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ZEE'S CINEVEGAS 2005 FILM FESTIVAL FAVORITE MOVIES
Babe Pier with Peter Anthony (L) and Sonny King (R)looking over his shoulder and enjoying his comments about the movie.On right in the background are Marky Kaye, Norman Kaye and Guz Mancuso All of them are in "Lost Vegas;The Lounge Era".	FAVORITE SPOTLIGHT MOVIE: HUSTLE & FLOW MOST FUN MOVIE (TIE) VIVA LAS VEGAS, What fun it was to watch this movie in a theater with fans singing along with the songs. LOST VEGAS, The Lounge Era. I knew everyone in the film. What fun it was to hear them explain the rise and fall of the Lounge Entertainers.It was also fun to hear the jokes and stories I've heard so many times before, but now they are immortalize on film. Some of the movie was filmed at Bootleggers Bistro. You can see Dale, Renee and Myself ( Zee)in the film several times. FAVORITE NEW FILM: THE RED DOOR. A wonderful look at the Wong Family and how they discover it is never too late or early to have a change of life. It is also about the love and tradition that binds families. Georgia Lee, Writer & Director also knows how to end her movie. Most of the new filmmakers had problems doing this.

PHOTOS FROM THE RED CARPET EVENTS

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

CINEVEGAS 2006

Helen Mirren, Actress and
Cinevegas Marquee Award Recipient with husband Taylor Hackford, Director and Cinevegas Vanguard Directer
Recipient,on the Red Carpet
at Dennis Hopper's 70 Birthday Celebration.

Cinevegas, June 9-17. 2006 was an intensive experience of independent films. There were over 44 individual screening of film and shorts, conversations, parties, panel discussions and most of these included Red Carpets I didn't get to cover them all but did a significant amount.
My first article about Cinevegas 2006 will be from Taylor Hackford, director during the introduction to the screening of "Chuck Berry Hail H ail Rock and Roll" and excerpts from his scheduled conversation prior to the Vanguard Dirctor Award Presentation and Screening of "The Idolmaker". This discussion covered many of his films including "Chuck Berry, Hail Hail Rock and Roll".

Fans of this film will be glad to know that a DVD will be released on or about June 27, 2006. I felt that Hackford's input and information about the film and DVD would be valuable news you can use. Therefore I decided this was a good way to start my coverage of Cinevegas 2006.

THE NAMM SHOW: A MUSIC INDUSTRY MUST DO!
	As a first time attendee the NAMM show can be overwhelming. The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandise) trade show is a must for anyone that does anything associated with music. There are over 100,000 exhibitors displaying all kinds of music instruments, accessories, sound equipment, books, instructional aids and everything else. It is the place where sellers meet with the buyers of music merchandise


Alexa Vetere is one of those musicians that attend the show regularly. She said, “ I actually love NAMM. The first time I went, I went with my Uncle's bass company (Fodera Basses). I fell in love with all the talent and passion in that building. Everyone just loves music, and that's the coolest place too be.”


Bill Minarik & Bill Farkas, political singer/Songwriter and owner of Wrist Rocks, collector series guitar watches, that includes replicas of Minarik Guitars.	Nicole Mangum started out as a Minarik Guitar Girl with Marc Minarik at the NAMM Display Booth. The two are planning on getting married October, 2006 in Hawaii
Bill Minarik of Minarik Guitars explains, The NAMM Show is the biggest musical instrument trade show in the world. If you want to become known in the industry, the quickest, easies, and least expensive way is to be a member then an exhibitor at NAMM”. Not only is the show for people selling music stuff but also it is important for musicians to attend” Minarik said. “Any musician who is affiliated (endorsed) with any exhibiting company at NAMM should attempt to obtain admission to the show through the exhibiting company so as to, talk with people down at their endorsing company’s booth”. “Or they possibly can do an instrument demonstration at the both and in certain circumstances be nominated by the exhibitor to perform at one of the NAMM or Hotel stages active during the show”. He continued, “If I were a performing musician, I would try and get in NAMM just to find out what is new in the industry”. It is also a place for musicians just to talk and connect with people in the industry.

From Left: Andre Banks (Founder/Chairman),
Christal Ray (Independent Artist of the Year),
Kel Mitchell (Celebrity Host), Sheila Ferguson, (Event Coordinator/COO)

INDEPENDENT ARTISTS RECOGNIZED AT LAS VEGAS MUSIC ALLIANCE AWARDS SHOW

Las Vegas Music alliance held it’s second awards show on September 2, 2006 in the Clark County Library Theater. The nonprofit organization was started as a way to give back to the community and honor talented young artists. Ms. Sheila Ferguson Event Coordinator and COO of the organization told me, “ This organization and another one called “Jumping for Jesus” are unique ways to help young people to go into a positive direction. Andre Banks founder and chairman added, “ We notice there was a void in the industry so were organized a foundation to recognize these talented youth”. While the main activity of the organization is their award program they also do workshops to help these young performers to achieve their goals in the entertainment field.


Minnie Foxx and her Son	‘Mic”(L) from Munich, Germany and Dale Matulonis (R)from ECE
The VIPS involved in the show all l arrived in limousines and then walked the Red Carpet to kickoff the event. Next they stopped at the media stations for photographs and interviews. Those who stop for interviews and photos with ECE included performing artist Minnie Foxx who walked the Red Carpet with her son. She has appeared on television, in movies and has her own image development company. Her performing credits include, Mad TV, Martin Lawrence, In Living Color, Sweet Potato Pie and Songs of My Father. “Mic” a singer all the way from Munich Germany and LMCA International Artist of the Year also took time to chat and pose with Dale Matulonis who assisted in ECE’s coverage of the event.


Scarlett Pomers and Jak Paris performng "The Chain"	N'Versity
There were powerful performances by many of the nominees and award recipients that showed why these talented performers were being recognized. . My favorites were the electrifying performances by the Jak Paris Band with Scarlett Pomers and N’Versity. Scarlett Pomers is best known for her role on “Reba”. She is an outstanding singer. “The Chain “ a single by Jake Paris and Scarlett Powers has broken into the top 20 in the charts. N’Versity was recently seen on NBC’s “America Got Talent”.

UNIVERSITY THEATER OPENING
Dia Frampton and Renee Matulonis After the show	Dia Frampton and Meg Framption on stage
“MegDia” are the Frampton sisters from Utah. For now they’re a five-piece band and are an Indie pop/country genre group. They have great sibling harmonies and are set to be big stars.



For More Meg Dia Photos Continue

Kelly Kellam

The other performers were “House of Fool” from North Carolina, Ronnie Day representing San Francisco, California and “Dagney Lover Derby”, hailed from Seattle, Washington were joined by Vegas own “Day After” and Kelly Kellam). These acts appeal to the mostly younger age audience at the University Theater venue. But MegDia and Kelly Kellam can also appeal to all ages including older adults.

For More Photos From Univserity Theater Opening Click Here
Salsa from the House of Fools

LAS VEGAS ALL-STARS 2007 TIP OFF PEP RALLY

Students & Guest Dignitaries pose together at Las Vegas NBA All-Stars 2007 Tip Off Rally.

by Zee Matulonis

NBA Legends Bob Lanier and Jerome Williams help tip off Las Vegas All-Stars 2007 by visiting James Cashman Middle School to announce the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam Initiative. Joining the NBA Legends were Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Mike Betcher T-Mobile Director of Events & Sponsorship, Commissioner, Yvonne Atkinson Gates and other dignities from Las Vegas, School Board, After School and the Boys & Girls Clubs. These special guests spoke before perfect attendance, no- tardiness and top grade getters from Cashman Middle School.

Bob Lanier	The NBA Cares program is the leagues community outreach program. It involves community service and addressing social issues. During All-Star week in Las Vegas, current and former players will build houses, visit nursing homes, hospitals and learn and play center. . It will also include basketball and fitness clinics and read to students. Bob Lanier explained to me why all this is good for the NBA and Las Vegas. He explained, “ It’s about kids and making a difference in people lives. It’s about going in the community, by visiting the hospitals, going to schools and encouraging kids to go to school. The t-Mobile Rook Challenge and Jam is kind of like a thank you for having perfect attendance, being a good citizen and doing stuff to make a difference in the community. It’s Wonderful. Lanier went on to say, “Anytime we can showcase our athletes and our athletic who are encouraging kids to do wonderful things in our communities it is good for all of us and it’s good for business”.
Jerome Williams told me afterwards about how he got his nickname ‘Junkyard Dog”. He explained, I got my nickname for my teammates my rookie year. They tagged me ‘Junkyard Dog” because of my tenacity on the court of course, my barking in the stands and having a good time. Since this whole thing was about encouraging kids to go and do well in school and I found out that he played basketball in a Junior College I asked what was the advantage of that in his career. He answered, “It was a great advantage for the mere fact that I went out and got a job to support my extended education. I paid for it myself and that just taught me the value of education when you have to go out there and work for it yourself. When I did have the opportunity to have a scholarship, after completing my first two years and my Associate’s Degree, it gave me a different perspective on life and propelled me to the next level.	Jerome Williams
Mayor Oscar Goodman	The event at Cashman School was the official tip off to the Las Vegas Al-Stars 2007. Mayor Goodman summed up the importance of T-Mobiles Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam. He said,” The T-Mobile Rookie Challenge Youth are really going to set the example for the rest of the City of Las Vegas. The whole world is going to be looking at us. They are going to be saying, Las Vegas is the greatest city! Let’s show ourselves off and show them what a great community we have. Then he told the Cashman students, “Congratulations to all of the wonderful success you all ready achieved. It is a remarkable statistics. Always being on time, never absent, good grades and that is what we want for the future of Las Vegas. Photos by Dale Matulonis & Zee Matulonis


From Left:Bob Lanier, Mike Belcher, Jerome Williams	Bob Ranier & Jerome Williams Rallying Students to sign the T-Moblle Rookie Challenge & Jam Initiative Pledge
Mike Belcher T-Mobile Director of Events & Sponsorships gave an overview about the NBA Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam during All-Star Weekend. He said, “We are excited to announce a first of its kind event. We hope this will have a tremendously positive impact on many of our youth this year in the Las Vegas area. On February 16, 6000 kids from the greater Las Vegas area will fill the lower hall of the Thomas and Mack Center to watch some of NBA’s brightest stars to participate in the NBA Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam during All-Star Weekend. The T-Mobile Rookie Challenge pits the NBA rookies against the leagues sophomores. It is obviously a big event for the community. We could not of done this without the NBA and the NBA Cares that have donated all of the seats in the lower hall for this event. It is a once in a lifetime experience for the kids who are going to be involved”. In “Pep-Talk-Rally style NBA Legends Lanier and Williams, gave further explanations about the NBA Rookie Challenge and NBA Cares programs. The “Rally” part was to motivate students to sign a pledge to read five books, do an hour of community service per week, and attend school. Lanier during an exchange about reading, why is important for Jerome Williams to know how to read when playing basketball. Debbie a student at Cashman answered, “So that he can read his contracts. In another exchange about different suggestions for doing community Service, Sarah another student Sarah said she walk a neighbor’s dog as her community service. William’s commented, “That’s great, you know what my nickname is? It’s Junk Yard Dog”. I can appreciate a good walk”. They then invited the students up to sign the pledge.

NBA ALL-STAR WEEK

Sweet Louie with actor Obba Babatnde’
Photo: Linda Roberts-Smith

The NBA 2007 All-Star game and associated activities took center stage in Las Vegas February 12 to 19. Brenden Theatres at the Palms was the site of some of those events. A Red carpet screening of “99 Ways Entertainment’s MVP film was held on Friday, February 16th. NBA players join forces with “99 Ways Entertainment “ to begin a second career as film producers. Sweet Louie and his wife Linda came to cover the event with me. Linda and Louie ended up walking the Red carpet with the stars of the film, NBA players both former and current and other luminaries.

THE 2007 ALL-STAR JAM SESSION PHOTO ALBUM ClLICK HERE
Group shot of the VIP Luminaries at the official grand opening of the 2007 All-Star Jam Session on Febrary 15, 2007	Most of the local media were kept out of the festivities but were invited to the MBA All-Star Jam Sessions at Manadalay Bay South Convention Center.

More NBA All Star movie stuff
Dennis Hopper	"This is a true story that happened in High School basketball. I must say that Gene Hackman and I who use to sit on the bench while you guys (to Anspaugh) was working with those kids. The kids never acted before and they were really wonderful. They were basketball players. Gene and I would sit there and Gene would say, what are we doing here. We are in a basketball movie. First of all no movie about basketball ever made any money and we’re doing a high school basketball movie. Then he goes out and works with those kids. Gene was so wonderful. David did a great job. It is just a great inspirational film".


Dennis Hopper and David Anspaugh during the panel discussion following Cinevegas special Screening of "Hoosiers".	Director David Anspaugh
On Wednesday Brendan Theater was the site of a special Cinevegas Screening of “Hoosiers”. It’s the 1986 film starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, and Dennis Hopper and directed by David Anspaugh. It was a fundraiser for The Boys and Girls Club Film making Project. There was an interesting and fact fill discussion by the director David Anspaugh and Actor, Dennis Hopper following the screening.

Jason Ashley
	From left: Jeff LeBlanc, Jo el Sonnier, and Jason Ashley
We introduced you to Jason Ashley after the 2005 James Burton Festival (Fall 2005, Blow Out Under The Bride Page 9). He made his second appearance at the festival this time as part of the Party on the Promenade. Ashley once again showed his talent and passion for his music. Cajon music legend and four-time Grammy Nominee Jo el Sonnier joined Ashley on stage for a song.Ashley has the talent and drive and if he gets the breaks he will make it to the top of country music. He is not sitting around waiting for things to happened but is making things happen in his career. A successful Cruse with Jason Ashley was done on Carnival Conquest March 4 to 11. In July (6-8) 2007 he is producing a music festival to benefit MS in Shreveport La. On a personal note he has a new lady in his life for a year.

	Cubs Rally Celebrate Fans The Chicago Cubs won the 2007 National League Central Division Championship. Chicago held a rally to celebrate and show fans appreciation for supporting the team. Wayne Messinger who is the voice of Wrigley Field served as Emcee. He introduced speakers such as Billy Williams Cubs Legendary player, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. Some of the speakers praised Cubs management for bringing a championship to Chicago. While others praised players like Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano. But every speaker gave praise and tribute for the great fans of the Chicago Cubs.
There was an estimated 10, 000 fans that filled Daley Plaza on October 1, 2007 for the Rally. Workers from surrounding office buildings and construction projects joined in cheering the team and joining in the Cubs chant “Go Cubs Go!” Big Screen Televisions were much apart of the Rally. Cub’s players were in Phoenix getting ready to play the Diamondbacks. They participated with Video blurbs shown on big screens. Those big screens also showed highlight clips of the 2007 regular season and from previous post season games,	"GO CUBS GO!"
Ronny "Woo Woo" Wickes and Renee Matulonia	The highlight of the Rally for my daughter and I was meeting Ronny “Woo Woo” Wickes. He is the Cubs unofficial cheerleader, a local Icon and celebrity. Ronny “Woo Woo” has been a fan since the late 1940’s. He started doing his “Woo Woo”duties in the early 1960’s. Filmmaker Paul Hoffman even made a documentary about Ronny “Woo Woo” called “Woolife”. Well the Cubs were swept by the Diamondbacks in the first playoff series. So once again its “wait until next year” by fans for a possible Cubs World Series. But the rally was a blast! Renee and I are both glad that we took the opportunity we had to attend.

January Jones	January Jones acting credits include “American Wedding, “We are the Marshals and can currently been seen on AMC’s Television Series “Mad Men”. When asked about how she relates to her character in “American Wedding” she said, “I use to be a lot closer to the character than I am now. She is kind of a naïve young girl and now I am not so naïve”. I asked her since “Mad Men” is set in 1960 and she was born after that, how did she prepare for the role? The actress said, “ All of the preparations are done for me. I read Betty Friedman’s “The Feminine Mystique” and “Revolutionary Road” just to a sense of women’s sense of self of the time. But the clothes, makeup and hair have been very well researched for me. So it’s been very easy to get the way of stuff.
Roger Cross’ acting credits include “24”, “Dirty Little Secrets’, “West Wing” and he just finished shooting “Mad Money” on location in Shreveport, Louisiana. When I heard Shreveport, Louisiana I had to ask him about shooting there. He said, “ We had a lot of fun down in Shreveport. The people were great. It was a bit humid for me but it was great down there”. When I asked by any chance did he meet James Burton he told me no he wasn’t there but he did see his statue with the Elvis one by the Municipal Auditorium. Next since I check about him on IMBD and found out that his first film,” The International Rescue” was shot in China, Vietnam and Burma I asked him about the experience. First he expressed how impress he was that I did some homework then he told me how it was a life-changing thing. He said, “ It was a time when I decided I really wanted to be an actor on a full-time basis. I almost lost my life. On a day off we went off these waterfalls and I would of broke my neck. But someone pulled me out just before it happened. We looked up and d I would of gone off this wonderful waterfall if they hadn’t grabbed me out at that point. Then I slipped on a rock and went in. It was crazy just going down this river swimming as hard as you can and getting swept down. So I don’t know if that ever happened to you but then you want no regrets. So that’s what made me go I want to live each moment passionately and never have any regrets. So I got to give it a shot, if it fails it fails, if it doesn’t, go for it and that what made me do it.	Roger Cross
Dick Smothers (ECE File Photo)	Once again I ran into Dick Smothers at Instant Replay. Since from a previous interview with him I found out he is an avid amateur ballroom dancer I asked him if we might see him on “Dancing With The Stars”. He answered me “I’ve been trying to get on the show. My people call their people each season and so far it hasn’t happened. Maybe when they run out of old guys they will call me”.