Not So Famous in NJ - Coffee Talk and Candid Conversations With Lucille

If you had asked 18-year old Belmar native Diana McCorry what her career would be at the ripe old age of 30-something, it would be so different from what it actually is now.  But she'd still probably be pretty impressed.  Diana has used her acting skills and her wild imagination to build a career as a screenwriter and producer, writing for everything from national podcasts to her own animated seri...

An intermezzo is defined as a composition which fits between other entities, but this one could actually stand on it's own. I'm happy to present four spectacular examples of the incredible chops of Layonne Holmes. For more music by Layonne, simply search her name on iTunes.

Virtually every amateur actor craves the opportunity to turn professional. Greg Schweers has done just that. My conversation with him covers his life as a career prosecutor and his segue into television, commercials and the professional stage. If you're hoping for a career in acting, his advice can help you make that move. But even if you're simply interested in the arts in NJ, you'll find him fas...

Yes, Pat Guadagno is one of a kind. And this week I'm featuring two of his songs, including a live performance of "All Along the Watchtower" at Bob Fest. If you're not already a fan, you will be once you've listened. Hear more of Pat's music at www. PatGuadagno.com

I've decided to interview someone who is an actor, writer, landscape architect, crafts person, gourmet chef, etc. . . me! And you can't believe how hard it was. . .  especially getting me to answer those tough questions. Here's a chance to get to know me a little better, at least in terms of my artistic endeavors. This interview was intended as a New Years Eve surprise, but someone rammed their ca...

Not everyone has heard Line Drive. But they ought to. Their soulful sound is an urban blend of contemporary rhythm & blues, spicy horns, and spine-tingling vocals, with melodies and lyrics that are clever and intelligent, and seasoned with well crafted solo work. Like a well oiled machine, that “in the pocket” groove, which only comes from years of experience playing together. Line Drive has p...

Todd Sherman is not just the owner of the incredibly popular Rumson NJ restaurant, Barnacle Bill's. Until COVID-19 hit, you were always guaranteed quality live music along with fabulous burgers, seafood, steaks and a view of the Rumson River. But Todd has a much wider claim to fame: as a musician, arranger and composer of beautiful music.  His generosity, empathy for working musicians and fairness...

While my podcast interviews will post every other week, in between you'll be treated to artistic works by my many interviewees. This week I'm featuring novelist Joseph Pittman, reading part of chapter one in his newest novel, "The Case of the Con in Cannes," where you're introduced to his recurring character, Todd Gleason. Joseph's books are available in print and digitally, through sites like Ama...

Once you've heard Jose Loo sing, you'll never forget him. For many, many years he fronted the popular and incredibly tight band, Line Drive, transforming them from an instrumental fusion jazz ensemble to a showcase for his original music. Singing is definitely what he is best known for, but as a songwriter, arranger and keyboard player, he is revered among musicians. Those who know him best unders...

Brrr! It's getting cold! So, how am I going to continue to interview when we can't sit out on my deck?

He might read your mind. Or use some sleight of hand. Or make you laugh. But one thing for sure - Rob Mandelberg can't even keep track of all his creative accomplishments. His overabundance of talent- that his daughter Ellie seems to  have inherited - spans decades. During this podcast, we talk about where his talent has taken him and how others can follow in his path. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=r...

He's under 30, but he's accomplished more than men twice his age. Cody McCorry hasn't limited himself, either to which instruments he'll play or the genres he'll play in. He's as comfortable playing jazz as he is progressive rock, with Frank Zappa's influence an overarching presence. https://www.youtube.com/user/vestibulemusic/about

Wouldn't it be nice if women artists could just be called artists? Until then, Grace Modla will gladly accept that moniker. Her paintings - ranging from nudes to nature - are colorful, impressionistic and vibrant, shown from Asbury to Italy. We talk about her early encouragement & the surprising plans one friend has for her paintings. This is our first time speaking, but our shared passions me...

If you haven't heard this local bassist's irresistible groove, you don't know what you're missing. Chris Plunkett - who formed Line Drive with Tim Boyce a few decades ago - gives me his theory on the importance of the bass, what makes a bassist's role unique and some of his key mentors (Did someone say Jaco?). He opens up about the trajectory of Line Drive and why they thought they could - and did...

One thing Joe Pittman knows is writing. And publishing. And, of course, POV. He shares a wealth of knowledge on all 3 subjects in this enlightening conversation about his books, his career in that industry and his process for creating characters and plots. Author page

Her name is synonymous with dinner theatre. She's helped scores of actors begin their love of the stage &  sex farces. Nationally, she's exported the murder mystery dinner genre, interactive theatre where the audience becomes a part of the play. And it all started with a garage sale. Kathy Reed gave me my start in professional acting, and in this podcast we discuss how she started her long car...

He may downplay his success, but Pat Guadagno is probably the perfect example of a local musician who has found his place in the music industry. His unique sound and creative reinterpretations of some classic rock puts him in a category of his own. In this episode, we talk about his collaboration with Big Joe Henry, his short lived stage career and his thoughts on the music industry today. You'll...

Anyone who has heard Layonne Holmes sing isn't likely to forget her. Just ask Bobby Bandiera. Bon Jovi. Springsteen. Or the thousands lucky enough to get tickets to her Motor City Revue. It's hard to put a label on her. Her singing skills encompass blues, rock, R&B, jazz standards and pop. In this conversation, Layonne and I talk about the current state of the music industry, what American Ido...

They say that beauty - and art- are in the eye of the beholder. Steve Cummings, accomplished painter hailing from Keyport, NJ shares his approach, process and influences to his highly-saturated expressive realism paintings in this fascinating conversation. As an art educator as well, Steve talks about what art has meant to him and how it can influence future generations. Visit his website for more...

Although he's a writer, producer, speech coach and professor, Geoff Shields's first love is acting. Our conversation centers on his 40+ year acting career and how local theatre influenced him, particularly his work at the legendary Dam Site and the Holmdel Theatre Company.