Performer and Writer BIOS
Want to know more about our creative and passionate contributors?
ZZyZx WriterZ
The ones behind this creative mess!
ZZyZx is a group of diverse writers who collaborate with other multimedia artists to create projects and workshops to educate and share poetry to raise artistic and cultural awareness and diversity in Los Angeles.
Poetrypalooza is a celebration of all those things!
We have a motto: We float in that midpoint between nothingness and inspiration...ZZyZx
ZZyZx is a group of diverse writers who collaborate with other multimedia artists to create projects and workshops to educate and share poetry to raise artistic and cultural awareness and diversity in Los Angeles.
Poetrypalooza is a celebration of all those things!
We have a motto: We float in that midpoint between nothingness and inspiration...ZZyZx
Meet the Poets!
LA Street Poets
Workshop Leaders and Performers: "Seeing in the Dark"
A non-profit poetry-based peace-making organization dedicated to the creative process as a force for individual, community and cultural transformation. Mission TO INSPIRE at-risk youth in the juvenile detention facilities, schools and streets of Los Angeles County to discover and develop their voices as writers, artists and human beings.
A non-profit poetry-based peace-making organization dedicated to the creative process as a force for individual, community and cultural transformation. Mission TO INSPIRE at-risk youth in the juvenile detention facilities, schools and streets of Los Angeles County to discover and develop their voices as writers, artists and human beings.
forWord Collective
Workshop Leaders
We are forWord, an arts collective with an emphasis on spoken word and creative writing. We aspire to:—encourage self expression —connect with other poets —improve our creative skills in the process.
The group is made up of four members who met while students in the spoken word organization Uncultivated Rabbits at the University of California, Irvine. After graduating, forming a new group after U.R. was always in the back of their minds, but one day, after having dinner at a Cheesecake Factory they decided to put their aspirations into motion.
In the fall of 2010, Susan Diep, Eddy M. Gana Jr., Mark Maza, and Stephanie Sajor decided to form forWord. Unsatisfied with the daily grind of post-college life, they were set on continuing to be creative outside of Uncultivated Rabbits, the only spoken word scene they were really exposed to in Orange County.
And before we knew it… forWord was born.
We are forWord, an arts collective with an emphasis on spoken word and creative writing. We aspire to:—encourage self expression —connect with other poets —improve our creative skills in the process.
The group is made up of four members who met while students in the spoken word organization Uncultivated Rabbits at the University of California, Irvine. After graduating, forming a new group after U.R. was always in the back of their minds, but one day, after having dinner at a Cheesecake Factory they decided to put their aspirations into motion.
In the fall of 2010, Susan Diep, Eddy M. Gana Jr., Mark Maza, and Stephanie Sajor decided to form forWord. Unsatisfied with the daily grind of post-college life, they were set on continuing to be creative outside of Uncultivated Rabbits, the only spoken word scene they were really exposed to in Orange County.
And before we knew it… forWord was born.
Jayson Pida
Workshop Leader- Visual Expression in Poetry
Jayson Pida is a born ( 1960 ) and raised Los Angeles native. Through the years he has accumulated a background as varied as anyone else who calls Southern California home - from veteran and pilot all the way to a public school teacher and college instructor. His love of poetry began many years ago when as an impressionable teen he heard a reading of The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe ( a favorite ! ) on some dark and stormy San Fernando Valley night and thereafter has always been intrigued by the visual realm to be found within poetry ( or the opposite ). In the years since he continues to participate in, and
assist with, numerous poetry events through out many cities and states. Most recently earning an MFA in Creative Writing-Poetry from Otis College of Fine Arts in Los Angeles.
Currently he has two books Sabot and Phantom Memories awaiting publication.
Jayson Pida is a born ( 1960 ) and raised Los Angeles native. Through the years he has accumulated a background as varied as anyone else who calls Southern California home - from veteran and pilot all the way to a public school teacher and college instructor. His love of poetry began many years ago when as an impressionable teen he heard a reading of The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe ( a favorite ! ) on some dark and stormy San Fernando Valley night and thereafter has always been intrigued by the visual realm to be found within poetry ( or the opposite ). In the years since he continues to participate in, and
assist with, numerous poetry events through out many cities and states. Most recently earning an MFA in Creative Writing-Poetry from Otis College of Fine Arts in Los Angeles.
Currently he has two books Sabot and Phantom Memories awaiting publication.
Joie Schmidt
Performer: "Dreams of the Heart"
Joie Schmidt is a writer, inspirational poet/artist, and author of “Dreams of the Heart” a compilation of poetry about life, love, loss and hope; a collection of poems created to show others that through life’s ups and downs, your heart can and will always shine brighter and more beautiful than ever before. Schmidt's second book of poetry will be published August 2011. She is also working on the novel series of her dreams and several projects connected with writing, inspiration and charity organizations.
Favorite Poem: "A Peck of Gold" by Robert Frost
Joie Schmidt is a writer, inspirational poet/artist, and author of “Dreams of the Heart” a compilation of poetry about life, love, loss and hope; a collection of poems created to show others that through life’s ups and downs, your heart can and will always shine brighter and more beautiful than ever before. Schmidt's second book of poetry will be published August 2011. She is also working on the novel series of her dreams and several projects connected with writing, inspiration and charity organizations.
Favorite Poem: "A Peck of Gold" by Robert Frost
Radomir Vojtech Luza
Workshop Leader and Performer: Stream of Consciousness Poetry, Poetry to Music
In the last 18 months, Radomir Vojtech Luza has published five books, including “The Café Latte Tapes,” “The Last Collection,” and “The Fourth Nut House in September,” recorded two spoken word CD’s, including “Nothing Water,” and starred in eight short films, including as Hertel in the play-turned-film “Dog Logic.” He is a Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Union Actor.
Radomir has had 22 books published, 18 of which are poetry collections. His poems have been published in over 40 literary journals, anthologies and websites. He has Featured 60+ times and has organized and hosted 10 Readings across the country.
Radomir believes that poetry is the written bridge to God.
Favorite Poem: "The Ball Turret Gunner" by Randall Jerrell
In the last 18 months, Radomir Vojtech Luza has published five books, including “The Café Latte Tapes,” “The Last Collection,” and “The Fourth Nut House in September,” recorded two spoken word CD’s, including “Nothing Water,” and starred in eight short films, including as Hertel in the play-turned-film “Dog Logic.” He is a Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Union Actor.
Radomir has had 22 books published, 18 of which are poetry collections. His poems have been published in over 40 literary journals, anthologies and websites. He has Featured 60+ times and has organized and hosted 10 Readings across the country.
Radomir believes that poetry is the written bridge to God.
Favorite Poem: "The Ball Turret Gunner" by Randall Jerrell
David Romero
Workshop Leader--Spoken Word: "From the Page to the Stage"
David A. Romero is an artist, activist and male model. Romero is the author of Diamond Bars: The Street Version and Fuzhou, two collections of poems released by Dimlights Publishing. He has opened for Latin Grammy winning artists Ozomatli and has performed at numerous high schools and colleges. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, a double major in Film and Philosophy. Check out his blog, "The Mexi-Asian Perspective: A Mexican's Guide to All Things Latin, Asian, or Both," on www.projektnewspeak.com
David A. Romero is an artist, activist and male model. Romero is the author of Diamond Bars: The Street Version and Fuzhou, two collections of poems released by Dimlights Publishing. He has opened for Latin Grammy winning artists Ozomatli and has performed at numerous high schools and colleges. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, a double major in Film and Philosophy. Check out his blog, "The Mexi-Asian Perspective: A Mexican's Guide to All Things Latin, Asian, or Both," on www.projektnewspeak.com
Jessica Wilson
Workshop leader: Stream of Consciousness Poetry, Children's Acrostic Poetry; Writing with the "Found Poem"
Jessica M. Wilson is a poet from Los Angeles, CA. She holds her Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Otis College, and a BA in both Creative Writing and Art History from UC Riverside. She is the founder of the LosAngles Poet Society, Writers’ Row: Downtown LA's Written Art Showcase, and the SoapBox Poets which is a collaborative group of artists delivering their work in the raw.
Favorite Poem: Why do I drink? by Jim Morrison.
"I find this poem to be insightful. It's quiet and reflective of the madness that stems within us all. It's a logic analysis of one's own journey across the globe".
Jessica M. Wilson is a poet from Los Angeles, CA. She holds her Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Otis College, and a BA in both Creative Writing and Art History from UC Riverside. She is the founder of the LosAngles Poet Society, Writers’ Row: Downtown LA's Written Art Showcase, and the SoapBox Poets which is a collaborative group of artists delivering their work in the raw.
Favorite Poem: Why do I drink? by Jim Morrison.
"I find this poem to be insightful. It's quiet and reflective of the madness that stems within us all. It's a logic analysis of one's own journey across the globe".
Rick Stepp-Bolling
Workshop Leader-Effective Metaphors
Rick Stepp-Bolling has published in a wide variety of small press and on-line magazines including Dusty Dog, Statement, and Nuvein press. Most recently Nuvein published his book of poetry entitled Smoke and Mirrors. In addition, he has been asked to read his poems at numerous venues throughout the San Gabriel Valley. A retired professor, Rick taught writing for 33 years at Mt San Antonio College. He also taught creative writing at Citrus College for ten years.
"I don't have one favorite poem, but I do have some highly rated ones including, "Buffalo Bill" by
e e cummings and "The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock" by T S Eliot. However, my favorite title
for a poem is "Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note" by Amiri Baraka".
Rick Stepp-Bolling has published in a wide variety of small press and on-line magazines including Dusty Dog, Statement, and Nuvein press. Most recently Nuvein published his book of poetry entitled Smoke and Mirrors. In addition, he has been asked to read his poems at numerous venues throughout the San Gabriel Valley. A retired professor, Rick taught writing for 33 years at Mt San Antonio College. He also taught creative writing at Citrus College for ten years.
"I don't have one favorite poem, but I do have some highly rated ones including, "Buffalo Bill" by
e e cummings and "The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock" by T S Eliot. However, my favorite title
for a poem is "Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note" by Amiri Baraka".
Lalo Kirikiki
Workshop Leader/Performer
Lalo Kikiriki, the illusive tejano poet, has performed at venues chiefly in Idaho and Southern California since 1968. Chapbooks and publications include Old Movies/Other Voices ( with Pamela Lynn Palmer), New Stuff, Poems 2010, and appearances in Peralta Press, Of the People, the Poetry Bomb, and San Gabriel Valley Poets Quarterly. Other works include the unpublished Dreams of the Everyday Housewife and unfinished Background Players.
lalo's favorite poet is W. H. Auden, to wit:
Postscript
Some thirty inches from my nose
The frontier of my Person goes
And all the untilled air between
Is private pagus or demesne.
Stranger, unless with bedroom eyes
I beckon you to fraternize,
beware of rudely crossing it:
I have no gun, but I can spit.
Lalo Kikiriki, the illusive tejano poet, has performed at venues chiefly in Idaho and Southern California since 1968. Chapbooks and publications include Old Movies/Other Voices ( with Pamela Lynn Palmer), New Stuff, Poems 2010, and appearances in Peralta Press, Of the People, the Poetry Bomb, and San Gabriel Valley Poets Quarterly. Other works include the unpublished Dreams of the Everyday Housewife and unfinished Background Players.
lalo's favorite poet is W. H. Auden, to wit:
Postscript
Some thirty inches from my nose
The frontier of my Person goes
And all the untilled air between
Is private pagus or demesne.
Stranger, unless with bedroom eyes
I beckon you to fraternize,
beware of rudely crossing it:
I have no gun, but I can spit.
Therese Hernandez-Cano
Workshop Leader-Women's Strength Poetry
Therese U. Hernandez -Cano is nobody's daughter, and nobody's mother. She is however, somebody's wife and grandmother to two some bodies. She was first published at eight years old and then at 35. She currently writes a monthly profile column in "Our Town El Sereno" and has been published in UCLA's La Gente, Con Safos, LAtin Heat and OYE (Open Your Eyes) magazines.
Therese U. Hernandez -Cano is nobody's daughter, and nobody's mother. She is however, somebody's wife and grandmother to two some bodies. She was first published at eight years old and then at 35. She currently writes a monthly profile column in "Our Town El Sereno" and has been published in UCLA's La Gente, Con Safos, LAtin Heat and OYE (Open Your Eyes) magazines.
Christopher Luke Trevilla
Performer, Workshop Leader-Christopher Luke Trevilla and Nuvein Poetry Project-"Poetry as Discovery: The Muse of Consciousness Across the Ages"
Christopher Luke Trevilla (aka Ç•£•Ŧ) is a 31 year old artist residing in Whittier, CA. He has been an active artist in the fields of poetry, prose, drama, and music from his early youth growing up in Los Angeles. His continued love of theatre had him recently participate with the Santa Fe Springs Community Playhouse’s (www.sfscp.org) Spring 2010 production of The Taming of the Shrew. He hosted, from 2005 to 2008 an active poetry and prose blog on Myspace (www.myspace.com/the_standup_philosopher), where he enjoyed a considerable following. He has been published in Embracing Candance, an anthology of poetry from various writers on Myspace and the internet, which was to benefit research on Giant Congenital Nevus. Over the years, he has colloborated with various writer’s and poetry groups throughout Southern California: Assistant Organizer of Events for The Eclectic Factory (www.eclecticfactory.com), member of the ZZyZx Writer’s Group, active board member with the Nuvein Foundation for Literature and the Arts (www.nuvein.org) as head of the Literature, Letters, and Literacy Project (Nuvein 3LP). He has been published several times in the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly (www.sgvpq.blogspot.com). Christopher’s poetry focus has always been on the relationship between humanity, culture, modernity, and the mystical underpinnings of our existence. This theme is what he plans to explore in an upcoming poetry publication with the Nuvein Foundation due in Spring 2012.
He is very influenced by the poetry and lyricism of the late Jim Morrison, his favorite verse to this day is “No eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn” from the Doors' song The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat) off the L.A. Woman album, which in turn came from a spoken word session by Morrison in 1968.
Christopher Luke Trevilla (aka Ç•£•Ŧ) is a 31 year old artist residing in Whittier, CA. He has been an active artist in the fields of poetry, prose, drama, and music from his early youth growing up in Los Angeles. His continued love of theatre had him recently participate with the Santa Fe Springs Community Playhouse’s (www.sfscp.org) Spring 2010 production of The Taming of the Shrew. He hosted, from 2005 to 2008 an active poetry and prose blog on Myspace (www.myspace.com/the_standup_philosopher), where he enjoyed a considerable following. He has been published in Embracing Candance, an anthology of poetry from various writers on Myspace and the internet, which was to benefit research on Giant Congenital Nevus. Over the years, he has colloborated with various writer’s and poetry groups throughout Southern California: Assistant Organizer of Events for The Eclectic Factory (www.eclecticfactory.com), member of the ZZyZx Writer’s Group, active board member with the Nuvein Foundation for Literature and the Arts (www.nuvein.org) as head of the Literature, Letters, and Literacy Project (Nuvein 3LP). He has been published several times in the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly (www.sgvpq.blogspot.com). Christopher’s poetry focus has always been on the relationship between humanity, culture, modernity, and the mystical underpinnings of our existence. This theme is what he plans to explore in an upcoming poetry publication with the Nuvein Foundation due in Spring 2012.
He is very influenced by the poetry and lyricism of the late Jim Morrison, his favorite verse to this day is “No eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn” from the Doors' song The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat) off the L.A. Woman album, which in turn came from a spoken word session by Morrison in 1968.
Amadeo Hernandez
Special Guest Poet @ our Grand Finale
Amadeo Hernandez was born on March 31, 1959, in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador. As a result of the twelve-year civil war undergone by his country, his childhood and adolescence were spent in many different towns and cities. Amadeo comes from a low-income family, however, rich in solid moral values. His first school years were spent in San Pablo Tacachico, La Libertad, El Salvador, where he began to develop the intellectual abilities, which would later on in life allow him to perform efficiently in his various professional duties as well as superior studies. His first job was as personnel supervisor in the shoe manufacturing corporation, CORSAL, located in the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador. He was born as the third son in the happy marriage of Francisco and Bernardina Hernandez. And overwhelmed by the extreme poverty and social crisis generated by El Salvador’s civil war, Amadeo immigrated in 1986 to the United States with the sole purpose of helping his family economically. With tenacity and large efforts, Amadeo established himself in Salt Lake, Utah, began an intensive English course, and graduated from high school. After residing there for three years, he decided to move to Los Angeles, California, where he began to work at the Beverly Hotel at the same time he pursued his career at the United College of Business, where he obtained a technical degree in computer repair and programming. Today he embodies the typical success story where the American Dream was achieved. Married, he’s the father of four children and currently resides in the city of Glendale. His first book is In Search of Bernardina (2005) and will proximately publish two more. Alongside his literary activities, he manages his family business and doubles as the president of Bernardina’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and attention to abandoned seniors over sixty years of age. In this narration, Amadeo invites the reader to reflect and look within oneself and to practice life principles to become better human beings. He shows how traditional values can be rescued so that we all coexist harmoniously both within our own families and within society.
Amadeo Hernandez was born on March 31, 1959, in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador. As a result of the twelve-year civil war undergone by his country, his childhood and adolescence were spent in many different towns and cities. Amadeo comes from a low-income family, however, rich in solid moral values. His first school years were spent in San Pablo Tacachico, La Libertad, El Salvador, where he began to develop the intellectual abilities, which would later on in life allow him to perform efficiently in his various professional duties as well as superior studies. His first job was as personnel supervisor in the shoe manufacturing corporation, CORSAL, located in the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador. He was born as the third son in the happy marriage of Francisco and Bernardina Hernandez. And overwhelmed by the extreme poverty and social crisis generated by El Salvador’s civil war, Amadeo immigrated in 1986 to the United States with the sole purpose of helping his family economically. With tenacity and large efforts, Amadeo established himself in Salt Lake, Utah, began an intensive English course, and graduated from high school. After residing there for three years, he decided to move to Los Angeles, California, where he began to work at the Beverly Hotel at the same time he pursued his career at the United College of Business, where he obtained a technical degree in computer repair and programming. Today he embodies the typical success story where the American Dream was achieved. Married, he’s the father of four children and currently resides in the city of Glendale. His first book is In Search of Bernardina (2005) and will proximately publish two more. Alongside his literary activities, he manages his family business and doubles as the president of Bernardina’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and attention to abandoned seniors over sixty years of age. In this narration, Amadeo invites the reader to reflect and look within oneself and to practice life principles to become better human beings. He shows how traditional values can be rescued so that we all coexist harmoniously both within our own families and within society.
Meet the Music!
Ruby Castellanos
Performer
Long Beach native and raised in Aculco, Mexico begins playing in Mexican cafes and patriotic festivities during her teenage years. She than continues her education in Santa Ana College and graduates from UCI with B.A. in Psychology, while also studying various musical classes at the college, such as concert choir, Mariachi ensemble, classical guitar, and songwriting workshops. She is invited to form part of Estudiantina Recuerdos (Traditional Latin string ensemble) from 2001-2005 and also becomes lead vocalist of the “all girl” band, Oh Well Yeah. In 2005, these groups part ways and Castellanos is invited to initiate Taller Sur, singer-songwriter workshop group. Castellanos has performed solo as well and toured San Fransisco, San Jose and Tijuana along with other singer-songwriters. Castellanos has recorded with Taller Sur and released CD in November 2008. Taller Sur was nominated in the Latin category for the OC Music Awards 2011. Ruby is currently working with Taller Sur, with other artist and solo.
Long Beach native and raised in Aculco, Mexico begins playing in Mexican cafes and patriotic festivities during her teenage years. She than continues her education in Santa Ana College and graduates from UCI with B.A. in Psychology, while also studying various musical classes at the college, such as concert choir, Mariachi ensemble, classical guitar, and songwriting workshops. She is invited to form part of Estudiantina Recuerdos (Traditional Latin string ensemble) from 2001-2005 and also becomes lead vocalist of the “all girl” band, Oh Well Yeah. In 2005, these groups part ways and Castellanos is invited to initiate Taller Sur, singer-songwriter workshop group. Castellanos has performed solo as well and toured San Fransisco, San Jose and Tijuana along with other singer-songwriters. Castellanos has recorded with Taller Sur and released CD in November 2008. Taller Sur was nominated in the Latin category for the OC Music Awards 2011. Ruby is currently working with Taller Sur, with other artist and solo.
Fadia Mosri
Performer
Fadia Mosri was born in Sonora, Mexico. Her father, a Lebanese native, married Fadia’s mother who was born in Mexico with a Lebanese background. In spite being a Mexican native, Fadia embraces the Middle Eastern Culture. She initiated her musical studies in guitar with Jorge Argelagos, a talented musician who graduated from the “Musical Institute of Los Angeles.” After her work with Jorge Argelagos she continued to work on her vocalization and guitar skills at Cerritos College, California. During this time period, Fadia joined Taller Sur. Taller Sur’s main purpose was to share different ideas about music and perform as individual artists. Taller Sur’s accolades consisted of playing at venues such as “Festival del Sol” in San Diego, Chapman University, Cal State Long Beach, appearing on TV programs (Galería Alternativa, Aguascalientes TV Morning Show, Primera Edición Channel 34 Univision) and radio stations (KPFK, XRadio.biz, SolArt Radio). Fadia’s songs from the Taller Sur Album, “Amor A Medias” and “Nudos Con El Viento” and El Porvenir” were featured on three segments from the popular Spanish television station Univision.Currently Taller Sur is being nominated by the Orange County Music Awards for the best Latin Band of the year 2010. After five memorable years with Taller Sur in January 2011, Fadia Mosri decided to leave the band and return to produce and record her first solo album. Fadia’s solo album will have a variety of rhythms including Latin to Classic Rock, and Alternative to Bossa nova. She looks to release her first solo album by September 2011.
Fadia Mosri was born in Sonora, Mexico. Her father, a Lebanese native, married Fadia’s mother who was born in Mexico with a Lebanese background. In spite being a Mexican native, Fadia embraces the Middle Eastern Culture. She initiated her musical studies in guitar with Jorge Argelagos, a talented musician who graduated from the “Musical Institute of Los Angeles.” After her work with Jorge Argelagos she continued to work on her vocalization and guitar skills at Cerritos College, California. During this time period, Fadia joined Taller Sur. Taller Sur’s main purpose was to share different ideas about music and perform as individual artists. Taller Sur’s accolades consisted of playing at venues such as “Festival del Sol” in San Diego, Chapman University, Cal State Long Beach, appearing on TV programs (Galería Alternativa, Aguascalientes TV Morning Show, Primera Edición Channel 34 Univision) and radio stations (KPFK, XRadio.biz, SolArt Radio). Fadia’s songs from the Taller Sur Album, “Amor A Medias” and “Nudos Con El Viento” and El Porvenir” were featured on three segments from the popular Spanish television station Univision.Currently Taller Sur is being nominated by the Orange County Music Awards for the best Latin Band of the year 2010. After five memorable years with Taller Sur in January 2011, Fadia Mosri decided to leave the band and return to produce and record her first solo album. Fadia’s solo album will have a variety of rhythms including Latin to Classic Rock, and Alternative to Bossa nova. She looks to release her first solo album by September 2011.
Adam Ferguson
Performer
Bio Adam Ferguson is an artist from Underhill,VT, but now calls Los Angeles,Ca home. Inspired by music, traveling the world, reading philosophy and the universe. He has chosen the path of music to spread his message of truth and his feeling for life, to people around the world. Link to my music: http://www.reverbnation.com/adamferguson
Favorite Poem: "Pain runs through life" by John Frusciante
Bio Adam Ferguson is an artist from Underhill,VT, but now calls Los Angeles,Ca home. Inspired by music, traveling the world, reading philosophy and the universe. He has chosen the path of music to spread his message of truth and his feeling for life, to people around the world. Link to my music: http://www.reverbnation.com/adamferguson
Favorite Poem: "Pain runs through life" by John Frusciante
Natural Hi-Fi
Performers
Destination WILD & FUN!
Natural Hi-Fi is a 3-piece rock sensation from Los Angeles, California--and you've never seen anything like this! REALLY.
St. Paul ignites the imagination with his scorching guitar, along with the beautiful and bold Kimberley on bass. Joining them is Grammy-winning, multi-platinum drummer Andy Kravitz.
Their music is a sexy, wild ride... crafted with big guitar hooks, deep grooves, pop smartness, and lyrics that move you!
Founded in 2005, Natural Hi-Fi has built a loyal following by performing high energy shows featuring their genre-bending, category-crossing music. Natural Hi-Fi is also committed to preserving our precious environment. The band is a proud member of 1% for the Planet! website: http://www.naturalhifi.com
Destination WILD & FUN!
Natural Hi-Fi is a 3-piece rock sensation from Los Angeles, California--and you've never seen anything like this! REALLY.
St. Paul ignites the imagination with his scorching guitar, along with the beautiful and bold Kimberley on bass. Joining them is Grammy-winning, multi-platinum drummer Andy Kravitz.
Their music is a sexy, wild ride... crafted with big guitar hooks, deep grooves, pop smartness, and lyrics that move you!
Founded in 2005, Natural Hi-Fi has built a loyal following by performing high energy shows featuring their genre-bending, category-crossing music. Natural Hi-Fi is also committed to preserving our precious environment. The band is a proud member of 1% for the Planet! website: http://www.naturalhifi.com
Wind and Song
Performers
Atim Udoffia is an actress who sings or, as an enthusiast recently put it, an actress who also “acts in tune.” For the past decade she has been working in Los Angeles theatre, film and television, having cut her acting teeth on musical theatre productions in college. Recently, she has begun to take her singing outside of the confines of theatre performance and has brought it to the forefront of her artistic and creative endeavors. She is currently working on some Brazilian songs to add to the jazz and folk music she enjoys singing, and she looks forward to sharing an eclectic set of music with you at a gig in the near future.
Clifford Childers has been an freelance trombonist in the Los Angeles area since 1994. He has performed with most of southern California’s top orchestras and has worked as a session musician on a number of recordings for commercials and films. His television appearances include The Tonight Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, among others. Clifford has performed live with a wide variety of artists -- examples include singers Linda Ronstadt and Diane Reeves, superstars Elton John and Kanye West, pop group Pink Martini and legendary conguero Francisco Aguabella. Childers has recently relinquished the active hustling of paying freelance gigs in order to concentrate on music that is more openly expressive and personally satisfying.
Atim Udoffia is an actress who sings or, as an enthusiast recently put it, an actress who also “acts in tune.” For the past decade she has been working in Los Angeles theatre, film and television, having cut her acting teeth on musical theatre productions in college. Recently, she has begun to take her singing outside of the confines of theatre performance and has brought it to the forefront of her artistic and creative endeavors. She is currently working on some Brazilian songs to add to the jazz and folk music she enjoys singing, and she looks forward to sharing an eclectic set of music with you at a gig in the near future.
Clifford Childers has been an freelance trombonist in the Los Angeles area since 1994. He has performed with most of southern California’s top orchestras and has worked as a session musician on a number of recordings for commercials and films. His television appearances include The Tonight Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, among others. Clifford has performed live with a wide variety of artists -- examples include singers Linda Ronstadt and Diane Reeves, superstars Elton John and Kanye West, pop group Pink Martini and legendary conguero Francisco Aguabella. Childers has recently relinquished the active hustling of paying freelance gigs in order to concentrate on music that is more openly expressive and personally satisfying.
Marlon Stern
Performer-Suburban Resistance!
Marlon Stern is the half Jewish, half Salvadoran product of Southern California suburbia. He grew up in a house with no siblings on a street with no children. His music comes from a deep sense of frustration with the world and a need to let people know of a struggle burning deep inside. As a child he was embarrassed when his Mom would haggle over the price of a plant at Target or when his father would fight with a supermarket checkout person over 11 cents, but as an adult he grew to value their principals of frugality and resourcefulness, something that would be reflected in his music. Marlon played bass for a San Fernando Valley punk band called The Dirty from 2000-2003, and a band called Tipper from 2006-2008. Today he does a solo acoustic set and engages the crowd using everyday topics infused with world issues. Marlon frequents Tia Chucha’s playing open mic most Fridays. He has performed with the Revolutionary Poets Brigade at Tribal Café and at a conference for immigrant rights in LA. He has featured at Corazon Del Pueblo in Boyle Heights.
Favorite Poem: "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer
Marlon Stern is the half Jewish, half Salvadoran product of Southern California suburbia. He grew up in a house with no siblings on a street with no children. His music comes from a deep sense of frustration with the world and a need to let people know of a struggle burning deep inside. As a child he was embarrassed when his Mom would haggle over the price of a plant at Target or when his father would fight with a supermarket checkout person over 11 cents, but as an adult he grew to value their principals of frugality and resourcefulness, something that would be reflected in his music. Marlon played bass for a San Fernando Valley punk band called The Dirty from 2000-2003, and a band called Tipper from 2006-2008. Today he does a solo acoustic set and engages the crowd using everyday topics infused with world issues. Marlon frequents Tia Chucha’s playing open mic most Fridays. He has performed with the Revolutionary Poets Brigade at Tribal Café and at a conference for immigrant rights in LA. He has featured at Corazon Del Pueblo in Boyle Heights.
Favorite Poem: "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer
Alice and the Rabbit
Performers
Laura Lacy (The Rabbit) and Natasha Selevanova (Alice) have been playing music together for nearly ten years. Natasha was born in Kiev, Ukraine and migrated to the U.S. at the age of 11. Laura was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. The two met at Bancroft Middle School where they discovered they had an equal passion for music. Their first band, Capital Metro, never really seemed to take them to the places musically that they wanted to reach. It wasn't until they played a show on Halloween 2009 at the Arts District Healing Center dressed as Alice and the White Rabbit from Alice and Wonderland that they realized their new calling as musicians. Since then the two have played several shows at venues including the Whisky A GoGo, The Pig and Whistle and the Airliner. They are in the works of recording their first album and are very grateful to share their music with the world.
Favorite Poem: POWER by Jim Morrison
Laura Lacy (The Rabbit) and Natasha Selevanova (Alice) have been playing music together for nearly ten years. Natasha was born in Kiev, Ukraine and migrated to the U.S. at the age of 11. Laura was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. The two met at Bancroft Middle School where they discovered they had an equal passion for music. Their first band, Capital Metro, never really seemed to take them to the places musically that they wanted to reach. It wasn't until they played a show on Halloween 2009 at the Arts District Healing Center dressed as Alice and the White Rabbit from Alice and Wonderland that they realized their new calling as musicians. Since then the two have played several shows at venues including the Whisky A GoGo, The Pig and Whistle and the Airliner. They are in the works of recording their first album and are very grateful to share their music with the world.
Favorite Poem: POWER by Jim Morrison
Idiot Savant
Performers
Idiot Savant is a two-piece featuring Cliff Martin on guitars and sweet tones and Scott Nichols-Collier on voices and occasional instruments. They started playing together three weeks ago. Everything you have heard about them is true, even the lies.
Idiot Savant is a two-piece featuring Cliff Martin on guitars and sweet tones and Scott Nichols-Collier on voices and occasional instruments. They started playing together three weeks ago. Everything you have heard about them is true, even the lies.
Randy Rhoads Tribute Band
Performers
Randy Rhoads Tribute Band is just what it's name states, a band that plays music in tribute to Randy Rhoads. They appreciate good music. A musical talent from South Pasadena.
They don't have a favorite poem... haha. Is it ok if they don't have one?
Randy Rhoads Tribute Band is just what it's name states, a band that plays music in tribute to Randy Rhoads. They appreciate good music. A musical talent from South Pasadena.
They don't have a favorite poem... haha. Is it ok if they don't have one?
Skypiea
Performers
Skypiea was formed by two friends, Moises D. Chavez and Jerry Cheng, who met through their high school's captivating Show Choir production during their teenage days. Originally formed purely for self-entertainment purposes, Skypiea gradually evolved into a performance band who graced the audience with their humble presence around the San Gabriel Valley area. The band has been in function since 2006, but due to various pursuits in lifetime goals, most of their work had been done via a steady correspondence over the internet. Ultimately, Moises will strive to prominence in his Classical Guitar Studies, and Jerry will continue to work towards changing the world through Education; however, in the meantime, both of them will embrace their rare time together to try to positively affect the world through music. Thanks for listening!
Current Favourite Poem: On Turning Ten by Billy Collins
Skypiea was formed by two friends, Moises D. Chavez and Jerry Cheng, who met through their high school's captivating Show Choir production during their teenage days. Originally formed purely for self-entertainment purposes, Skypiea gradually evolved into a performance band who graced the audience with their humble presence around the San Gabriel Valley area. The band has been in function since 2006, but due to various pursuits in lifetime goals, most of their work had been done via a steady correspondence over the internet. Ultimately, Moises will strive to prominence in his Classical Guitar Studies, and Jerry will continue to work towards changing the world through Education; however, in the meantime, both of them will embrace their rare time together to try to positively affect the world through music. Thanks for listening!
Current Favourite Poem: On Turning Ten by Billy Collins
Meet the MCs!
Tony Cosby
Comedian
Tony Cosby was born in Beverly Hills, but he has traveled and lived in Atlanta Georgia, South Africa, St. Louis, Illinois, and various parts of Southern California. This young man's journey has given him the opportunity to meet and shoot the breeze with different types of people whom have along the way attributed such nicknames as "Gangster Nerd", "Whitest Black Guy", and "California" to him. Tony Cosby originally started doing stand up comedy in 2009 at a local coffee spot in Pasadena known as the Coffee Gallery. Since then, Tony has performed at award winning places such as Flappers, J-spot, and the Comedy Store in LA. This young man's comedy is a treat if you are looking for some good clean humor that will make you laugh, cry or accidentally make you feel uncomfortable. His comedy has been quoted by audiences as “animated, motivational, inspirational, clueless and out right goofy.” So hold on to your seats because he is a rarity that just has to be experienced.
website: http://www.tonycosby.com
Favorite Poem: "Busy, Busy, under Satans Yoke" by Mia Carmel
Tony Cosby was born in Beverly Hills, but he has traveled and lived in Atlanta Georgia, South Africa, St. Louis, Illinois, and various parts of Southern California. This young man's journey has given him the opportunity to meet and shoot the breeze with different types of people whom have along the way attributed such nicknames as "Gangster Nerd", "Whitest Black Guy", and "California" to him. Tony Cosby originally started doing stand up comedy in 2009 at a local coffee spot in Pasadena known as the Coffee Gallery. Since then, Tony has performed at award winning places such as Flappers, J-spot, and the Comedy Store in LA. This young man's comedy is a treat if you are looking for some good clean humor that will make you laugh, cry or accidentally make you feel uncomfortable. His comedy has been quoted by audiences as “animated, motivational, inspirational, clueless and out right goofy.” So hold on to your seats because he is a rarity that just has to be experienced.
website: http://www.tonycosby.com
Favorite Poem: "Busy, Busy, under Satans Yoke" by Mia Carmel
Joe Luu
Comedian
Joe luu is a second generation Asian American Comedian of Chinese and Vietnamese backgrounds. Through out his childhood and into his young adulthood, he was frequently bullied for being different. Thanks to his father's sense of humor and social upbringing made him the cool kid in schools. He used his humor to amuse and be accepted by his peers. Joe Luu finds his humor in racial differences, impressions and observational insights. Being Asian didn't fit into the American society so after high school he decided to join the US Army to prove that he can be American just like anybody else. There, he lived and fought alongside with White and Black fellow soldiers. During his service with the US Army, he noticed that promotions and advancements are based on merits, not on race, national origins, etc. This professional institution actually sees soldiers as brother in arms, fighting men in green fatigues, not as Whites/Blacks or Asians. He truly believes that a career in comedy is similar to the military. It has no limits. There are no discrimination, preferences, nor ceilings. If you are funny, you are funny! He wants to do stand up comedy to represent more Asian Americans in the creative and entertainment fields. He believes that comedy can change the negative stereotypes of Asian people. His humor is base on observational comedy, social injustices and racial inequality. Joe Luu can be seen at the Hollywood and Long Beach comedy circuits and at the J Spot in Inglewood.
website: http://www.joeluu.com
His favorite poet / rapper is Notorious B.I.G.
Favorite quote:
" Born a sinner, opposite of a winner,
I remember I used to eat sardines for dinner"
Joe luu is a second generation Asian American Comedian of Chinese and Vietnamese backgrounds. Through out his childhood and into his young adulthood, he was frequently bullied for being different. Thanks to his father's sense of humor and social upbringing made him the cool kid in schools. He used his humor to amuse and be accepted by his peers. Joe Luu finds his humor in racial differences, impressions and observational insights. Being Asian didn't fit into the American society so after high school he decided to join the US Army to prove that he can be American just like anybody else. There, he lived and fought alongside with White and Black fellow soldiers. During his service with the US Army, he noticed that promotions and advancements are based on merits, not on race, national origins, etc. This professional institution actually sees soldiers as brother in arms, fighting men in green fatigues, not as Whites/Blacks or Asians. He truly believes that a career in comedy is similar to the military. It has no limits. There are no discrimination, preferences, nor ceilings. If you are funny, you are funny! He wants to do stand up comedy to represent more Asian Americans in the creative and entertainment fields. He believes that comedy can change the negative stereotypes of Asian people. His humor is base on observational comedy, social injustices and racial inequality. Joe Luu can be seen at the Hollywood and Long Beach comedy circuits and at the J Spot in Inglewood.
website: http://www.joeluu.com
His favorite poet / rapper is Notorious B.I.G.
Favorite quote:
" Born a sinner, opposite of a winner,
I remember I used to eat sardines for dinner"
Meet the Actors
Mariel Martinez
Performer-Wicked Lovely Films Presents "Salsa Milenia"
Mariel Martinez is a graduate from UCLA and since graduation has had the pleasure to perform at CASA 0101, Little Theater L.A. and on the internet for the webseries, "Confessions of a Nice Guy." She feels ecstatic and blessed to partake in today's confection of artists and would like to thank her friends and family for the constant surge of love and creativity.
Mariel's favorite poem is "Love is Not All" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Mariel Martinez is a graduate from UCLA and since graduation has had the pleasure to perform at CASA 0101, Little Theater L.A. and on the internet for the webseries, "Confessions of a Nice Guy." She feels ecstatic and blessed to partake in today's confection of artists and would like to thank her friends and family for the constant surge of love and creativity.
Mariel's favorite poem is "Love is Not All" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Rey Goyos
Performer- Wicked Lovely Presents "Salsa Milenia"
Born and raised in miami, fl, rey goyos began acting at an early age. At just the age of 12, the young Cuban-American was cast as the lead, danny zuko, in grease. inspired by legends jim carrey and will ferrell, the comedy of goyos won him the superlative for “funniest student” in both junior high and high school. In miami-dade, goyos found himself attending the same college as andy garcia, pursuing film production. after a few semesters, he decided to follow in Garcia’s footsteps in front of the camera with a move to los angeles. within a week of touching down in his new city, goyos landed a supporting role for the independent feature film “smile now cry later”. The feature role began a steady flow of work, both in independent films and commercials (toyota.com) goyos also continues his studies with renowned acting coach judith weston. in 2010, goyos was cast in paul orehovec’s (producer of the closer) debut feature film. Goyos recently shared a scene with scottish actress ashley jenson in claire kilner’s (American Virgin, The Wedding Date) new pilot “natural born worriers.” Favorite Poem: "I Do Not Love You" by Pablo Neruda
Born and raised in miami, fl, rey goyos began acting at an early age. At just the age of 12, the young Cuban-American was cast as the lead, danny zuko, in grease. inspired by legends jim carrey and will ferrell, the comedy of goyos won him the superlative for “funniest student” in both junior high and high school. In miami-dade, goyos found himself attending the same college as andy garcia, pursuing film production. after a few semesters, he decided to follow in Garcia’s footsteps in front of the camera with a move to los angeles. within a week of touching down in his new city, goyos landed a supporting role for the independent feature film “smile now cry later”. The feature role began a steady flow of work, both in independent films and commercials (toyota.com) goyos also continues his studies with renowned acting coach judith weston. in 2010, goyos was cast in paul orehovec’s (producer of the closer) debut feature film. Goyos recently shared a scene with scottish actress ashley jenson in claire kilner’s (American Virgin, The Wedding Date) new pilot “natural born worriers.” Favorite Poem: "I Do Not Love You" by Pablo Neruda
Crystal V. Cotton
Performer-Wicked Lovely Presents Monologues from "For Colored Girls"
Crystal V. Cotton: Likes- random acts of kindness. Dislikes: the fact that she can’t whistle. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio Crystal attended Florida State University and went on to Grad School in Brooklyn, NY at Pratt Institute. There in New York is where Crystal’s development as an actress began. Cutting class to go to auditions Crystal found herself booking a lot of commercial work, short films, and off-Broadway theater shows. She hates name-dropping so we’ll just name a few. She starred on the Chappell Show and Outlawz, and some theater credits include For Colored Girls and An Ideal Husband. Since Moving to California Crystal has studied with a number of studios, one being at Howard Fine and has been cast in several shorts films. For more info about Crystal visit her website at www.crystalvcotton.com.
Favorite Poem: Phenomenal Women by Maya Angelou
Crystal V. Cotton: Likes- random acts of kindness. Dislikes: the fact that she can’t whistle. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio Crystal attended Florida State University and went on to Grad School in Brooklyn, NY at Pratt Institute. There in New York is where Crystal’s development as an actress began. Cutting class to go to auditions Crystal found herself booking a lot of commercial work, short films, and off-Broadway theater shows. She hates name-dropping so we’ll just name a few. She starred on the Chappell Show and Outlawz, and some theater credits include For Colored Girls and An Ideal Husband. Since Moving to California Crystal has studied with a number of studios, one being at Howard Fine and has been cast in several shorts films. For more info about Crystal visit her website at www.crystalvcotton.com.
Favorite Poem: Phenomenal Women by Maya Angelou
