Holiday thoughts...

Friday I threw a “holiday” party at a school I work at.

I’m white and Jewish. My wife is Korean and Christian.

My adult students (Pre-GED) are Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Atheist and everything in between. One’s from Tibet and many from China and there’s long-time friction between their homelands. Well, no problems at THIS party where they danced and sang TOGETHER.

The band I hired was a brilliant Puerto-Rican singer named Edwin Vazquez who is as great a talent as I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He sang in English and Spanish. His is a musical stew that encompasses all kinds of sounds and influences, and he had an excellent rapper, A.I.G.,  sharing the stage on several cuts.

EVERYBODY loved it. EVERYBODY got along. EVERYBODY was happy. Particularly me, as I just got through a nightmarish three month cancer scare where I was misdiagnosed and dropped into medical HELL leading to a battery of tests and an unnecessary surgery.

If you have your health you have everything.

So, this party wasn’t about religious differences. It was about people appreciating friends and food and music. It was about “life.” And living it.

I tell my students it’s a shame that most wars throughout history are over religion. Because when all is done it’s “variations on a theme.” You visit your family. You bring gifts. You stuff your face with food. You pray to someone.

So why do people kill over this?

Anyway, before this gets too preachy, a happy, healthy  and prosperous holiday and new year to all…

Evan Ginzburg

www.legendsradio.net

NYC Open mike winners to receive international airplay

Evan Ginzburg, Associate Producer of The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke and Host of Legends Radio announces weekly Tuesday Open Mike/Networking events at Gizzi’s in NYC

Open mike winners to receive international airplay

NEW YORK Dec, 24, 2011 —Often in life it’s not what you know, but who you know. And in the dog eat dog world of the entertainment industry, that’s frequently true. Thus, Evan Ginzburg, Associate Producer of The Wrestler and host of the long-running weekly Legends Radio is starting a new series on Tuesdays at beautiful Gizzi’s at 16 W 8^th in NYC, combining both an open mike and networking event.

Beginning Tuesday December 27, and continuing each Tuesday in January through Jan, 17, we will provide a stage for musicians, singers, comedians, writers, and poets. Sign up is at 6:30 PM with the open mike  from 7 to 9PM. Participants can network in our beautiful venue, meeting folk involved in all aspects of the entertainment industry. Great food, drinks, desserts, will be available. At the end of each monthly cycle, one winner will receive airplay on Legends Radio, reaching five thousand plus listeners in over twenty countries. Guests who have appeared on Legends Radio include Jenny McCarthy, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Judy Collins, Roberta Flack, Norm McDonald, David Alan Grier, Jackie Martling, Shelly Berman, Pat Cooper, Robert Vaughn, and countless other celebrities as well as talent deserving wider recognition.

Gizzi’s is a beautiful, laid back venue with no cover (ten dollar minimum at the tables for non-performers). Its intimate stage has showcased every possible type of entertainment and is a beloved spot for talent who return time and time again.

View clips from Gizzi’s unique mix of entertainment here: http://youtu.be/9QQ6h_ncDco

So come on down this Tuesday. It’ll be your chance to have the rare opportunity to possibly get heard by an international audience. Bring your business cards and get ready to network with some great folk as well.

About Evan Ginzburg

Evan Ginzburg is a 20 plus year radio veteran formerly with 50,000 Watt WBAI-FM 99.5 NYC (Pacifica Radio). He currently hosts Legends Radio along with Dr. Mike Lano each Wednesday 7PM EST at www.legendsradio.net. He is the Associate Producer and appears as himself in The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. He is a Producer on the upcoming documentary, Theresa Sareo-Alive Again (www.aliveagainmovie.com). He also is a Booker at Gizzi’s, securing talent 3-4 nights a week.

Media contact:

Evan Ginzburg
Host- Legends Radio

Evan_ginzburg@yahoo.com

www.evanginzburg.com

www.legendsradio.net

www.gizzisnyc.com

Concert Review- Bunny Sigler and Instant Funk NYC 12/16

Concert Review- Bunny Sigler and Instant Funk

BB King’s Supper Club NYC

December 16, 2011

Bunny Sigler is the type of performer who owns a stage.

Looking sharp, Sigler oozes charisma, can still belt one out, and has no problem hamming it up for his adoring crowd.

The show opened with a relatively brief medley from disco-era greats Instant Funk who are tight as can be. They proceeded to back Sigler, who with the exception of a short rest while the band did their classic “I Got My Mind Made Up,” did ninety straight minutes of classic soul and everything in-between. Billed as “The Philly Soul Experience,” it was great hearing him do “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “For the Love of Money,” “Disco Inferno,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” and other gems which he made his own.

Sigler could sing the phone book and it would be worth hearing. He even did a smooth Sinatra cover and an a cappella snippet of opera.

The only miscalculation on Bunny’s part was utilizing a music video of his new song with subtitles as his finale. It was meant to be a sing-a-long, but I was so distracted by the many misspellings (loose for lose, etc.) that it took away from it. But, hey, maybe that’s just the writer in me.

What was wonderful about the gig was that each and every audience member left that venue smiling. And it went far beyond nostalgia; it was a truly excellent show by a master showman who we all hope will return to the Big Apple shortly. Sigler warmed up a cold night with some great memories and musicianship and what can be better than that?

--Evan Ginzburg

www.legendsradio.net

Anthony Hamilton at The Apple Store NYC 12/13/11

I went to see Anthony Hamilton yesterday at The Apple Store in NYC where he showed his new video, was interviewed in a Q&A headed by a writer from Essence (later taking questions from the audience), and then did a 3 song set with his live band which all were from his new CD.

I was impressed that it was also being recorded for later airing on the Net and there was a decent enough amount of promotion by RCA that I actually heard about the appearance, which isn’t always the case.

“Did you hear The Roots were here last week?” an employee asked me.

“Um, no.”

Thus goes it generally. Imagine that- a record company getting behind a quality artist who isn’t a kid making great, old school sounding music. Bravo to RCA for pushing Hamilton like this, who also did an earlier in-store at J&R the same day in NY.

In person Hamilton comes off as totally warm, sincere, passionate about what he does, and respectful of those who came before him, singing the praises of such diverse artists as Al Green, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jodeci and others whose names escape me.

Hamilton’s a great singer and live performer as well, and the three song set was the perfect tease that made we want to own the CD and see him live in a full show.

Which brings me to my only complaint. I had cash money ready to buy two CDs for Christmas presents. None were on sale there. They were hawking downloads. For someone with an old school audience, don’t the “suits” realize, some of us “oldheads” just don’t do the download thing? Money in hand and nobody to take it. Now THAT’S not good business.

Regardless, it was a lovely event with a warm feel to it. And the CD itself is great and maybe the “album of the year.” (If they still use that term?).

By the way, his song “The Point of It All,” from the previous CD remains one of my all-time favorite songs.

Anthony Hamilton, is an artist with class, integrity, dignity, taste, and sheer talent, all of which show in his work. That’s not a typical combination in 2011 going on 2012. I hope it sells a million copies. Or downloads if you will.

--Evan Ginzburg

www.legendsreadio.net

Dylan Tribute/Raging Grannies at Gizzi's NYC this Friday!

Gizzi’s this Friday Dec.16- 16 W 8^th St. NYC No Cover! Great food/drinks/desserts/ambiance/nice folk!

• Huge Bob Dylan Tribute this Friday with master musicians Backwards Jupiter!
• Raging Grannies (as seen on CNBC at Occupy Wall Street) this Friday
• Eclectic young stars Jordan Cooper and Chad D return Friday

·         7PM The Raging Grannies featuring Pamela Drake- As seen on CNBC at Occupy Wall Street!!!

·         The NYC Metro Raging Grannies are the New York City "gaggle" of an international coalition of mature women who sing original political parodies in their ongoing quest for peace, justice, human rights and a green planet. The Raging Grannies started in British Columbia, Canada in 1987 and are now in Europe, the Middle East and Asia as well as all over North America. www.nycmetro.raginggrannies.org

·         8PM Jordan Cooper

 Jordan Cooper lives in Queens, NY and has been writing, recording and performing music for over 10 years. He has created over 1000 pieces of music, including over 200 songs, various instrumentals and film scores. He has been performing live for years as a solo musician and in several bands.

·         9PM Chad D

I'm an ambitious artist launching my music career. I make music. I write & compose. I perform my music live - on stage. I connect with you. I bring you to the front lines of your emotions with my rapping, singing and performance. I make eye contact with you. I am your friend and I believe in who you are.

10PM Backwoods Jupiter, made up of Fred Gillen, Jr., Matt Turk, Steve Kirkman, Tadd Kroneck, Debbie Tuzman, Elliott Glick, Curtis Schmidt, Phil Dollard, Eric Puente, Scott Urgola, Paul Silverman and Julie CorbalisReleased to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Billboard-chart topping album, Backwoods Jupiter Presents Bob Dylan's Desire re-captures that mid-70s feeling and celebrates the art and passion of one of the greatest American songwriters. See them in their Gizzi's debut this Friday!

Leon Ware- Concert Review NYC 11/28/11

Concert Review

Leon Ware –

The Blue Note NYC 11/28/11

Leon Ware has written and co-written some of the greatest and most beloved songs of the 20^th Century.

The fact that he isn’t a household name is practically criminal.

Writing hits for and with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Minnie Ripperton, Maxwell, Quincy Jones and many others, his rare NYC appearance was a must see for this longtime fan.

The charming and debonair Mr. Ware spread out on a dozen or so of his classics including “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” “If I Ever Lose This Heaven,” “Inside My Love,” the Maxwell smash, “Sumthin’, Sumthin’” and a trio of gems from Marvin Gaye’s I Want You. Backed by a stellar band featuring piano great Onaje Allan Gumbs and remarkable singer, Maya Azucena, the now 71 year old seduced the thoroughly appreciative crowd as they perfectly walked that wonderful line between great jazz and R&B.

Throughout the evening, Ware jumped on and off stage, greeting one and all, and even kissing hands of the swooning ladies. An old school showman with a soulful, tender voice, he clearly loves what he does and even commented on how proud he was of the many babies his love songs have resulted in.

As Ware ended the evening he graciously thanked the audience again and again. Inspired and deeply moved by the musical magic I had witnessed, I did something I’ve never, ever done at a performance. Suddenly, almost without realizing it, I shouted in return, “Thank YOU.” Getting a warm smile and thumbs up from the legend, it was the icing on the cake of a perfect show.

Yes, thank you to an American treasure whose music will live forever. May he one day get the mass recognition he so readily deserves.

--Evan Ginzburg Legends Radio

www.legendsradio.net

Friday Nov. 11 at Gizzi's Cafe

Friday Nov. 11at Gizzi's Cafe 16 W 8th St. NYC Never a cover! Great food/desserts/drinks/ambiance/nice folk!

7PM- Billy Likitsakos Jazz Duo  www.facebook.com/billy.likitsakos

8PM- 'Linton Smith II' jazz ensemble http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linton-Smith-II/

9PM- LEIGH HARRISON is a life-long songwriter and composer, whose work weaves threads of folk, rock, pop, country, blues, old-timey jazz, bluegrass, and Western swing.  Her original songs may be heard on her CD's, "Eclectic Chanteuse," and "Oh, Wow!," both released by SongCrew Music.  As a travelling troubadour, she spent time with numerous musicians and performers such as Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Johnny Winter, Mick Jagger and Albert King and has played with Jaco Pastorius, Moogy Klingman, Charles Otis, and others. Leigh has performed in numerous venues; her videos and recordings are on YouTube and her website: www.leighharrison.com

10PM- John Henry Band- A little bit of Soul, blues, rock, reggae, gospel, driven by a Les Paul or a plain old Gibson. www.johnhenryband.com

These legends have appeared on Legends Radio!

Evan Ginzburg’s Legends Radio co-hosted by Dr. Mike Lano

Heard Wednesdays  7:00-9:20 PM EST on www.legendsradio.net  Archived 24/7

Featuring the biggest legends live on air in the Arts, music, and sports

Heard in U.S., U.K., Germany, Canada, Russia, Estonia, France, South Korea, Japan, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Chile, Brazil

Heard by an average of 5,000 listeners  a week

Musical guests have included:

Ray Manzarek of The Doors

Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Paul

James Moody
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Grandmaster Melle Mel

Roberta Flack

Judy Collins

Fred Wesley

Jimmy Webb

Sugar Pie DeSanto

William Hart of the Delfonics

Norman Carter of The Delfonics

Dr. Salaam Love of the Delfonics

Wendell Sawyer of Blue Magic

Marshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites
Eban Brown- current lead singer of The Stylistics

Syl Johnson

Eddie Jobson of Roxy Music and King Crimson and U.K.

Mighty Sam McClain

Tower of Power’s Doc Kupka

Canned Heat’s Stanley Behrens

Ron Dante of the Archies

Handsome Dick Manitoba of the Dictators

Wendell Holmes of the Holmes Brothers

Fats Gallon- funk drummer

Music journalism great Ben Fong-Torres

JD Allen

Jazz great Connie Crothers

Lock from The Dramatics

Jazz Bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan

Smooth jazz star Eddie Benitez

Jazz great Azar Lawrence

Blues great Candye Kane

Wanda Vaughn (The Emotions)
Wayne Vaughn (Producer/Writer Earth, Wind & Fire)

Ron Carter of the Persuaders

Violent J of Insane Clown Posse

The Shirts

Malo

Carlton J. Smith

Ned Massey

Theresa Sareo

Ekayani and Tom Glide

L.A.W.

Michael McHugh

Black Rock Coaltion

Blues ace Felix Cabrera

Blues great Robert Ross

Will Lee

Coole High

SoSoon

Edwin Vazquez

Luanne Surace

Plus countless talent deserving wider recognition!

Stars of Comedy have included:

David Alan Grier (In Living Color)

Marc Maron

Brent Weinbach,

Ian Edwards

Amy Schumer,

Ralphie May,

Gina Yashere

Dobie Maxwell
Dom Irrera

Pat Cooper

30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander

Heather McDonald (Chelsea Lately)

Jackie “The Jokeman” Martling

Shelly Berman

Norm McDonald (Saturday Night Live)

Robert Shields of Shields and Yarnell

Will Durst

Hal Lipson

Stars from MOVIES and TV have included:

Jenny McCarthy

Sherwood Schwartz (Creator Brady Bunch)

Robert Vaughn

Marilyn Michaels

Rona Barrett

Larry Flynt

Jack LaLanne

Celebrity Chef Joey Altman (Food Network)

Galloping Gourmet Graham Kerr

Chauncey Hayden

Marta Kristen (Lost in Space)

Barry Blaustein
Wally “Famous” Amos

Noel (Lois Lane) Neill

Nicole Bass

Dr. Victoria Zdrok

Roddy Piper

Chris Jericho

Chuck McCann

Beverly Washburn

King of the B Films- Conrad Brooks

Tony Burton (Apollo Creed’s cornerman)

Karen Lynn Gorney (Saturday Night Fever)
Roy Frumkes (The Substitute franchise)

Ed “Kookie” Byrnes  77 Sunset Strip 

Sunset Thomas

Annie Sprinkle

Georgina Spelvin

Seka

Juliet Anderson

Magician Joshua Jay

Al Guthertz- Hollywood Reporter/Variety
Pulitzer nominated playwright/Obie Award winner Kristoffer Diaz
Johnny Fairplay (Survivor)

Linda Hogan (Hogan Knows Best)

And many more…

Stars of professional wrestling and MMA have included:

Bruno Sammartino
SuperStar Billy Graham

Pat Patterson

Jackie Fargo

Ivan Putski

Dory Funk, Jr.

Harley Race
Stan Hansen

Superfly Snuka

Austin Aries

Honkytonk Man

Tyler Black

Jerry Lynn
Frank Shamrock

Awesome Kong
Mia St. John

Nigel McGuiness

Butcher Paul Vachon

Kamala

Sid Eudy

Sonny King
Nikolai Volkoff

Les Thornton

Gene Kiniski

Jimmy Valiant

Johnny Valiant

Kevin Sullivan

Colt Cabana

Bob Roop

Dawn Marie
Tito Santana

Brutus  Beefcake

Melissa Coates

Danny Hodge

Judy Martin

Eric Bischoff

The Destroyer

Lanny Poffo

DDP

Afa

Bobby Heenan

Chris Masters

Ox Baker

Molly Holly

Baron Von Rashke

Greg Valentine

Magnum T.A.
Christie Hemme

Necro Butcher

Larry Zybysko

Tracie Brooks

Jake The Snake Roberts
Blackjack Mulligan

Mustapha Saed

Teddy Hart

RVD

Earl Maynard

Manny Fernandez

Baby Doll

Savio Vega

JJ Dillon

Dr. Death Steve Williams

Missy Hiatt

Mean Gene Okerlund

Jimmy Hart

Daniel Puder
Al Snow

Steve Corino

Kimberly Page
Bill Watts
D Lo Brown

Dutch Savage

Sonjay Dutt
Hillbilly Jim

Buddy Landell
Juventud Guerrero

Tommy Rich

ODB

Bryan Alvarez

Ted Dibiase

Percy Pringle (Paul Bearer)

Jim Cornette

Austin Idol

Chris Nowinski

Ivan Koloff

Ox Baker

Zach Gowen

Tony Atlas

Jerry Jarrett

And countless others…

Evan Ginzburg is a 20 plus year radio veteran formerly with 50,000 Watt WBAI-FM 99.5 NYC (Pacifica Radio). He is the Associate Producer and appears as himself in The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. He is a Producer on the upcoming documentaries Theresa Sareo-Alive Again (www.aliveagainmovie.com) and Tiger Khan- Fire in the Blood.

Dr. Mike Lano is a journalist and photographer since 1966 whose work has appeared in worldwide media including the U.S., Japan, Mexico and numerous books.

Legends Radio is produced and engineered by Rick Hendrickson who also appears on air as our in-house MMA expert.

Legends Radio is graciously sponsored by Scott Epstein’s P.M.S. Publicity Management Services- talent bookings/personal appearances/press releases- magazine & newspaper spot listings/TV & Radio appearances. Scott Epstein- Publicist/Journalist/Photographer- “The Double Exposure that Works!”

All interviews are done at the guest’s convenience via phone. Inexpensive sponsorship/advertising opportunities available- inquire at evan_ginzburg@yahoo.com. Reach thousands worldwide weekly with the most eclectic show on radio.

More guests are being added to the Big Event Wrestling show.

More guests are being added to the Big Event Wrestling show.

Posted on 10/31/2011 by admin

The Big Show November 12 2011 from 10:00Am to 2:00Pm

Coming to Queens New York at the Courtyard Marriott hotel near LaGuardia Airport.
9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst N.Y 
The hotel is located 5 minutes from LaGuardia Airport.

The Show was originally canceled by TMART but we decided to bring our guests and invite everyone to build back the convention.  We are not part of TMART in any way shape or form.  We just want to make the fans happy.

Guests for the show include

Super Star Billy Grahm        Via Publicity Management Services Auto $20 Photo Op $20 Combo $30

Jake the Snake Roberts Auto $20 Photo Op $20 Combo $30

Ashley Massaro Auto $20 Photo Op $20 Combo $30

Velvet Sky Auto $15 Photo Op $15 Combo $25

Angelina Love Via Wrestling Spectacular Auto $15 Photo Op $15 Combo $25

Brutus the Barber Beefcake    Prices TBD

Sunny    Prices TBD

Luke Robinson    Prices TBD

OX Baker Auto $10 Photo Op $10

Howard Finkel    Prices TBD

Shimmer star, Jessica James    Prices TBD

Johnny Valiant    Prices TBD

 Crimson Via Wrestling Spectacular Auto $15 Photo Op $15 Combo $25

Hacksaw Jim Duggan Via Royal Collectibles

Cookie Via Royal Collectibles

Amazing Red   Auto $10 Photo Op $10

Jay Lethal    Prices TBD

Jimmy Superfly Snuka    Prices TBD

More guests to be announced Admission is $5 and the first 200 fans will get a autographed 8×10 from a previous signing.

If anyone is interested in bringing in a guest or a Table please email us.  For more information please call Tommy             347 992 0038      

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Posted in Upcoming Appearances | Tagged autograph signing, la guardia airport convention, the big event queens ny, the big show queens ny, wrestling convention, wrestling show | Leave a comment

The Big Show lives and is still on. Wrestling Fans will love the show

Posted on 10/20/2011 by admin

The Big Show November 12 2011 from 10:00Am to 2:00Pm

Coming to Queens New York at the Courtyard Marriott hotel near LaGuardia Airport.
9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst N.Y 
The hotel is located 5 minutes from LaGuardia Airport.

The Show was originally canceled by TMART but we decided to bring our guests and invite everyone to build back the convention.  We are not part of TMART in any way shape or form.  We just want to make the fans happy.

Guests for the show include

Super Star Billy Grahm

Jake the Snake Roberts

Ashley Massaro

Velvet Sky

Angelina Love

Brutus the Barber Beefcake

Sunny

Luke Robinson

OX Baker

Howard Finkel

Shimmer star, Jessica James

Johnny Valiant

Crimson

Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Cookie

More guests to be announced Admission is $5 and the first 200 fans will get a autographed 8×10 from a previous signing.

If anyone is interested in bringing in a guest or a Table please email us.  For more information please call Tommy             347 992 0038      

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