

starring @elissa_shay @julia.ormond @amberchardae @johnnyferro @anzulawson
written by @elissa_shay & caryhaze
produced by @luckypennypictures @iristorres9 @chelseyyleigh