Pamela Giusto-Sorrells, the founder of Pamela's Products, celebrates 30 years! She sat down with Janeane to talk about what this means to her and more.

Wowza! 

Pamela , the founder of Pamela's Products,
celebrates 30 years!

LISTEN
to today's featured guest Pamela Giusto-Sorrells
share what this milestone means to her
at the Natural Products Expo 

Pamela’s Products, started in 1988, is known for delicious, gluten free foods with a full line of baking mixes, cookies and snack bars. As a pioneer in both natural foods and gluten-free, Pamela’s still maintains leadership status in the industry. With ongoing improvement and innovation, Pamela’s Products continues to grow and embrace the many opportunities that lay ahead.

Pamela’s strength comes from Pamela herself, who not only develops every product recipe, but personally chooses, tests and approves every ingredient. Pamela ensures top-quality products by sourcing the best ingredients available for optimal flavor and texture in every product.

Pamela's Story
When we think of bakeries we dream of the delicious treats of childhood, of cakes and frosting, cookies and pies…

and I believe everyone should get to experience decadent and satisfying foods. When I was a child, our natural food bakery meant to me awful-tasting special-diet cookies and brown, heavy whole grain breads!


My grandparents started one of the first health food stores (and bakery) in San Francisco. Growing up in the Health Food Industry, I was given the “weird” food to take to school by way of heavy, nutty breads and small, dry health food cookies or with carob instead of chocolate. No one wanted to trade food with me!

I spent my summers in my family’s bakery, packing rice and soy cookies for people with special dietary needs. Although these dry, tasteless cookies were in high demand, they were not particularly appetizing. At a young age, I could relate to those who had to eat these “weird” foods. I imagined life with food allergies and without the joys of a great chocolate chip cookie. I pondered my own enjoyment of cookies and food and contemplated what life would be like if all I could eat were the rice and soy cookies I packed everyday.


I suggested making the wheat-free and gluten-free cookies taste better, but I was told that “the allergy people were fine and happy to have something”. Back then the Health Food Industry was much less interested in taste. Health food was known to be dry, hard, and crumbly but always nutritious.

Much has changed since those days; Health Food is now called Natural Food and most people are concerned about nutrition and taste equally. Although my company is part of the Natural Food Industry I always strive for something better, something different.In 1988, after college I left the family business to start my own independent company founded on the premise that wheat-free and gluten-free foods can taste great and that everyone should have food delicious enough to celebrate. My company, Pamela’s Products, continues to lead the industry with award winning decadent and delicious gluten-free foods.

I have always insisted on eye catching, brightly colored labels instead of the dreary packaging of the day, I was the first to use real butter when everyone else was using oil, and today I lead the pack by insisting on the finest ingredients such as imported European Dark Chocolate and true crystallized ginger for my most delectable treats.

Pamela’s Products has had a far reaching impact on the gluten-free food market and the Natural Food Industry. I love what I do and everyone I’ve met along the way. I continue to take pleasure in finding new flavor combinations and creating tasty new products to celebrate with friends. I hope you enjoy my products too!

#pamelasproducts

pamelasproducts.com

Coming up 1/8/25 - Director Haley Watson is known for films exploring human experience. Her storytelling prowess was exemplified when she pitched the original story for the Oscar-winner, "The Queen of Basketball." Watson's journey through the camera department includes recognition from AFI and ASC. She now debuts the short documentary she directed, "Motorcycle Mary." Haley joins Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm.

TRAILER

LISTEN

LOGLINE

In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.


SYNOPSIS

The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, MOTORCYCLE MARY brings to light, with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills,
an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines.


Born on the eve of World War II, Mary’s early life is riddled with fear, but with
her older brother Jim’s guidance, Mary conquers her apprehensive nature and discovers the art of composure—a skill that serves her to take on the racetrack. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Mary's remarkable racing odyssey begins
in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles.


Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Attempting to become the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle.

ABOUT DIRECTOR HALEY WATSON

Haley Watson is a director known for crafting intimate films that delve into the depths of the human experience. Her keen storytelling prowess was exemplified when she discovered and pitched the original story for the 2021 Academy Award-winning "The Queen of Basketball." Haley's journey began in the camera department, where she honed her filmmaking skills while on set with luminaries like Lynn Shelton and David Lynch. Transitioning to a director of photography, her exceptional talents earned recognition from institutions like AFI's Cinematography Intensive for Women and ASC's Vision Mentorship Program. Subsequently, she ventured into directing; helming independent narratives and commercials for clients like Puma and Microsoft. Haley now marks her short documentary directorial debut with "Motorcycle Mary".

Meeting Motorcycle Mary | Breakwater Studios

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Motorcycle Mary is a resounding reminder that women can do anything.


This film reflects Mary McGee’s life and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Mary never let anyone stop her from doing what she loved most in this world: racing. Along with her extensive list of glass ceilings broken for women in
various motorsport disciplines, including transcending gender and becoming
the first person to ride the Baja 500 solo on a motorcycle, Mary demonstrates unmatched courage.


I wanted to make this film because it is important to shed light on a story
that is more than just ‘firsts’ or a list of accomplishments for an athlete.
It is the mentality behind the wins and losses that makes Mary triumphant
in the face of tragic loss, injury, misogyny, all while riding on trails described
to be “designed by the devil himself.” During her racing career, Mary was
never fully recognized for the roads she paved, yet she still found optimism
in everyone and everything. 

Why wouldn’t anyone want to be able to find levity in the face of a challenge?
This holistic sense of peace, while remaining under the shadow of her male
peers, kept Mary in balance to chase her passion and never let anyone stand
in the way of her happiness.


While riding under the radar, Mary is still able to find a sense of grace on the
track. You can replace a motorcycle with any other discipline in a male-dominated field, and you will find incredibly courageous women. Women that, by their presence, make a statement of saying ‘I belong.’ In a world where women
still fight for access to their own bodies, I hope women are inspired by
Mary’s story. I hope anyone can learn from her impervious optimism.


This film paves the way to celebrate a racing pioneer in motorcycle road racing,
car racing, motocross, and the grueling Baja Peninsula races. Above all, Mary chose to face her fears, breathe, and ‘just say yes’ to life.

– Haley Watson, Director

KEY CREDITS

Featuring Mary McGee

Directed by Haley Watson

Produced by Rachel Greenwald, Haley Watson

Executive Producers Lewis Hamilton, Ben Proudfoot

Edited by Cody Wilson

Cinematographer Haley Watson

Sound Supervisor & Re-Recording Mixer Sean Higgins

Color by Stephen Derluguian

Original Score by Katya Richardson 

ABOUT ESPN FILMS

ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for
30 series and the Academy-Award® winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and critical acclaim. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included
30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX, SEC Storied and Emmy award-winning docu-series “The Last Dance.” ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the entire 30 for 30 library.


ABOUT BREAKWATER STUDIOS

BREAKWATER STUDIOS is a two-time Academy Award® winning filmmaking company dedicated to championing short documentaries and the works they inspire. Breakwater Studios’ work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Emmy Awards, James Beard Foundation Awards, and the Peabody Awards, among many others.

2024 AWARDS

Nevada Women’s Film Festival

Winner – Best Female Protagonist

Cordillera International Film Festival

Winner – Best Nevada Short Documentary

Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival

Winner – Best Short Film

Winner – People’s Choice Award

Hot Springs Documentary Festival

Winner – Grand Jury Special Mention

Newport Beach Film Festival

Winner – Audience Award: Best Action Sport Short

2024 FESTIVALS

Tribeca Festival – World Premiere

DOC NYC: Short List Shorts

Nevada Women’s Film Festival

Walla Walla Movie Crush

Indy Shorts International Film Festival

Hollyshorts Film Festival

Atlantic International Film Festival

Camden International Film Festival

Nashville Film Festival

Cordillera International Film Festival

Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival

San Diego International Film Festival

Chicago International Film Festival

Newport Beach Film Festival

Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

In honor of the recent passing of Richard M. Cohen, Janeane re-airs her conversation with the bestselling author and award-winning journalist. In this conversation from 2018. Richard shares his journey with multiple sclerosis and the world of stem cell research in his latest book, Chasing Hope - A Patient's Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith and the Future

LISTEN  

About Chasing Hope
Richard M. Cohen struggles with failing limbs and is legally blind due to his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. He has survived two bouts of colon cancer and a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs. After enduring decades of harsh treatments and invasive therapies, Cohen decided to trade in his life as a patient. Cohen chronicles his journey with humor, self-deprecation, and incredible insight in his new memoir, CHASING HOPE: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future.

In 2012, Cohen and his wife, Meredith Vieira, were invited to host and chair an adult stem cell conference at the Vatican. Scientists would be gathering in Rome to discuss stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, including MS. A believer in the power of denial and determination over faith and hope, Cohen was caught off guard by what he learned. Medical technology had advanced further and more quickly than Cohen had known. Could there be a chance his health could improve? Could MS be cured? As Cohen took part in a pioneering stem cell protocol, he opened himself to the possibility of hope for the first time in his adult life.

On today's show, Richard discusses:

· His experience with Stem Cell therapy: what he did, and how he’s doing now

· How he and his family deal with the everyday reality of his ever-changing health status

· Why he decided to end his traditional treatment, and how his doctors reacted

· His thoughts on faith and religion, and how his friends’ and colleagues’ faith inform his own thoughts on religion

· Cohen’s own thoughts on the difference between hope and faith and what that means for patients with illness.

Cohen's deep dive into the cutting-edge world of stem cell research and his journalistic investigation of hope includes interviews with doctors, scientists, and religious leaders, as well as conversations with others living with chronic conditions, all with the goal of understanding a hope that is both elusive and alluring.


About Richard M. Cohen

Richard M. Cohen is the author of two New York Times bestsellers: a memoir, Blindsided, detailing his struggles with MS and cancer and his controversial career in the news business; and Strong at the Broken Places, following the lives of five individuals living with serious chronic illnesses. His distinguished career in network news earned him numerous awards, including three Emmys and a Peabody. Cohen lives outside New York City with his wife, Meredith Vieira. They have three grown children

Coming up! UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts - Joel Veenstra, current Chair of the Drama Department at the University of California, Irvine, specializes in stage management, improvisation, and collaborative production

Joel Veenstra
Chair, Department of Drama

Head of Stage Management

LISTEN

Joel Veenstra is a professional stage manager, production manager, producer, and improviser. He also has a new book out now with the late Robert Cohen, the founding Chair of Drama. The book is called Working Together In Theatre - Collaboration and Leadership. 

Read more about the extraordinary work and legacy of Robert Cohen:
Robert Cohen, the founding chair of the Department of Drama at UC Irvine passes | Department of Drama | Claire Trevor School of the Arts

ABOUT JOEL VEENSTRA
As a proud Actors’ Equity Association stage manager, Veenstra coordinates collaborations and productions with renowned regional theaters, including Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Pasadena Playhouse, Laguna Playhouse, El Portal Theatre, the Matrix Theatre, and Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center. He also stage manages large scale celebrity galas, including the Legacy Awards, honoring luminaries including Tom Hanks, Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Jill Soloway (Transparent), and Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black); the California Science Center’s Discovery Ball featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavor; KindredSPIRITS 2012 at The Walt Disney Concert Hall; and The Detroit Creativity Project's Detroit Party featuring Keegan Michael-Key (Key and Peele, MADtv). In 2019, he had to honor to stage manage Maestro Impro™ in London, UK.

Veenstra serves as the University of California’s (UCI) Claire Trevor School of the Arts’ (CTSA) Drama Department's Vice Chair of Production. He has collaborated as a Production Manager for Counter Balance Theater and for special CTSA events, including Dance Conversations: Theatres in Dance and the Dramatic Transformations productions, which examined the need for cultural inclusivity. Prior to joining UCI’s faculty, he was the Production Manager for the nationally recognized Cornerstone Theater Company based in Los Angeles. He oversaw the critically acclaimed production of Café Vida, written by Lisa Loomer (Girl Interupted, The Waiting Room) and directed by Michael John Garcés (Los Illegals), in partnership with Homeboy Industries and presented by The Los Angeles Theatre Center operated by the Latino Theater Company. He also coordinated Creative Seeds: An Exploration of Hunger, a one-of-a-kind 14-day festival comprised of 33 events in 20 different locations throughout Los Angeles with over a thousand attendees. 

His experience opened up more opportunities to produce and consult on increasingly complex conferences, symposiums, festivals, and film productions. In 2018, he collaborated with Cirque du Soleil to present the Cirque du Soleil KÀ Symposium at UCI and took a group of over 50 UCI students, alumni, and faculty backstage on several Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas. As the Western Regional Director of the Stage Managers’ Association (SMA), a national organization headquartered in New York City, Veenstra helped recognize western region stage managers for the Del Hughes Awards and provided continuing education and networking opportunities for stage managers in the western region. Events included View from the Wings Symposiums; SMA Go Out Networking events; Speed Networking Events with Regional Theatres; and panels with stage managers including two with the stage management teams from Hamilton: An American Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

In 2017, Veenstra and Theresa Robbins Dudeck launched the Global Improvisation Initiative (GII) Symposium at UCI in conjunction with Chapman University. In 2019, he assisted in presenting the GII Symposium in London in collaboration with Improbable, the world-renowned company of pioneering improvisers, theatre makers, and conversation facilitators. Also in 2017, he brought the Applied Improvisation Network (AIN) World Conference, held at Oxford University in 2016, to UCI and Los Angeles and served as the Conference Chair. He has subsequently mentored the AIN conference teams to host the conference in Paris, New York, and Spain. He also conceived in 2013 and has annually produced UCI's Coup de Comedy Festival, a free 4-day comedy celebration for the community with over 30 performances and workshops. He has also produced a series of documentary shorts exploring the art of improvisational theater, titled Improv Legends: Ideas, Insights, Icons, as well as supporting other film projects.

Improvisation also plays a key component in Veenstra’s teaching, research and creative ventures. Veenstra promotes the interconnection of improvisation, stage management, and production in his work as well as in life itself. He teaches applied improvisation to business executives (both international and domestic) at The Paul Merage School of Business. He is also exploring the application of improvisation within healthcare with UCI's Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing and UCI’s School of Medicine. He also has developed an Intergenerational Improvisation Workshop curriculum to bridge the gap between the generations that was highlighted by California AARP and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). In addition, Veenstra teaches improvisation for performance (core improvisational concepts; narrative improvisation; long form; improvised film; and improvisation for sketch) and mentors UCI’s two improvisation teams: Live Nude People* (*with clothes on) and Improv Revolution.

From 2000 until 2005, Veenstra performed regularly with River City Improv, a professional improv ensemble based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In the Los Angeles area, he performed with improv ensembles at The Second City Hollywood, iO West, Westside Comedy Theater (formerly Westside Eclectic), and the STAGEStheatre. He has a created, directed, and mentored multiple improv teams, including Gull Lake Improv, S.W.A.T., and Improv Revolution. He graduated from The Second City Conservatory in Hollywood, Paul Sills’ Theater Game Workshop, and Keith Johnstone’s Improvisational Theatre Intensive.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles in 2005, Veenstra began working as a Story Editor at Alcon Entertainment, which produced films including My Dog Skip, Insomnia, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and The Blind Side, distributed through Warner Bros. He worked on the release of Richard Donner’s 16 Blocks and Neil LaBute’s The Wicker Man. Veenstra earned production credits for his work on Richard LaGravenese’s P.S. I Love You, which starred Hilary Swank and Gerard Bulter and grossed over $156 million worldwide, One Missed Call, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.

In 1999, Veenstra created Veenstra Enterprises as a producing umbrella company for his creative ventures in film, video, and theatre. At that time, he began directing and teaching theatre for the historic Peddy Players' Summerstock Program in Detroit. In 2000 he delved into television production at Grand Rapids' ABC Affiliate WZZM 13. In 2001, he began a relationship with Compass Film Academy where he produced a number of award winning short films and taught film production and screenwriting. Between the inception of Veentra Enterprises and Veenstra’s relocation to Los Angeles in 2005, he facilitated over 100 film, video, and theatrical productions.

His accolades include the Excellence in Theatre Education Award by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Festival 50 Region 8, given in recognition of valued service to students as an educator and mentor; the 2018 UCI Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Fostering Undergraduate Research, given in recognition of outstanding work in mentoring undergraduate students engaged in research and/or creative activity; Student Organization Advisor of the Year in 2015, out of over 600 student organizations; and acceptance into UCI’s Provost Leadership Academy.

He has been a requested educator and speaker at the UCLA Extension, UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, Calvin College, Compass Film Academy, the Damah Film Festival, Act One: Training for Hollywood, and the AIN World Conferences. His Board of Directors service includes work with the Applied Improvisation Network, the William and Anna VandenBosch Gospel Foundation, and the Stage Managers’ Association. Veenstra earned his MFA in Drama from UCI and his BA in Communication Arts and Sciences, with a Theatre focus, from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Veenstra is active member in his faith community and a practitioner of mindfulness, improvisation, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He lives in Irvine with his partner, a licensed psychologist, and their two sons.

Here's where you can find Joel's new book with the late Robert Cohen, the founding Chair of Drama. The book is called Working Together In Theatre - Collaboration and Leadership. 

About Robert Cohen
Robert Cohen (1938-2024) the Claire Trevor Professor of Drama Emeritus passed away on Nov. 15, 2024, at 86. A towering figure in the theater world, Cohen was a founding faculty of the Department of Drama at UC Irvine. Cohen joined UCI in 1965 after earning his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his D.F.A. from Yale University. Instrumental in shaping the drama department, Cohen served as its founding chair for 25 years and established the M.F.A. in Drama program. As a transformative leader in theater education, direction and scholarship, he created programs that set national benchmarks, including the Students’ Repertory Theatre, the first of its kind in the United States. Under his leadership, UC Irvine’s drama program emerged as a preeminent training ground for actors, directors, and scholars, solidifying its reputation as a leader in theater education.

Read more about the extraordinary work and legacy of Robert Cohen:
Robert Cohen, the founding chair of the Department of Drama at UC Irvine passes | Department of Drama | Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Book link: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/working-together-in-theatre-9781350333598/

UCI CTSA events page: https://www.arts.uci.edu/events

Looking for great entertainment this holiday season and throughout the New Year? Christopher Adriance, Vice President of Marketing - Irvine Barclay Theatre, joins Janeane 12/18 9:00am to share details on upcoming Barclay events!

LISTEN to today's show featuring Christopher Adriance, 
Vice President of Marketing with the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Irvine, CA, October 29, 2021 – Irvine Barclay Theatre has announced that Christopher Adriance has joined the staff as Vice President of Marketing.

Adriance joins the Barclay after having worked at Pacific Symphony over the past eight years. During his time at the Symphony, Adriance worked in various roles with both the marketing and development teams. He most recently served as the Director of Marketing and Loyalty Campaigns.

In this role, Adriance helped steer marketing strategy, promotions, season ticket sales, departmental project management, patron loyalty campaigns, direct mail campaigns, and digital marketing. He managed Pacific Symphony’s six subscription series, achieving an annual sales goal of $3.3 million, and developed other subscriber programs, including Symphony Pass, a monthly membership program resulting in $85,000 increased revenue annually.

He holds a certificate in digital marketing through Duke University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from UC Irvine in 2011.

“We are excited to have Christopher join the Irvine Barclay team as we develop innovative new ways to provide value to our patrons,” said Jerry Mandel, Chairman and President of Irvine Barclay Theatre. “We look forward to continuing our season of great performances and to celebrating the return of live performances with all of Orange County throughout the year.

Irvine Barclay Theatre presents one of the leading jazz series on the West Coast; a variety of music genres featuring world renowned artists; classic ballet and contemporary dance; National Geographic Live’s fascinating presentations by leading explorers, scientists, and photographers; and a speaker series with esteemed authors and other thought leaders.

Irvine Barclay Theatre was busy during the pandemic’s downtime, installing new seats and carpet in the auditorium, as well as painting, and upgrading its HVAC system and air-handlers to use hospital-grade filters throughout the building.

Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci Their Smash Show to Orange County:

HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis on the “Yes, It’s Real” Tour

HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv), a hit show that has sold out venues across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, comes to Irvine Barclay Theatre on Friday, Jan. 10 at 8pm with the "Yes, It’s Real” Tour.


Hypnotist extraordinaire Asad Mecci will welcome 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it, Anyway?) to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized. In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the volunteers' uninhibited, unconscious minds and audience suggestions, each 90-minute show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience.


Stunning audiences throughout North America and Europe and making them ask “Is this real?”, the duo is set to prove it with their latest tour. The live show, which has been called “hilarious and fascinating" by Time Out New York, combines hypnosis and improv for a one-of-a-kind comedy experience.


"We are so excited to launch this new tour and return to some of our favourite cities and visit some new ones." said Asad Mecci. "It’s been an incredible journey.”

“And we just want to remind everyone, YES! It’s real,” exclaims Colin Mochrie.


HYPROV has been acclaimed by prestigious publications, with The New York Times declaring, “The audience erupted in laughter. It killed” The Wall Street Journal praised it as "catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality," and The New Yorker advised, "Say yes to HYPROV."

HYPROV was created in 2016 at Toronto's Second City. After working it out on stage, they took the show on the road to Just for Laughs London, Just for Laughs Montreal and the Edinburgh Fringe where it was received with rave reviews in 2016 and 2017. The duo set out on a 100-city tour from 2019-2023, performed 12 weeks Off Broadway in NYC and six months at Harrah’s Las Vegas, and a 16-show residency at the CAA Theatre in Toronto.

Tickets are $39 to $135 and can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org. Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, California 92612 adjacent to UC Irvine. For tickets or more information, please visit www.thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4646.

# # # 

 

About Irvine Barclay Theatre

Irvine Barclay Theatre is a 750-seat “jewel box” theatre renowned for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. Since opening its doors in 1990, Irvine Barclay Theatre has developed into one of California's most imaginative performing arts showcases, welcoming more than 2.6 million patrons over the last 30 years to an impressive array of varied performances by internationally recognized artists.

A unique collaborative venture between the City of Irvine, the University of California, Irvine, and private donors, Irvine Barclay Theatre is operated as an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, adjacent to UC Irvine. For tickets or more information, please visit www.thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4646.

Looking to make a difference this holiday season? There are numerous ways to donate your time and volunteer throughout Orange County this month and throughtout 2025

About Volunteer Network OC


Volunteer Network OC provides a social media platform designed to simplify the process of connecting volunteers with local community groups who provide shelter, food, clothing and other basic necessities to people in need.


Mission Statement

Volunteer Network OC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect volunteers to organizations who provide services to people in need. Our goal is to bridge the gap between volunteers who want to help but aren’t sure where to start, and organizations who need volunteers but don’t know where to find them. Through our website, user-friendly app, and social media platform, we aim to inspire volunteers and to provide support to the organizations who help feed, clothe, shelter and support disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Orange County.

Search Volunteer Events - Volunteer Network OC | Helping you help others

Here is one opportunity for December 31st, 2024.

Bracken's Kitchen is looking for volunteers!

https://www.brackenskitchen.org/volunteer

brackenskitchen


A non-profit organization that’s —
Rescuing today’s food 🥦
Training tomorrow's Chefs 👨🏽‍🍳
Feeding those in need, always...
more
13941 Nautilus Drive, Garden Grove, California 92649

linktr.ee/brackenskitchen

Ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro who has been captivating audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style for the past two decades joins Janeane on 12/11 9:00am pst

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Ukulele superstar, Jake Shimabukuro, has been captivating audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style for the past two decades.

He will be performing in Cerritos at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Dec 13. Audiences will be treated to a mix of Jake’s signature favorites, reimagined holiday classics like “O Holy Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and songs from his new album, Blues Experience. 

Joining Jake on stage will be bassist Jackson Waldhoff and special guest singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young, rounding out a spectacular evening of holiday cheer. 

Jake's new album, Blues Experience, is a combo of the best - Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood who breathe new life into classic blues tunes, resulting in an exhilarating and unique reinterpretation of some of the genre's greatest hits.

Albums Of The Week: Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood | Blues Experience - Tinnitist

ABOUT

Since gaining prominence in the early 2000’s, ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving effortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same song. After being taught the instrument by his mother at age four, Jake became a local phenom, performing on his own and in a local group Pure Heart. Early in his solo career he became a YouTube sensation when his cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. 

Since then, Jake has gone on to play the world’s most venerable venues, from The Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House and The N.O. Jazz Fests and collaborated with some of the world’s greatest musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Bette Midler, Ziggy Marley, Sonny Landreth, Billy Strings, Lukas & Willie Nelson and Warren Haynes. Shimabukuro has also won his share of awards and, just a few years ago he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a Member for the National Council on the Arts.

One strong thread that runs through much of Shimabukuro’s work is that of collaboration. From the Trio album to Jake & Friends to Grateful and beyond, Shimabukuro thrives in the ability to feed off and inspire his fellow musicians. For his brand-new project Blues Experience, Shimabukuro joins forces with his friend, drumming legend and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, to create a fresh new take on the Blues. “I’ve always wanted to do a Blues album and when Mick and I started talking about working together, I thought who better to work with than Mick Fleetwood?” The result is something exhilarating and unique, as these two titans of their instruments reinterpret some of the greatest songs written by some of their favorite songwriters in a Blues setting.

It’s a union whose roots go back to the late 1990s when a young Shimabukuro met and played with Fleetwood at the Hawaiian Music Awards ceremony along with singer songwriter Kenny Loggins. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that the two were reconnected by a mutual friend at a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert in Nashville. That night, the seeds of the collaboration were planted at Fleetwood’s suggestion. Not long thereafter the two convened along with Jake’s touring bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboard player Michael Grande to start work on a new studio album in Maui. Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band plays keys on two songs, “Need Your Love So Bad”, and “Rockin’ In The Free World”.

Over the course of two 3-day sessions, the band recorded 9 songs live in the studio. The only track that was not recorded with all of the musicians playing together was Sonny Landreth’s brilliant slide guitar on the Jeff Beck/Stevie Wonder classic “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”. This soaring track full of peaks and valleys was a tremendous way to start the album. The interplay between Landreth and Shimabukuro is so seamless, you’d never know that they did not play together in the same room. The Chemistry is due in large part to the two performing the song w ww.sarapetite.com | www.fortybelowrecords.com together during a recent tour. In addition, Sonny would often sit in with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band back when Jake was a member.

Up next is a truly unique interpretation of the Blues standard, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’”. The song fades inwith a swirling, delay-drenched psychedelic uke over top of Fleetwood’s tribal drumming pattern, giving credence to why Jake is often referred to as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele”. Then, on a dime, Jake changes his sound and cuts to playing the song’s theme which is echoed nicely by the Hammond Organ.

Jake’s playing on the track is experimental and otherworldly, at times ascending into a psych jazz rock fusion in the most visceral ways. “Mick’s energy when he plays is so infectious. He’s such an intense musician. He pushes everyone around him and it’s so inspiring to see his facial expressions and watch his movements and the way he hits the drums,” says Shimabukuro exuberantly.

About “Kula Blues” Jake explains, “I’d never written anything that sounded this bluesy or a shuffle, so I wanted to take a stab at it and have a song where any musician could sit in without needing a chart”. Again, Jake credits Mick Fleetwood with bringing the track to life. “He just got behind the drums and without even counting it off came charging in. You either jump on the train or get outta the way!”

A couple of other standouts on the album are “Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Rockin’ in the Free World”. Of the former, Shimabukuro recalls “I was so in the moment, I remember just closing my eyes and really forgetting my pedal board and everything and just reacting to Mick and the band.”

Fortuitously, The Bridge School Benefit, founded by Neil Young had asked Jake if he would do a cover of “Rockin’ in the Free World" the same week he and Mick were in the studio. The track has an explosive energy that builds to an incendiary psychedelic guitar, ‘er make that ukulele solo spurred on by Fleetwood’s thunderous drums.

One of the things that really comes across speaking to Jake about this record is the ‘spirits in the air’ during the recordings. This is particularly apparent on their rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird”. Recorded not long after Christine McVie’s passing, the band only did one take. You can feel the emotion in the performance. “I remember Mick took a moment of silence after the song ended and you could see that he felt Christine’s presence.” Fleetwood’s tom tom groove provides the heartbeat for Shimabukuro’s floaty, ethereal uke, as he moves naturally between fast strumming chords and lilting melodic phrases. “I felt so fortunate to be able to experience that with Mick. It was very powerful to see the effect it had on him.”

Another ‘ghost in the machine’ or ‘happy accident’ was the sound of the drums leaking into the ukulele’s electric pickup. Because the musicians were so close together, you can hear all the drums on the ukulele track. When the fx are going on the uke, you get this cool subtle layer of the drum fx in the mix, contributing to the overall vibe and cohesion of the record. Not long after the completion of the record, Maui was devastated by historic wildfires. At the benefit concert in Honolulu Fleetwood once again joined Shimabukuro and the band to perform the songs on Blues Experience for the first time. 

Before the performance, Fleetwood gave a powerful and inspirational speech to the community. Shimabukuro expands on this, , “Mick’s like the point guard on a basketball team making everyone around him play better. It’s really incredible. He has such a huge presence, charisma and energy. It was such an honor to do this project together.

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