Tag Archives: Ellen Zuckerman

SONGS OF SAMMY HAGAR ULTIMATE JAM NIGHT EDITION

March 10, 2023 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Los Angeles, California — Thursday, February 28th, 2023 — Chuck Wright and company were back at the Whiskey for the Ultimate Jam on February 28th and the lineup was insane. This was a dedication to the “Red Rocker” himself ~ Sammy Hagar. There was so much music and so much jamming. It went on until morning.

Orinathi (L) with Chuck Wright (R). Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Starting out in the early hours of 8:00PM, Gain of Function got things going. Michael Stone on bass, Sean Topham on drums and Pharaoh Barret singing. This housebound for the night was Chuck Wright, Joe Travers from Frank Zappa’s band,Brandon Paul from Lizzy Borden,Chris Turbos from Boys of Summer, John McCloy from the Contenders, and the very funny (I think) Hal Sparks hosting.

Susie Major ~ Founder and lead singer of the Rag Dolls. The ultimate all female Aerosmith tribute band. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Susie Major from the Rag Dolls sang one with powerful vocals. Next up was a band from Northern California called Red Voodoo Band. Everyone was into these guys. One of the big moments of the night was Orinathi. She pulled out all the stops with a sick version of Rock Candy that featured Tracii Guns, Kenny Arnoff, Chuck Wright, and Mijenko Matijevic. Amazing performance.

Pauly Z (L) with Dave Amato (R) from REO Speedwagon. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Kenny Arnoff (drummer) stayed on and was joined by Sean Mcnabb (bass) from Quiet Riot (after Chuck), Chris Turbis (keys) from Mr Crowley, and Dave Amato from REO Speed-wagon (lead guitar) and the amazing Paul Zablidowsky, AKA Pauly Z, sang “I Can’t Drive 55” and blew the lid off the place.

Sean Topham from Gain of Function. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Matt Starr (drums) from Ace Freely Kiss Army fame, brought home the UJN 2023 vibe. Also Greg Coates, Mike Vanderhule, Patrick Kennison (Lita Ford) to play a Van Hallen tune from the Hagar era.

Red Voodoo’s Andrew Edwards on bass. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Next, more Van Hallen. Hal Sparks (lol) on vocals, Jeff Page, Caleb Rapoport. And Sean Mcnabb played “Right Now”. Very powerful. Great tune. Scott Coogan from 6ft Nurse sang and played drums. Amazing performance.

Singer Dino McCord from Red Voodoo at Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky. Photo by Ellen Zuckemran

Next was Ricky Bonazza ( Butcher Babies) on bass, Jake Faun (Winger) on guitar, Mike Vanderhule on drums played Bad Motor Scooter. Top notch performance.

Guitarist Davin Loiler at Ultimate Jam Night. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Ultimate Jam favourite August Zadra performed to everyones amazement. He’s currently playing with the Dennis DeYoung Band. Always a favourite at the Whiskey. Gregory Alan Coates played with Steelhead guitarist Uros Raskovski, Coogan, Vanderhule, Rivetskull and Chad McMurray on Vox. The backing vocals really make Ultimate Jam with Linn Holmstedt, and Katriona Lehman Lorme. James O’Brien does an incredible job as the sound man. Thanks to everyone at the Whisky for supporting Ultimate Jam and see you at the next one!

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Charity, Comedy, Music

Give Back Through Music at the World Famous Comedy Store

February 27, 2023 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) SUNDAY, MARCH 26TH ~ The Hollywood Press Corps covered the Give Back Through Music event at the Comedy Store in Hollywood this last Sunday night. This was a cool event that benefits the homeless. Funny comics, amazingly talented musicians and a large group of people looking to laugh all came together in swanky West Hollywood. We had the entire Comedy Store to ourselves. This event will fund local charities in Los Angeles. Upward Bound House, which provides housing and help for the homeless, will recive funds from tonight’s show.

**Marc Reiser** (L) and **Fabrizio Grossi** (R) from **Give Back Through Music**. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

The comics were top notch and we were all so lucky to be watching comedy AND live music at the Comedy Store. The host of the evening was Ben Gleib. This guy is funny. He does a combination of “aging LA hipster” jokes mixed with “old married guy” observations. He spent a lot of time doing “crowd work” which involved instulting the creator of the TV show “Deal or No Deal” who was sitting in the front row. Ben introduced all the comics and the bands. For comedy there was Kira Soltanovich, Brad Williams, Jessica Michelle Singleton and Chris Riggins.

MC **Ben Gleib**. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

On the musicians side, there were so many famous people. There was Stephen Perkins, Derek Day, Alvino Bennet, Nalle Colt, Chris Wyse, Ed Roth, Alex Alessandroni, Garrett Holbrook, Scott Coogan, Eric Bradley, Carmine Rojas, Terry Ilous, Simone Sello, Fabrizio Grossi, Dennis Jones, Rob Mcdonald and Raymond Johnson.

**Jessica Michelle Singleton** at the Comedy Store. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Jessica Michelle Singleton came out and did a “sexy blonde girl on the Sunset Strip” routine. She got a lot of laughs and set the tone for the evening which was – Anything Goes. Chris Riggins, AKA the Door Guy at the Comedy Store, was very funny and brought the cool guy vibe. Brad Williams has the dwarf comedy locked up. Just off his stint in Vegas as the lead comic at Mad Apple ~ Cirque Du Soliel, Brad had everyone laughing.

**Kira Soltanovich** doing her Gentle Parenting is Bullshit routine. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman** for the **Hollywood Press Corps**

All the comics are such pros and handled the crowd easily. It was a fun event because it was for a good cause and there was comedy and music. The music was amazing with each group taking three songs and throwing down their big numbers. Stephen Perkins looked really good sitting behind the drums. So many of us were connected to him via Zoom during the pandemic. It’s good to see him in person.

**Fabrizio Grossi** from **Soul Garage Experience** on bass and **Stephen Perkins** *from* **Jane’s Addiction** *on drums* at the World Famous **Comedy Store**. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

Give Back Through Music is the non profit founded by Breck Philip, Fabrizio Grossi and Marc Reiser. Their mission is to produce exclusive music and comedy events that connects fans to charities in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Press Corps looks forward to covering more events produced by Give Back Through Music.

**Stephen Perkins** from **Jane’s Addiction**. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

The **Dennis Jones Band**. **Rob McDonald** on bass and **Raymond Johnson** on drums. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman** for the **Hollywood Press Corps 2023**

To donate to Give Back Through Music, click HERE

All photos by Ellen Zuckerman

**Ben Gleib** ~ photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

**Chris Wyse** from **Owl**, Ozzy and Ace Freely. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

**Brad Williams** slaying at the **Comedy Store**. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

**Terry Ilou**s sings with **Carmine Rojas** on bass. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

**Ed Roth** on keys. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

**Chris Riggins** also known as the Door Guy at the Comedy Store had everybody laughing. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

**Rob Mcdonald** (L) on bass, and **Raymond Johnson** (C) on drums and **Dennis Jones** (R) on guitar. Photo by **Ellen Zuckerman**

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Awards Ceremony, Music

METAL HALL OF FAME GALA ~ 2023

February 8, 2023 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

(Hollywood Press Corps) The Metal Hall of Fame’s annual gala was at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Host, Eddie Trunk, emceed the event and walked the red carpet before the show. There were hundreds of fans who came to see the event. One couple taking photos on their iPhones came all the way from Fort Worth, Texas just to see the show. There were also people who came all the way from the United Kingdom! Metal Hall founder, Pat Gesualdo posed for photos outside the event. This event was totally sold out and standing room only. The red carpet had so many iconic people from the world of Metal. Inductee Chris Impellitteri took photos out front and played a cool three song set on stage including the hit, “Balls to the Wall.”

From left to right: Ahmet Zappa, Oni Logan, Wendy Dio, Rudy Sarzo and Doug Aldrich. Photo by Alex Kluft

The heavy metal band, Raven, was goofing around the red carpet and being vey Spinal Tap like. On stage, they showed off their amazing chops with killer vocals and shredding guitar. The Gallagher brothers are Metal icons and a lot of fun to watch. Dee Snyder said that years ago, metal bands like Metallica would open for Raven. Dee said that it was a real honor to get to see Raven play.

The Gallagher brothers from **Raven**. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023

Mark Gallagher from **Raven**. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman 2023

John Gallagher from Raven photo by Ellen Zuckerman

**Dee Snider** from Twisted Sister. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Dee Snider and Twisted Sister ~ holy crap! Dee Snider just blew everyone away. Watching Dee front Twisted Sister is an amazing experience. Dee gave everything in just three songs. He’s so gracious as a frontman. He includes the fans and is a songwriter who really thinks about the words he sings. At one point, Dee made a comment to an eager fan in the front row who was filming with his iPhone. He said, put the phone down and stop posting for a second! It was all in good fun and everyone in the joint was on their feet cheering on Twisted Sister. There was a rumour going around that this is Twisted Sister’s last performance but I seriously doubt it. Bass player Mark Mendoza played down thick amazing bass licks.

**Jay Jay French** ~ Metal Hall of Fame Inductee from **Twisted Sister**. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Jay Jay French, guitar player for Twisted Sister told a funny story. He said that back in the beginning of Twisted Sister, they were on tour in England and this one kid would show up at every show. He said the kid was really annoying. On one stop of the tour, nobody showed up! And right before they were going to start playing in an empty concert hall, in walks that kid and boy we’re they glad to see him. Then, after the show, he overheard the T-shirt guy selling the kid a t-shirt and the t-shirt guy didn’t even know who the band was. So the kid told him ~ it’s Twisted Fucking Sister!!! The whole place started cheering. Dee then took over and said ~ That’s why I don’t let Jay Jay say anything! Everybody laughed. Dee then brought out the heavy armour with We’re Not Gonna Take It and blew the roof off the place. Everybody was ready to keep going for an hour or two! Really was an incredible performance.

**Dee Snider** ~ Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

**Twister Sister** ~ Dee Snider and Mark “the Animal” Mendoza on bass. Photos by Ellen Zuckerman for the **Hollywood Press Corps** 2023

Adam and the Metal Hawks did an amazing three song set that was a blend of Zeppelin meets AC/DC. Lots of potential and sounded great.

**Adam Ezegelian** from **AMH**. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

**Ryan Daversa** ~ Bass player for **AMH** (Adam and the Metal Hawks). The future of Metal. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

**John Barry** guitarist for Adam and the Metal Hawks. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

**AMH** ~ **Adam and the Metal Hawks**. Photos by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023

The next and final act was Doug Aldrich (Dead Daises) with Keith St John, Rudy Sarzo and Joe Torres. Lots of fun with that classic metal sound.

**Doug Aldrich** from **Dead Daises**. Photo by Alex Kluft

**Rudy Sarzo** from **Quiet Riot** and **Ozzy**. Photo by Alex Kluft

Excellent host **Eddie Trunk**. Photo by Alex Kluft

Inductee **Chris Impellitteri**. Photo by **Alex Kluft**

**Lou Gramm** from **Foreigner** on the red carpet. Photo by Alex Kluft

Lou Gramm from Foreigner gave a touching thank you speech. He told a funny story about shooting pool with John Lennon and Phil Spector in New York City at the Recording Factory when John Lennon was recording his oldies record.

**Twisted Sister** ~ Photo by Alex Kluft

**John Gallagher** from Raven. Photo by Alex Kluft

**Mark Gallagher** from Raven ~ Photo by Alex Kluft

Stunt guitar master **Steve Vai** speaking at the ceremony. Photo by Alex Kluft

**Adam Ezegelian** from **Adam and the Metal Hawks**. Photo by Alex Kluft

Guitarist for **AMH Johnny Barry**. Photo by Alex Kluft

The Hollywood Press Corps looks forward to future Metal Hall of Fame Events.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Special Events

LOS ANGELES COMIC CON ~ 2018

October 26, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — The Hollywood Press Corps got a chance to cover the 2018 Los Angeles Comic Con! We assigned our two top photographers to look for the best costumes and get a few photos of each genre. With so many subjects to cover, we decided to look out for comics, gaming, horror, anime, film and television! Long time Los Angeles photographers Alex Kluft and Ellen Zuckerman were shooting photos and meeting all of the attendees at LA Comic Con 2018!

More than 100,000 people joined Los Angeles Comic Con at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There were so many artists, vendors, people selling comics and collectibles, art, toys, apparel, and everything in-between. There were also events, and meet n’greets throughout the day.

Los Angeles Comic Con is for the fans! There are opportunities to see celebrities, meet other fans and see some of the most amazing cosplay costumes ever assembled in one location. The Hollywood Press Corps was honored to cover this amazing event. We look forward to Los Angeles Comic Con 2019!

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Film, Premiere

“BETRAYED” WORLD PREMIERE HEATS UP HOLLYWOOD

September 28, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — On Wednesday Sept 26th, Betrayed had its’ world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatres 6 in 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028. This much anticipated action crime thriller from multi award-winning actor and filmmaker Harley Wallen, “Betrayed,” stars Richard Tyson, John Savage, Billy Wirth, TJ Storm, Yan Birch, Kaiti Wallen, Nick Sarelli, Calhoun Koenig, Angelina Danielle Cama and Blanca Blanco.

Numerous celebrities and VIPs were in attendance such as filmmaker/actor Harley Wallen (Bennett’s Song), Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop), Billy Wirth (The Lost Boys), TJ Storm (Punisher: War Zone), Kaiti Wallen (Into A Dark Mind), Yan Birch (The People Under the Stairs), Nick Sarelli (Moving Parts), Calhoun Koenig (Bennett’s Song) and Angelina Danielle Cama (Moving Parts). Other celebrities in attendance were Jake Busey (The Predator), Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie’s Halloween 1 and 2), Tara Reid (American Pie), Dennis Haskins (Saved By the Bell), Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death), Sean Whalen (Twister), Emmy awarding Producer Kelly Parker (Game Girls), Athena Bass (Ex-Wives of Rock), Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project), Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort), Jimmy Star and Ron Russell (The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell), celebrity couture designers Mathilde Badji and Michael Ferrera as well as celebrity hair and makeup artists Bruna Nogueira (Founder of Hollywood Makeup Lab) and Alma Cedillo. The sponsors of the event were ROAK Brewery, Cabresto Tequila, Oochie Wear, Painted Creek Productions and Vision Films.

Director Harley Wallen on the step and repeat. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Scout Taylor-Compton. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

This action crime thriller deals with the gritty world of human trafficking. In an effort to control the city, the Mayor Don Alderman (John Savage, The Thin Red Line) lets the Russian mob into his city. After the Russians don’t follow his rules, he opens the city to the cartel to push them out. When the Russians find out, Mikhail (Harley Wallen, Bennett’s Song), the head of the Russian mafia, kidnap’s the Mayor’s daughter (Kaiti Wallen, Into A Dark Mind) and then the real games begin. Caught in the middle of an escalating crisis, Mayor Alderman hires Mike Wolf (Billy Wirth, The Lost Boys) and Alpha (TJ Storm, Punisher Warzone) to rescue his daughter before the cunning Mr. Stone (Richard Tyson, Black Hawk Down) puts her on the market to be trafficked.

Mel Novak (L), Kati Wallen (M), and Harley Wallen (R). Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Yan Birch (R) with guest. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

“With three beautiful daughters and a stunning wife, the subject of trafficking is something that it’s on my mind more than I’d like to admit. I wrote this script with the hopes of scaring people a bit into action after my church really brought this to the forefront. I feel we often think these things happen far away and the victims and perpetrators are somewhat faceless. I think in Betrayed we bring these issues to your doorstep. We had some absolutely amazing and electric performances and I am super proud of my cast and crew for this, it took some blood, sweat and tears to get this made but it was worth it!”, said director Wallen.

Tara Reid on the red carpet. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Wallen has been awarded by numerous prestigious film festivals such as the Castel Award at the Barcelona International Film Festival, Amsterdam Film Festival, London Film Awards and the Mexico International Film Festival.

Mel Novak at the Betrayed premier. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Lise Romanoff, Managing Director/ CEO of Vision Films says, “Betrayed is an entertaining film about blackmail, corruption and greed taking place at the government level. I believe it is necessary for the public to get a glimpse into this dark facet of our society in order to invoke change.”

Richard Tyson (L) with girlfriend Kerrie Ellen. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman

Betrayed will be released on Blu Ray and DVD and VOD by Vision Films through its distribution deal with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on October 2, 2018.

Betrayed CABLE PROVIDERS:

Comcast VOD, Comcast EST, Verizon VOD, Verizon EST, Dish, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, Frontier, Other VBQ

Betrayed DVD outlets:

Amazon DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Betrayed-John-Savage/dp/B07FRXG27N/

Shortened Link: http://bit.ly/B-Amazon

Walmart DVD: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Betrayed-DVD/357330876

Shortened Link: bit.ly/B-WalmartDVD

ONLINE RETAILERS:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/betrayed/id1435660316

Shortened Link: http://bit.ly/B-iTunes

Amazon Video, Vudu, Microsoft, Google, Playstation

Fandango Now: https://www.fandangonow.com/details/movie/betrayed-2018/1MVc7b328d9570ec6c8a16dc0e0d31f9b88?ele=searchresult&elc=betrayed&eli=0&eci=movies