The London Garcia Radio Show BLOG

So, here’s the deal…

This Saturday, the “Music for Life” concert event to benefit AIDS Project L.A. has been orchestrated in such an awesome way (great job Jason!!).  There are the best bands around performing, famous and “almost famous” people, top notch stand-up comedy entertainment, food, giveaways……..it’s just like good stuff on top of other good stuff.  And up until the last minute, all of us involved are asking for as many people to come to the show, buy a ticket, buy a few tickets, and tell as many people as possible about this event.  This is going to be such a FUN show and what an incredible way to raise funds for something that matters.

So why do I keep promoting, promoting, promoting this event??  I’ll share what’s there for me personally.  Pictures of people I know or knew flash through my mind…

My friend, Martha, who I see on TV one day, talking to a news correspondent while participating in a candlelight service for many people and in particular, for her brother who had recently lost his battle with AIDS.

My friend, Eric, who was so scared to share with all of us, his friends, that he had AIDS for quite awhile.  By the time he told us, he was busy going in and out of the hospital.  The last time I was at his house, I looked up at this beautiful painting on his wall and told him I thought it was an amazing piece of art.  He said to me,  “Well, what you’re looking at is a baseball going through a window.  The day I found out I was HIV positive, I came home and painted that because I felt like someone smashed a baseball through the window of my life.”  Then, at one point, he stopped communicating with all of us, just kind of went into hiding.  That was 14 years ago.

The dad that I heard about from someone in my family.  He contracted the virus through a blood transfusion he had for a simple procedure in the hospital.  It wasn’t long before he lost that battle and now his wife and small children have to go on without him.  I wonder how grateful that family would be if they thought that a fundraiser could have made just enough difference to keep him alive.  I can imagine what that would be like.

Like many diseases, AIDS doesn’t just affect the person who has it.  Everybody around them and everybody who loves them involuntarily becomes a part of it.  Some of us feel a little bit of relief after someone has passed and they are no longer suffering.  At least they don’t experience the pain anymore.  But those who loved them are still living with it for years, for they now have a void (among other things).

Those are just a few reasons why I personally get involved.  And it is a privilege.

Saturday, May 31st, 2008
7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

LOCATION:  Musicians Institute - Main Concert Hall (P-100) - 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, CA 90028
 
Purchase tickets at:  WWW.TICKETLEAP .COM (keyword:  Music For Life) (20% DISCOUNT USING THE CODE “LONDONVIP”)

For more information, contact Jason Dombrow at 760-521-1646 or jasond@mi.edu

(the picture above is my mom, dad, sister to the left, and I’m the child to the right with the crazed look - I swear, my sister was the cutest kid in the world - I would just look at her and think, “How did you get to be so damn cute?)

So what started out as a casual conversation with my mom turned into an interview.  I’ve known for quite awhile that my mom was responsible for taking an entire transportation department in one of the school districts and doing a lot of work so they could “go green.”  I’ve asked her about it before but recently I was really curious as to how and why.  So right there in her living room, I interviewed her.

LG:
Did the school district tell you that you had to change all of the school buses to be CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) for the district or is it something you just wanted to do?

Mom:
I just wanted to do it.  It was a way to save a lot of money for the school district and there is zero pollution from the gas that the new buses use so it was good for the environment.

LG:
Could the other school districts have done that?

Mom:
Oh, absolutely.  But most of them are lazy.  They don’t want to do the work it takes to make that kind of change.  The government would’ve helped them too.  The government gave all of us about a 2 year window to make the change and it certainly didn’t take anywhere near 2 years to do what was required.  They just didn’t do it.

LG:
What did you have to do?

Mom:
I had to use a chunk of money out of my department budget to hire a consultant and do all of the paperwork required by the federal government.  Then we had to figure out a new system for filling up the gas tanks so I hired a company that installed an entire gas station on our premises.  Then I asked him to make some adjustments so all of the buses could do a “slow fill”.

LG:
What do you mean?

Mom:
Well, if you set it up to do a slow fill, you get 20% more out of your gas.  It saves more money for the district.  I also had them restructure the whole system from underground to above ground.

LG:
What did that do?

Mom:
It’s safe and effective and saves the district alot of money over the long run.  (She’s getting ready to retire.  She really doesn’t have to care about the long run for them.)

LG:
How many districts have made this kind of change (getting all new buses)?

Mom:
Only about 10-15% of the school districts in California have made a complete transition like this.

LG:
Did they give you any bonus or compensation for doing all of this?

Mom:
(CLASSIC!)  Ah, hell no!  They give me a paycheck.

It wasn’t a complaint, but I knew what she meant.  She’s pretty damn funny.

So she really didn’t get anything special for making such a huge change in California.  She just wanted to because it was a good thing to do and it made a difference for a lot of people.  She never did it for attention or for any selfish reason.  She just felt good about doing the best job she could do as a Transportation Director.  Oh, and technically her title is Transportation Manager but this is an interesting story.  The title was Transportation Director for decades while they had men in that position.  Then they hired a woman (my mom) and changed the title to “Manager.”  NO COMMENT.  It is what it is.

She started out as a school bus driver and the only reason she took that job was because it was a way for her to work and be with my sister and me at the same time.  She worked her way up in seniority so she could choose the best bus trips so she was able to drive us to all of the football games when we were cheerleaders and on the Drill Team.  My sister and I were always the motivation for whatever she did.  And we always had so much fun during that time.  I guarantee you, my sister and I know what she did (and does) for us and will never forget it.  My mom knows that she just says the word and we are there.  The only reason she took on the job of running the department was because my dad had just died and she wanted to make sure we all had security.  You just can’t imagine how grateful she is for every little thing.  Truly, she is the bomb.

There are miraculous people all around us.  As much as possible, take a minute to stop and listen.  We are surrounded by the most amazing people in our day to day lives.

“The London Garcia Show” will soon be launching an opportunity for bands to be sponsored by the show.  We’ll be sending out an email to our contact list but if you don’t receive our email announcements and you are a band (or know of a band) who would want to know more, email us with an inquiry.  Email is:  hollaback@londongarcia.com

This is an excellent opportunity for bands to gain exposure into many areas of the entertainment industry and get their music out there on a larger scale.

If you know of a great band in your area that would like to get more exposure or they just haven’t had the right opportunities, have them contact us at the email above.  We welcome bands from all over the world.

XO

London Garcia

“Music For Life” - a concert event benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles
 
Saturday, May 31st, 2008
7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

LOCATION:  Musicians Institute
Main Concert Hall (P-100) - 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, CA 90028
 
Purchase tickets at:  WWW.TICKETLEAP .COM

Keyword:  Music For Life  (20% DISCOUNT USING THE CODE “LONDONVIP”)

Bands Performing:

• Jamie Meyer
• The Warned
• The Ruse
• Danielle Egnew - and her Whiskey Roadshow Band

www.myspace.com/partyforthepeopleevents

For more information, contact Jason Dombrow at 760-521-1646 or jasond@mi.edu

TJR will be on “The London Garcia Show” this Sunday, 5/25 at 5:00pm sharp baby!

Recently, his song, “American Idol” got a write up in Orange County’s biggest paper, “The OC Register”.

Check out the article, just click on this link:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/byrnes-songs-stars-2037202-fallen-band

Scroll down to the column entitled “Orange Slices”.

A little about TJR:

Take fun & catchy rock songs, sprinkle in some obvious blues, country, and roots influences, mix in some virtuoso guitar playing, top off with some distinctive vocals, serve with either full band or solo acoustic performances to be enjoyed by fans of Blues, Country, Roots, And Rock.

In a world of pre-manufactured acts, TJR offers a new alternative. One based in the foundation of its roots but with its eye to the future.

A best artist nominee in the OC Music Awards, TJR mixes a passion for roots and rock music to create his own blend of music that some have labeled as “Neo Classic Rock/Alternative Blues/and Rock Americana”.  His 3 CDs (and 1 digital album) have received international airplay and strong reviews for both his songwriting and his virtuoso guitar playing and he recently concluded his first tour of Europe.  Alongside recording and releasing his own songs, TJR continues to do studio work with other artists. He has worked with major label artists like Neil Young, and acclaimed singer songwriters like Michael Ubaldini.  His live shows are a must see.  The Vegas Weekly says “TJR Cooks like a Texas barbecue in the middle of July”! Live magazine called TJR.  “The new Reverend of Rock’n’Roll!”  His latest CD has received notices for satirical songs like “Peace Love And Don’t Trust MTV” and his mournful remake of the Outkast song “Hey Ya”.

In his latest single “American Idol”, TJR sings a little known truth about one of America’s favorite shows.

TJR, as a solo player or with a full band, mixes passion for roots music with a modern instinct and a Rockin’ attitude.

Some of his achievements…

- OC Music Awards: Best Roots Artist Nominee
- Sponsorship with Taylor Guitars
- ASCAP + Award Winner
- Songs placed in two indie features
- Live performance on the Gary Garver Show
- Opened or performed with: Neil Young, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Walter Trout, Michael Ubaldini, Dan Hicks & The Hotlicks, Big Sandy and his Fly Rite Boys, Wild Child, The Nelson Brothers
- Voting member of the Grammy Awards
- Completed first European tour in Fall of 2007

And…….here are his links my little sugar cubes:

http://www.myspace.com/tjr and http://www.tjrmusic.com

AND………..co-hosting is the ever-illegal, beautifully imbalanced Jesse Wild of “The Warned.”  You can check out Jesse and The Warned at:  www.myspace.com/thewarned and www.thewarned.com

I put out a casting call for writers several weeks ago for a writer.  I received responses from many types of writers……..lots of experience, little experience, you name it.  The writers we heard from have experience in magazines, press releases, TV, film, cable, poetry, YOU NAME IT!

The writer hired is Anne Kruse and Gary (the creator of the project) expressed, “She’s the one.  She gets it.”  Anne has great writing experience and more importantly, she just really got the objective in the big picture.

TO THE WRITERS:  Thank you for responding and for being open and excited about a project you knew very little about.  As other opportunities come along, I will contact all of you again.  I truly believe there is no shortage of opportunities.

So the project is a book and the general topic is about business and life and the interaction between the two.  It might not sound very exciting but I know what the content and objective is and it is AMAZING and will impact SO many people.  Gary is also working on this in conjunction with one of the most famous authors in the world who has been on the New York Times bestseller list for at least a couple of decades now.  I can’t say much about this yet but will share more later.

And guess who is writing the Foreward for the book?  YOURS TRULY!!!

More to come…

12 new shows are about to be uploaded to the main website!  Yippity skippity!!!  Freakin’ A people!  Do you know how much editing that takes???  Good thing I have 27 Himalayan whistle kids who have been trained to edit and upload.  Who says sweat shops are bad?  I am an entrepreneur.  Don’t judge.

So stay tuned!  They are soooooooooo cool!!!!!!!!  And I’m not just saying that because it’s my show and I want more listeners on my radio show called “The London Garcia Show” that airs from coast to coast and around the world, a show you can access through your dial, the internet, or your phone.  No, no.  I would never whore myself out that way.  Now for 1 hour with that hot Puerto Rican with the hard accent that was in the movie “Jarhead” starring Jake Gyllenhaal and a bucket of KFC.  For that I would.  But for my humble radio show that I do selflessly, slaving behind a hot microphone weekly for the people around the world, that airs coast to coast and around the world and accessed 3 different ways, well uh……forget it.

I’m a giver.  Let’s just go with that.

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to The Captain for being so almost-illegally fun as a co-host and supporting me in growing this humble little show (broadcasting weekly from coast to coast and around the world) called, “The London Garcia Show.”

You had me at “hola.”

You’re the reason I drink.

You’re the reason my therapist has a regular paycheck.

And maybe, just maybe we’ll figure out how to make that bomb out of bubble gum, a dirty fork, and twist ties.

(By the way people, the picture above…….that’s how he shows up to the studio to do the show.  If only the show were filmed.  You’d see this consistent ‘dear in the headlights’ look on the guests’ face.  Good times!)

Musicians Institute Hosts “Music For Life – A Concert Event Benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles”

On Saturday, May 31, Musicians Institute hosts Music for Life – A Concert Event Benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles.  The evening event, held in MI’s main concert hall in downtown Hollywood, will feature live performances by artists Jamie Meyer, Danielle Egnew and her Whiskey Roadshow Band, The Warned, and comedian Mel Austin (more bands TBA). In addition, the event will include a chance drawing, silent auction, HIV testing van (for on-site testing) and much more. All proceeds from the event will go toward providing funds for those living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date:  May 31st, 2008
Location:  Musicians Institute - P-100, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, California 90028
Time:  7:00pm - 11:00pm (Doors open at 6:30)
Ticket price:  $15 per person (All-Ages Are Welcome - Student Discounts available w/valid ID)
 
For more information:  Please contact Jason Dombrow at 760-521-1646 or jasond@mi.edu, or visit www.myspace.com/partyforthepeopleevents
 
To Purchase Tickets for this Event:  Please visit www.ticketleap.com and enter the keyword: “music for life”

AIDS Project Los Angeles is dedicated to: improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease; reducing the incidence of HIV infection; and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy.  AIDS Project Los Angeles provides food banks, transportation, home health care and other vital services - to help keep people alive until there’s a cure.

 “Globally, 33.2 million people are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. The epidemic has claimed more than 25 million lives. Nationally, 1.2 million people are living with the disease. An estimated 42-59% do not currently receive care. Locally, approximately 60,000 people in Los Angeles live with HIV/AIDS. This number grows by 1,500 to 2,000 each year.” – HEROES – APLA News for AIDS Marathoners – March 18th 2008.
 
This is an alcohol-free event. No audio or video taping will be allowed.
 *All donations may be tax-deductible. Contact your personal accountant for more information.
“Music For Life” is not an entity. The name is used solely to identify this particular event.

To learn more about AIDS Project L.A.:  http://www.apla.org/

Once again people, ”Peach” will be on The London Garcia Show tomorrow, 5/18 at 5:00pm (PST)

On KCLA FM, 99.3 FM - you can listen through:  www.kclafm.com AND you can also listen in by calling:  (323) 461-6675 (”listen-in” line only)

This lady is like one accomplishment after another.  From ”Blues Artist of the Year” in 2001 from the prestigious L.A. Music Awards to the Award of Excellence in 2002, as well as all of the recent awards and accolades…

Peach’s album, “The Real Thing” is a historical record, sounding the return of the lost art of music with an unmitigated whos-who of blues and jazz players showing up to back Peach on this truly spectacular collection of songs produced by Marty Grebb (The Band, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James). She duets with Taj Mahal on the title track, and serenades Beyond My Wildest Dream, backed by Reggie McBride (Tony Bennett, Keb Mo) on upright bass, whom she admiringly calls the Mack truck of bass. There’s The Bands Garth Hudson (keys, sax, accordion); James Gadson (The Temptations, Beck) and Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen) on drums; Peach’s own drummer/percussionist Maria Martinez (Barry White); baritone sax player Cece Worrall Rubin (Diana Ross, Guns n Roses); Paul Barrére (Little Feat), Jon Woodhead (Leon Russell), and Rick Vito (Fleetwood Mac) all on slide; guitarist Amos Garrett (Stevie Wonder, Maria Muldaur), the world’s most bendy-note guy, according to Peach; and horn arrangement by Lee Thornburg (The Tonight Show Band, Tower of Power) on Someone Else is Steppin In.

The list is long on power players, but to Peach, what really mattered was who was right for each of the lucky 13 tracks, half which she wrote, including the gorgeous ballad, The Cure for You, featuring a sax solo by smooth jazz superstar Mindi Abair. The balance were written by the likes of Bobby Charles, who says he adores her rendering of his 1972 classic I Must Be in a Good Place Now; Danny Timms and Jodi Siegel, who penned the Triple A radio emphasis track, the sultry Come Up and See Me Sometime; and Jerry Lynn Williams (Eric Clapton) and Grebb, who conceived Beyond My Wildest Dream. They’re songs that I dug up by local songwriters that I thought were incredibly great pieces of music, explains the former University of Denver voice major, whose accompanist was Condoleezza Rice, who left the piano for politics as National Security Adviser.

Its all pretty sexy music, but its also really real.  A tireless philanthropist, Peach is the co-founder of Rock n Cure, an annual event she produces and performs in to benefit Cedars-Sinai Medical Centers breast cancer and stem cell transplant research. The organizations 2003 flagship concert format fundraiser, which Peach headlined with special guests The Delgado Brothers at the House of Blues in Los Angeles raised $78,000.  Not bad for a first run production.  Just as Rice didn’t know at that time that she was destined for The White House (she was on her way to being a great starving musician, Peach laughs), Peach didn’t know she was a blues player.  But the real thing always shines through. She found her voice, and heres to everyone else discovering it too.

Check out “Peach” at:  www.myspace.com/peachblues