90 MILLAS

Thursday, May 1st, I had the pleasure of walking the red carpet at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival (runs April 23-May4).

Dennis and I saw "90 Miles the Documentary" ("90 Millas El Documental"). It was a look at Gloria Estefan as she recorded her latest album, 90 Millas, an amazing tribute to the history of Latin (primarily Cuban) music.

The documentary featured the amazing talents of Latin musicians like Carlos Santana, Lopez Cachao, Chocolate Armenteros, Artura Sandoval, as well as Johnny Pacheco, Jose Feliciano, La India and Gloria Estefan, who all participated in a "talk-back" after the film. Like Emilio Estefan stated, "This is a once in a lifetime experience", and he couldn't have been more right. I mean how often do you sit before that many masters of music...ALL a huge part in the creation of 'Latin music', and have them discuss history and answer questions.

Pretty incredible and inspiring...

The only way you can truly understand how awesome the sound on the album is ....is to BUY it!!

~J

CRY-BABY

Hey all!!

I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings on Cry-Baby, the new John Waters musical. Thanks to my awesome friend Evan, I was able to see it this past Wednesday as an early birthday present. We were somewhat skeptical going in to see it... the reviews have been not-so-good. We also had no comparison to make from the movie...I am a little ashamed, being a fellow Baltimorian. However, I will say I've probably see almost every other John Waters film. I also think his material is very "cult-esque"...you either like it you don't.

Well...we LOVED it. I probably laughed the entire time. The material was great. The acting was superb. I would single out names, but there are too many to mention! Plot wise, it was very similar to Hairspray, but that didn't ruin it for me.

Its basically a quirky spin on the '50s (Grease). Set in Baltimore in 1954 at the birth of rock & roll, Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker is a juvenile delinquent with a permanent tear slithering down his cheek, a reminder of his state-executed parents. In the depths of his despair appears goody-goody girl Allison, who has a sexual crush on "Cry-Baby". But Allison's boyfriend, Baldwin, the leader of the squares, is dead set against "Cry-Baby" and the rest of the juvenile delinquents and leads a revolt against them. At the end of the riot, the juvenile delinquents are blamed for the chaos, and "Cry-Baby" finds himself dispatched to reform school..

...You'll just have to see the show to find out how it all comes together. I forgot to mention the amazing Choreography by Rob Ashford. At one point in the show when "Cry-Baby" is in jail...all the jail mates break out into a tap dance with license plates attached to their shoes. It was pretty incredible.

Overall, I'd say its definitely worth getting to. I have a feeling it won't last long only because it may not cater to a huge audience...but don't let that stop you. It's innovative and unlike any show I've seen. If anything, go for a good laugh! Or, if you're a little skeptical to pay the big bucks up front, rent the movie and see if its up your alley...

Bravo.

J

'WHEN IN ROME'

This past Thursday I worked on the feature film WHEN IN ROME. It was quite an adventure. From the beginning I knew it was going to be an all-niter... but boy was it rough. Didn't get home until 5:45am on Friday and went to bed as the sun was rising. Holding was a bus ride away, so whenever we weren't being used we were stuck out in the cold. I will say I expected a little more from a Walt Disney Picture, but what can ya do. On a positive note, my apartment was only a little more than 20 blocks away from set (Guggenheim Museum) so it made for an easy commute home.

For more information on the film; cast, release date and whatnot check it out on IMDB (below):

WHEN IN ROME

And when you do happen to see the movie next year look for me in the crowd as a party-goer at the Guggenheim.

Ta ta,

J

EASTER

Hey all! Hope every one's enjoying the spring weather that is approaching. I sure am! This picture is from my Easter break in Maryland. I spent a lovely four days and three night's at home. It was rejuvenating to say the least. Ate some amazing food...Ham and Pineapples, Corn Pie, Spinach Pie, Pilaf, Muffins and vino! We also continued the traditional egg tapping after the feast. I had the runt of the litter...a mutated brown egg, BUT ended up winning the game! Below is a pic of my Nannie and Grandpa at it... some one's not very happy. :-)

It was also great to have some quality time with my parents and sister. Its always sooooo hard to leave... but its definitely comforting to know all I have to do is hop on a train/bus to come home.

I am truly thankful for the many blessings in my life..

xo
J

MERCEDES-BENZ

Some fun news...

This week I worked on a Promo Video for Mercedes-Benz over at The Javits Center. The production team has been prepping for the New York International Auto Show , which actually opens today March 21st and runs through March 31st. Not sure about the admission cost or any other details, but you can find that their website (above).

All in all it was a pleasant experience...met some kool people (including the CEO of Mercedes) and it was super EZ money to make. In the commercial, we basically acted as campaigners for Mercedes. Signs, buttons, you name it, we were all geared up and promoting the world's cleanest diesel engines created for SUV's. I'm not gonna lie, the cars were HOT!

Below is a photo I took of the Roadster SLK-Class model...

If you are into cars, I would definitely hit up the auto show this weekend. I got a sneak preview of all the different manufacturers new models and you don't want to miss it...

"Vote for BLUETEC"

CAPTURE NOW

A couple nights ago I had the pleasure of attending a special presentation of CAPTURE NOW at New Dance Group. My good friend and mentor Kurt Peterson (Captain Louie, Sondheim: A Musical Tribute, Side By Side, Gypsy), along side Jane Bergere (Curtains, Caroline or Chance, Glengarry Glen Ross) are co-producing.

This one man play is written and performed by the amazing talent of Josh Jonas. Direction under Larry Moss.

"Capture Now is the story of the relationship between two young brothers, the "coming of age" of the older brother and the love of the family and friends who help move him through difficult times..."

"The play takes place on Long Island in the late '80s-early '90s and features music of The Ramones, Elvis, The Who, Styx and other groups that the brothers share a passion for as they learn to "Rock"."

I expect only good things to come. The team of creators are all headed to Barnard College, Columbia University to start the tech process (lighting, sound and multimedia designs). From there, the show will then head to an Off-Broadway house sometime in the fall.

All you theatre-goers....STAY TUNED!

J

DOUBT

For those of you who don't know, John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer-Prize, Drama Desk and Tony Award winning drama, "Doubt" is currently in production. The cast features the amazing talent of Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams ("Enchanted").

To the right is a hilarious photo of me after having gone through wardrobe and hair/makeup. I will say is was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had doing background work to date. Believe me, you never know what you're gonna get...

For more information on the movie, check it out on IMDB. "Doubt" takes place in a Bronx Catholic School in 1964, where the principal (Streep), a nun who's a strict disciplinarian, makes pedophile accusations against a popular priest (Hoffman). A young nun (Adams) happens to be caught between them.

Below is a first look at Meryl Streep on the set of "Doubt."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well...HAPPY NEW YEAR y'all. I hope every one's year is starting off fresh and positive. I am feeling rejuvenated and ready to take over the city after being away for 10 whole days! I spent half of it on Long Island visiting with the relatives and then it was homeward bound to MD for the other half. The picture above is one I took of my parents spectacular 10ft. tree. They are super blessed and in just a few months since the big move, they've turned an awesome house into a beautiful HOME.

After much thought I've decided to focus on my body/instrument more in 2008. I vow to stretch everyday to keep myself limber, NO PARTYING (well maybe every so often), eating healthier, doing some light working out, and more classes (voice, dance, etc.) . It's so incredibly hard to keep at it in such a faced paced city...but I'm determined to do it! After all, endorphins do influence your immune system and can reduce stress..leading to a happier and healthier lifestyle. :)

“There is no way to be truly great in this world. We are all impaled on the crook of conditioning. A fish that is in the water has no choice that he is. Genius would have it that we swim in sand. We are fish and we drown.”

Success to all in 2008 and beyond!

J