Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

NEW MUSIC REVIEW: JEN KEARNEY

Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion – What Music Should Sound Like by Guest Writer, Melinda

Let me preface this review by telling you that I am not normally one who goes for the whole artsy, rocker grrrl genre. Spin some Biggie or Jay-Z and I am ready to jam. I have always felt pretty comfortable with my limited musical tastes – that is ….until I opened Jen Kearney's website (www.jenkearney.com). W-T-F …. why didn't I know about this chick? She is absolutely amazing! I feel as though a whole new world of musical options has been opened to me care of Jen Kearney and her band, The Lost Onion.

Now, let's see if I can put this into terms that one with as little musical culture as I, can understand. I think of Kearney's sound as something like a cross between the vocal stylings of Fiona Apple and the musical talents of a more mature Tori Amos. (I hope I haven't offended anyone ...ya still with me, ok, perfect...) Some critics have even compared Jen's voice to Stevie Wonder, which I absolutely agree with (not to say that Fiona sounds like Stevie....hmm). Her biting lyrics such as “. . . Trudge as you may, Try as you might, Through the mud and the water, You claw and you bite, But you won’t let go of your greed...” coupled with smooth, funky, jazzy, instrumentation threw me into a musical trance that was only broken by a screaming child outside (I like kids ...really, I do...).

Putting all of my dated 90's references aside. You have got to check out Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion. Even if you think you don't normally dig this type of music … Kearney will change your mind. The group has put out three albums: Bravery (2002), Eat (206), and The Year of the Ox (2009). You can listen to many songs from these albums on the website, www.jenkearney.com. You can also purchase the albums at this site ...do it – buy them all. If you are lucky enough to live in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area, you can check out Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion every Monday night at Toad. If you live nearby and you don't attend – shame on you!

Now, crank up Kearney's “Warm Bath Eyes,” rock the stunna shades, and put a frosty Hurricane in your left hand (you will need your right hand free to snap along). Close your eyes and let the big jazz sound transport you to a street party in New Orleans. Can you hear it? Can you feel it? This is what jazzy, edgy, and soulful are supposed to sound like. Go on, get up...dance and be groovy!

I give this one 3 sips!

We've all heard it ..sip, sip, sip – Now I'll use the phrase in a way that doesn't annoy me:

Sip: Boooo

Sip, Sip: check it out, you might like it

Sip, Sip, Sip: WOOT!! You have got to try this!!

2/8 SUPER-DUPER WINNER LIST

Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Super-Duper Valentine's Giveaway!"  If you are one of the winners list below, please contact me at radio@divataunia.com with your name, shipping address, and the prize you won.  Here is a full list of winners from last's night "Backstage Pass Radio Program:"

(drumroll, please...)

COCKTAIL NAPKIN CD:  "mommamartha"

CELEBRATE VITAMINS GIFT BASKET:  "Kim", via telephone

PATRICIA MILLER NECKLACE:  "mjteller"

KAYS NATURALS:  "jenni otera"

BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE PROJOE:  "wenniewoop"

COROMEGA HEALTHY HEART:  "xolani santos"

SUPREME PROTEIN GIFT PACKAGE:  "fhotolady"

Diamond Dallas Page's YRG Fitness Program:  "Larry Tipton" via telephone

Thanks to everyone who participated.  Please be sure to visit our prize sponsors for some amazing bariatric and wls-related products!

Cheers,

DIVA GLAM REVIEWS!

1/18/10 WLS LOVELY - KRISTY RATCLIFF

The timing of this feature could not be more relevant.  Not only is Kristy an inspiring weight loss surgery community member, but she's also an adoptive parent to Spencer, a young orphan from Haiti.  In the wake of the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti, Kristy offers a unique perspective on how people can help, and also how strong the people of Haiti truly are.

Kristy had her surgery on October 23, 2007 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Boise, Idaho.  After over thirty medical procedures related to stomach and mentrual issues, Kristy and her husband Alan decided to be proactive about her health and looked into gastric bypass surgery after it was suggested by her doctor.   She had been diagnosed with PCOS and she an Alan were unable to conceive.  Little did they know just how dramatically the surgery would change their lives.

During this time, they also adopted Spencer, Spencer was born in 2003, to loving married Haitian couple who couldn't afford to feed him,or care for him, they had 5 other children.  Thy wanted him to have a better life,and they they placed him in a Christian Orphanage Called New Life Link and Hope for the children of Haiti run by Dr. Jacob Benard.

Kristy says, "I want people to know about the people that were there before the earthquake helping Haiti and the people of Haiti, there are so many people from all around the world that have been there for years and years dedicating their lives taking their family's to Haiti to help. Please go and visit people's sites, see the work they have been doing and if you can sponsor someone or a family then please I encourage you to do that so they can continue their work there. Here is a family that I would love everyone to go check out and support even if it is just a comment or email, they took care of Spencer for 10 months while his forever home was being found and approved and they were touched so much that, they sold everything packed up their kids and moved to Haiti, to help Haiti and the people of Haiti and have been there Since Aug 2007, And they are still committed there.   Please visit http://bleshblog.wordpress.com/"

Kristy's life was already blessed with the addition of Spencer, but soon she and her husband Alan would also hear of another miracle - this time, as a result of her choice to have gastric bypass surgery.  She recently found out that she had become pregnant, and it is a baby girl that they have already name Skarlett. 

I asked Kristy how life had changed for her, and she responded, "How has it not?  Everything has changed.  Weight loss surgery changes everything in your life and everyone in your life. Life is good! I thought I was active at over 400 pounds, I was active for the life style I as living I guess, but my family and I can do things that I was never able to do, I can get on the floor with my son and play, be involved with him and his school, be involved with what my husband can do, pretty much anything they want or I want.  EVEN CONCEIVING A BABY."

Now baby makes four.  What an amazing family, and an amazingly inspirational woman.

The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:

• SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
• SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
• SMS text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

1/18/10 MUSIC FEATURE: JONATHA BROOKE

One of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters is Jonatha Brooke.  She blends folk, pop, and rock in a way that’s accessible for everyone to listen to.   I first heard her a few years ago when a friend of mine let me borrow her “Steady Pull” album, and I was completely hooked.  After listening to her song for the fifth time in a row, I sang along with her and was completely entranced in the song.  She’s right up there with Paula Cole for me in the “musicians I wish I could be” category – with some of the strongest songwriting skills that a girl could envy.  Her voice is meticulous – she has an instantly recognizeable sound,  very different and unique, and I want to be her.

Jonatha’s music has been featured in movie soundtracks like Disney’s” Return to Neverland “and TV shows like “The Hills,” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”  The first song I played on the radio program was the very first song I ever heard from her, “Linger,” and you can hear it on her website at www.jonathabrooke.com.

In 2006, after being completely obsessed with her music, I saw Jonatha live for the first time with my brother at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH.  My  brother Derek has always been a huge music  fan, and very open-minded about music.  Still, he’s also always been more partial to a heavier rock sound, so I wasn’t quite sure how he would react to Jonatha’s music.   His reaction?  He LOVED her, and to this day is a big fan.  In fact, at his wedding this past fall, he played one of Jonatha’s songs “Everything I Wanted”  (from “Back in the Circus”)as part of his wedding music. 

And now Jonatha has that shared connection with us:   I’m also going to request permission to use one of her songs at my wedding next year.  I fell in love with her latest album, “The Works,” and in particular, “King of My Love.”  It’s a lovely piano-focused song that prompts Alice-in-Wonderland-visions of characters dancing.   My fiancée Rob and I are huge poker players, and the card metaphors in this song couldn’t be more perfect for us as a couple starting a new life together.

I could go on and on about my love of “The Works.”  I think it’s a masterpiece for Jonatha.  The lyrics of Woodie Guthrie set to Jonatha’s music with an impressive list of music’s finest musicians (Keb Mo, Joe Sample, Steve Gadd, and Christian McBride).   Every song has magic in it, and it touched me in a way that not many other pieces of music have.   There’s one lyric penned by Woodie Guthrie and delivered musically by Jonatha that particularly comforts me:

“I’ll will never fear the day I will die, because my sunset is somebody’s morning sky.”Those lyrics are from the song “My Battle.”    

In that moment – when she sings this – if it doesn’t prove that there’s magic, peace, comfort and beauty from music, then I don’t know what ever will.  Jonatha is a musical treasure, so I encourage you to stop by her website and purchase many of her CDs.  Buy the works, the whole works.

 

12/21 "MORE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS" PRIZE GIVEAWAY LIST!

Honestly, this 12/21 "More Gifts of Christmas" show is going to ROCK!   Be sure to keep the number handy, because you'll want to call-in to win some of this awesomeness!  (347) 857-2052.  Tune in on Monday, 12/21 between 6:00-7:30pm and all you have to do is be the right number caller to win any of these fabulous prizes:

(Updated 12/17 - more prizes to come!)

• Award-winning Broadway and Hollywood Actor/Singing Superstar SAM HARRIS has donated an amazing prize package!  Three signed CDS ("On This Night," " Revival, "and "Free"), and a dvd of "free" behind the scenes, and the "I Can't Make You Love mM" music video.  For more information about Sam, please visit www.samharris.com.

• Rimmel London has put together and donated a holiday party essential package for one lucky winner on the show!The package includes: Sexy Curves Mascara, Colour Rush Quad Eyeshadow in Smokey Noir, Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Jet Black, Lasting Finish Kiss & Stay Gloss in Old Flame and 60 Second Nail Polish in Night Before!  Check them out at www.rimmellondon.com.

• Our WLS Lovely feature for this week is obesityhelp.com, and they've generously donated another THREE annual subscriptions to OH Magazine.

• Supreme Protein has a whopping four boxes for a prize!  1 box of 50gm Caramel Nut Chocolate, 1 box 43gm Peanut  Butter Crunch, 1 box 50gm Rocky Road Brownie, and 1 box of 45gm Cookies & Cream! To read more  check out their website at www.supremeprotein.com.

• Kay's Naturals Variety Sampler Gift Pack including cookie bites and the BBQ flavor. This is their second time donating, so thanks to everyone at Kay's!  To see some of their yummy products, please visit www.kaysnaturals.com

• Mikal (our 12/7/09 New Music Feature) donated two great prize packs!   Signed CD and Poster, 2 tickets to the  1/22/09  show at The Lucky Dog Music Hall, Worcester.  To hear Mikal, please visit www.mikal.us.  This is Michael's second prize package with BSPR - thanks, Michael!

• From the Diva Taunia Store, an Avon Footworks in Tropical Coconut gift package!

• $25 Gift Certificate to www.restaurant.com

I'm also featuring the music of Hollywood and Broadway actor and singing superstar, SAM HARRIS!  You don't want to miss this show.   More prizes and features to come....check back often! Happy Holidays!

OH, YEAH, IT'S HAPPENING: ANOTHER SHOW FULL OF PRIZES!

Last week's show was so insanely popular (yay!) that people were literally getting blocked out of the phone lines.  The phone lines were JAMMED UP with people trying to call-in and win prizes!  Yee-haw (although I'm sorry for those of you who could not get through!)

Things went so well that I'm going to do one more show full of "Gifts of Christmas"  with even MORE prize giveaways and pretty awesome loot - all donated from generous companies looking to celebrate the holidays with YOU.  :)  (Full prize list coming soon!)

So be sure to tune-in next Monday, 12/21 at 6:00pm EST.  I'm also going to be featuring the AMAZING broadway, TV, and general-superstar SAM HARRIS on the show as our music feature.  You do NOT want to miss this, my lovelies.

But don't worry, you know I'll remind you ten gazillion times before then.  You know how I roll....booyah!

RADIO MISH-MASH OF AWESOMENESS!

Tonight's show is a mish-mash of talent, and would love for to listen in, join the chat, and just be a part of our general antics!  Here's the program for tonight:

NEW MUSIC FEATURE:   Wes Carroll

WLS LOVELY: Shannon / JustSlcinoz (formerly slcinoz)

COMEDY FEATURE:  Brian Agosta

DEDICATIONS:  I'll be doing all of the dedications that I missed for last week's show.  Feel free to also phone in with your dedication:  (347) 857-2052.

HOLIDAY START:  featuring new music from singer-songwriter submitted holiday music!

NEW URL:  www.backstagepassradio.com

TONIGHT from 6-7:30pm EST !

HUGE, HUGE APOLOGIES (AND THANKS)! Radio show - 11/23

I have to extend HUGE apologies to my listeners!  I mistakenly did NOT change the length of the show (as I thought I had) and got cut off about 30 minutes too early.  Therefore, I was not able to read the dedications aloud on air, to thank my features, to thank my listeners, or finish the show.

I will post the dedications here on the blog within the next day, and I'll read them on next week's show on 11/30. 

I really wanted to mention how very grateful I am to all of you for your support...for listening to the show, watching my youtube channel, reading the blog, and generally just being really supportive.  It means a lot to me, and I'm sorry that I was able to express that tonight as planned.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cheers,
Diva Taunia

WEBSITE LINKS:

Michael Aaron Music
Michael Aaron on Youtube (Shibbopics)
Eric Hahn on Facebook
Tom/winelover215 on Facebook

11/16/09 WLS LOVELY FEATURE: YVONNE/BARIATRIC GIRL

 A lot of you out there have probably already heard of or spoken directly to Yvonne McCarthy.  Why?  Because she’s an active and prominent member of the WLS, advocating all of the wonderful and dramatic changes your life will go through post-surgery.  Yvonne is otherwise known in the WLS community as “Bariatric Girl.”

I first met Yvonne several months ago when she hosted a news segment on me for the WLS Channel News.  What I love most about her is that not only is she excited about her own post-surgery life, but she’s excited for other people too.  She said lovely things about me in the segment feature, and now I get the opportunity to do the same for her.

Yvonne is 55 yrs old (which is amazing to me, because I thought she was much, much younger) and HOT.  Seriously.  She’s blonde, vibrant, gorgeous and a super-sweetheart to boot.  She had open RNY on 3/31/01, and lost 130 lbs off of her 260 lb frame.  She’s maintained that 130 lb loss for the past 8 years, and is an inspiration to all of us that weight loss can be maintained post-surgery.

She documents her journey and other WLS-related topics on her website at bariatricgirl.com. There you can find links to her blog, YouTube page, WLS Channel and more.  She’s also a Life Coach and passionate animal lover.  She does volunteer work for WLS advocacy 24/7 and has a website and organization called RYD Obesity.

Yvonne also plays cello, guitar, and sings and is passionate about music as well.  Need some inspiration?   You’re sure to find it from this talented and passionate woman.  Go check out everyone’s favorite Bariatric Girl today!