a one-man one-night only show

I see a lot of empty seats out there tonight . Likely will for the run of this show. Lucky for maybe you, it is just a one night only event. I will try not to keep you long . Outside food and beverages are welcome as there will be no intermission and no set changes . I want ...no I need your undivided attention for this . It is a one night only event , so I only have this one night to get some things off my chest. If it doesn't have that brit com ribald humour vibe to it or sexual innuendo, people tend to steer clear of it . Unless it has a disclaimer..or that may contain scenes of violence,nudity or sexuality, blared before the show, many don't want to see it . Tonight will have a few what if moments. If you feel like answering, you are more than welcome to stand or remain seated and yell out the answers. There may be hypothetical situations arise. When I put this idea of a one man, one night only show, admittedly hastily together, some hastily decided I would never see it through due to anxiety and depression . "Mental illness " strung on me like a neon light on the Vegas Strip. Maybe one of you in the audience is looking at me thinking , while I do this; " he seems okay! He doesn't seem to mind being around a crowd" It can be a lot about perception . It can be what we see or are bombarded with and believe to be . If, at the beginning of this evening, I told you that I have mental illness or anxiety and depression,what would you think ? Would you think of me differently ? Would the term " mental illness" resonate with you differently than saying anxiety and depression ? What if I said, the person sitting directly next to you was HIV positive ? But, what if I said that lingering cold you have been fighting is more of a risk to that person,than yourself ? What if I told you that when I publicly wrote and spoke about my mental health issues , I had people leave my life . Some used the words " I can't deal with that shit" and others said nothing, either not knowing what to say, or not wanting to say . That is part of stigma. We don't know about something so we tend to fear it . HIV positive holds that stigma too. The sad thing with stigma can be two fold . It can emotionally harm those with HIV . Those not wanting to educate themselves often do not get it , meaning the understanding of things . Some just don't want to get it , again, meaning the understanding . Sadly, it can be those who "just don't get it " who sometimes get it, meaning HIV . Education is a great tool if you use it . It can't sit idly in a brochure with no eyes looking at it or the mind taking it all in . I could could toss numbers out there . Statistics. I don't want to talk about people as a statistic. I don't want to refer to a man,woman or child as 1 of how many or 1 of a certain percent . Because really ..if you don't care about whatever issue it is , more than likely you won't care about statistics . I know many people have their own personal issues in society . If one of you were to tell me a family member or friend had a dread disease and I were to say something along the lines of "I don't give a shit. I don't know that person . It ain't nothing to me" , you would likely think I was an uncaring cold hearted bastard" The thing with HIV is still some don't care . Some still assume it is a gay disease from having unprotected and promiscuous sex . I know people who have had an HIV test turn out negative, yet rather say they tested negative, they say "I am clean" . A person who is HIV positive is not dirty. We must be careful in the words we choose. Words can be weapons or words can provide comfort . ........... Another issue that weighs heavy on my heart is homelessness. I have met some good friends who live on the streets . Sometimes they move from town to town. Some manage to find room in shelters but when the duration of the emergency stay runs out they stay outdoors or move on . Some I didn't know had moved on until I got a message on facebook saying " I am in Calgary " or " i'm in Toronto " While again there are pre-concieved ideas about homeless, they are not true in all cases . Again. I won't throw statistics at you . Some do have mental issues or substance use issues. Some have both . Others, feel it is the only options. Some don't utilize shelters or foodbanks . All do not beg for money . The ones I do know that will use loose change for coffee do . They don't continually ask either. The majority are polite . What I take issue with is some of the shopkeepers who say by conversing with the homeless in front of their shops is only inviting them back . Excuse me . But no overpriced boutique owner is going to tell me who I can talk to. I am often tempted to bring a friend along to that shop or others and see if my money is still good there . My heart goes out to them more in the winter months . While warming stations are available its almost a moot point to me. Most are open set hours . Cold temperatures and driving,blinding snow don't have a timetable. Homelessness is not a simple matter of not having a home. It needs to be looked at as a health issue. While I have no statistics for Canada.. an average of 5% of homeless in America are HIV positive . That number is only known cases . We need to prioritize. Personally , mine is not refurbishing a building that was left to fall away by the city or streamlined busses or trains . ...

Pick Up. A Film by Joshua Alan Rogers

Not all million dollar films turn out to be blockbusters. Some of the most memorable and thought provoking movies are independent films on a shoestring budget , yet pack a punch. "Pick Up" is a short film, written and directed by Joshua Alan Rogers, yet long on emotion. "Pick Up " tells the story of young Jesse, a driver for a car service. A multi-faceted film of coming out, coming of age and acceptance. Romantic and realistic,yet; at times funny,hopeful and heartbreaking. Much like real life . Shot with one camera, Pick Up makes you feel as though you are in the car with Jesse and Guy, witnessing the events, just as the characters do. I was fortunate enough to ask Joshua a few questions . Why do you think the pickup is an important film ? "I think Pick Up is an important film because it has an HIV-positive main character who's portrayed in a realistic, modern, and thoughtful way. He's relatable and likable. He's healthy and looking for love and acceptance just like everyone else. " What is the main point you wish to convey with this film ? "The main point I want to convey with this film is that the stigma towards HIV-positive people today is different from what it was 15 years ago, but is still very prevalent. " Do you believe the stigma associated with HIV has a negative impact on a persons physical well being ? "I believe that the stigma associated with HIV has a negative impact on a person's physical well being. In order for people to stay physically healthy, they must also be mentally healthy, which becomes difficult when living in fear or stress. " What do you hope that the audience takes away from this? "I want the audience to feel empathy and relate to both the HIV-positive character as well as the HIV-negative character. To put themselves in their shoes and feel empathy. To ask themselves how they would tell a partner their status or how they would react if a partner was HIV-positive. This isn't a situation everyone's been in or even seen before. " Is the message the same for gay and straight audience members ? "I think the message for gay and straight audience members is the same. The message of acceptance is universal. " Please share this post as it is a project I truly believe in . Thank you https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/20733870/pick-up-a-short-film

Everett Smith . King of Tap

Dapper dancer Everett Smith could barely sit still at a recent community event . If there was even a slight volume of music, Everett would be tapping his feet or silently snapping his fingers . It was obvious from those moments that Everett was born to dance. From national touring shows; Tap Dogs to stage performances in Grease and Footloose and dancing alongside musical heavy hitters such as Tom Cochrane , Katy Perry and others Everett doesn't seem to miss a step. Often remembered from " So You Think You Can Dance Canada " in 2009 , Everett was the only tap dancer to make the finals . Everett shared the stage with country superstar Terri Clark raising funds for cancer research . I was so lucky to have gotten to interview him just recently.... 1. what styles of dance do you excel at other than tap ? I pride myself in being a very diverse dancer and I credit my broad range of ability to the amazing mentors that I’ve had throughout my upbringing and throughout my years of training. They didn’t train me in just a single genre, they trained me to be an entertainer across all forms of dance. Our dance studio, Bringing Tap Back, is actually expanding starting September 2014! We will be offering ballet, jazz, hip hop, movement and partnering as well as our extensive tap programming. I believe that every tap dancer should be well-rounded and fully-backed and supported with technical training in all genres. 2) at what age did you begin to dance and was it love at first step or did you grow to love it ? I started at the age of 3. My parents threw me into it because I had an abundance of energy! Apparently I wasn’t very keen on dancing for the first couple of weeks as my mother recalls, but ever since I got the hang of it I’ve never looked back! 3) as the uncle of a 13 year old boy who takes jazz,ballet and tap I ask , were you teased or tormented being a boy who danced ? How did you overcome this ? Yes I was teased and tormented, I overcame it by learning to run faster!! With all seriousness, I had great parents who were really supportive and told me to keep my chin up, to always believe in my dreams, to stay positive and that things will always work out in the end, and here we are! 4) Dancing alongside country superstar terri clark must have been thrilling. Which other entertainer would you love to get on stage with and kick up your heels ? I would like to get on stage with an artist like Justin Timberlake. Someone who again, isn’t just a single-genre artist; who can pick up any instrument and play it with ease! 5) speaking of Terri clark..you danced alongside her in "tapville" and raised funds for cancer research. What are some of your favorite charitable causes ? Have you done other charity events ? I co-founded a charitable cause called “two tappers, one cause” with all proceeds going to our local community’s food bank. We’ve had two very successful events with that! As well, I was part of “tapping for toonies”, where we helped Tim Horton’s raise money for Camp Day. I am often a guest speaker at elementary and high schools in the area as a motivational speaker where I talk about bullying and other issues related to my profession as a male dancer. 6) if not dancing , what do you think you would be doing for a living ? It’s a hard question to answer because I’m quite the hobbiest! I’m not really sure to be completely honest, but everything that I seem to be interested in is somewhat related to the arts whether it be painting, drawing, architecture, prop set builds etc. 7) tap seems to be everywhere now. What do you think attributes to its huge poplularity. I think that a new young and aggressive approach of the dance has definitely sparked some interest within our younger community. As a tap community, we continue to pull from and learn from the teachings of our mentors while continuing to form and develop our own voices. As a tap dancer, we’re finding more opportunities through social media and televised programming to share what we love! 8) if given the opportunity to be in any past or present broadway show, which would it be ? I would have loved to be in a broadway show called “Black and Blue” which opened on broadway in 1989 and closed in 1991. The show was choreographed by immaculate tap dancers such as Henry LeTang, Fayard Nicholas and included dancers such as Savion Glover, Jimmy Slide, Lon Chaney, Bunny Briggs and Diane Walker. Many of which I still continue to look up to today. 9) serious final question. Could you teach someone like me , with two left feet to dance ? Anyone can learn how to tap dance. It’s a funny saying “having 2 left feet”. I personally am only equipped with one left foot and still I’m able to create just as much beautiful music as that of my right. Looking forward to working with your two left feet! ........... With every step to the dance floor Everett makes ; comes forth his passion for dance and inspiration for others to do the same. While some think entertainment artists are stars for winning awards and standing ovations ; I believe Everett is a star because he gives back. I had admired Everett as a dancer prior to the interview but after learning more about the man in the tap shoes , I respect him as the giving person I had learned about . For more about Everett .check out http://www.bringingtapback.com Photos Copyright @2014 Laura Domnar

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No tears for my father

No tears for my father
check out my review then read the book

Levi Kreis-Imagine Paradise -The Review

Ok ! So here it is. My review of Levi Kreis' latest cd "Imagine Paradise " folled by a remix cd of "Gonna be Alright "

“Imagine Paradise” Levi Kreis. The Review

If I did not know I was experiencing the musical talents of one man : I would think I was listening to a compilation of great songs by a mix of equally great musicians. Levi has such a wide range of vocal capabilities. Sometimes sounding as if Billie Holliday has somehow taken part of Levi's soul; but it's all his own .

An album driven by heart and soul; Imagine Paradise shines on through.
I would be hard pressed to select one song from the twelve that stand out.
They all stand out on some level and all stand on their own. Any one of them; in my opinion could be the next single.

If you have ever bought a CD and only found one or two to your liking; this is not one of them. I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy them all.

“Imagine Paradise” starts off smooth and sultry with “Timeless (we are)” I could envision myself slow dancing thinking of lasting love. Levi says “Timeless (we are) is the song that is his personal favourite,and I can see why .

“any way you wanna” is more upbeat number about living your life as you want. It is a motivational kick.”

“taking back my boogie” I dare you to stay still listening to this track. A guaranteed toe tapper. It is about having a Mr or Mrs right in life, rather than a Mr or Mrs. Right now.

“all over again”: I found this tear inducing yet tenderly sweet. I found this about falling in love all over again with the one you are with.

“deeper love” is soulful,rhythmic and bluesy, Stands on its own.

“love revolution” feat. Qboy. Levi proves again he is the master of all genres. A love anthem for the ages. Kicks off with a jump start !

“4 letter word” -simply being afraid of love or showing love.

“so much better” a fast paced song. Interpretive. “let it go” go with the feeling or let it go.

“Never will I” . As Levi says “ Love is beyond space and time” Love lives, though partnerships end. Memories often carry us through.

“It ain't Over” with Sam Harris. One of; if not the best duets ever ! Voices perfectly synced ! Gotta love the 70's disco beats .

“what love is” stunning, both lyrically and musically.

“let it go” breaking up and moving on. An evocative song. Speaks to me of faith,hope and strength.

Twelve songs. Think of Levi Kreis' “Imagine Paradise” as a dozen of the finest roses;each unique,yet equally beautiful.

For more information on Levi...www.levikreis.com
For more information on Vision 9 Records .. www.vision9records.com

Available on www.itunes.com or suggest your local music CD store get it !

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I have done a few CD reviews in the past. Most recently Levi Kreis' “Imagine Paradise”
At the same time I had the opportunity to review that one; I was offered to do a review on “gonna be alright-mixes” which is also a Levi Kreis song .

As much as I love both the song and Levi; I had trepidation about reviewing a remix CD.
In most instances;any remix cds I have had come my way to review; I have declined.
I love extended play songs but not at the risk of not knowing who the original singer was, after studio and mixer magic; making some tenors out to have echoed voices likened to Betty boop.

Sometimes remixes com off as rap battles. Who can extend the song the longest with the biggest bass and scratch effects.

Most remix cds have 4 or 5 versions. “gonna be alright -mixes” has 11.
I set me copy aside for a few days while listening to “imagine paradise”: I thought that, out of fairness to Levi and Jared Jones (cd producer) I would give it a listen.

I was pleasantly surprised. Very danceable and enjoyable. Not overly extended and Levi's voice was distinctly his own .

He was not drowned out by dubs and heavy bass or overly used tribal beats .
Jared Jones had won me over.
His own mix “2K13 club mix “ is my favourite. High on dance ability but keeps bass to a minimum.
The only track that did not appeal to me on such high levels as the remaining 10 tracks was the final track; the Matt Moss Dub Mix”
All in all I give this mix CD 10 turntables out of 11.

side note: Levi has put out calls in the recent past for mixed versions of his songs. Winners have had their mixes on a CD with money generated by sales to benefit many HIV and other causes. \
Props to Levi.