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Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Designer Roberta Thompson poses with Cognac Wellerlane for a photo-op – Photography by Mauro Botero
Cognac chats with Designer Roberta Thompson – Video by Mauro Botero
Asiana NYC restaurant premiered their first fashion show with Roberta Thompson’s line Wicked Threads.
Photography by Mauro Botero
Photography by Mauro Botero
Photography by Mauro Botero
Cognac Chats with Talent Agent Richard Alan and Psychic Crystal – Video by Mauro Botero
Roberta established WICKED threads back in January 2006. Her first shirt was the 7 Deadly Sins for women in a tank and men in a tee-shirt. After that is has been a continuous labor of love creating new images and concepts in Tee-shirt designs. Her innovative Plain WICKED camisoles followed and the CRIMINAL shirt. Roberta created two of the 7 Deadly Sins- LUST & GREED separate on women’s camisoles. The Skull Corrupted followed, SINNERS N SAINTS, Predator and women’s Wicked Underwear.
The women’s Underwear has WICKED 1789 on the back.
Her most current shirt is the Skull Infected.
To learn more about Roberta Thonpson and Wicked Threads please visit www.thewickedstore.com
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Cognac chats with Richard Bloom and Richard Mazda – Video by Mauro Botero
I had the pleasure of interviewing two incredibly delightfully Gentleman who both make their living from “Rock N Rolling” Richard Bloom and Artistic Director/Producer Richard Mazda.
In 2005 Rich Bloom began writing a film treatment. He then decided to write some songs for the soundtrack. The movie is still a work-in-progress, however the Bramblemen were born as a result. He enlisted his old friend and band mate Ed Watkins to play drums. Ed brought in Michael Bodycomb to play bass and Rich would sing, play guitar and provide the material. In 2005 they recorded five original Rich Bloom compositions (two can be heard here, “Weekend Fever,” and “Long Gone Man.”) at Hi-Top Productions in Stamford CT. Owner Steve Hansen engineered and provided guitar, organ, dobro and harmonica parts. In 2006 Rich re-connected with another old band mate, Harley Fine. Fine had established himself as one of NYC’s leading independent producers and was just launching his new recording/production facility: Zeroville Studios in Long Island City. With Fine producing, The Bramblemen recorded two new Rich Bloom songs, “Drag Strip Rally,” and “Long Road Back,” both heard here. For these recordings, the group was augmented by Laura Fay Lewis (The Blisstones) on background vocals and Mark Bickerton on lead guitar. In addition to playing bass, Michael Bodycomb provided the keyboard parts. Ed Watkins contributed very cool percussion embellishments along with his drum parts. Rich played guitar, sang lead and backgrounds and Harley rang the bells. The Bramblemen have issued these two songs as their first single release. Finally Evan Mazunik has been added to the lineup ..boards. This September 2008, The Bramblemen will release their first full length CD entitltled “Fast Train to Memphis.” Produced by Rich Bloom, Harley Fine and Richard Mazda, it contains 10 Rich Bloom originals and two video treatments produced and directed by Richard Mazda. The album contains guest performances by Wings’ drummer Steve Holley, Box Tops bassist Bill Cunningham, Stories vocalist Ian Lloyd, Joan Jett/Steve Earle guitarist Eric Ambel, Ryan Adams’ guitarist Jon Graboff and others as well.
For more information about Richard Bloom and The Bramblemen please visit www.myspace.com/thebramblemen
The Secret Theatre was opened to the public on September 5, 2007. The studio’s conception and construction enabled Artistic Director and Owner Richard Mazda to fulfill a life long dream. Its inaugural show, Atonement, written by Joel Schatzky and directed by Rich Ferraioli, is a deeply touching story of a terminally ill man who must make peace with both his past and present. We strive to enrich the New York theatre scene by fostering a unique, creative environment in Long Island City, an ideal location for such a venture. An up-and-coming area with a vibrant, burgeoning art scene, Long Island City is home to P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, Silvercup Studios East, the Noguchi Museum, the Socrates Sculpture Park and The Queens Players.
Richard Mazda’s love for showbusiness also inspired him to establish The Secret Film Company
The Secret Film Company is our film and video department of the facility. Our team brings together a talented group of individuals who have directing, producing, sound recording, filming, coaching and acting experience. Let us help you make the best show reel, music video, film, play documentary or monologue reel that you can make.
It seems most studio recorded monologue or show reels just lack life and depth. Many are shot against a plain white background with little attention to lighting, setting or costume. Do you really want your monologue to be bland or worse, clinical?
for more info please visit www.secrettheatre.com and www.secretfilmco.com
Hello darlings, Welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Martial Arts Expert Taimak Guarriello and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Photo by Mauro Botero
This talented and may I add intensely disciplined artist sat down at Asiana restaurant to discuss his interesting past, his struggles and his goals for the future over a glass of champagne. To watch this perfectly physique athletic artist in action is to see a beautiful panther leap into the air with precision, timing and grace. Taimak (pronounced Tie-Mock) never imagined he would grow up to be one of the most beloved martial arts cult classic film stars of our time. His leading role in Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon, in which he played Leroy Green (nicknamed “Bruce Leroy”), the Bruce Lee wannabe in search of “The Glow”, catapulted him to stardom and a career that has spanned over twenty years.
Cognac chats with Taimak over a glass of Champagne – Video by Mauro Botero
He has appeared in over a dozen plays, including Roadhouse in 2004 at the Barrow Street Theater in New York City, playing the notable role of Dalton in this zany comedy rendition of Patrick Swayzes 80’s cult classic film. He also appeared in Cheaters in 2006, playing the role of Craig during the play’s highly successful national tour. Taimak is also a fitness expert and has helped thousands get in shape with his new fitness DVD Taimak FIT: Journey to Perfection. More info is available on his website: www.taimak.tv. You may also remember him as Janet Jackson’s boyfriend in her video “Let’s Wait A’While.”
Taimak has also worked with Madonna as her martial arts coordinator on her Madonna’s Drowned World Tour, and with the rock group Bush on their “Chemicals Between Us” video. He has guest starred on several television shows, including Ally McBeal, A Different World, and Third Watch. He is currently residing in New York working on a few projects for 2009, which includes the development of a film in collaboration with MOKI Entertainment entitled Repeat Offenders, where Taimak stars as ‘Alexander Morton’.
Until my next celebrity interview,
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Cognac chats with the Playwrite Anthony Laura and the cast from “When It Rains” – Video by Mauro Botero
I had the pleasure of chatting with the cast from the Off Broadway Play “When It Rains” at Asiana Restaurant NYC.
A contemporary tragedy set in the home of Helen and Jacob Lombardi. Upon their daughter Taylor’s release from prison for being wrongfully accused of the murder of her boyfriend Paul, Helen insists she see a therapist. Through the objections of Jacob and Taylor, Helen hires Madison Roberts. Lonliness, infidelity, love, death, and family are all explored in a drama that will make you question what’s important and what happens to us WHEN IT RAINS.
Cognac Chats with the cast from “When It Rains” – Video by Mauro Botero
Established Playwrite with three Off-Broadway Productions under his belt ,Anthony M. Laura started writing from a very young age. He recently launched “The Confession” and “The Third Step” both at American Theatre Of Actors. He has also written for the screen and has been recognized in film festivals for his work on “Choice or Conequence.”
The cast includes:
ALI KRESCH AS TAYLOR
Ali is so excited to be involved with this project! She recently graduated from the University of Michigan’s BFA Program in Theatre Performance. She also trained at Stella Adler. Favorite roles include Marianne in “Playing for Time” (dir: Bob Chapel), Phebe in “As You Like It” (dir: Gillian Eaton), and Nurse/Makayla in the world premiere of “Catch” at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. She feels so blessed to be able to create this fascinating character in “When It Rains” with Anthony and the rest of the cast!
HANK OFFINGER AS JACOB
Hank is pleased to join the cast of WHEN IT RAINS, having worked with
Anthony Laura previously in the premiere production of THE THIRD STEP.
Other New York theater credits include work with The Fourth Wall
Actors Workshop, the Looking Glass Forum, Making Rain Productions, and
New Heights Productions. Hank has appeared in several independent
films and plays the role of Superintendent Richard McClure in 3070
Productions’ TV sitcom pilot TEACHERS.
KATHI CARLSON as HELEN
Kathi is looking forward to working with playwright, Anthony Laura, for a second time having appeared in his world premiere production of “The Third Step”. Other theater credits include work with The Fourth Wall Actors Workshop, The Looking Glass Forum, The Impact Theater, and Theatre ‘90. She has appeared in independent films, the WB web series Viralcom, has done staged readings with Instantshakespeare, and has performed stand-up comedy at Caroline’s on Broadway. She also enjoys the creative process of workshopping plays and film scripts.
CHRISTINA RUSSO as MADISON
Christina is very happy to be a part of the cast of WHEN IT RAINS. Her film and television credits include the upcoming feature film GHOST TOWN with Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear and Téa Leoni; JUST A KISS as the young Marisa Tomei; LAW & ORDER; ANOTHER WORLD, as well as commercials for Dr. Pepper, ESPN, MTV, and Hewlett Packard. She also toured for PepsiCo in CRASHING THE CULTURE with writer/director Alexander Dinelaris. As a classically trained singer, Christina has performed in the Broadway production of GREASE!, BROADWAY ON BROADWAY, GYPSY OF THE YEAR, in addition to on the TODAY SHOW, CBS THIS MORNING, and at Carnegie Hall. She has trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and has a BA in both Theatre and English from Holy Cross
KATHERINE BOOZE-MOONEY as MARA
Raised in Arizona, Katherine has been on stage she was a little girl and enjoys living out her dream in New York City. She has also acted for him and television, having starred opposite Evan Rachel Wood in “Down Will Come Baby.” This is her third production with A.M.L. Entertainment having starred in “The Confession,” and being featured in “The Third Step.”
HARDHI HARRIS as MATTHEW
Hardhi has been in over fifteen productions since being inspired by meeting Denzel Washington in a performance of “Julius Caesar.” He has found love and satisfaction in this field and knows the stage is the best place to develop your talents as an artist. This is his second production with A.M.L. Entertainment, previously having starred in “The Confession.”
You will be able to enjoy this play very soon. The world premiere will be at at THE PRODUCERS CLUB in New York on January 14, 2009.
For more infornation about this exciting play please visit http://whenitrainstheplay.com/
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Cognac Chats with Shaila after a performance – Video by Mauro Botero
Shaila Edmonds Cabaret and Jazz Event at Asiana NYC Restaurant was a night of glamour and understated elegance. Ms. Edmonds sultry voice serenaded the audience with her own unique style and confidence. Shaila started her career in showbusiness as a model. To pursue her career she moved to Europe and later worked as one of the first Black models in the industry for Yves St. Laurent in Paris. She has been featured in many major magazines including: Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Elle…and appeared on many New York talk shows. Shaila has also been seen on CNN’s Style, VH1’s Fashion TV, MTV and many more.
Her career as a model caused her hidden talent to blossom, opening doors to several opportunities in other areas of show business such a television and film acting, music videos, and even singing! More recently she has recorded music with top artists and even danced at New York’s Radio City Music Hall with the B-52’s band.
Her likeness was used to create Hasbro’s Imani fashion doll and she has acted as the premiere spokesperson for her unveiling to the public nationally.
She continues to be a working model in New York City, and an avid modeling instructor and coach. She also produced a top selling video entitled “The Runway To Success. Shaila is requently booked to speak at model conventions and schools nationwide.
She now also sings a cabaret act at Asiana Restaurant in New York City
To find out more about Shaila Edmonds please visit www.runwaytosuccess.com
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Fashion Designer Susan Beischel and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Video by Mauro Botero
Cognac chats with Designer Susan Beischel – Video by Mauro Botero
Fashion Show photography by Mauro Botero
Fashion Show photography by Mauro Botero
Hamptonites attended an elegant evening of fashion at the launch of Susan Beischel’s Skin line the next up and coming designer. It was a sneak preview of her fabulous fall line sold exclusively in SKIN in West Hampton Beach and resorts around the world.
Night of food with the best of the Hamptons Chef Marco Barrila, Liquor sponsored by Ty Ku, live Snake Charmer by Heather Tankersley, Fire Poi Dancer and live music and fashion show thoughout the night. It was a hot and sultry evening as the models catwalked down the runway displaying a very fresh approach to lingerie and loungewear.
Skin Lingerie is a new and natural approach to lingerie and loungewear. The main collection is made from primarily pima cotton fabrics of various weights and textures to accommodate the climate globally.
“Most cotton lingerie was either too matronly or juvenile. I wanted a more sophisticated fashionable look that women could wear more often,” explained Designer Susan Belschel.
Her fabulous line Skin is carried in spas, resorts speciality lingerie boutiques, upscale clothing boutiques and selected department stores around the world.
For more information about this fabulous line please visit www.skinlingerie.com.
I also had the chance to chat with Snake Charmer and artist Heather Tankersly and famous Chef Marco Barrila. Chef Marco offers creative flawless and fabulous cuisine including multi-culti dishes utilizing local flavor by savoring the days of any season, thus slowly, one by one.
Cognac chats with Chef Marco Barrila – Video by Mauro Botero
Chef Marco! Barrila is Sicilian born from Messina, Italy primed and stuffed
from a traditional Italian family. At an early age, Marco was impressed by
the vast range of foods disguised with delicate fussiness. He became
prepped at how to feed the fever of foodism. Yearning to explore the amazing world of gastronomy, Chef Marco! moved to America at age 24. He was naturally creative, talented and passionate.
He opened his first season at HRH Resorts & Hospitality, catering to the
Hamptons elite and covering countless multi-media events. The next season
he was recruited as Robbins Wolffe star chef where Chef Marco hosted food
for 24K gold events for the celebrity masses including the VIP
Boxes at the Hampton Classic and at the Ross School Concert Series.
With such eclectic connections, Chef Marco! Barrila knew that ultimately he
needed to be free to reveal his own joy in this amazing part of the world.
Opening Insatiable Eats for the 2008 Season, Chef Marco! is creating his
own cultural delirium. Insatiable Eats will be serving up food and creating
events each distinctly itself, yet happily unified in a highly recognized
atmosphere. Chef Marco! will be sharing his great dishes with the Hamptons
elite where Insatiable Eats could become an addiction.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
“Tyra Banks Show” audience waited over two hours at her West 26th Street studio Tuesday during a taping of “Celebrating Black Models, Past, Present and Future,” while she stood backstage giggling and fooling around with her crew.
“She leaves us waiting, and everyone is sitting there complaining, and then she comes out and doesn’t say a word about it. She didn’t even say hello, she got right into her script,” revealed a source. “She acted so cold towards everyone. She’s a phony.”
Audience members were outraged and completely annoyed also because she led them outside onto the street for the show’s ending. “Cops had it closed off, and Tyra had bodyguards,” laughed our spy. “She had the audience prance down the street and then release black balloons. Some were whining that it was so bad for the environment.
“It was so disorganized, people fell over the press outside and almost trampled two little girls. Tyra was acting like it was a live sporting event instead of the most self-indulgent, narcissistic crap.”
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Wacko Jacko hasn’t spoken to his brothers since he was acquitted of child molestation charges three years ago – even though they’ve been trying to reach him about money he owes them. Sources say Wacko Jacko owes Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson $840,000 in royalties from their Jackson 5 hits. Since Michael won’t talk to them, and is said to be in a wheelchair, it’s unlikely he’ll join his siblings on Sept. 4 when they pick up their lifetime achievement salutes at the BMI Urban Awards
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Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas will be releasing another album this autumn, but unfortunate circumstances have put a strain on the group. Fergie’s bandmate will.i.am is “furious” with the sexy singer because she “won’t commit to a tour schedule to promote the album,” a source revealed. Fergie is busy shooting “Nine” with Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson in Europe, and filming is expected to go into late fall. The movie, due out in December ‘09, is “her priority right now,” is the gossip.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
The new Woody flick which opens tomorrow “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” is by far the Wood Man’s funniest film in decades. At least that was the consensus in Southampton the other night, where the movie – starring Javier Bardem as a sex-obsessed painter in a love quadran gle with Scarlett Johannson, Rebecca Hall and Penelope Cruz – was screened for the likes of Joy Behar, Lorraine Bracco, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Alfie Fanjul, Pete Peter son, Sandy Hill Pittman, Marjorie Gubelmann, Debbie and Leon Black, and Tory Burch and Lyor Cohen. Afterwards at Tus can House, as Robert Wilson and Judy and Al Taubman dined, publisher Jason Binn was joined by Verne Troyer, the minuscule Mini-Me of the “Austin Powers” films, who sat on a couple of phone books.
