Loading ...John Leguizamo Reads His ‘Diary Of A Madman’
John Leguizamo has done a lot in his entertainment career. He’s shot Al Pacino in Carlito’s Way, was a demonic clown in the revolutionary comic-turned-movie Spawn, and played an artist in Moulin Rouge. He’s donned high heals as a drag queen in Too Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar, and voiced a dim-witted sloth in the popular Ice Age animated movies. In addition to his acting, he’s been a writer, producer and stand-up comedian. He’s been awarded, rejected, even beaten.
Yes, John Leguizamo has done a lot on the big screen. And on television. And on stage. Now, he’s telling his version of that career – the good, the bad and everything in between – in his latest one-man show, Diary of a Madman, opening tonight at the La Jolla Playhouse.
Like Freak and Sexaholic, two of his earlier one-man productions, Leguizamo gets up close and personal in this raw, uninhibited tour-de-force show. In his trademark performance style, he explodes with energy, taking everyone on a non-stop, fever-pitch adventure and heating up the stage with vivid accounts of where he’s been and the colorful characters who’ve shaped different facets of his professional life. There will be stories about his outrageous avant-garde theater scene and anecdotes from major movie sets and personal tales of his encounters opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest film stars. Read more
Sacha Boutros brings back the golden age of Hollywood
Sacha Boutros
The golden age of Hollywood has long since passed, but jazz musician Sacha Boutros is determined to bring it back, and with her talent she may very well have you convinced. The San Diego native grew up singing in a church setting where she would sing harmonies with her grandfather whom, aside from Nancy Wilson, she remains most inspired by.
Sacha’s love for music was innate, as her mother reminiscently recalled “she has been singing from the time she was two years old.” With a very traditional upbringing, school was of the highest priority and singing was viewed as a hobby not an obtainable or viable career. Read more
Visit from an Idol: Interview with Bucky Covington
When down home southern boy meets country rocker meets main stream reality show, the product is the unique talent found in Bucky Covington. You might remember Bucky from Season 5 of American Idol or from his chart topping self titled debut country album.
Bucky has been busy since he first exploded onto the scene on American Idol, where he made it to the top 8. Since then, he’s done everything from releasing a record setting album, going on tour, and appearing on TV and in the movies.
Coming off a whirl wind debut, Bucky got into the Christmas spirit earlier this month at the annual Carols by Candlelight concert at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
We were met by a surprisingly tall long-haired North Carolinian with true down-home southern charm. His charisma and approachability are undeniable. Over the past two years he’s been honing his skills and growing as a singer, song writer and performer. There’s no denying that he is a busy man with a bright future in the spotlight.
After leaving San Diego, he’ll be heading to Albuquerque, then back to Nashville where he will get back into the studio to finish up his second album, “I’m Alright” to be released spring of 2010. Despite the busy schedule, he sat down with us to chat about where he’s been and what where he’s going. Read more
Three Eyes Off The Time – Interview with The Grouch
Wearing a comfy but fresh beanie, white K-Swiss and sitting with his beautiful wife, it did seem pretty simple back stage at the San Diego edition of How The Grouch Stole Christmas at Belly Up Tavern. DJ Fresh, the producer of recently released Grouch album Three Eyes off The Time was headphone equipped, playing on the keys nearby. I felt so relaxed, and in the few moments that had transpired I knew that it was going to be a great interview.
- The Grouch performing live
I started by asking The Grouch about his excitement being in San Diego, and whether the city shows as much love as up North. The Grouch confirmed that San Diego was a hot spot, and we proceeded onto the more burning questions.
This year’s edition of the annual How The Grouch Stole Christmas tour doubled as a Toys For Tots drive. The Grouch says that getting involved with the charity just came about this year, but that it’s something he’d like to continue. With fans Toys For Tots donations at the show, you received a special gift from The Grouch: a complimentary copy of his freshest CD, Three Eyes Off The Time plus a limited edition vinyl!
Living Legend fans may also have been surprised that this year’s tour didn’t include the usual cast of “legendary” characters. Instead, other remarkable artists such as Mistah F.A.B., Fashawn and Exile opened up. The Grouch wanted full control over the opener’s on his tour, and that’s one reason he explains why these West Coast up and comers were enlisted. According to The Grouch, past tour openers haven’t all properly reflected what he believed in, or wanted to be associated with. Undoubtedly this show was different. Read more
Catching up with Shwayze – Let It Beat Album Out Now
Shwayze is the unlikely duo bringing feel good music straight from the sandy beaches of Malibu. Shwayze’s sound is more than hip hop or party music, it’s a unique combination of two amazing talents.
Comprised of Cisco Adler and Aaron Smith (a.k.a Shwayze) the duo first made waves with the single off their debut self titled album Shwayze with “Buzzin’” in 2008. With melodic guitar and voice styling’s from Cisco and Shwayze’s flow, it’s not surprising to see their popularity grow. Thousands of internet plays and downloads followed, obviously the pair stumbled onto something and have continued going strong.
After a stop in San Diego for their “Get U Home” tour at the House of Blues a few months ago, we were amazed! The show’s energy started with several songs by Shwayze, whose mom was in the crowd and got a special shout out. How sweet!
Cold Flamez and Beardo, Shwayze’s tour mates also gave an electric performance treating attendee’s. Shwayze came back on stage with Cisco to finish the night and keep us humming Malibu tunes all the way home. Three simple words to summarize: the show rocked!
We checked in with the artists on their continued tour and recently released second album Let It Beat, available now. Check out what the boys had to say to the Entertainer:
So, what’s being on tour been like recently?
Incredible. Every night’s been sold out. And we’re touring with LMFAO who are our good friends. Couldn’t be better.
We saw you at the House of Blues here in San Diego and you totally killed it. You mentioned that you went to school here in San Diego?
I actually went to Grossmont Jr. College. I lived by State, close to El Cajon.
How did it come about that you met Cisco and started making music?
After 8 months of JC in SD with no credits to show for it, I moved back to Malibu. Shortly after I ran into Cisco at a party at his crib. I was like yo, I’m a fan of your music and other artists you’ve produced, I’m 21 and want to work with you! I came over the next day.
We’re excited to hear more of your new stuff when “Let It Beat” comes out. What can fans expect on this album? Will it have differences from your last album?
This record has the same ingredients as the last with a few more spices. We didn’t want to go too far from the sound our fans have come to love, but at the same time we wanted to show the world that we are not just a one trick pony. We’ve stepped this record up production wise and lyrically. And similar to the last record, every song is someone’s favorite.
Any unexpected collabs on the new album? Are there any particular 
artists you’d be interested in collaborating with?
Snoop Dogg blesses us on a track called “Livin it Up” which is a dream come true for both Cisco and me. Rick Ocasek co-produced “Crazy 4 U,” a classic rock anthem. Roy Bitten from the E-street Band played piano on “Heart and Soul,” which closes the record and is some of the most beautiful piano playing ever! We really set out to make a classic record all around and that’s what we did. We also have features from The Knux and Tabbi Bonney.
And the infamous question “What does Shwayze listen to? What’s in your I-Pod?”
Everything from The Cars, Tom Petty, The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Outkast, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Jay-Z. I love music.
Any big plans for when you have a break in your tour? Will you go back to relax in your hometown, Malibu for awhile?
Yea, def just Chill in the Bu for a bit, but not too long. We’re always doing something, but that’s why I love it!
Anything else you’d like to tell fans?
Go get Let it Beat! You won’t be disappointed. Follow us on twitter @shwayze @mrciscoadler. Also go to Iamrogue.com to see live footage from us on tour. Myspace.com/shwayze
Check out this behind the scenes video from the road with Shwayze and tour mates Beardo, Cold Flamez, B.O.B., Anjulie and Jason Smith.
