 Visit Jimi at popstar.com and win a Pop Romantico
poster signed by the artist. Hundreds of celebrities. Write a
fan letter to your favorite popstar. A recommended sight. Just
have fun... |
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jonathan
greene
in other
words |
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Watch AC webshorts
and .visuals |
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 A CULTURE HOOKED ON OIL -
Do we even have a choice anymore of whether to drive or not?
Face it, our society is car-happy, and I'm talking rev the engine,
let it burn, straight addicted to gas-guzzling beasts! A slight
glance into the me......(read the complete
story) |
 MAY 27TH TORONTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
LIVE FOR TICKETS PLEASE or visit ticketmaster CLICK
HERE |
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Marisa and Ian Thomas met up at
Alli's Journey. Ian performed a couple of songs for the event |
 Listen up...the outspoken conservative internet
advocate Gary Graham will be appearing
in an episode of the hugely successful night time drama "Nip
Tuck"...Mr. Graham is no stranger to hit series.The star
of Alien Nation, which has a bigger cult following than Obama,
is still syndicated all over the world. Please lighten up....We
will do a little research and update you on the time and date
of the show...keep those scalpels away from that hunky face...Ingrid
Lusha check out Gary's book. |
 Hollywood, CA 2007 -
When I think of 9-11 these
days I 'm reminded of the loss of a musical brother and friend.
During our time together we were challenged by life's inexperience
and youth. We wanted to make music, not because we were gifted
but in spite of it. The moment we began playing we felt the rush
of togetherness and ...(more) |
 What
do Randy Quaid and Jimi have in common? Well it seems that "Real
Time" Randy's new movie features a song written by Jimi..yes
it's "Goodbye Farewell" the big hit that put AC on
the map of radio ears. |
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 TORONTO - Roxanne originally trained for opera
singing, which served her well when she performed with Oprah
favorite Bernard Lachance at his Massey Hall, Toronto debut,
as part of his chorus. After many years as lead singer for the
rock bands Tangents, Performer, Delta Tango and Mambo Jimi, she
now mainly does studio backups for local performers, as well
as live background vocals for the Shawn O'Shea Project and Abraham's
Children. Also known for her onscreen work on CHSN, as host/co-host
of several community channel informational programs, and character
work in short films and commercials, she still has no idea what
she wants to be when she grows up. |
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Maria Grazia Cucinotta
ALWAYS FRESH
 The orange skies and balmy evening brought
a melancholy rush to my body as I strolled down Santa Monica
Boulevard towards the water. I noticed a long line of enthused
patrons holding Starbuck coffee cups and chatting while waiting
to get into the theater. My eyes happened to turn upwards to
the marquee that read "Il Postino". Of course being
a transplanted Italian to the city of Los Angeles, I was intrigued
by the large crowd waiting to see this artsy film. I continued
towards the sound of the dark ocean which was relatively quiet
in its stillness. The sand was warm between my toes and the occasional
breeze that blushed over my face reminded me why I was here.
I can't remember the last time I went to see a movie and, even
then, I likely had to be persuaded to go. I made my way back
to the theater just as they were letting everyone in. The worn
purple velvet seats of the old deco theater had definitely seen
their share of films. Most likely I was one of the few viewers
who could actually understand the film without reading the subtitles.
From the outset one is captivated by the beautiful Italian island
and vibrant scenery. I have always had a thing for attractive
Italian women in the cinema. They seem to jump right off the
screen only to plant themselves in your head. Beatrice Russo
played by the stunning Maria Grazia Cucinotta in "Il Postino"
is a breath of fresh air. She puts the "quirky" in
this unforgettable romantic story and leaves us wanting more.
I was hypnotized by her beauty and her playful demeanor. This
Sicilian bombshell made me a fan instantly. In her role as the
sexy assassin in The World is not Enough, she convinced me that
this hot mama is a serious actor. Her skills are without limits,
whether it's a short role on the Sopranos or an intense workout
in "The Rite", she can rock with the best of them.
Maria's radiancy reminds us of those early screen divas like
Gina Lollobrigida, only a dash more daring. inotherwords@rocketmail.com
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 with Seton Cisum
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A CHAT WITH JIMI BERTUCCI |
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I. Every time we turn around
you are working on a new project...talk with us man. |
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J. It has been awhile since we
spoke...what can I say I need to keep busy doing things. |
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I. Italian Walk Of Fame. I was
blown away when I found out you were one of the principals behind
that project. |
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J. Yea, I firmly believe that
we have to give back as corny as that sounds and for a young
boy from southern Italy I owe a lot to this simple stretch of
community known as Little Italy. |
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I. This is your hood or was. |
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J. It was a world yet discovered.
There was buzz
happening. I remember when I was around 13 playing at the Copa
Cubana on Euclid Ave.every Sunday afternoon or that other place,
can't remember the name. The area hopped no doubt. |
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I. So the Italian Walk Of Fame |
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J. My apologies going down memory
lane. I was having a coffee at the Diplomatico on College one
day chatting shooting the breeze and it suddenly hit me...why not a tribute to
the many Italians that have given so much to the world and the
Italian Walk Of Fame was born. |
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I. This was your third year and
I have to admit I was very impressed with the inductees...I never
had any idea that Connie Stevens was Italian, not a clue. |
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J. She's an amazing person, she has done so much outside
her acting and singing career it would amaze you. Can you imagine
entertaining troops over seas with the legendary Bob Hope. |
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I. You had one of my all time
favorites there Franco Nero. I saw Django when I was young and
would rush home to strap on my guns and an old towel with a hole
in the middle as my pancho...I mean he was my hero. |
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J. Franco was a gem. His speech
really moved me, both at the unveiling and at the gala. He appeared
a little serious but dynamic. Fans were all over him wanting
to sign something. |
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I. Funny I happened to be on
a flight and watched Letters to Juliet I think that was the title
and was surprized
when I saw Mr. Nero ride up on his horse. He's married to Vanessa
Redgrave I believe. |
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J. He is and a wonderful woman
she is |
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I. Was she at the event, I don't
remember seeing any pictures of them together. |
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J. No she had prior committements. |
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I. I don't mean to go on about
the IWOF but you had another biggy there Roberto Luongo...gold
medalist for the Canada Team last year, great goalie |
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J. Nice gentleman the fans couldn't
get enough of him he must have signed autographs for an hour. |
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I. What about Bobby Curtola |
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J. It's as if we were friends
forever. I sat next to Bobby at the gala and we had a chance
to exchange war stories. So much alike...we both had a big dream
and stopped at nothing to acheive it. |
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I. Do you ever feel overwhelmed
meeting such great people. |
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J. I would be lying if I said
no. But the more you meet the more you get the feeling that they
are just like you and me with maybe a few more eyes on them.
Men like Luigi Aquilini and Fred Degasperis are giants and yet
when you speak with them, they're like your uncle. |
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I. What about your music |
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J. Ah yes the music the big question
the music. Funny you should ask |
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I. I feel guilty here I am going
on about the Italian Walk of Fame and we haven't even touched
on the real essence of Jimi B the music.. |
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J. Wow thank you for those kind
words. I've been working on a Calabrese Pop album. |
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I. Did I hear that right a Calabrese
pop album...this is so rad...can I use the word rad. |
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J. You can use whatever word
you like and yes Calabrese pop album. It's something I've been
thinking about for a long time and when my dad passed away I
knew it was the right time to get this happening. |
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I.Now for those that don't know
this Jimi was born in Calabria Italy a province in the south.
All Italian or should I say Calabrese. |
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J. From beginning to end. I'm
very proud that I decided to actually use my dialect as I was
growing up. I'm very excited. |
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I.When can we hear something |
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J. You can hear one of the songs
in its rawest form on a video on you tube called Begin The Day.
A song called Toccato. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S8ju5EO19o |
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I. You know where everybody is
going after they read the interview. We are always glad to have
you here at thechildrock.com and we wish the best. |
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J. It's been my pleasure and
thank you. |
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JOIN US NEXT MONTH
AS WE SPEAK TO THE WOMAN BEHIND, THE ITALIAN WALK OF FAME THE
BAND AND THE ARTIST - MANAGER ENTREPRENEUR MARISA LANG. |
 Toronto Centre For The Arts - Take My Hand Concert
09 - Photos by George Onuska
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Shawn, Roxanne, Will and Gerry |
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Jimi and Glenn |
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 Toronto, Canada - A fan reaches over to
shake Jimi Bertucci's hand causing chaos. In the background Giancarlo
Giannini smiles, enjoying the frenzied man's enthusiasm for the
Canadian pop hero. The Italian Walk of Fame attracted thousands
to Toronto's Little Italy. In addition to Giannini, Connie Francis
embraced the community in style and hockey legend Phil Esposito
had everyone feeling Italian. On that warm Labor Day weekend
the inductees soaked up the sun and watched as the Blue Angels
flew overhead, high above the stars placed proudly in concrete
paving tradition and vision in the world. Photo by G. Onuska |
 Brampton Ontario - BU
- Ah sugar sugar na na na na na na ah honey
honey...it's bubblegum heroes Jimi Bertucci and Andy Kim. The
two met up at the Ontario Provincial Police 100th anniversary
bash in Brampton, Ontario. The Black and White sold-out gala
was a who's who of Ontario politics and the jewel rattling crowd.
With 1600 in attendance the place was rockin'. O.P.P.Commissioner
Julian Fantino and about 50 of his loyal officers added color
and entertainment to the exciting evening. Andy performed all
his hits, filling the room with nostalgic sediments and at times
a sing along. Now I would have to say that Andy takes the prize
as bubblegum king..I mean, let's face it, Sugar Sugar, was one
of his biggest hits. Originally written for the Archies, it was
Mr. Kim who not only sang lead on it but managed to sell a few
million copies to boot. He even included one of my own favorites,
Rock Me Gently - Photo by Georgie O |
 Hey world we just added Serfin
The Beat featuring 10 great tunes from the man himself. Songs
like "Get Back To Bed" "One Ya Want" "
Get Outside" and my fav. "The Passion Paradise"
Order Serfin now and be one of the first to have it autographed
by Mr. O'Shea...Shawn is in production with his new release titled
"Rebel Station" featuring 11 new songs and scheduled
for completion in the summer of 2009. Shawn has been seen around
town in local clubs performing and just hangin. Send him an email
and tell him you still remember that mug of his. Ok... Shawn
we look forward to that and some live dates. |
 Jimi B's Schizo JIMI B (A&M) Rating: NN Toronto's
Jimi B. might have only one name but he's got two musical personalities,
on this his first A&M record. Side one is a painful collection
of music which Jimi and his buddies B.B. Gabor and others sound
like Cars-clones (and the Cars don't even do good Cars these
days). The first side is full of annoying . vocal gimmicks and
non melodic songs reminiscent of bad B.B. Gabor. Gabor doesn't
do Jimi any favors by bringing along a tedious song Shake from
his latest album. Toronto's hottest bassist, Prakash John provides
the only interesting moments here. On side two Jimi does a complete
turnaround and moves from doing used Cars to classic Canuck-pop-rock
in the Prism, Saga, Loverboy mode. Lots of soaring vocals and
"uplifting guitar breaks". While not my cup of tea,
it's pleasant stuff and All American Boy should be the first
single from the album. There's some nice flashy guitar work,
Jimi stops messing around with his vocals and lets his pleasant
voice shine through. Michael Hollett - Now Magazine .......photo by Mary Frampton |
 TORONTO - THE FULL MONTE
FILLS IN WITH AC
BU -
When it comes to disciplined musicians, Monte Horton falls into
that unique category. His style is chameleon and colorful, capturing
the feel as if he has lived with this music for years. There
are many good players these days but what makes Mr.Horton stand
out is his blend of smooth pop playing. No stranger to the scene,
he has played with some of the best musicians in Canada. "
I enjoy playing with Monte whenever he is available. He adds
a fresh sound to some pretty old hits ", said Abraham's
Children's founder, Jimi Bertucci. AC have been performing for
over 35 years having put out a string of hit records in the seventies.
The band is in rehearsal preparing to do some more live dates
and some recording. |
 REALLY KEWL DESIGNS AND
AFFORDABLE. CHECK
OUT THE RAW COLLECTION. |
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 New video now up. AC live @ the
Toronto Centre for the Arts. Wishing On A Star |
 Book Abraham's Children online. Now you
can conveniently book your favorite band. Check out dir-act and
see the great acts they offer. Book AC for your corporate function,festival,
concerts, clubs. |
 Hey
gang keep in touch with AC. Join the group and let us know what
you've got happening. Later |
 Glenn
Olive and Jimi met at the age of 13. Glenn had a band called
The Jr. Beetles at the time. When the two got together it was
magic. Jimi, with his Hofner Beatle Bass, made quite an impression
in the neighborhood and Glenn, a bass player himself, thought
it was really cool. They formed their first band together called
The London Tones and would often play at St. Albans Boys and
Girls Club in the Annex of Toronto. Not long after, they added
Ronnie Bartley. The young mod band would play high school dances,
community events and whatever was available.Check Glenn out at
www.myspace.com/planetearthfunk
with Planet Earth... |
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AC ROCK AND SPARK
CENTRE FOR A GREAT CAUSE BU - The George Weston Recital hall is
just that, a recital hall. When I walked into this incredibly
designed structure per l'arte de l'arte at the Toronto Centre
for the Arts, I was quickly reminded of my days in Europe sprinting
from one acoustically perfect theatre to another. There is almost
a spiritual aura when you're standing in rooms still emanating
the essence of music that has the ability to reach out and touch
the inner soul. I was early and decided to try and catch the
sound check. As I approached the back stage I was stopped by
a security guard asking me for credentials. I showed him my press
pass and satisfied his curiosity. In an authoritative tone he
expressed that the band did not want anyone present during sound
check. I said "ok" and walked to a local restaurant
to kill some time before the concert. I knew AC was closing the
show and decided I need not rush. An hour and a bottle of Masi
red later I returned to the event, entering like a church mouse
and found myself in the presence of what I presumed was the MC
for the evening. I was just in time. I could hear the amps being
turned on and a slight static sound coming from the stage. As
soon as I heard the first chord I knew it was Gypsy, that haunting
tune that sent the band on to international heights. Jimi sang
the song with dedication in this live version although, originally,
it was the late Brian Cotterill who crooned on the record. The
crowd was mixed, young, old and a few who mistook the venue for
an amusement park. They played Thank You, which I believe is
the band's signature song. My mind was running like a greyhound
and the emotional wheels of my youth began to spin as I recalled
kissing a young woman to this song. Then, the almost sold-out
crowd was treated to a new song as was indicated by Jimi as he
struggled with his monitor. Wishing On A Star seemed so apropos
to this wonderful occasion. I did not need to hear more than
a couple of verses to realize that this is another great tune
that Mr. Bertucci has penned both lyrically and musically. By
the end of the song it was clear that the audience members agreed
with me as they enthusiastically demonstrated their approval
with thunderous applause. The evening was shaping up to be perfect
until Ms. Mc appeared onstage and began to thank Abraham's Children.
I could see the confused look on each of the band member's faces.
The sign-off was obviously unexpected and premature on their
behalf. Jimi interjected announcing that they would like to properly
say good night to the pumped-up crowd who was still applauding
and proceeded to asked them to clap to the groove as the next
tune started, a song which I soon recognized as Goodbye Farewell,
another in their string of top ten hits. It was at this point
that the sparks began to fly. I could see the chaos and someone
who appeared to be in charge asking the soundman to cut the power.
Nevertheless, the band was not discouraged and they kept playing
and singing like the motley crew that they were known to be.
Finally, the sound engineer turned the mics back on as AC's heightened
energy ripped right through the velvet seats of the theatre and
the crowd of people clapping and singing along like it was the
national anthem of pop. The song ended and the musically thirsty
ticket holders applauded in appreciation of the memories.The
new AC line-up included Shawn O'Shea on guitar, Glenn Olive on
bass, Gerry Fielding on drums, Will Hare on keyboards and special
guest Roxanne Tellier on background vocals. I would have to say
this is the probably the best version of the band I've had the
pleasure to hear since the original "Fab Four" members
back in the day. With some of Canada's top musical acts performing,
like Abraham's Children, the charity event benefiting Alli's
Journey was a night not to be easily forgotten. |
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Bruce fills in with AC for the Abruzzo
Earthquake Relief Fund in Woodbridge ,Ont. Canada. |
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