KUCI: Get the Funk Out

You won’t want to miss this one! One of the most in demand blues / rock guitarists, GE Smith, joins Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm

One of the most in demand blues / rock guitarists in the world is a mysterious character who goes by the name of G.E. Smith. Millions of TV viewers know his face-and the shock of unruly blond ponytail that was always falling across it-from his tenure stint of fronting the Saturday Night Live Band.
For G.E. (George Edward) Smith, a soulful guitarist, composer, singer, and bandleader, it all began in rural Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was just about born with a guitar in his hand. “I started playing around the age of four, and started getting good at seven,” he says. “Eventually, the girlfriend of one of my Uncles bought me a Martin, a real good guitar, in 1959. Then when folk the music scene came around and Bob Dylan was first performing, I got really into that.” By chance he was attending a taping of the television show ‘Hootenanny’ in Princeton, New Jersey, and saw the legendary Odetta and Josh White perform, further inciting his musicality.
On his 11th birthday, G.E.’s mother bought him his first electric guitar, a Fender Telecaster, a model that dated his birth year-1952. (“I still have that guitar, and there’s no sound that I can’t find in it.”) By then he was supporting himself as a musician, and playing in numerous situations–Pocono’s resorts, high school dances, you name it–often with musicians more than twice his age.
After accomplishing all he could in the bar-band scene as a teenager, Smith left the Pocono’s to conquer the Connecticut. He quickly established himself as a “top gun” guitarist and hooked up with the legendary Scratch band, which scorched clubs up and down the East Coast during the mid-70’s.
In late 1977, G.E. got his first break in the form of Dan Hartman, fresh off his hit “Instant Replay”. Dan hired G.E. to front his band for a “lip-synch tour” of Europe and the U.S. Upon his return to the East Coast, Smith moved to Manhattan and became the guitarist for Gilda Radner’s 1979 Broadway show “Gilda Live”. Radner and Smith became an item and shortly after married.
During that period of Smith’s life another break took place when the blue-eyed soulsters Daryl Hall and John Oates came calling. Not only was Smith hired to play lead guitar for Hall and Oates, he stayed for six years (1979-1985) constantly touring and recording with them, racking up hit after hit with songs like Private Eyes, Man Eater, Kiss on My List, and others. “It was insanely fun, “ he recalls. “We were so big that one year we decided it would be fun to perform during summer –all year round! We toured the northern hemisphere in the summer and the southern hemisphere in the during America’s winter.”
Another fortuitous event was the Live Aid and Farm Aid benefit concerts in early 85’. I ended up being the house band backing Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and whoever didn’t have a band.
G.E.’s hard work earned him a commanding position in the music industry as a first call blues/rock guitarist, sought out by major recording artists like Jagger, who, shortly after Live Aid, called Smith to work with him on his first solo album, She’s the Boss. (Smith also played on Jagger’s Primitive Cool.) During this period Smith also did a few one-off recordings and concerts with David Bowie, and Peter Wolfe, among other notables.
When Hall & Oates decided to take a long break from the music scene, Smith was chosen to be musical director for Saturday Night Live. “The way it happened was, I knew Howard Shore, the show’s original musical director, and producer Lorne Michaels, from my stint with Gilda,” says Smith. “In ’85, when Lorne returned to produce the show again, he asked me to be the musical director. And I was thrilled to take it.”
Leading the SNL band for 10 years (1985 – 1995) – it was arguably the best late-night band on television at the time – and G.E. won an Emmy. “I definitely grew a lot from playing with those world-class musicians, especially the horn section. I really had to learn to play in time and in tune. It was a great education.”
MORE here:
http://getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

KUCI 88.9fm’s Janeane Bernstein chats with Katherine May, author of Wintering

Katherine May is a gorgeous prose writer with several books out in the UK, and an astute observer of the natural world. In WINTERING, May addresses those times of life when unforeseen circumstances derail you (think: an abrupt illness, the death of a loved one, a job loss, or a global pandemic NBD). She calls these periods of dislocation wintering. What if, May asks herself, instead of feeling so much shame around “failing” during these times, instead of hustling so hard to keep up appearances, we gave ourselves permission to fall through the cracks and rest? Imagine it: a deep, full season of rest and retreat.
Drawing lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, Katherine weaves the story of her own personal wintering with extraordinary science, cultural history, philosophy, and fable. You’ll meet hibernating dormice, learn about human sleep patterns before electric light existed, and encounter pagan rituals to mark time that still get practiced today.

Janeane speaks with LA Based writer BJ (Beverly) Graf’s debut novel GENESYS X

LA Based writer BJ (Beverly) Graf’s debut novel GENESYS X is available now at www.fairwoodpress.com, www.amazon.com, www.b&n.com, and any independent bookseller near you.
Part noir science fiction and part twisted new take on Greek myth, GENESYS X is a page-turning police procedural featuring Eddie Piedmont, the youngest Homicide Special detective in LAPD history. L.A. is under siege from a gang war which has flooded the streets with a powerful drug called green ice. And there’s a new plague; Alzheimer’s has spawned a virulent new strain, Alz-X that attacks children. No one knows why.
When Eddie takes on a case of fatal overdose, he is drawn into the nefarious world of cutting-edge reproductive technology, only to discover terrible secrets at the heart of his identity and family history that will pull him much closer to the murderer than he could ever have imagined.
Some early reviews have come in and agree that the novel is a winner!

Janeane speaks with award winning writer-director Sean Michael Beyer

Award winning writer-director Sean Michael Beyer knew there was always a national “something” to celebrate, whether it be Tacos, Postal Workers, or Step Children, he created a podcast to celebrate, and occasionally educate, in his own style of sardonic humor. National Day Riff combines each of the day’s celebrations into a single humorous presentation, delivered as a slick podcast with music, sound design, voice characterizations and an opinionated host with a mind of his own.
Each dose (episode) averages 7:00 minutes in length, with some as short as :90 seconds and the more epic doses as long as 17:00 minutes. Each begins with the Host introducing the day’s celebrations, then it takes off in a variety of different directions: Character Interaction, First-Person Narrative, Laundry List, The Rants, The Voice of Reason (keeping Sean and the various characters in check), or an assorted Potpourri of two or more. Above all, it’s in the best of fun!

Sacha Polak talks about her film, DIRTY GOD, starring Vicky Knight

DIRTY GOD
A Film by Sacha Polak
2019 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC COMPETITION
OPENING IN SELECT THEATERS ON NOVEMBER 13
AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS ON DECEMBER 15
In Dirty God, a young mother from London must pick up the pieces in the aftermath of an acid attack that leaves her with disastrous scarring.
Living in a looks obsessed world, and without that as her currency, Jane must move on with her new life, personal difficulties, and the unfortunate occurrences of everyday humiliation. Channeling her real life trauma, actress Vicky Knight (a burn victim herself, in a stunning debut performance) brings an emotional depth to an uncompromising story about human resilience.
Dirty God is an international co-production with Michael Elliott’s EMU Films (UK), A Private View (Belgium) and Savage Productions (Ireland). Financial support for the film was provided by funds including the Dutch Film Fund, the Netherlands Production Incentive, the British Film Institute, BBC Films, the Flemish Audiovisual Fund, Screen Ireland and Eurimages.
Dark Star Pictures will release DIRTY GOD with a virtual release through Laemmle Theaters in LA, Gateway Film Center (Virtual) in Columbus, and more theaters to be announced on November 13, 2020. The film will also be made available on digital platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Fandango Now, Direct TV, and through local cable providers on December 15, 2020. The film has a running time of 104 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA.
To view the trailer, go to: https://youtu.be/LNrpNgbM7Sk

Janeane speaks with Gene Pope and Roxi Pope about their film, KING OF KNIVES ONE BIG CRAPPY FAMILY AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL ON DECEMBER 1

KING OF KNIVES tells the story of Frank and Kathy who are baby boomer parents and Sadie & Kaitlin, their millennial daughters. Frank is screaming towards a mid-life crisis. Kathy pretends she’s happy and doesn’t drink that much wine. Sadie is the good child; convinced her first and only boyfriend is the one to marry. Kaitlin is the rebel, the entertainer; the truth teller who will not filter how she’s feeling.
Over three days, with much drama and humor, this crap-happy family careens and skids straight towards a fateful anniversary. On the way, they realize they are more alike than they know.
KING OF KNIVES has earned critical acclaim from audiences who have been lucky enough to see the film. It has also won awards from numerous festivals including “Best Narrative Feature Film” at the Williamsburg International Film & Music Competition, “Best Feature & Lead Actress” at the Milan World Cinema Festival, and seven Platinum awards including “Winner Narrative Feature” at the International Independent Film Awards.
This refreshing comedy is written by Lindsay Joy with story by Gene Pope and directed by Jon Delgado. The film stars Gene Pope, Mel Harris, Roxi Pope, and Emily Bennett. It was produced by Gene Pope, Daniel Sollinger, and Jenn Gomez. The film has a running time of 94 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA. Gravitas Ventures will release KING OF KNIVES on VOD and Digital platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango Now and all major cable/satellite platforms on Tuesday, December 1.
View the trailer
For more information, go to: https://www.kingofknivesthemovie.com/
Facebook -- @kingofknivesthefilm -- https://www.facebook.com/KingOfKnivesTheFilm/
Instagram -- @kingofknives -- https://www.instagram.com/kingofknivesthefilm/

Greg, aka Fast Eddie, a Total Control Instructor, shares his vision to inspire motorcycle riders to wear full gear, take courses, and practice in orde...

IN THE WORDS OF GREGORY WIDMAR
My vision is to inspire riders to wear full gear, take courses, and practice in order to reduce crashes on public roads. I'm accomplishing this vision by sharing the insights I've acquired as a Total Control Instructor, attending 22 motorcycle courses, and riding over 200,000 miles since 2013.
I spent 11 years in the Marines before becoming a Total Control Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Riding Clinic Instructor. I have a BA in Psychology, MA in Human Behavior, and a MS in Forensic Science. I’ve created over 200 motorcycle videos available on YouTube where you can find information on cornering, managing your fear, advice for new riders, low-speed control, and much more!
GREGORY'S BIO
After 11 years in the Marines with 2 deployments in Iraq and becoming an instructor of drill instructors, Greg left the military to chart a new course in his life. What followed was the pursuit of his enjoyment of motorcycle riding, combined with his passion for teaching.
He became an MSF RiderCoach & a Total Control Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Riding Clinic Instructor, and personally attended 21 different motorcycle courses. While teaching, one of the questions he heard the most from students was "what should I practice in-between courses?"
With that, Greg conceived the MotoJitsu system, inspired by martial arts, and designed to help street riders become more proficient and confident in their daily riding. After suffering his own serious accident early in his riding career, Greg is a passionate advocate for riders to wear full gear, take advanced courses, and to practice skills that could help save their lives on public roads.
Practicing what he preaches, Greg meets with fellow riders in quiet parking lots every week, spending hours helping his friends master skills, and also furthering his own.
Greg has created hundreds of educational motorcycle videos, available on his YouTube channel, and has over 95,000 subscribers.
Find videos and more at motojitsu.com.
https://www.motojitsu.com/

Multi-Emmy-nominated TV host, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur Philippe Cousteau

Multi-Emmy-nominated TV host, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur Philippe Cousteau (Discovery, BBC, CNN, Travel Channel) pours his passion for wildlife and exploration into his latest release for young readers, The Endangereds.
Multi-Emmy-nominated TV host, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur Philippe Cousteau (Discovery, BBC, CNN, Travel Channel) pours his passion for wildlife and exploration into his latest release for young readers, The Endangereds. The first book in a science-backed, high-action series, this adventure of a spunky group of endangered animals has an important environmental message for young audiences. Through twists and turns, underground caverns, sneaking through private buildings, and a villainous kidnapping, four daredevils will stop at nothing to save the animal kingdom that they love.

Jeff Foster, AP Government teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, shares details on his new book, For Which We Stand

Jeff Foster, AP Government teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for 20 years, brings a non-partisan guide to the basics in an honest, inspiring, respectful way. It could not be more timely!
"Mr. Foster is an incredible teacher, one who helped me, and all his students, by teaching us to understand how the government actually works, how we could work it, and how we could become active citizens who stand up for what we care about."—Emma González, a former student and gun control advocate.
How Our Government Works and Why It Matters
By Jeff Foster
The AP Government teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for 20 years, Jeff Foster is a true expert on the subject, and responsible for teaching teen activists like Cameron Kasky, David Hogg, Delaney Tarr, and Emma González. Now, just in time for the 2020 presidential election, Foster puts his knowledge to the page to educate a much broader swath of readers and to inspire a new generation of activists.
A highly designed, nonpartisan guide to the United States government, FOR WHICH WE STAND: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters (On sale September 1, 2020; Scholastic Inc.) presents information in a format that’s high interest and easy to digest, helping to fill a hole in the institutional market. Featuring infographics, maps, extensive back matter on how young people can get involved, and a foreward from youth activist Yolanda Renee King, the granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. FOR WHICH WE STAND provides kids with the knowledge, skillset, and steps to rise up and right the wrongs in their world.

Jerri Sher, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker talks about her road to filmmaking, her current film, Healing the Brain, and more!

JERRI SHER is an EMMY Award-winning filmmaker. A member of the Directors Guild since 1998, she has completed 22 film and television projects. She wrote, directed and produced QUIET EXPLOSIONS, a documentary feature.
Cinema Libre Studio announces the enlightening documentary QUIET EXPLOSIONS: HEALING THE BRAIN by Emmy Award-winning Director Jerri Sher,
about Traumatic Brain Injury and PTS affecting millions of folks worldwide. Their methods of healing are told by legendary Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien (Wash. Redskins) and USC superstar the “Notre Dame Killer “Anthony Davis.
"Quiet Explosions will leave you hurt and stunned. Yet, through all the pain and suffering, Jerri Sher's masterful documentary dares shine light into the dark recesses of medicine to provide a beacon of hope that traumatic brain injuries can be, and should be, handled effectively when caring healthcare providers choose to think differently."
Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN Colonel (ret.), US Army
According to the CDC, over two million people will suffer a TBI each year, stating, “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.” Director Jerri Sher explores the new treatments given to vets, gymnasts and firefighters by cutting edge doctors, Mark Gordon, MD and Daniel Amen, MD. Former Marine Ben Driebergen, winner of CBS's
“Survivor” season #35 and Shawn Dollar, champion surfer in the Guinness World Records for the highest wave ever surfed (61 ft.) share their heartfelt stories of overcoming PTS and TBI through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and hormone replacements for the brain.