REBECCA BRUDER YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

 Rebecca Bruder

There’s a new vehicle for emerging actors and emerging plays; a Podcast called You Heard It Here First. Produced and created by Kate Vohwinkel and Philip Eggers, YHIHF’s goal, according to the pair, “Isn't to present finished products, but to continue the ever growing conversation surrounding the art form. We always feel that our greatest recordings are the recordings that spark a conversation between the playwright and actors about the characters, themes, and creative process. It's free to subscribe on iTunes and you can listen on your way to work on the subway or in the car. While we have been focused on new plays, we hope to also present new songs, poems, or even chapters of novels.”

One of the first guests for the show is actress Rebecca Bruder, who just participated in the reading of the play The Perfect Wife at the Abingdon Theatre in NYC, with director Jan Buttram and literary manager at the theatre Kim Sharpe. Under the tutelage of noted theatrical-manager William Schill (Jesus Christ Superstar; Saturday Night Fever) Bruder, who was just at the recent Tribeca Film Festival to see the premiere of the movie Deadfall, is an emerging new talent to watch.

Check them out here: www.youhearditherefirst.wordpress.com.

Photo Courtesy Of: David Salidor

RASPIN RECORDS UPDATED HURDY GURDY MAN

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L.A. SONG STYLIST RASPIN RELEASES VERSION OF DONOVAN’S “HURDY GURDY MAN” AS DONOVAN IS INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME.
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Raspin

RASPIN, an L.A.-based singer/songwriter has just recorded an updated version of Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” in honor of the singer’s forthcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; class of 2012.

Steve Reid of the Rippingtons/Supertramp fame, and Danish-producer Bo Astrup produced the song.

Says Raspin, “Donovan has always been an inspirational artist to me; both lyrically and musically.” Raspin artist also served as the vocalist for TV’s The Wonder Years, where he deftly covered “Catch The Wind,” also by Donovan.

His first solo record, We Do What We Do, was tremendously received by the industry, with one writer saying: “His songs place a premium on intelligence lyricism; demonstrating a clear and almost writerly (in print) sensitivity.” The album was licensed for Starbucks and heard throughout their stores nationwide.

From the Leon Redbone/Leon Russell-school, Raspin is a captivating presence both onstage and in his songs. Hands down he emerges as a true song stylist.

What We Do is a song cycle; a collection of lustful, political and often daring songs that emerge from the artist’s consciousness. Utterly irresistible and significantly unique!

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” is available through iTunes.

Find out more at www.RASPIN.com.

DAVID SALIDOR'S NOT SO POSH NYC FISK OFFICE

David Salidor With Writer Mark Bego

One of the good PR-people, David Salidor, is having a problem with his office, which is located in the Fisk Bldg. on fashionable West 57th street. He’s operated his dis COMPANY, there for 27 years come this March, and as he was about to sign a new lease last June his office air conditioning stopped working. He signed the new lease the next month with the stipulation that the problem would be rectified by Thanksgiving; but, as of this writing ... it’s still not been replaced. Says Salidor, “I love the building; the location, But, when I moved in in 1984, Leona Helmsley owned it and it was run somewhat more on a personable level. Now, the building is one of the Malkin Properties, and, it’s harder than ever to get anything done. I think I’ve been more than patient in waiting, but with spring around the corner, I’m baffled by what’s not happened. In essence I’ve been paying my rent, which includes air conditioning … but, I’ve hadn’t had that since July.” One of his lawyers is meeting Tuesday with someone from the Bloomberg office, so Salidor, whose repped everyone from Madonna to Run DMC, Micky Dolenz along with famed writer Mark Bego, is hoping for a quick resolution. “I have everything meticulously documented, with photos and dates, and if I’ve got to go to court, am more than ready. Honestly, I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Not to let an item go without some sort of PR, Salidor hosts a fete for author Cindy W. Morrison (for her book Girlfriends 2.0) on Tuesday at Chris Gilman’s Yerba Buena restaurant on Perry Street in NYC.

Photo By: Derek Storm

THE LEGENDARY CLAY COLE PASSES AWAY

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DAVID SALIDOR REMEMBERS CLAY COLE
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David Salidor With Clay Cole

I had just finished watching the movie Pirate Radio (2009) with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy and the wonderful Rhys Ifans, wherein I marveled at all the terrific music in the movie; from several Rolling Stones tracks to The Turtles’ “Eleanor.” Watching that movie and hearing all that terrific music, yet again strengthened my resolve and made me feel positively joyous. Again, the power of music cannot be denied. Then, I get some bad news, from my friend Tom Cuddy; That the legendary TV and radio personality Clay Cole had passed away. Earlier this year Tom gave me his wonderful memoir Sh Boom! (The Explosion of Rock ‘n Roll - 1953-1968) (Morgan James Books); detailing Cole’s magnificent rise to fame in the early 60’s, where he wrote, produced, and was the on-screen talent in several different shows. It’s probably one of the best three music books I've read this year; however, meeting and getting to know Cole was truly an experience in itself. I can safely say that he was everything depicted in the book and more; tremendously gracious and so knowledgeable about all things music. He was literally a child prodigy who prepared shows in his family’s basement for his family and friends; that kind of reminded me of myself, when in my youth I made Top Ten record charts for an imaginary radio station … go figure! What was interesting when I read the book, and still resonates now, is how often Cole’s accomplishments were highlighted, but he never got his proper due. In one memorable incident from the book: Cole’s show was rewarded by a powerful civil rights group, but he didn't receive the award himself; the very people who he fought without ever having these very acts presented on his show, did. And, to top it off, they didn't even acknowledge him in their speech! Stuff like still happens today, and still hurts each and every time. All I can say is that it was an honor to have met him and spend an afternoon with him. It was, in hindsight, one of the best moments ever for me. I just opened a delighted Xmas card from him this week, so my thoughts go out to his friends and family. Along with my friend Bill Murray, it’s been a tough year. RIP Bill and Clay.