KUCI: Get the Funk Out

ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AND DANCE LAUNCHES OPERATION GIG, A NEW PROGRAM TO HELP VETERANS COPE WITH COVID-19 STRESS. OCMD CEO Doug Freeman talks about Rock...

Veterans in particular have been especially hard hit by the rigorous demands of quarantine and the social isolation that goes with it. Beginning in April, Orange County Music and Dance will launch a new program, Operation Gig, to help veterans, their families, and the community, cope with the unprecedented stress and consequences resulting from the current COVID-19 health crisis. Orange County Music and Dance has teamed up with Rock For Vets for the unique musical program, to be held in Orange County's Great Park.
ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AND DANCE LAUNCHES OPERATION GIG, A NEW PROGRAM TO HELP VETERANS COPE WITH COVID-19 STRESS.
Calling all vets…get ready to rock…
Beginning in April, Orange County Music and Dance, (OCMD) will launch Operation Gig a new program designed to help veterans cope with the unprecedented stress and devastating consequences resulting from the current COVID-19 health crisis.
During this challenging time, veterans and their families are experiencing a disproportionate level of stress and risk. Veterans have been especially hard hit by the rigorous demands of quarantine and the social isolation that goes with it.
In response, OCMD has created an important new musical program to help veterans, and the community at large, cope, heal and thrive again. The program is totally free to all participants and provides the rare opportunity to join a band, for those who so desire. Spouses, family members, and children 16 years of age or older, are also allowed and encouraged to participate.
Operation Gig is a program designed specifically for military veterans and those still on active duty. To enhance the eight-week program, OCMD has teamed up with the well- known non-profit Rock For Vets, founded by Frank Mcllquham. Operation Gig features three different options for participation: Learn, which offers eight 60 minute group classes for beginners (no experience necessary) or those who need a refresher; Jam, which includes weekly 90-minute jam sessions for instrumentalists who want to play, while improving their skills and enjoying the companionship of other like-minded musicians; and Band, for experienced players who want to collaborate with others and perform in front of an audience.
The goal is to provide the sense of camaraderie and bring back the ‘esprits de corps’ that’s been missing for so many during lockdown and quarantine.

Alan Gratz is one of today’s bestselling children’s authors of books inspired by history--Scholastic Press is proud to publish GROUND ZERO by Alan Gra...

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present.
Alan Gratz is one of today's bestselling children's authors of books inspired by history--Scholastic Press is proud to publish GROUND ZERO by Alan Gratz (on sale February 2, 2021; ages 9-12). Any American adult can tell you where they were on 9/11. However, a new generation of Americans don’t have that memory. To them, the horrific events of that day are simply history. In time for the twentieth anniversary, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear – and the stunning links between the past and present.

Director D.Mitry speaks with Janeane about MY TRUE FAIRYTALE, opening in theaters and on demand April 9th from Gravitas Ventures.

MY TRUE FAIRYTALE
In Theaters & On Demand April 9th
Driven by his own deeply personal story of losing his young daughter to a car accident, writer/director D.Mitry’s debut feature is a charming and uplifting tragedy that reminds us that we all have the power to be our own superheroes if we embrace the power of love.
Inspired by True Events
Writer/Director: D.Mitry
Cast:
Emma Kennedy, Bruce Davison, Joanna Cassidy, Darri Ingolfsson, BJ Mitchell, Morgan Lindholm, Mark Daugherty, Juliana Destefano, Arnold Chun, Taylor Cole and Corin Nemec
A terrific balance between the mysterious and hopeful, MY TRUE FAIRYTALE follows Angie Goodwin, a 17-year-old who vanishes after a horrific accident in the close-knit town of Gardenland, FL. As the police, her family, and friends search for her, she embarks on her own mysterious journey to “save the world” and fulfill her childhood fantasy of becoming...a superhero.
Angie discovers that she has incredible abilities and looks for ways to help everyone, as those around her deal with her disappearance. Driven by his own deeply personal story of losing his young daughter to a car accident, writer/director D.Mitry’s debut feature is a mystical and uplifting tragedy that reminds us that we all have the power to be our own superheroes if we embrace the power of love.

Producer, writer, actor, director, and Hollywood executive Nate Barlow

Nate graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, but quickly rejected an engineering career to be a filmmaker in Los Angeles. He has since worn many hats in entertainment, from producer to writer, actor, director, and executive. Most recently he directed the experimental documentary A Brief History of Hollywood, currently playing the festival circuit, and co-produced the feature documentary The Water of Life about the craft of scotch whisky. Previously he wrote the Meghan Markle-starrer Random Encounters and produced & directed Tales From Beyond starring Adam West, which won several awards on the film festival circuit.

Kristen Willeumier, PhD, neuroscientist and author of Biohack Your Brain: How to Boost Cognitive Health, Performance & Power

Kristen Willeumier, PhD is a neuroscientist and author of Biohack Your Brain: How to Boost Cognitive Health, Performance & Power. She joins Janeane to talk about her work, book and life as a neuroscientist.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A neuroscientist’s groundbreaking, science-driven plan for revitalizing, nourishing and rejuvenating your most essential asset—your brain.
Your brain is the most essential organ in your body. The brain and spinal cord are intimately connected to every bodily system and organ, so when it is balanced everything in your body and mind will function more efficiently. It’s vitally important to take proactive steps now, or you risk losing everything, including your ability to think clearly, be creative, remember details, solve problems and retain your memory.
In Biohack Your Brain, leading neuroscientist Dr. Kristen Willeumier reveals how you can change your brain by making simple and easy modifications to your lifestyle. Combining clinical experience with revolutionary science, she details how biohacking your brain can boost your cognitive performance and so much more.
Dr. Willeumier’s essential guidebook shows you the most effective techniques to prevent memory loss and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease—and even how to overcome negative thoughts and stress. Through research and case studies, you’ll learn how to upgrade your nutritional choices along with the effective use of supplements, brain games, and physical activity to overcome cognitive damage, whether it’s from previous injuries, such as a concussion or a bad fall or from the effects of living in modern day times.
Dr. Willeumier shares her own story alongside those from the NFL players and other clients she has worked with to help you leverage the latest research to find personal solutions. Biohack Your Brain teaches you how to take better care of your brain, and also how to enhance your memory, lose excess weight, increase your energy and vitality in order to create the best health and life possible.

Christine Isley-Farmer talks about her first book in her new series, Finding My Yip

Christine Isley-Farmer talks about her first book in her new series, Finding My Yip (March 2, 2021, Wandering in the Words Press). The power of stories and music’s healing qualities weave their way through the book, which also features a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as the narrator. Boomer and his new friend Chloe seek to develop confidence, make friends, and strengthen their bond, all while challenging their fears.

Acclaimed TIFF Documentary ‘UNDERPLAYED’ debuts on the AMAZON MUSIC MOBILE APP and AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. Janeane speaks wit...

ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY ‘UNDERPLAYED’ TO BECOME AVAILABLE ON THE AMAZON MUSIC MOBILE APP AND AMAZON PRIME VIDEO ON MONDAY, MARCH 8 - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
The Amazon Music Twitch Channel to Host Live Release-Day Roundtable at 6 pm PST / 9 pm EST on Women in Electronic Music; Featuring Some of the Biggest Names in EDM and Underplayed Director Stacey Lee
Underplayed is a rousing film that focuses on the gender, ethnic, and sexual inequality issues within the electronic music industry and the female DJ’s who have risen to the top in spite of it all
WATCH THE TRAILER NOW
100% FRESH ON ROTTEN TOMATOES
World Premiere – 2020 Toronto International Film Festival
Official Selection – 2020 Tribeca Film Festival

For the first time ever, over 40 agencies from around the world have come together to help create make|SHIFT, the groundbreaking new documentary on th...

Make|SHIFT is a documentary film by WP Engine exploring the art and science behind the advertising industry's 20+ year evolution. Hear from a range of industry leaders from developers to designers to creative directors to founders at some of the most innovative agencies in the world, both small and large, digital and traditional. The film takes an inside look at how these makers and agencies have shifted and re-shifted their skillsets, creativity, and businesses, as new creative technologies emerged, declined, and were replaced by the next technology in an endless cycle of change. Make|SHIFT shines light on this beautifully frustrating pattern, and celebrates the makers that have embraced the shift...and in doing so, helped drive the internet forward.
Make|SHIFT was directed by Casey Suchan and Tim Cawley. The film was produced by Mary Ellen Dugan, David Fossas, Carley Thompson, Jeremy Coon, Barry Poltermann, Denise Roberts McKee, and Dorothy Urlich. Make|SHIFT has a running time of 76 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA.

For the first time, Hollywood executive Samantha Hart is baring her soul in her memoir, “Blind Pony: As True A Story As I Can Tell” (Wild Bill Press)

For the first time, Hollywood executive Samantha Hart is baring her soul in her memoir, “Blind Pony: As True A Story As I Can Tell” (Wild Bill Press), to reveal to the world a heart-wrenching childhood of abuse that she endured by her own grandfather, which led to her life as a runaway teen, and landed her in 1970s Los Angeles. This coming-of-age story is a page-turner that chronicles the author’s journey into her 20s, as she navigates various abusive relationships, toxic Hollywood characters, her personal relationship to her “Marlboro Man''-idealized father, “Wild Bill,” and ultimately, how she finds her North Star. The book is coming out on March 15, 2021, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon or samanthahart.net.

DR. MICHELE BORBA, Ed. D. The bestselling author of UnSelfie explains why the old markers of accomplishment (grades, test scores) are no longer reliab...

DR. MICHELE BORBA, Ed. D. chats with Janeane Bernstein about her new book, Thrivers.
In Thrivers, Dr. Borba offers practical, actionable ways to develop these traits in children from preschool through high school, showing how to teach kids how to cope today so they can thrive tomorrow.
Michele Borba has been a teacher, educational consultant, and parent for 40 years -- and she's never been more worried than she is about this current generation of kids. The high-achieving students she talks with every day are more accomplished, better educated, and more privileged than ever before. They're also more stressed, unhappier, and struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout at younger and younger ages -- "we're like pretty packages with nothing inside," said one young teen.
Thrivers are different: they flourish in our fast-paced, digital-driven, often uncertain world. Why? In her new book, THRIVERS: The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Struggle While Others Shine, Dr. Borba combed scientific studies on resilience, spoke to dozens of researchers/experts in the field and interviewed more than 100 young people from all walks of life, and she found something surprising: the difference between those who struggle and those who succeed comes down not to grades or test scores, but to seven character traits that set Thrivers apart (and set them up for happiness and greater accomplishment later in life). These traits--confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism--will allow kids to roll with the punches and succeed in life. And the even better news: these traits can be taught to children at any age...in fact, parents and educations must do so.