I am so honored and thrilled to announce a new poetry book that I am a part of (Editing, Formatting, Publishing w/ SJF Communications) ~ It has truly been a pleasure as I gained insight into my late “cousin” Janine’s gift of writing poetry and illustrating.
It is called “THE CRY OF THE SEAGULL: JANINE’S SEA OF EMOTIONS”.
Janine Hamel Lettera was a NJ Kindergarten teacher who sadly passed away in 1999 at the age of 40. Janine was a talented poet and created visual art. Her first book “My First Day of School” was published posthumously in 2012.
Throughout the years, Janine’s Mom Carol discovered Janine’s emotional and poignant poetry and art and recently forwarded it to her Goddaughter Susan J. Farese. Susan edited, formatted and published “THE CRY OF THE SEAGULL: JANINE’S SEA OF EMOTIONS in 2023 to celebrate and honor Janine and her body of work.
Themes include Love; Breaking Up; Nature; Loss, Death & Grief; Hope; People; and Mom. There is also a beautiful tribute poem at the end from Janine’s best friend Barbara.
A great gift idea for anyone!
It is available as an ebook on Amazon now and soon will be as a paperback. Stay tuned for more information. Please spread the word about Janine’s talent and her poignant words and visual pieces.
LINKS:
Here is the ebook link for “THE CRY OF THE SEAGULL: JANINE’S SEA OF EMOTIONS https://amzn.to/3RqXZgb
Here’s the paperback link for “THE CRY OF THE SEAGULL: JANINE’S SEA OF EMOTIONS https://amzn.to/4alSJD7
SJF: Why/How did you decide to write Journeys with Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media?
BJ: People kept asking me, after I mentioned that I was retired, “what do you do or what did you?” I always answered, “I’m a writer”. Many would follow with “What have you written?”
I had been toying with a few paragraphs, so then I started saying, “I’m semi-retired, working on a memoir.”
Here is an example of letting imagination be partly driven by external forces. These fans of Jimmy Carter and Walter Cronkite, though dying off, provided a platform for my story. I didn’t mean to be at the center of American political and cultural life but a journalist can have that serendipity.
If you have modern information technology and talented colleagues, a first draft of your story can be whipped up in about two years including finding a solid publisher with a stable of intelligent editors and designers. Subsequent drafts will benefit from trusted advance readers, including some who think the completed final first draft needs more substance, except for the brilliant energy-oriented lawyer who noted a lack of rigor—He said the book could be divided into three parts: an analysis of the Carter Presidency, a study of modern telecommunications policy & the Presidency and my friends and others I had encountered. Though not denying my right to name names, he was quite obviously miffed at being left out. Go back to the drawing board!, he counseled.
SJF: Did you make any personal discoveries (or aha! moments) while writing your memoir? If so, please explain.
BJ: While writing, the concept of “flow” seemed to kick in as I was very comfortable remembering earlier life-episodes. In fact, one post-publication reader asked if I had used a “diary” with notes because details seemed to flow as I wrote. This discovery of useful memory was a pleasant surprise.
SJF: How did you decide on the title and decide to find a publishing company vs. self-publishing??
BJ: As loyal readers will attest, here is the book and I take full responsibility for factual errors. The solid publisher, John Koehler, wanted to use the Carter cover in part for marketing. I had no better idea.
SJF: Tell us about your background in the media and in politics
BJ: After graduate school (M.S., Journalism, Graduate School, Columbia University), I was hired as an Intern/Writer at NBC News and after a few months in the Newsroom at NYC Headquarters was assigned as Writer/Editor in Washington, DC. Their top stars, such as David Brinkley and Nancy Dickerson would present their copy for radio news (“hourlies) and television inserts. Left their own styles but occasionally did find factual errors which they were always glad to correct. During this period was often assigned as field producer at Capitol Hill gallery and back-up at other news making locations in DC. After accepting an overnight assignment monitoring audio feeds from NASA early Apollo Program came to attention of CBS news team covering moon landing effort and was hired as Associate Producer there. Subsequently became Producer (for Walter Cronkite) in coverage of Apollo 11. After ten years in broadcast journalism was asked by Jimmy Carter to help as Television Advisor in his nascent presidential campaign.
Barry Jagoda with President Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office – Courtesy Photo – Barry Jagoda
SJF: Tell us about your role in politics as Presidential media advisor
BJ: Carter wanted help understanding role of TV in presidential nominating politics and general election, though he was not interested in someone who would change his style and manner of presentation. After I said I would only advise him of effect of his words on news coverage, by networks and major print publications, he said I could be helpful and told senior media advisor, Jody Powell, to invite me aboard the campaign. After the successful election of 1976 I was named Special Assistant to the President, serving in the White House focusing on media and cultural relations. Eventually I had a philosophical difference with top campaign advisors (including powerful candidate spouse, Rosalynn Carter) who thought my work was giving Carter “overexposure” instead of focusing on a few cardinal issues. Moving to the National Security Council, I served there for seven months, but did not participate in Carter’s 1980 unsuccessful re-election campaign.
SJF: Tell us about your upbringing, geographically, personally etc.
BJ: My parents, both immigrants from Eastern Europe (part of the massive inflow between 1880 and 1920) were hard working and successful. Mother, who spoke no English upon arrival in USA from Ukraine, quickly mastered elementary and secondary education and went on to receive a medical degree (pediatric chiropody) from Case/Western Reserve University. Father, a serial entrepreneur, had a grocery business in affluent part of otherwise industrial Youngstown, Ohio. After being forced to move to warmer climes (first Phoenix, then Houston) he started small markets catering to shift workers from emerging petrochemical plants. They settled in post-WWII GI bungalows near stores. Eventually parents moved to districts of Houston where schooling was an improvement. This had a profound effect on me, as I moved forward with classmates in journalism and debate at one of Houston’s top high schools, Bellaire. For college, though accepted at some top private universities, enrolled at cost-effective University of Texas.
Karen and Barry Jagoda – Courtesy Photo
SJF: If you had to write the book over again, would you change anything?
BJ: A re-written book might include more information on differences between legitimate media and fake expressions, particularly in an election year. Thus, I would try to provide more analysis of difference between legitimate media and fake social media, especially from my experience and perspective from years of work in journalism and, more recently, in use of legitimate social media.
SJF: A brief history of your education, media and political positions/teaching appointments published articles, etc.
BJ: After graduate school, I was hired by NBC News, then CBS News to cover science and politics of moon landing. This evolved into coverage of the Watergate scandals for which I shared in an Emmy Award.
SJF: What are your personal pastimes/hobbies/interests/passions?
BJ: When I have a chance to relax, I enjoy the sports of golf and squash racquets.
SJF: Anything you’d like to mention about Watergate? Kennedy in Texas? Apollo? Emmy award?
BJ: From my memoir one can see a photo of the Emmy Award, press credentials for President Kennedy’s fatal trip to Texas in 1963 and photos signed by Apollo astronauts reflecting on my coverage of those events.
SJF: Where can we find you on the web? Website, social media etc.
BJ: I maintain a website (BarryJagoda.com) where those photos are easily accessible. Less useful for my expression is the Twitter account and the Linked-In that are available in my name. The best way I communicate with others is through email, where I am readily available via <Barry@barryjagoda.com>.
SJF: Any recommendations for us to journal or document what we are going through with Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic? Stress management tools?
BJ: When I anticipate a sense of stress or anxiety upcoming (mainly due to the Covid-19 Pandemic) I find “breathing exercise” to be a regular source of relief.
SJF: How has the Covid-19 affected you personally/professionally?
BJ: The Pandemic has forced me to be very careful about meeting with or encountering others without following the recommended tools of mask wearing, social distancing and trying to stay at home as much as possible.
SJF: Role models or persons that inspire you in your life?
BJ: I am reminded about these safety measures—and other common-sense applications—by my spouse, Karen Jagoda, who is a role model and an inspiration.
SJF: Favorite quotes?
BJ: At some point I favored the expression “practice makes perfect,” but in maturity I have chosen a variation, “practice makes improvement.” A short way of pointing to the inspiration I’ve had from Karen is by attention to the words in dedication to her of this book: “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
SJF: Who would you like to have lunch or dinner with to discuss your book?
BJ: In addition to a long lunch to discuss the memoir with President and Mrs. Carter, it would be useful to compare notes with Professor Douglas Brinkley and other scholars who have given serious thought to their lives, including accomplishments and shortcomings.
SJF: Life hurdles? Successes?
BJ: After formal education I realized my shortcomings in mathematics and computational sciences, but was gratified to have gained skills in public speaking and general social interaction.
SJF: Three significant/pivotal moments in your life?
BJ: My parents favored extreme “left-wing” social change and when I realized that often brought more trouble than success, I became more moderate in political opinion. After choosing journalism as a career approach I left behind advocacy but later, pivotally, realized one could combine fact seeking with moderate political expression.
SJF: Fears?
BJ: I fear unchecked governmental power and, simultaneously I worry about a failure to use the levers of government to seek improvement in the general human condition.
SJF: Recurring dreams/ Usual dreams?
BJ: From time-to-time I worry about human catastrophes, such as earth quakes, and a general failure to act in ways that will modify the harmful effects of climate change. The weakness of humanity to observe and address problems sometimes leads me to have nightmares, mostly overcome in a startling awaking.
SJF: Strongest asset? What would you like to work on/improve?
BJ: I am a good listener but would like to improve on that trait. And, moving too fast—simulating the speed of light—makes one see less brightly!
SJF: Where/How do you ‘give back’ to your community/communities?
BJ: Though I try to see how I can give back to my fellows, and to the general community, this is an area that requires concentration and improvement.
SJF: Any regrets in life?
BJ: Being readily more selfless by focusing on helping my fellow man is a real shortcoming that, I try to remind myself, needs focus and hard work.
SJF: What qualities should the younger generations aspire to that you think are important in this day and age?
BJ: The younger generation seems even more self-oriented that my own group of “baby boomers” and pre-boomers.
SJF: Funny/humorous (appropriate) stories in media or politics?
BJ: The book, Presidential Campaigns, by Professor Paul F. Boller cites hundreds of laugh-filled moments in politics, including several where I am the butt of the situation. I heartily recommend this volume for many hours of humor.
SJF: How do you handle loss?
BJ: Loss is often the result of misfortune and, therefore, should not be taken personally, though this awareness may only mitigate the pain.
SJF: Where have you traveled and where would you like to travel once Covid-19 is OVER???
BJ: I have traveled the world as a journalist and political assistant, including having more than just a passing stop or two. Longer stays, of course, always been more informative and rewarding. These days, while desk bound by the Pandemic, I think of going back to some places I’ve enjoyed the most—particularly the Hawaiian Islands and the Adriatic coast and islands—but to more intriguing locations including Madagascar and New Zealand. Having the responsibility to share in the caring of a very active canine, a Mini Schnauzer named Timothy, is probably as much of a snag for travel as anything else.
SJF: What has been the most valuable lesson in your life?
BJ: The most valuable lesson I’ve had would be learning to appreciate the many qualities that others can bring when and where I frequently fall short.
SJF: Many thanks Barry, such a pleasure to learn more about you.
Book Details: Journeys With Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media
The book is available at Amazon and wherever books are sold:
Did you know the synthetic B-vitamins found in supplements cannot be absorbed well or easily converted into the bioactive forms our cells actually use? Even other vitamins can’t work well if there is not enough of the naturally occurring B forms called vitamers. For example, without B vitamers, taking vitamin D won’t prevent osteoporosis. Learn how the naturally occurring vitamers DO work and Why, and start on your pathway to healthy living and longevity today!
Your Vitamins are Obsolete explains:
Why vitamer B deficiencies make your vaccines less effective.
How taking B vitamers assists vegans and vegetarians in maximizing their dietary benefits, in some cases even increasing fertility.
Why regular use of B vitamers can decrease your appetite for red meat, promoting personal and environmental health.
How including B vitamers in your diet reduces chronic inflammation, leading to improved health and longevity.
Q & A: Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications and Sheldon Blake Zablow, M.D., Nutritional Psychiatrist and Author
SBZ: I prescribed the bioactive forms of B12 and folate to a very sick patient and she immediately got well. I had no idea why, so I started the research to find out how her body chemistry improved.
SJF: Did you make any personal discoveries (or aha moments) while researching the book? If so, please explain.
SBZ: Two moments. First was that as physicians, we were misinformed that the body can store water soluble B vitamins. The second was that there is a connection between a deficiency of these B vitamins and the onset of chronic inflammation that leads to most illnesses.
SJF: How did you decide on the title Your Vitamins Are Obsolete and decide to find a publishing company vs self-publishing?
SBZ: I choose this title to specifically summarize the book—all our multivitamin supplements have not kept up with the changes in our processed food and the pollutants that now surround us. I actually chose a hybrid publisher so a lot of it has been self-published in the sense that I had to do all the re-writes and organizing the pictures.
SJF: Tell us about your background that led to you discovering the association with Vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies leading to inflammation and ultimately a variety of diseases
SBZ: My background is as an adult and child psychiatrist which means I see a lot of people with mental and physical problems. When I started prescribing these vitamins, the patients started reporting a reduction in their symptoms that were consistent with a reduction in their inflammation levels.
SJF: What is your role as a Nutritional Psychiatrist?
SBZ: This is a new area of medicine. It can be defined as using food, supplements, vitamins, exercise, meditation, etc. in conjunction with standard psychiatric medications to optimize the potential of the treatment to reduce both mental and physical challenges.
SJF Tell us about your upbringing, geographically, personally etc.
SBZ: I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and attended college and medical school at the University of Virginia. I had never really been out of Virginia until I started my medical training in Atlanta and then moved on to Boston. I had an older brother that served in the military as did my father. My mother worked as an administrator and my father ran a small furniture store.
SJF: If you had to write the book over again, would you change anything?
SBZ: I would include the information I’ve put on my website about the connection between COVID and a deficiency of the B vitamins that can worsen outcomes.
SJF: A brief history of your education, professor positions/teaching appointments published articles, etc.
SBZ: I went to the University of Virginia for undergraduate and medical school, then moved on to Emory University for an internship in pediatrics. From there I went to Boston University for Adult Psychiatry training and then onto Boston Children’s Hospital to study Child Psychiatry through Harvard Medical School. Since moving to San Diego in 1982 I have volunteered as an instructor of Child Psychiatry at UCSD and have received two teaching awards.
SJF: What are your personal pastimes/hobbies/interests/passions?
SBZ: I have always enjoyed teaching and patient education opportunities through talks and writing. Years ago, I taught judo and wrestling but the more my body complained, the more I turned toward daily walks, weight resistance training and passive stretching. My passion is science and learning about new discoveries in any field.
SBZ: It reviews some complex biology in less complex ways. I tell people that it is hard to hit the right balance when explaining but they should approach the book with the idea that they do not have to read every word to understand the basics.
SJF: Any recommendations for us to journal or document what we are going through with Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic? Stress management tools?
SBZ: The most important action that I mention in the book is to use your entire stress reduction toolbox which consists of exercise, proper diet, proper sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, psychotherapy (when indicated), prescribed medication (when indicated), supplements and of course B vitamins. The more stress the more you use the tools you have.
SJF: How has the Covid-19 affected you personally/professionally?
SBZ: I had a bad heart attack several years ago that puts me into a high-risk category so I have been following the basic advice of always wearing a mask, distancing and isolating as I can. I have also been trying to perfect my mother’s Toll House cookie recipe.
SJF: Role models or persons that inspire you in your life?
SBZ: My hero is Janusz Korczak (pediatrician/child psychiatrist) who was the Dr. Seuss of Europe and medical director of orphanages before he volunteered to run the orphanage in the Warsaw Ghetto. He was martyred along with all his children.
SJF: Favorite quotes
SBZ: From the book: “Homo sapiens: a tiny twig on an improbable branch of a contingent limb on a fortunate tree.” Stephen Jay Gould
SJF: Who (celebrity) would you like to have lunch or dinner with to discuss your book?
SBZ: Arianna Huffington because of her interest in natural ways to improve mental and physical performance and how this can benefit the world.
SJF: Life hurdles? Successes?
SBZ: The main hurdles for me are the same as for others with the premature loss of a loved one (my brother through medical misdiagnosis) and health challenges (a near-fatal heart attack at 59 years). My successes have been the return of mental health in my patients after long hard work by both of us.
SJF: Three significant/pivotal moments in your life?
SBZ: The first two are above and the third is missing a plane flight that ended in the death of most of its passengers.
SJF: Fears?
SBZ: The only one that comes to mind is a fear of mandolin slicers. I have to wear a cut resistance glove and insist that anyone who uses one around me needs to also.
SJF: Recurring dreams/ Usual dreams?
SBZ: I am a very heavy sleeper, so I don’t remember my dreams other than the death- resolution dreams that have occurred after the losses of a loved one.
SJF: Strongest asset? What would you like to work on/improve?
SBZ: My strongest asset is my ability to focus forward when stresses increase. I have to work harder on not letting the focus forwarding make me miss out on the here and now.
SJF: Where/how do you ‘give back’ to your community/communities?
SBZ: I give back through my work with my patients by helping them improve their communication skills with the people in their lives and by teaching and writing about science, nutritional psychiatry, and parenting.
SJF: Any regrets in life?
SBZ: I never got that screenplay produced and I have not made it to Japan yet.
SJF: What qualities should the younger generations aspire to that you think are important in this day and age?
SBZ: Life is a process and to make the most of it, try to make choices that give you more choices while keeping in mind that most choices are not right or wrong – just different directions to go.
SJF: Funny/humorous (appropriate) stories (Psychiatry? Medical stories, etc)?
SBZ: I was talking to a father about his son’s school performance and he said his son could do better because high intelligence runs in the family. He said that many of his relatives were members of that high IQ organization—Menses.
SJF: Funny! and PUNNY too!
SJF: How do you handle loss?
SBZ: I turn toward those that know me the best and love me as I am with all my limitations.
SJF: Where have you traveled and where would you like to travel once Covid-19 is OVER???
SJF Communications proudly welcomes our new client, Encinitas Author Sebastian Slovin, who recently released his highly acclaimed memoir, “Ashes in the Ocean“. Sebastian’s book is a poignant reflection of his heartfelt journey surviving, learning from and ultimately becoming resilient after the unfortunate suicide of his Father, South African legendary swimmer Vernon Slovin. Sebastian was only 6 years old when his father passed away.
Sebastian Slovin, Author of ‘Ashes in the Ocean’
We invite you to stop by at Sebastian’s upcoming book signing, this Sunday, May 20, from 12 noon – 2 p.m. at Warwick’s in La Jolla as part of their ‘Weekends with Locals‘ program.
(San Diego, California, February 24, 2018). There will be a special ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village). This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego is sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.
This unique day of celebration will include collecting, organizing and ultimately distributing a variety of donations to Rachel’s Women’s Center. There will also be a star-studded photo shoot of local celebrities with photographer Aram Khachaturyan from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as entertainment on a film set at Halo Cinematic in Mira Mesa (7620 Miramar Rd Ste 41 San Diego, CA 92126). There is very limited space available with a maximum of 30 individuals at any given time throughout the four-hour event. Caterer Simply Fresh will be providing food for the event.
“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory
Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018. More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.
Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.
“Shared Misanthropy” circa 1996 at home in Benedict Canyon Hedges Capers & Nancy Locke Capers
La Jolla, California couple Hedges Capers and Nancy Locke Capers are truly an extraordinary couple! They are married co-creators and co-writers of The Geeze & Me– an original “boomer” musical about aging…which will have it’s World PremiereMarch 31 – April 29, 2017 in San Diego at TheTenth Avenue Arts Center.
Hedges, formerly of the folk duo Hedges & Donna (with ex-spouse Donna Carson, during the late 1960’s-early 70’s), is The Geeze & Me Composer/Lyricist and also plays several characters in the production (David, the Soap Boxer and Beat Poet) and Nancy, a member of the Director’s Guild of America,SAG-AFTRA is the Producer & Director.
According to Hedges and Nancy:
The Geeze & Me is a funny, irreverent, and poignant original musical. This timely show features a comedic troupe of eccentric players who team up to wrangle aspects of aging from an expert. An eclectic blend of songs ranging from pop to blues to corner street doo-wop, accompanied by innovative choreography. The perils and benefits of growing older are reflected in the concerns of this diverse group of people.
Think “Hair,” after it’s gone.
THIS IS THE DAWNING OF THE AGE OF BEWARE OF US
(Read more about The Geeze & Me below following the interviews)
Connecting with Hedges and Nancy for SJF Communications to provide PR/Publicity for The Geeze & Me has been a total joy and is never dull! Hedges is truly a master wordsmith and composer/lyricist/musician and Nancy, Actress-Psychotherapist, is warm, open, nurturing and very astute. They are equally excited about The Geeze & Me!
I am so proud to interview this “chill” dynamic duo, partners in personal life-and in the biz!
Without further ado….introducing our interview with Hedges Capers followed by Nancy Locke Capers!
Meet Hedges Capers by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Photos courtesy of Hedges Capers and Nancy Locke Capers
Hedges Capers & Nancy Locke Capers in 1999
Hedges Capers & Donna Carson
Hedges Capers & Donna Carson
Hedges Capers
Hedges Capers & Nancy Locke Capers
Hedges Capers; Photo by Ken Jacques
Q & A with Hedges Capers by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
SJF: Tell us about yourself, where were you born? Where have you lived?
HC: My father was a Navy Chaplain …the longest time I spent in one location was two years…until I was 50 – then I was stable for three years. It has been four years now and I’m planning on more in the San Diego/La Jolla area.
I was born in Princeton NJ…I lived in Pennsylvania, Kansas, Virginia, New York, Guam, California (Monterey, San Francisco, La Jolla, L.A., San Diego, Whittier, Beverly Hills, Benedict Canyon, Laurel Canyon, Hollywood, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach), Japan, Washington State & Washington DC and Hawaii. And some I don’t remember !
SJF: You have certainly lived EVERYWHERE! When did you first perform?
HC: My first performance was 1959 on board ship to Japan…I sang Endless Sleep and Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop. I began writing lyrics at age 11 and started composing music when I was 15. I received my BA at Whittier University and Masters of Arts at the University Without Walls, a tutorial program out of U.C. Berkeley. Private lessons: I’ve never had a music lesson, I tried a vocal lesson 5 years ago when I was unable to sing at all. The lesson was unsuccessful, but it led to my vocal cord surgery which thankfully was successful and instrumental in the content of our show.
SJF: Tell us about you as an actor
HC: I did theatre shows in college; Pajama Game – Playboy Of The Western World – Zoo Story – Rashomon and a few others… but I just wanted to be a singer I never thought about acting. … I went to college because I didn’t know how to get into the music industry (even after having signed a recording contract in 1961 at age 16). I didn’t want to pump gas or marry Leigh Deane Larson… I formed a trio my first week of college- we were hired to sing at a hotel dining bar 2 days after we met and sang together for four years at Whittier. We signed with Dot Records in 1966 and released a single in Japan which we were told made the charts there to #7.
In 1970 I had the title role in The Legend of Hillbilly John. The producers didn’t know whether they should get an actor they hoped could sing or a singer they hoped could act… the final two choices were Arlo Guthrie and myself… a stunning cast of amazing character actors Denver Pyle, Harris Yulin, RG Armstrong, Susan Strasberg and more.
SJF: Any low times?
HC: Hearing a group of kids ask Donna (my ex-wife and former duo partner) if she knew me? She said “Yes he’s my husband” – they looked at her then back at me then back at her and said “He doesn’t look at all black” but in their world it was not possible that a white man and a black woman could be married.. the only possibility was that I must be black… that night I wrote
“No child of mine’s gonna have to plant no god damn cotton. No child of mine ever gonna harvest up the rain No child of mine’s ever gonna have to know that pain. Steeple people twisted children God’s almighty bent and broken they went to Little Rock all alone and God went home”.
Anger and hurt were the emotions…Donna was pregnant and I was wondering are we doing to this child-any favors bringing him into THIS?
SJF: Tell us about your duo Hedges and Donna
HC: We opened for Nina Simone, Judy Collins and Bobby Hebb, Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, OscarBrown Junior and Jean Pace, Ritchie Havens … Groups that opened for us? Jackson Browne, Blood Sweat and Tears, James Taylor, Ritchie Havens, Hoyt Axton, Joni Mitchell and lots more…
SJF: Highs of your career?
HC: Too many highs to list them all …Headlining the Philadelphia Folk Festival… The Smothers Brothers Show, Carnegie Hall, The Tonight Show three times.
SJF: …and Lows?
HC: Lows… for a sad reason. At the Atlanta International Pop Festival 1970… the crowd estimates vary even today between 200,000 and 600,000 people… 750,000 was the count the artists were given…much larger than Woodstock. This was deep South… we had played The Hungry I in SF with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and were told by them ”You all can come”…it was their nod of approval to our music… as we performed on stage at the festival we were buzzed repeatedly by a series of Lear and larger jets… no other act had that happen… We were told later that Lester Maddox had orchestrated that as a show of his objection…
SJF: What differentiates you as a composer, writer, performer, former therapist, corporate biz guy?
HC: I don’t have a clue….but maybe? I’ve always loved lyric and loved word play… as a 5 year-old, I went to a school with first thru eighth grade in the same classroom and above the black board the alphabet and numbers were written out … I stared and then saw U R N U 2 B 4 U 4 U R 1 U C A B U T U Q U 2 B U. U 1 2 B 4 U? I 1 2 B 4 U 2! OG.
Language in Thought and Action by S.I Hiyakawa was my English book in high school. Albert Upton was my freshman college English professor and he was Hiyakawa’s chief semantic rival. I was partnered with the original Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) research team and was the first person certified to train for the Process Communication Model(PCM), the only two process models for human interaction…
All that to say I have had an extraordinary exposure to how words affect people, and I am pretty sure I’ve never looked at a phrase with that lens consciously.
SJF: Tell us about The Geeze & Me
HC: I would love to see The Geeze & Me on Broadway… In Vegas, and Branson and touring groups in regional theaters all over… I would love folks to feel that passion of “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings and there ain’t a lady fat enough to sing for this generation …” I would like people to hear the research regarding aging and feel empowered. I’d like to stand outside a theater in NY and hear people humming or singing “HOW OLD DO YOU FEEL?”
SJF: I am singing that tune all the time already!
SJF: What is your strongest asset?
HC: I love people! And I think I understand their worth.
SJF: Tell us two wonderful things and two difficult aspects of being YOU
HC: 1. I love the way my mind works especially with words… as they flutter by like Butterflies…Or like the way I hear Guilt and my mind says “it’s just decorative stuff that goes around mirrors (gilt) unless you put U in it… or being ‘now and here’ is really being ‘nowhere’ where you know where you are… I have developed a patience in my late 60’s that I never dreamed I’d have…2. Difficult aspects… my grief is way too close to the surface… I see it too clearly in too many places too much of the time.
SJF: Tell me what makes Hedges “TICK”
HC: I use to say “I’m just moving slide to slide and sucking on the main stream… but I think I was just being flippant… I think I just want to see my kids headed to something that might be full with enough joy to be really worthwhile and I still want to see a bit of tomorrow.
SJF: If you had to do it over again…how would you choose what do in life as a career/profession?
HC: I have been blessed to have done exactly as I dreamed.
SJF: What two things don’t we know about you?
HC: I don’t know what you do know so it’s hard to know what you don’t but…If you have asked me something I will tell you. I haven’t found it useful to hide
SJF: What are your fears??…
HC: I’ve had anxiety attacks at different times in my life that were debilitating… I think as a result of several years of drug experimenting… sniff, swallow or smoke without question…a really stupid period. Fortunately for me the era of designer drugs had not arrived then or I may have died as my son did.
I think I also fear I was not the father I should have been… my kids deny this but how can we ever really know?
SJF: Any regrets?
HC: 1- Not having been able to prevent my son’s death. 2- Not being cleaner with how I separated from Donna… I didn’t want to be the “bad” guy and so I drug things out instead of saying “I won’t do this, I’m leaving you.” Explanations can just muddy the water and invite attempts to change ones mind.
It is hard to have regrets when you are given the opportunity to live a life long dream. At 7 or 8 that’s what I wanted. At 7 we went to the Grand Canyon and my folks put my sister and me on the mule ride at the bottom of the canyon. It seemed like my mule wanted to nibble on things growing on the fall and you die side of the path. I was in tears but the path is too narrow to turn around or dismount and walk back so I had to go all the way… I cried until I realized my fear was unfounded… but my parents could hear me singing filling the Grand Canyon with joy for 45 minutes before the mules reached the top.
… if I reach for one regret, it’s that I didn’t do a better job of keeping clippings and songs and the journal writing I sometimes did… Moving as much as I did I never kept “things”- I would love to have been able to share those with my kids.. but … And the songs that were written that have been forgotten.
SJF: An ideal week for you would be…
HC: Watching The Geeze and Me on Broadway with my family and friends- playing golf (well!) with my buds.. singing … eating Swiss enchiladas.. swimming in warm water, walking on the beach at sunrise and again at sunset… hearing the world laugh … discovering that there really is an afterlife that works well enough to make any pain of this life irrelevant … KNOWING that I did what I was here to do, knowing, without a doubt.
SJF: What have been your life hurdles?
HC: 1. I was told at 16 my sibilance was so bad I would for sure never be able to be a recording artist…2. My height: I was 4’11” as a Junior in high School 3. I can’t sing the way I want to sing… ( I like the way I sing… it’s that there are ways I can’t that I’d love to but I think men don’t have the tool women have…).
I don’t think there have really been any hurdles because my life is evidence that I haven’t been stopped. There are things I haven’t done but the choice to not pursue has been mine, I have stopped.
Hedges Capers & Nancy Locke Capers in 1999
Meet Nancy Locke Capers by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Photos courtesy of Hedges Capers and Nancy Locke Capers
Nancy Locke Capers in “Tales of the Lost Formicans” by Constance Congdon
Nancy Locke Capers in “Dead and Buried”, 1981
Nancy Locke Capers with Kevin McCarthy in “Hostage” (South Africa)
Nancy Locke Capers in “Pretty Woman”
Nancy Locke Capers in “Pretty Woman”
Nancy Locke Capers in Jane Fonda Work-Out Wear Commercial
Nancy Locke Capers in “Sweet Justice” Legal Drama
Nancy Locke Capers with Karen Black on set of “Hostage”
Nancy Locke Capers on “A.M. San Francisco”
Q & A with Nancy Locke Capers by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
SJF: Tell us about your upbringing, family, siblings, schooling, etc.
NLC: I was born in the SPAM capital of the world – Austin, Minn. We were solid middle-class. I grew up in Minnesota & Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh. Came to Glendale, California when I was 11. My Mother was a singer and housewife and my Dad was a businessman.
I have an older brother who is an international trade Attorney and previously worked in the White House as Legal Counsel under former Presidents Nixon & Ford. My sister, ordained in the Episcopal Church, was a Chaplain at San Francisco General Hospital in the 80s, during the A.I.D.S. epidemic. I returned to school at age 40 and have my Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. (Still think about going for my PhD. I’m a knowledge-hound.)
SJF: When did you begin acting?
NLC: I began acting when I was tapped for a Kimbie’s diapers hidden camera commercial with my baby son. Shortly thereafter, Geoff Lewis (Juliette Lewis’s wonderful dad) walked into my kitchen and asked me if I wanted to be in a movie. I said, “Sure.” He coached me on how to audition on the way to the meeting at Sunset Plaza, with the director, Floyd Mutrux. I auditioned, and when it was clear I was a terrible actor, he said “I have a waitress part with 11 or 12 lines. Do you think you could handle that?” and I was off to the races. A friend of mine, Robert F. Lyons, began teaching acting around this time and thought I might enjoy taking classes. I studied with him for two years before going on my 2nd audition.
SJF: Who have you taken private lessons with?
NLC: In acting: Milton Katselas, Robert F. Lyons, Joan Darling, John Voight. In Producing: Ron Schwartz, Jim Aubrey. Directing: Garry Marshall, Ulu Grossbard, Dwight Little, etc. You pick up a lot just being around a set.
SJF: Were you always enthused about acting?
NLC: Not at all. I didn’t really begin until I was 30. My son was a baby and so I didn’t start seriously auditioning until I was 30.
SJF: What are some highlights of your acting career?
NLC: “Pretty Woman” of course was so much fun to work on. I learned a lot from Garry Marshall and how he handled actors. True Confessions with Robert Duvall and Robert De Niro – I worked in a scene (later cut), but he was the kindest, most generous man. He completely normalized any nerves I was feeling. By the way, Milton Katselas used to say that “nerves are our talent trying to get out.” He put a positive frame on having nerves. He also said, “If you’re not nervous then you should be concerned.” That might be a tip-off that you’ll give a flat performance.
SJF: Have there been any low times?
NLC: I was previously married to an actor/director/writer and so we were each doing our separate jobs. The low times were really when the jobs weren’t coming in and the bank account was running out. Ninety-nine percent of SAG members don’t make a living at acting. We were able to live nicely and reap the benefits of being working actors. I made a decision not to do on-location work, which definitely impacted my hire-ability. I wanted to be a mom to my son and step-daughter. I’m not sure that I experienced “low time” because of it, but I felt it was more important to have a responsible adult at home, and my former spouse was working actively during that period and wasn’t able to provide childcare.
SJF: Any Pretty Woman stories?
NLC: Yes, but not sure I’d want to go public with them. Richard Gere was a perfect gentleman and quite kind. Jason Alexander was hilarious. Julia was like a fresh colt, very excited to be working on the film, along with everyone else.
SJF: Jane Fonda stories?
NLC: I was a spokesperson for Jane Fonda Work-Out Wear in the ’80s. They chose 3 women out of 700, so I felt incredibly lucky. We met. She congratulated me on getting the job. She was very kindhearted.
SJF: What differentiates you as a director, performer, person, actor, therapist, corporate biz person?
NLC: Hmmm. My humor? My curiosity in all things? My experiences with tragedy. I’m not sure. But I lost my parents at ages 18 & 26, so all three of us (me, sister, brother) have fairly wicked senses of humor as a coping mechanism. I think it’s a survival mechanism for those struck with tragedy as a young person. All my life I’ve found most people endlessly interesting. This, of course, reflects the kind of work I’ve chosen as an actor, writer and psychotherapist.
SJF: Tell us about The Geeze & Me
NLC: It began as a lark. Hedges had some unrecorded songs that were fantastic. I’d been missing the theatre world, so I thought maybe I could fashion a love story around those existing songs. But then, I (or he, one forgets who brings what to the table in collaboration) decided to do something about aging. We’re the largest demographic of elders in the history of the world.
So, Hedges went to bed at night and would wake up with this wonderful, funny, deep music that surprised both of us. It just came rolling out of him. He used to be a staff writer at A & M, so he knew songwriting structure. And so then I had to actually learn how to write a musical. This was tortuous and enchanting, but I don’t have a musical bone in my body. Thank goodness he was so prolific. At some point, we both began collaborating on the book. Somewhere (when it was still a little theater idea) it became clear that I would direct it-which was and is terrifying. It would be terrific if it had legs and went on to tour in regional theatres, etc.
SJF: What is your strongest asset?”
NLC: My publicist.
SJF: LOL!!! Thanks, Nancy! You make my work easy!
SJF: Tell us two wonderful things about being a Psychotherapist.
NLC: Two wonderful things:
1. It is an honor to do the psychotherapeutic work I do. When people say, “Ugh, how can you stand listening to problems all day” I don’t understand why they think this is difficult or depressing. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s energizing when someone talks with you on a deep, intimate level that does not often happen outside of the office. It’s invigorating to give another the space to explore safely. It’s a privilege.
2. Seeing suffering in all its disparate forms is humbling.
SJF: And two difficult aspects as a Psychotherapist?:
NLC: 1. I can’t fix them in 10 minutes. I have to let them take the time they need to heal and arrange their life differently or get out of a bad relationship. 2. There’s a chronic sense of loss in my job. People move, people don’t need you anymore, people have a hard time staying in therapy when they should – so, one learns to deal with it, but you invest YOURSELF in your clients. That’s a big part of the job. It’s in the relationship, the trust, the consistency, the non-judgmental dialog that allows a patient to heal.
SJF: Tell me…what makes Nancy “TICK”?”
NLC: I’m alive. That, and sheer terror. Joking. Kind of.
SJF: If you had to do it over again…how would you choose what do in life as a career/profession?
NLC: Well, primarily, I would not join a cult (Scientology). That was really an attempt to grab ahold of something, anything that gave me structure and the appearance of answers at that point of my life. I could have studying for my PhD. But I think you have to be allowed to explore and pay attention to what turns you on. Go where your passion leads you, if you’re lucky enough to have the time and financial support to do so. I think “following your bliss” just is not an option for most people, but that changes with age. For me I’ve been allowed to return to the world of the theatre which I’ve been away from for 20 years.
SJF: What two things don’t we know about you?
NLC: That I know how to make a delicious Hartquist Spring Salad Sandwich. And that I was on TWA flight 840 that exploded in mid-air over Greece.as a result of a terrorist bomb in 1986. I was on my way to Greece to meet my former husband on a film he was making. Ten days later I had to fly to South Africa as the lead in a film (Hostage) about terrorism, shooting in the fuselage of a plane for six weeks. We then had to go to Dallas to shoot a film we’d written.
SJF: What are your fears?
NLC: I think I have the usual fears that all parents have. I fear something happening to my son. Losing my stepson at age 20 was, and is, indescribably sad. Oddly enough, I don’t fear flying.
SJF: How do you “give back”?
NLC: We’re donating 50% of The Geeze & Me revenues to: A New Path, PATH, LGBT Senior Care, and The Unbattle Project. We’ve also given to the UCSD Center for Healthy Aging.
SF: Any regrets?
NLC: Of course.
SJF: Enough said!
SJF: Ideal week for you would be…NLC: Travel to Maui, read a great novel, swim in the ocean with mi amoré. (Kind of what I do here anyway….)
SJF: What have been your life hurdles? Successes?”
NLC: Overcoming panic disorder. Feeling like I’m not “enough”. Not being thin enough. Not being pretty enough. You know, typical American woman hurdles.
Successes? As I look back on my life, I’m aware that I’ve felt chosen by casting directors, by a director, by the producer. But I am also aware that it’s a roll of the dice. I’m not sure I take any particular pride in being chosen. I think the successes also had to do with persistence. You just kept doing it. And I was able to keep doing it because of nepotism or having a good day at that audition, or knowing the right person. I learned at some point that the confidence game is really about acting “as if.” I’ve seen major actors get squeamish if they have a crying scene coming up, whereas I’d worked with “lesser” actors who could cry on a dime. If one chooses a profession in theatre/films, you have to love doing it. It’s terribly hard on people because of the rejection rate. But, Mark Ruffalo went on 600 auditions before being chosen. You have to be good enough when you stumble upon an opportunity.
I tend to be a risk-taker. For example, this is my first time directing a musical. I have great support from extremely talented others – BJ (musical director), Hedges, having a great staff, fantastic cast. Feeling the fear and doing it anyway. That’s how we grow.
SJF: Who is your inspiration?
NLC: My mother. I’ve gotten to live the life she would have loved.
SJF: What are your 5 year and 10 year goals?
NLC: Seriously? That goal setting never works for me. Even when I’ve been diligent. I never said, “I’m going land a part on Dynasty in 5 years!” So much of my life has been being in the right place at the right time. I’m not sure I ever really consciously set a goal. Perhaps I should have. You know, I’d decide to take a class in screenplay writing (from Syd Fields) and then I’d write a couple of mediocre scripts, then I’d work on something and someone would show interest in it. So much of acting, writing, selling a script, getting my masters degree – it was all so pleasurable, with just the right amount of challenge.
SJF: Describe your dreams.
NLC: VIVID. I know you’re talking about BIG DREAMS, but I’m talking about nightly, very vivid, wild, entertaining dreams since I’ve begun directing The Geeze & Me. What subconscious?
SJF: Describe three pivotal events in your life.
NLC: My Father’s death. My Mother’s death. Marrying mi amour.
SJF: Role models- male and female?
NLC: Hmmm, well, I tend to be suspicious of role models, of idealizing an individual and projecting onto them all of my ideas about who they are. But you know who comes to mind? Béyoncé. I know. I’m a 68-yr. old white woman, but watch Drunk, In Love and tell me she’s not got it going on. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1JPKLa-Ofc) It’s hard to do overt sexuality and not feel used at the end of the day. And she’s brave enough to go for it. Hillary Clinton. President Obama’s grace and elegance. Jon Stewart’s genius. Stephen Colbert’s limitless mind.
SJF: Where are your favorite La Jolla/San Diego places? Your favorite places for a vacation?
NLC: In La Jolla – George’s; A small Greek restaurant called Cafe Athena in Pacific Beach, La Valencia Hotel for breakfast, Come On In’s cornmeal pancakes. My ideal vacation: on a beach anywhere. Paris, like most everyone. Lisbon. London. Monemvasia, Greece. Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs. I’m not a Trump Tower person, and I like small, manageable, places that feel personal. It’s a feeling I get in a place. But Jerusalem would be good, too.
SJF: Any memorable live performance experiences (or other), and why?
NLC: Anthony Hopkins in Equus. Raw power. I was sitting in the front row and I was certain that Anthony Hopkins delivered his monologue to me. Which is how great actors make you feel…
I also saw a recent production of The Normal Heart at the Diversionary Theatre that about ripped mine out of my chest. I can’t remember being so deeply struck by anything like that in a long time. Really visceral. The play is about the A.I.D.S. crisis hitting in the 80s in San Francisco. My sister was a Chaplain at San Francisco General at that time, and I recall vividly our conversations about what they were seeing then. About all the men who were dying. She saw it firsthand. The production, directed by Kim Strassberger and Claudio Raygoza was superb.
Many thanks, Hedges and Nancy for giving us a peek into your lives! It’s been a pleasure interviewing you!
The Geeze & Me
What if there was a musical – simultaneously serious and hilarious, that explores the wild ride of life’s later years, addressing the good, the bad and the ugly of aging? The Geeze & Me is a musical production about the aging process, upsides and down. The World Premiere of The Geeze & Mewill be presented in San Diego, March 31 – April 29 at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center.
The Geeze & Me Production/Creative Team includes: Original Music/Lyrics by Hedges Capers and Book written by Hedges Capers and Nancy Locke Capers. Produced and Directed by Nancy Locke Capers. Musical Direction by Will (B.J.) Robinson, Choreography by Joanne Lovejoy, Sound & Video by Joe Huppert, Costume Design by Max Cadillac, Lighting Design by Cynthia Bloodgood,Script Consultant Dilip Jeste, M.D., and Danielle K. Glorioso, L.C.S.W., in consultation with UCSD Center for Healthy Aging at UCSD, PR/Media/Press by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, Casting by Samuel Warren & Associates, , with Brendan Hill as Assistant Director and Beonica Bullard as Stage Manager.
THE GEEZE AND ME CAST: Devlin (Kay), Hedges Capers (David), Kent Brisby (Bob), Byron La Due (Howard), Gabriela Nelson (Sherry), Jesse MacKinnon (Dwight), Lorraine Devon Wilke (Helen), Lolly Boroff (Mrs. Dingler), Susan Benninghoff (Miranda), Kiera Mersky (Bobbi & Margo), Lauren Preski (Margret), Erin Vanderhyde (Homeless), Susie Singer Carter (Science & Ginger) and Scotty Billion (Undertaker).
The Geeze & Me is a funny, irreverent, and poignant show about surviving aging. This timely show features a comedic troupe of eccentric players who team up to wrangle aspects of aging from an expert. An eclectic blend of songs ranging from pop to blues to corner street doo-wop, accompanied by electric choreography and state of the art projections. The perils and benefits of growing older are reflected in the concerns of this diverse
What audience patrons of The Geeze & Me staged readings are saying:
“So life-affirming. Even just seeing a reading was fantastic. Look forward to seeing it mounted!”
“…the story, writing, and music are stunning.”
“…intimate dialectic you achieved between characters/story/music is amazing. So well done! Really smart.”
“…your inclusion of socio-scientific-political realities re: aging and society are never forced, always brief, and work. This is very hard to do. But you did it.”
“I’m in awe of the music/lyrics…”
Methusalah said, “It’s the best musical I’ve seen in 800 years!”
SCHEDULE: Previews/Pay what you can with a casttalkback following the preview performances March 29 & 30th. Performances: March 31 – April 29, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:The Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave, San Diego 92101
For press info, interviews, photos or press comps, please contact: Susan J. Farese,
Classical Pianist Dr. Jeeyoon Kim is a PR client of SJF Communications, but she is so much more than a client. Jeeyoon is a kindred spirit and hopefully a forever friend. She exudes kindness, positivity, talent, wit, intellect, elegance and a keen sense of mastery, interaction, connection and engagement as a person and as a musician. I first heard, rather “experienced” her incredible musical talents after one of our early business meetings. Jeeyoon surprised me by granting me my own “personal mini concert”. I must admit, I had to hold back tears – it was so surprisingly magical. It was an emotional experience for me to hear the selections she played, watching her gently move to the rhythms of the classical pieces she performed so gracefully and poetically. She was truly “one” in concert with the music. She respectfully honored each composer and emotionally as well as technically “connected” to each piece.
Jeeyoon Kim is a force to reckon with! And so, without further ado…Ladies and Gentlemen:
SJF: Let’s start at the beginning! Please tell us about your upbringing, family, siblings, etc.
JK: I grew up in South Korea with one older brother. Both of my parents were business owners. I was raised to be independent, as my parents were always busy, but they always supported my music. They both were naturally good singers and they always sang a lot casually. I also remember the scenes of childhood involved with mountains, pine trees, Buddhist temples, and also contrasting high rises, busy cities and busy street markets. I was lucky enough to have both; places like New York City or scenery such as in the Smoky Mountains have almost an equal amount of feeling like of a home for me. I remember going to get fresh water at a nearby mountain top with my Grandma, and we would play badminton on the way back. I remember she always won those badminton games!. Going to a farmer’s market is one my favorite activities as that is one of the closest experiences I have in terms of getting produce just like we did when growing up in Korea. I still try to visit Korea once a year if possible. And most of those times, my list of foods I want to eat during my stay is always much longer than I can possibly eat then!
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SF: When did you begin playing the piano? Private lessons? Were you always enthused about piano?
JK: I started playing piano when I was four years old, and I don’t have any recollection of choosing that myself. But I remember I always enjoyed going to the local piano institute on my own every day except Sunday to have a lesson and to practice. I thought it was always so much fun to play piano, and I still think it is!
SF: Such dedication at an early age-and ever lasting as you received your Doctorate in Piano Performance and Masters in Music Degrees at the Jacobs School of Music at the University of Indiana!
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SF: Do you ever feel stage fright?
JK: If I feel so comfortable and normal playing in public, then I will start to worry about it, as I believe that having those butterflies in your stomach is a necessary part of being a performer and that makes a live performance more beautiful and organic. No, I don’t have a phobia doing it. I also know nobody dies if I make a mistake. I just learned and still learning to deal with it, as I love to share music with people.
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SJF: So…there’s no need to keep the butterflies at bay!
SJF: Do you have any different routines on a performance day?
JK: Yes, I treat myself like a queen. Haha, just kidding. Perhaps I try to do my best to do things as normal as possible in terms of what I eat, but less physical practice, more sleep, taking a long walk for a mental practice and fully acknowledging a feeling of gratitude of that day given to me as a gift that I can share my music with people. I certainly don’t talk much before the performance though.
SJF: Very astute elements of your routine! Interesting about not practicing much that day and feeling gratitude for your gift of sharing! And feeling comfortable with the “quiet” on purpose is a point especially taken.
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SJF: What do you think about when you are performing?
JK: I think about music and the composer, following their emotional process or its course of hidden messages closely. I also think about the overall structural picture of the piece, as if I am building an aural structure, noticing where I am going and where I am. If I focus on the core message, then the rest of technical things will serve its musical purpose. But if I put a priority on the perfection of the notes, no music nor perfection would exist.
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SJF: Yes, affirmed! I most definitely witnessed that when I hear you perform!
SJF: Do you exercise?
JK: I want to exercise more than I do now. Normally I exercise with my trainer once a week, and swim once or twice a week at the Broadway Athletic and Swim Club. Generally speaking, I like to do an intense conditional workout and also long distance swimming. As time is one of the least available resources I have, I want to do a more intense interval workout when I actually get to exercise. Sometimes I swim to practice a piece in my mind on purpose, especially at the end of a day. It takes at least three or four times longer to practice in my mind than its actual time on piano, but it is so valuable for me to do so. I feel mentally exercised yet physically relaxed afterwards. I love it.
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SJF: It would be so cool to be inside your mind and note the process as you “practice” while swimming! Wow, you are featured on the cover and interviewed in Swimmer Magazine! How cool is that?!
JK: It is like a recurring dream, I had a thought that kept popping in my head, which was creating an album to be very much like ‘Jeeyoony’ and as close as my live performances. I have realized that the time and spaces that I can reach is limited, but at the same time it doesn’t have to be that way. I thought creating an album is a great way to connect with more people in this world, sharing what I am passionate about. I also wanted to collect many of the pieces that are like my old friends, which I often play as an encore. ‘Ten more minutes’ is also a concept behind when audiences ask for encores at my live concerts. Definitely that is not greedy, as I am not asking for 10 more days, but just simply wish having that10 More Minutes to cherish.
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
As soon as I had a concept in my head more solidly, it had its own life, evolving and expanding its possibility. I wanted to record pieces that are close to me, so it is easier to connect with people more. Then I realized that the time is actually ‘now’ to create. I presented the idea into a possible reality through crowdfunding, Kickstarter, to the world. I also wanted this project to be collaborated work with people, that mutually we all want this idea to be a reality. When it became successfully funded within 30 days, I have felt like I had received an excellent engine that can run so well, and all I had to do is to drive that engine with the best ability that I could ever have.
I cared for every single detail of this album, involving every aspects of this album, from each single note to finishing. I have created the best team for the album – a producer, sound engineer, graphic designers, photographers, a recording studio in New York City, and a great Hamburg Steinway. I feel content with it knowing that I did my absolute best – even though from the idea to the actual CD, it took about a year and half. I also feel that my whole life is fused in the album; if I didn’t have practice times when I was 4 years old, if I didn’t have that struggles and tears in my past studies and experiences, this would not have been the same.
The 10 More MinutesCD release celebration concert will take place on this December 11th, Sunday at 3 pm at Auditorium at the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). That is a venue that I often performed at for the San Diego Symphony Chamber Music Series and the La Jolla Music Society. I wanted this national celebration to be where I reside, though this album is not limited to be local and I certainly hope some people from out of town can join this celebration as well. I can’t wait to celebrate this day with audiences, who have been in this journey with me all along. It will be certainly a concert that I will remember even without having that concert yet.
SJF: My anticipation is building, I cannot wait to see you present your gift performing and connecting with the audience!
SJF: What is your strongest asset?
JK: If I have to choose one asset that I find very useful in my journey it is the fact that I always look at the positive side and keep moving forward. There are struggles and difficulties, but I know at the end of it, I will get myself up again and continue my journey, doing my absolute best to be better each day. Some have said that I am strong, but I say I am not strong at all, but I will choose to get up again when I fall down, not because I am strong, but I know I will have struggles, which is normal, what I have to do is to learn to keep moving forward, learning valuable wisdoms on its ways. I always dream of a better version of me in 10 or 20 years.
See what audiences have to say about Jeeyoon Kim!
http://
SJF: Valuable advice for all! I asked Jeeyoon’s Managing Representative, Bryan Smith to say a few words about working with Jeeyoon. Here’s what Bryan had to say:
“Jeeyoon Kim is truly a musician of the 21st century. Her polish and depth as a performer reflect a connection to music that is equally physical, intellectual, and emotional. A true citizen of the world, her empathy towards, and genuine interest in the people and communities around her inform her choice of repertoire and her interpretations. Combining world class virtuosity with a humanist and personal connection with the audience, Jeeyoon achieves a degree of engagement that is often lacking in soloists at this level. She brings a truly modern sensibility to classic repertoire. She is a joy to listen to, and what’s more, a joy to work with” -Bryan Smith
SJF: Tell us about your studio? What is like taking piano lessons with you?
JK: At the Dr. Kim Piano Academy, I have a wide range of students, beginners to advanced. I only have just handful of young students, but mostly students older than 16 and adults. I find teaching very creative. I see each student and their own character as if theyare an already beautiful bonsai tree. I find the areas that they need strengthening, and areas that they could shine more as it’s their strength. Finding unique ways for each student to accept these instructions to grow healthy in music is an art in itself. I sometimes feel like a therapist and need to be a good therapist to make them grow in music, as my students often say they get to know about themselves much more in piano lessons than any other activities. I love it.
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SJF: Tell us…what makes Jeeyoon Kim “TICK”?
JK: Besides music, I do appreciate experiences with food. As a foodie, I can write an entire book about what I like about certain foods in certain cities. Recently I had an experience of dining in a restaurant called Benu in San Francisco. I still vividly remember every bite of every course. It was a really beautiful meal. I get excited about going on some adventures with a certain restaurant in mind. But my normal daily routine includes a very healthy and clean diet.
I love going to classical and jazz concerts, musicals, and plays. I get so energized and inspired from those live performances. I also like to play ping pong and pool. I can say I am not really great at it, but I get very into it. I own a good ping pong paddle and a pool glove for my left hand.
SJF: Those answers made me smile!
SJF: If you had to do it over again…how would you choose what do in life as a career/profession?
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
JK: Of course I would choose to be a pianist again, but besides that, I would choose something related to some language or food. Though I don’t definitely see myself as a cook even in a next life, I would love a job to communicate with people with different languages, which make me to travel for a job. After all, music is a language.
SJF: Here’s a fun question: What three things don’t we know about you?
I love watermelon. In fact, I have a weakness for them. I want to eat the whole intact thing in one sitting and I actually can do it undoubtedly, but I know I shouldn’t.
I have a black thumb, meaning I tend to kill all plants I have at my place. That is sad, but I really try. Not that I don’t water them, I do give them love and care, ,and water! Somehow no plants ever survived with me for a long period of time, even cactus. That doesn’t discourage me though. I keep trying to have them around me, doing my best to keep them alive. I talk to them each time watering them too -this might sound crazy but I do! I always get fresh flowers for my place. Flowers bring me a smile and that is more than I can ask for any object.
I enjoy at least an 85% or higher percentage of dark chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the more I like it. A friend of mine brought me 100% dark chocolate from Italy, and I actually liked that too. Probably somewhere around 88-93% would be my sweet spot.
SJF: Watermelon… Sad Flowers…Dark Chocolate! I shall remember that in the future!
SJF: An ideal week for you would include…
JK: I would have one public performance, three days of teaching, one beautiful meal at a great restaurant with people I love, weight training three times, swimming twice, practicing every day at least 5 hours except for the day of performance, praying every day, sushi one night, sleeping 8-9 hours, and laughing a lot.
SJF: Well said – you are very disciplined!
Courtesy of Jeeyoon Kim
SJF: Describe your dreams
I am living the dream already in terms of what I am doing for life. I want to continue doing my dream, and keep dreaming more than I can be capable of. My dream is my limit.
SJF: Ah, you are fortunate to be living your dream and are very inspirational to others!
SJF: One of your most memorable live performance experiences, and why?
JK: When I performed Schumann Concerto at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Hilbert Theatre in Indianapolis, there was a tornado national warning and a big storm would be hitting us about 3 hours prior to the concert. I was completely soaked, even for 5 seconds trying to get to the hall from a car. Then we all realized that people would be completely discouraged to come to a concert for their safety, not alone some orchestra members for trying to drive through the storm. We contemplate cancelling the concert, then except one second violinist, all musicians were finally there, so we decided to do it anyway. Until the time I walked out to the stage, I had no idea how many people would be there. All I was thinking was probably just handful of people might be present, but it would still be nice to play. Then when I walked out to the stage, it was almost a completely filled hall with about 600 people and more enthusiasm from the audience than any other concerts I had ever played. They all decided the concert hall was in fact the safest hiding place from tornadoes, as the hall is completely sealed and there was no window! I had so much fun playing in that concert. I felt like we are having a great party inside a cave.
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Many thanks, Dr. Jeeyoon. You are truly an “extraordinary” gift to the world.
My serendipitous connection with two-time Telly Award winning Filmmaker Sue Vicory began in 2015. It was meant to be! San Diego filmmaker/entrepreneur/educator Jodi Cilley, the President of the Film Consortium San Diego and the founder and producer of the annual San Diego Film Awards (and an equally extraordinary person) recommended that I connect with her film colleague Sue. Jodi was so intuitive in facilitating our connection (which I hope will last a lifetime)!
Sue Vicory with Jodi Cilley (courtesy photo-Jodi Cilley)
A quote about Sue from Jodi:
“Sue Vicory is one of the most inspiring and amazing people I know. She has dedicated her life to helping others and has gone out of her way to help build the film industry in San Diego in a variety of ways. She is a role model and I’m constantly amazed by her efforts to help people from all walks of life.” – Jodi Cilley
After reaching out to Sue via email, my daughter Emmy and I were cast in the short fiction film Downstage for the 2015 San Diego 48 Hour Film Project. Sue’s production company “Heartland Films” produced and Sue directed, along with the writing team of Sariann Monaco, Holly Rone and Talia Pauletti. “Team XX” was a history-making, twenty-five member, all-female team. Downstage is now on the film festival circuit. You can view Sue’s films and videos on Sue Vicory’s YouTube Channel. Read my previous post about Team XX .
Team XX at Filming of Downstage (courtesy photo-Sue Vicory)
Besides working on Downstage Emmy and I have participated in a few of Sue’s community service projects and we continually network. It was because of witnessing Sue’s purpose, passion, vigor and selfless “chill” demeanor that I decided to interview her here as an Extraordinary Person, Sharing her Story!
Sue is currently on an amazing one year trip across the U.S. in her branded van with her “extraordinary” “My Power of One” (MPO1) 12 Acts of Kindness National Tour”. Her recently retired and extremely supportive husband Jay and their amazing (will tell you why later) Golden Retriever Kacy are accompanying her.
If not, the best way to describe it is a whirlwind weekend of tight deadlines, a love of the craft of filmmaking, an appetite for team building and bonding and a love for creativity. What more could film aficionados ask for? Oh, there’s also a screening on the “big screen” for each team soon after the weekend of filming!
In 2015, over 130 cities will compete in the Worldwide 48 Hour Film Project from Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas!
How does it work? A team is formed and over one weekend, a short film (under 8 minutes, including a minute of credits) is written, filmed, edited and submitted within 48 hours! You might be saying “Are you kidding me”? NO, this is really how it works!
What’s the procedure? On Friday evening, in an orderly fashion, each team randomly picks a “genre”, (in San Diego there was a giant “plinko board” that teams took turns at), after which all teams are assigned the same line, character and prop that MUST be included in their film. For this 48 Hour Film Project. We’ll get to Team XX ‘ challenge soon!
Read more about the San Diego 48 Hour Film Project, which took place July 24-26, 2015. The event is Produced by Duane Trammell and Robyn Sarvis, and the website includes information about the Project, the film “Premiere” Screenings August 10-13, the “Best Of” Screenings and the wrap party August 22nd.
Producer/Director Sue Vicory, of Heartland Films (www.suevicory.com, Sue Vicory, IMDB Link) formed, Executive Produced and Directed the first “all-female” 27 member “Team, XX” film titled “Down Stage” for the 2015 San Diego 48 Hour Film Project.
Executive Producer/Director of Team XX film “Down Stage”- Sue Vicory
“Down Stage”, a Holiday Film, will screen with 12 other film entries in Group A at 6:30 p.m., plus about 13 films in Group B at 9:00 p.m. at Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15 on 701 5th Ave. in the Downtown Gaslamp District of San Diego (92101) on Monday, August 10, 2015. Tickets are $15 for the “Premiere” Screenings and $20 for the “Best Of” screenings. Tickets
Team XX Poster for “Down Stage” Design by Holly Rone
Team XX at the Horton Grand Theatre. Photo by Nannette DeRobertis
Vicory had several “bonding” meetings with most of the 27 members of the cast and crew (mostly from Southern California) a few weeks before the actual filming weekend. One such meeting had the 10 actresses, performing in a “mock talent show” audition which featured a variety of techniques, such as monologues, singing, dancing and improv.
With Vicory and a few Team XX’ers present, Team XX Assistant Director Jen Allen drew the genre “Holiday Film” for Team XX at the “kickoff” event at Liberty Station on Friday evening, August 24. The designated line for all teams was “Sometimes that’s (or that is) all you need”, the prop to be used was a “flashlight” and the character was to be either “Alan or Alice Downing, a Coach”.
Team XX writers included Sariann Monaco, Talia Pauletti and Holly Rone. The multigenerational writing team cranked out the “Down Stage” script about Mother’s Day within a few hours from Friday evening into Saturday early morning at Vicory’s seaside condo.
Down Stage Writing Team Left to right: Talia Pauletti,, Holly Rone, Sariann Monaco Photo by SJF Communications
The crew included: Sue Vicory: Executive Producer/Director; Lori Jones: Producer, Jen McCleary: Assistant Director; Maidy Morhous: Production Assistant. Amanda Niles: Sound; Angela Wong: Director of Photography; Kymberrly Scott: 2nd A.D.; Krystin Cline: 2nd Camera; Tamara Ilich: Gaffer; Cara Myers: Editor; Natalie Lauer: Production Assistant; Danni Michele: Animation; Nannette DeRobertis: Photographer; Sariann Monaco: Writer; Talia Pauletti: Writer; Holly Rone: Writer; Corrinne Smith: Communications; Pamela Weigelt: Massuese; Miranda Muse: Massuese; Lisa Wintersdorff: Makeup; Crystle Orantez: Hair; Susan Farese: Public Relations. Special Thanks to SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and Derek Johnston at the Horton Grand Theatre.
Team XX filmed Down Stage at the Horton Grand Theatre throughout Saturday, August 25th. In the meantime, editor Cara Myers began the editing process from her hotel suite at the Horton Grand Hotel as soon as Saturday’s footage became available and into Sunday with only one “pickup” of a voiceover on Sunday morning. Serendipitously, the “7 minute 29 second” completed film, “Down Stage” was turned in to the 48 Hour Film Project at 7:29 p.m.
Some members of Team XX at tour of the Horton Grand Hotel
“That’s a Wrap”- Team XX after filming at the Horton Grand Theatre (with Derek Johnston)
I asked Sue Vicory about her experience with Team XX and the 48 Hour Film Project. Vicory stated “The passion within this group was palpable. We each brought our A Game to the production. Collaboration is a natural strength for women and it shows up clearly on the screen of our first film, “Down Stage”.
Down Stage will have a Premiere Screening with over 20 other films on Monday, August 10th at starting at 6:30 at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, 701 5th Ave. San Diego, 92121. Here is the Ticket Link. Note: You must purchase tickets online, there will be no ticket purchases at the theatre.
