The London Garcia Radio Show BLOG

Emmy award-winning actor Adrienne Frantz steps into my twisted world THIS Sunday, 7/27 @ 5:00pm on KCLA FM to talk about her new album and other goodies going on in her career.  And yes, you read right!  She’s a singer/musician extraordinaire and we will be airing some of the music off of the new album.  I LOVE this album!
(Now, what I’m not so happy about is the part where she’s young, beautiful, famous, amazingly talented, and NICE…….what the h***???  I swear, if I find out she leaps tall buildings in a single bound, I’m taking the poison and saying, “Goodbye cruel world!”)

A little about Adrienne…
An accomplished actor, singer and songwriter, Adrienne Frantz currently stars as “Amber Moore Forrester” on CBS’s popular daytime drama, “The Bold and the Beautiful”. An outgoing only child, by age three Adrienne was holding private dance recitals in her hometown of Mount Clemens, Michigan. In spite of a busy schedule of dance, voice and theater classes, Adrienne managed to graduate from high school at age sixteen and promptly packed her bags and headed off to New York City in search of her dreams - and never looked back.

While enrolled in her freshman year at Marymount College in New York City, Adrienne won the role of “Tiffany” on Aaron Spelling’s “Sunset Beach” and came to Los Angeles for what turned out to be a brief stint on NBC’s short-lived soap opera. Adrienne soon landed the plum part of the scheming, yet vulnerable, “Amber” on “The Bold and the Beautiful”, airing daily around the globe for loyal fans in over 110 countries. Several episodes of “The Bold and the Beautiful” have showcased Adrienne’s singing talents, and in a twist lifted from her own life, Frantz recently found herself doing double duty after her long-lost “twin”, rock ‘n’ roll singer “April” suddenly turned up in her life. Frantz’s other credits include winning the Emmy Award for Younger Leading Actress in 2001, as well as two more nominations; voice work on “Rugrats” (1991) and “The Wild Thornberrys” (1998); and two films: Jimmy Zip (1996) and Speedway Junky (1999) - Gus Van Sant’s dark tale of runaway kids living on the streets of Las Vegas - with Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Tiffani Thiessen. Having just finished building a music studio in her home, this ambitious young artist intends to pursue all of her talents.

Ever since she was a child, animal welfare issues have always been close to Adrienne’s heart. She has worked with PETA, Save the Horses, the Humane Society’s Genesis Awards, Actors & Others for Animals, Tippi Hedren’s Shambala Preserve and The Rescue Cat Association. She is also a supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Society, Diabetes Society and several organizations that help abused women and children.

TUNE IN THIS SUNDAY!  And just like it says on that bathroom wall in that truck stop snack bar, “FOR A GOOD TIME, LISTEN TO THE LONDON GARCIA SHOW” - you can listen “LIVE” through www.kclafm.com or you can call (323) 461-6675.  Past shows are available at:  www.londongarcia.com

The sponsorship program for bands, London Garcia’s MUSIC BOXX, operates from the spirit of ‘pay it forward’ and ‘help others achieve their dreams however possible’.  If you are a band (or know of one) interested in being chosen as one of my Top 40 bands for any quarter, operating from that same spirit is one of the things that will help you stay in the program.  I held a conference call for the bands last week and it was really great to have so many bands from around the country on the phone at the same time.  Somebody asked me, “How on earth did you handle that many people on the phone at the same time?  Didn’t it get out of control?”  I guess I never thought it would be a problem….after all, when I’m doing my radio show, I’m multi-tasking and managing a zoo at the same time.  I guess you just get good at it with practice.  And having that edge of ‘ghetto-fabulous-ness’ sure does help because ‘a girl will regulate when she needs to’!  While on that conference call, I shared many things with the artists including:  plans for MUSIC BOXX (a “MUSIC BOXX” concert, how my street team will help them…..the street team is so juicy, you will flip your wig!!…and just many exciting things).  I also shared that, yes, of course I want something out of this (uh…derrr…..I’m pursuing a dream here too…..and you don’t get what you don’t ask for).  And it’s basically one thing…..attention back to my show.  What helps me achieve my own dreams with this show is more listeners, more fans.  And that will lead to the manifestation of my other plans.  Anybody who knows me knows I’m a straight up kinda gal.  I told the artists that if anybody seems to be a “taker” rather than a partner in this program, they likely won’t last in the program.  I communicate regularly with the Top 40 so I’ve provided everything they would ever need to understand what this program is all about.  And I guarantee you, there is nothing like this out there for musicians/bands/artists.  No kidding.  I created it from my heart, not from anything I’ve ever seen in the music industry.  How boring would that be if I just duplicated what everybody else is doing?  That is SO not me.  And people are WAY over the “same ol same ol” in the music biz anyway.  Uh…hello?  There’s a reason for it.

I love this program, MUSIC BOXX, so much and what it provides to artists and how it’s becoming more and more a place of open doors for artists.  That was one of my #1 intentions.

A few things that have happened already…

• One of the artists on the Top 40 was able to get a meeting with one of the biggest labels in the music industry because she shared that she is one of the Top 40 artists on MUSIC BOXX.  Hey, that even surprised me.  Maybe it shouldn’t.  I hear of some pretty amazing things everyday through emails and calls.  Although she is not signed with this label as of yet, I got a call from her manager that she just got a deal to work with Dr. Dre on at least 1 track.  Not bad.
• The creator of an amazing TV show in development has brought me on as a producer for the show (because of hearing about MUSIC BOXX).  I really never expected that but I sure did jump on that opportunity!
• One of the artists is an amazing artist as a painter and even though that has nothing to do with the program, he was able to get hooked up with someone who runs a few of the most prestigious galleries in the country (he sent me pictures of his art just to share, and I passed it along to friends).
• I’ve been told that reps from Disney, Sony, VH1, MTV, Warner Bros, and a number of other high profile companies have heard of MUSIC BOXX and are checking it out.

I truly believe (and it’s proven to me all the time) that the more I give and open up myself to be of service to as many people as possible, the more I win.  If you could see what I see, really, I AM on the winning side by going about it ‘arms wide open’ and just giving anything away everyday.  NOW THINK ABOUT IT.  It’s not rocket science.  But it IS a kind of science.  The laws of the universe.  It’s been taught for thousands of years through many spiritual groups and books, gurus, and a bunch of names/descriptions I’m certain I’ve never heard.  But they all teach pretty much the same thing.  It’s from those things I created the premise of my ‘business plan’:

1. Find the thing that makes you happier than anything in the world.
2. Do everything you can to have that thing present in your life as much as possible.
3. Be yourself 100% of the time.  Your true self is not up for negotiation.
4. Maintain your integrity as if your life depended on it.
5. Connect with as many people as possible during this journey and give to them, help them, appreciate them, believe in them, and love them without limits.
6. This will create feelings of gratitude and love (feelings you feel toward other people and their feelings toward you).  The most powerful emotions that attract back to you the things you want are gratitude and love.  So even if you’re not feeling them yourself first, when people direct those feelings to you, it spills all over you anyway.
7. As this multiplies, you become a stronger and stronger magnet for the things you love.
8. The things you want and love start to come to you and many times, they come to you even bigger and better than you imagined.
9. Always remember step 1 and stayed focused on it, keep repeating steps 2 through 5, and steps 6 through 8 will follow naturally.  And just keep repeating this process until they put you in the ground and throw dirt on your face.  Why would you stop?  That would just be silly.

Hey, I didn’t write the rules of the game.  I just play it.  And good golly, it’s fun!

Updates about MUSIC BOXX:

BIOS:  Most of the artists sent bios as I had requested.  I have saved all of them and instead of posting those bios on the MUSIC BOXX page, I am using the bios and the information they contain to market the artists individually and highlight special things about them when I contact industry professionals (decision makers in TV and film including music supervisors, other radio professionals, investors, and others I meet along the way…which is many and often).  Artists on the Top 40:  I assure you that the bios that you sent me will be put to very good use.

ADVICE:  I’ve added a section on the MUSIC BOXX page that has advice and suggestions to help you get further in your career and entertainment endeavors.  The section is called, “ATTN ARTISTS: Advice and Tips“.  This is obviously available to anybody who visits MUSIC BOXX.  Go check it out.  There’s some great info there already, contributed by one of the Top 40 artists.

TO EVERYBODY:  Lastly, I have a personal request.  Take a listen to the Top 40 artists and find a few favorites.  Take a look at their website, MySpace, and any other links you find for them, and if at all possible, purchase at least one of their songs.  It’s usually only 99 cents.  If alot of people do this, it will make a huge difference for the artists.  Thank you.

www.londongarcia.com/musicboxx

This Sunday (7/20 @ 5:00pm on KCLA FM), Kristen Celeste, amazingly talented musical artist will be on The London Garcia Show.

A native of New Orleans and born of Jamaican/Cuban and Guyanese/Portuguese lineage, Kristen Celeste began her love affair with music at the age of 7 when she began learning the piano.  At ten, she began voice lessons and by fifteen, was traveling the world as a member of the elite vocalist group The Triple Trio.

Some highlights from Kristen’s journey…

• As a lead vocalist, won the Houston Young Artists’ Program and received a grant from the Houston Grand Opera for voice.
• She eventually received a Music Talent Scholarship from the prestigious New York University, where she earned a B.A. in Classical Vocal Performance
• Taught herself guitar!  (very cool)
• Has been featured in several magazines, commercials and music videos
• Has performed in multiple musical theater tours and became an Apollo Legend
• Her performances have garnered crowds in venues such as NYC’s Asylum, Pianos, 6s & 8s and Teabag
• Has performed a private, acappella performance for Stephen Marley – at his request and to great response
• Shared the stage at the famed Dresden Room of Los Angeles with legends Marty and Elaine
• Most recently, toured with Chinese pop sensation Jane Zhang in Beijing and Chengdu, China
• Understudied the role of Deena in Dreamgirls for the Gateway Playhouse
• Currently in the process of writing her first screenplay

Kristen’s refreshing and sultry sound serves as a resurrection of a genre nearly forgotten by the majority of today’s generation.  Kristen is most inspired by the greats… Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Etta James, and Minnie Ripperton, and is motivated by her love for and extensive training in Opera, Jazz infused Classical and Soul.  As both an artist and a creative force, Kristen has only begun to scratch the surface of her potential and will prove to be legendary force in her own right.  You can check out Kristen on my MUSIC BOXX page, www.londongarcia.com/musicboxx and her MySpace at:  www.myspace.com/kristencelestemusic

We are also joined by Mel “Cheeez” Austin to co-host, be a guest, be a nutcase…whatever the day calls for!

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Mel has chalked up over 20 film and TV roles as well as several commercials.  Trivial fact about the “Terminix” commercial he did.  He’s this guy that looks absolutely freaked out but it wasn’t because he was ‘in character’ about seeing a bunch of bugs.  He was freaked out because he had his sons with him on the set and he was prayin’ to the good Lord that his kids weren’t setting the place on fire.  It provided for a very speedy shoot, sources say.

Mel performs his stand up comedy in the many comedy clubs throughout the L.A. & Orange Counties and Inland Empire.  Among many accomplishments, Mel was the winner of the 2002 Black Expo ‘Laff Jam Competition’ that took place in Sacramento, CA and hosted an event honoring boxer “Sugar Shane Mosley”.  He has also appeared at the Ice House, The Improv (Hollywood & Irvine), The Comedy Store, Comedy Union, Mixed Nuts along with producing his own comedy rooms.  He also performs comedy for corporations, fund raisers, private parties and churches.  Currently, Mel is hosting a new radio show, “Mel on Money” on KTST FM (www.ktstfm.com), Fridays @ 12:30pm.

A little random information (just for sport…), Mel also took on the task of running the L.A. marathon last year and is a former Marine (Yummy!  Oh heavens help me…….that one always gets me!)

TUNE IN THIS SUNDAY, 7/20 @ 5:00PM (PST) ON KCLA FM.  For info on how to listen in, go to:  www.londongarcia.com.

So I had such a cool interview yesterday with Araceli, who works with and is an appointed official for Governor Schwarzeneggar.  This is such a down-to-earth, easy-going, positive lady!  And my God does she work her tail off!!

So after the interview, we sat in the lobby (Araceli, “The Captain”, and me) hanging out, chatting.  When we first sat down, I was SO frustrated and irritated (a little pissed off to be honest) because whoever was in the studio before me screwed up some of the equipment and ultimately, it affected the recording of the show so I ended up with only about 25 minutes of an hour show recorded.  Anybody who knows me knows that really sets me off.  I put my heart and soul into my show and I’m pretty crazy when it comes to being a perfectionist and being consistent so when anything throws that off, it truly tests me.  The thing that goes through my mind is, “Dammit!  I just did an hour show with this amazing person and I only have 25 minutes of the show on record!”  I can even get a LITTLE dramatic about that kind of thing…….like “OK, bring on the soap opera!  Simmer down sister!”  So I was venting about it to Araceli and “The Captain”.

Then Araceli tells me about all of this stuff that went down on Friday with the governor.  There were TONS and TONS of people involved in setting up and executing this event they did (probably like all of their events I’m sure).  They announced some major projects going on, amazing plans to help people, a long term plan to end homelessness, accomplishments, achievements, you name it.  Araceli shared that it was such an amazing event for all involved because it was an opportunity to create massive awareness of the wonderful things the governor and his team are doing. 

THEN…there was the press.  And they covered about 2% of any of this.  The coverage (if you want to call it that) was so small that I would go as far as to say that it probably undermined the efforts, the work, and the accomplishments.  I believe it was just a small statement and probably came off like, “The governor did this thing…..oh, can you pass the salt?”  However, I know they all carried on and they maintain their same level of commitment to serving the people of California, among others.

I am a member of the press and I am adamant about being a member that truly makes a difference.  The knucklehead press out there who mold themselves to please all others and come in with an agenda, well…they are a dime a dozen.  Gag me.  I don’t seek approval from whoever.  I don’t ask outside of myself.  I look inside.  Then, I ask……should I share this?  Does it help people?  Does it make them laugh?  Does it make people feel good?

Oh!  And about the “Instant State Change”?  Well, after Araceli shared that, I INSTANTLY got over my frustration about the recording ’faux pas’ on my show.  Nothing is a coincidence.

I don’t know how many people know this…and I certainly didn’t…Did you know that Governor Schwarzeneggar does not collect a salary?  And don’t you dare go there about all the ‘moola’ he made before this!  I wouldn’t want to do his job for all the money in the world!  He does it without pay, travels on his own dime, does everything on his own dime.  Araceli thought it was important to share that and I agree.

I am not interested in wasting energy on things like arguing, proving a point, talking about which political party is better than who.  It is truly a WASTE OF ENERGY!  (I am tested everytime I hear Elizabeth on “The View” get on her Huffy bike about this!  Will somebody get her a muzzle?!?!)  Really, I mean REALLY……does it matter?  It’s all a matter of opinion.  When I look at anything…….the music industry, radio, government/politics, LIFE……I just ask myself, “What can I do to be a part of the SOLUTION?  What will create healthy relationships among all people on the planet?  What can we do to understand each other more?  How can I have more compassion?”  Yes I have my moments and can be a ’stinker’ sometimes but these are my core beliefs and I truly believe this is the best way we can continually raise the well-being of all humanity.

Take a look at everything the governor’s office is doing:  www.gov.ca.gov - peruse the site…and there’s your press.

Again, that’s this Sunday, 7/13 @ 5:00pm (PST) on “The London Garcia Show”.

3 ways to listen: 99.3 FM; or online at www.kclafm.com (click on the “Listen Here” button); or call in to listen at (323) 461-6675.

I’ve been really excited about this show because our guest is such a dynamic and wonderful lady who works side by side with Governor Schwarzenegger and First Lady, Maria Shriver just about daily.  I had the opportunity to meet her some months ago, quite by chance and unplanned.  Then, I invited her into my office and we had the most stimulating and amazing conversation for almost 2 hours.  This is a woman who has not been without challenges or obstacles in her life.  In the 2 hours we spoke that Saturday months ago, I was so impacted by her perspective on life, her commitment to people, the joy she experiences in serving in a government position, and the difference she has made among young people as a role model, especially young people who are at risk of going down a troubled path in life.

I left that day wondering how many people in political in office might be like her.  I don’t express my political views on or through my show (and still won’t, so don’t hold your breath)…..but I can tell you that I was left with a renewed, refreshing perspective on politicians in general.  With so much negativity that splatters across the papers and TV daily about politicians and government, it’s truly an opportunity to highlight the good that anybody does…whether it’s music, charity, politics, film…

So as much as I’m not really a ‘politically-charged’ person, I welcome the opportunity to focus on what’s working rather than what is not.

JOIN ME SUNDAY, 7/13 @ 5:00PM ON KCLA FM!

*****WE WILL ALSO FEATURE MORE MUSIC FROM THE TOP 40 ARTISTS FEATURED ON LONDON GARCIA’S MUSIC BOXX*****

Her story is “I was in France for the Cannes Film Festival!  That’s why I haven’t called!”  My story to OK Magazine mentions something about a ‘turkish prison’.  Who cares if it’s true?!  Does it sell???  Listen, I got bills to pay!

Yes, yes people…..Sarah Blevins is back and don’t you worry.  Paperwork means nothing.  Nothing I tell you!  She will walk right on through that restraining order!

So seriously…..girlfriend has been living the life!  Going to France, promoting her film, “Young, Single & Angry”, drinking with the local officials, and into all sorts of other projects!  I asked her about her trip and her response was, “Lots to share…..involving pubic hair, car crashes and prisons…”  See what I mean about the prisons?!?!?!  And The Captain……he’s so excited to see her.  But I’m worried.  He turns into a little Chihuahua dog…..I’m so hoping he doesn’t try to dry hump her leg again.

Do not miss this highly publicized appearance!  This Sunday, 5:00pm (PST) on KCLA FM - listen 3 ways: (1) www.kclafm.com; (2) (323) 461-6675; or through the good ol’ fashioned dial at 99.3FM in the Los Angeles, CA area.

HOT OF THE PRESS ARE RECENT REVIEWS ABOUT THE WORLD FAMOUS, HIGHLY ADMIRED SARAH BLEVINS:

“Ms. Blevins likes candy. I mean she likes it, alot. I saw her hit a kid once and then take his candy. I think she broke his arm.”
-Kindergartener, Banyan Elementary

“Her toe too big, she look like man. She no tip so good either.”
-Hei-sook, Sarah’s Korean pedicurist

“Sarah’s pap results are consistently negative for venereal disease.”
-Dr. Downey, Sarah’s gynecologist

“She almost hit me with her car once. I think she drinks.”
-Skyler, Sarah’s next door neighbor

“Ms. Blevins, you must seize and desist immediately. Do not come within 100 feet of Mr.Bale’s person.”
-Mortimer Collins, Christian Bale’s Lawyer

“Sarah is ungodly tall. I mean, have you seen that movie, Monster?  She’s like that. Except I don’t know if she’s a lesbian. Or if she’s killed anyone, ever. She’s big though…she probably could.”
-Josh, Sarah’s older brother

“Who? Sarah? Yeah, that’s my sister. She’s pretty cool, I guess. She’s big. Do you want to know my score on World of War Craft? It’s totally hot, I’m like level 68. I just gotta get like 256,000 XP. I want a Pepsi, I gotta go find my mom.”
-Mikey, Sarah’s little brother

“She wears tampons. I made sure of that, by God.”
-Kate, Sarah’s mom

“She’s brilliant and she’s got my toes.”
-John, Sarah’s dad

Check out Sarah on the FBI’s Most Wanted website……or here:  http://www.myspace.com/nomorepornmom

The process of creating this music sponsorship program has been one of the most inspiring, most unbelievable experiences for me.  And I’m an adventurous girl…I have lived my life ‘out loud’ since I can remember.  What has been happening and what I can see will happen is truly breathtaking and so rich.  The more opportunities I recognize for artists, the more I want to do.  I can’t describe to you how happy I feel when any of you share with me that you feel supported and believe even more in the highest possibilities of your dreams.  I can’t speak for anybody else but I can tell you that you have my support and love.

Years ago, I read a quote that really stayed with me:  Even the smallest blade of grass has it’s own angel watching over it and whispering to it, “Grow! Grow!”  After my dad passed away years ago, I found out that he was approached by Walt Disney to do animation.  Let me tell you……my dad was the most exceptional artist I’ve ever known.  However, because he had a ‘checkered’ background (that’s putting it mildly), Disney did not take him.  These days, people give you alot more chances.  Back then (it was probably late 60’s), they did not.  There’s something to be said for the fact that things are different now in that way.  I never knew this happened with my dad until after he died and my grandmother (his mom) told me it was because he never spoke about it again.  I believe it broke his heart and I don’t know if he ever got over it.  So he went on, worked as a mechanic, then learned how to become an optician and worked in his little optical for the rest of his short life.

If you’re not doing something or not approaching someone or taking a chance because you’re afraid, GET OVER IT!  Don’t be a weinie!  Everybody gets scared!  I’m pretty sure that most of the chances you take will not kill you (unless we’re talking about ‘extreme sports’ here…..then you’re on your own pal).  Just freakin do it!  If someone looks at you weird or responds in a ‘not-so-desireable’ fashion, well…..as a wise old woman told me once, PISS ON ‘EM.  That classy broad would be my mother.

Ya know……it’s life and you came in with a one-way ticket.  Stay focused on what you want.  All that other crap is a waste of energy.  Have fun, rock it, do what ya gotta do!  And always, always…treat others as you would like to be treated.

To the artists on my MUSIC BOXX page:  It’s an honor to know you.  I’ve always said that I’d rather have cheap beer with a bunch of friends than expensive champagne with one.  Still true for me.