State of the Arts Episode 96, the Mental Illness Awareness Week Special just released! Poet, short story writer, flutist and one of my besties Sheri Upright joins me for an in-person interview, along with her loving husband who is also my dedicated podcast co-host Derek Upright. In this inspirational new episode I take a dive into Sheri's universe of creativity. A universe she immersed herself in, beginning way back in her childhood. In her earlier years, she was a part of the undefeated East Meadow High School marching band that moved through 5th Avenue in famous New York City parades. For all the years she was a part of the band, they held a dynasty of first place victories against their competitors. One of her poems she shares in this episode is dedicated to this part of her life. In the poem "5th Avenue" she recalls the thrill of the entire experience. Being a stellar flutist, she participated in the New York State Music Association examinations where she nearly reached a perfect score. After graduating from high school as the salutatorian, she attended Hofstra University. From writing for her high school newspaper to a position at Hofstra collegiate magazine The Font, she evolved as a student writer. Her poetry and short stories won several prestigious awards. At Columbia University she took a poetry class as her odyssey as a writer continued. Eventually she completed a Master's Degree at Hunter College in Education. In this moving episode she reads a poem she had shared with her entire high school back when she made her salutatorian speech. The emotion-packed poem is about the transition from childhood to adulthood and the remising of days past. Her poem about the Brooklyn Dodgers, the team her grandfather cheered for, touched my heart on a personal level as they were my Dad's favorite team too. Derek and Sheri share personal, romantic moments as she recounts a piece of work she had attempted to write for him once and as he compliments her on all her inspiring attributes. In a candid conversation she reveals how writing helped her through the difficulties she faced due to her mental illness. So strong, positive, bright and caring is this admirable guest! The most touching episode of State of the Arts awaits to be listened to!                          

State of the Arts Episode 95 just released! I had the great fortune of interviewing decorator, stylist, dancer, fashionisto and lip sync entertainer Albert Crocus Pena for the Hispanic Heritage Month Special. This former DJ began his lip sync performance journey at an event held at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance. Tyra Dominique Jackson and Tym Moss are only two of the many performers he has teamed up with. Ever the innovative creative, Albert Crocus has even developed his own form of dance that is derived from freestyle dancing. His eye-catching, fluid movements and bold fashion sense won compliments from Filipe Rose from the Village People. With his own YouTube Channel called "Albert Pena" he displays his creativity to the world. After overcoming social anxiety and surviving a liver transplant, this courageous Latino artist created a dazzling world of art and positivity. Glamorous disco lights, ornately fun decorations and cocktail lounge furniture gives his apartment a festive, playful atmosphere. An atmosphere that made our zoom interview delightfully enchanting. "Crocus" was the middle name he chose for himself as it is a flower that symbolizes happiness and cheer. Being an activist in the LGBTQIA community, he can be found at many exciting events. I want to give a huge thank you to this intriguing talent who brought so much flair, encouragement and inspiration to State of the Arts in this captivating episode!         

State of the Arts Episode 94 just published! In this thrilling new episode my cohost Anthony Bonilla and I welcome Off Broadway actor, producer and creative director Matt DeRogatis. Teaming up with his mentor RJ Lamb, this mutli-talented stage maestro formed a non-profit organization called Ruth Stage in 2017, which has locations in both New York City and New Jersey. Matt DeRogatis is the chairman and creative director of this organization who produced three critically acclaimed runs of Lone Star by James McLure, followed by The War of the Roses with the help of RJ Lamb, and several Shakespearean adaptation, one of which was directed by Tony Award Nominees Austin Pendleton and Peter Bloch. Matt and RJ became the first stage producers to ever be granted the rights to Cat On A Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. This was Ruth Stage's most recent production, after the Glass Menagerie. Sadly, RJ Lamb passed away a few months after his production of The Passion of Christ a few years ago. Matt DeRogatis has stepped into into his mentor's demanding position as creative director. Ruth Stage shines on today as a bright star of the deep universe that is the theatrical arts.    

State of the Arts Episode 90 just released! The Moonshine Runners are a Queens-based rock band that brings an edgy new sound to the world of rock while channeling echoes of Nirvana, the Foo Fighters and other classic legends. State of the Arts welcomes the entire band this week as we speak of their new single "Tough Love," their favorite performance ever, future projects and many other topics. Their next concert is scheduled for September 17th 2022 at Brooklyn Music Kitchen at 8:00pm. In a previous episode I interviewed Jeff Free, the Moonshine Runners' talented guitarist. In this milestone episode I am joined by the whole band including drummer Noe, bassist Erik and guitarist Aaron! This talented group of guys have made their mark all over the Tri-State area as a groove-filled, intense, alternative rock quartet. These versatile performers have a magnetic dynamic when they play together as a powerful rhythmic force of sound. They were selected to play in a battle of the bands and have traveled to many locations to perform. This is a milestone episode with a State of the Arts record-breaking number of four guests! I gladly welcome these gifted,  fun-loving and dedicated musicians onto my podcast this week for a compelling new episode of State of the Arts!  

State of the Arts Episode 89 just published! On State of the Arts this week I am joined by Willy Wenwe Chen who was once my classmate at PMT Dance Studio where we studied the Argentine Tango under New York dance legend Brenda Neville. Always the creative, at an early age Willy went to Pre-College Julliard. He's a classically trained violinist who also became interested in dance. After attending NYU he was invited back to his alma mater to join the ballroom dance team where he ascended with his partner from Bronze to Open within several months. Some of their top-tier coaches included a future world champion and two future pro dancers from Dancing with the Stars. He also found romance on the NYU dance team when he met his beautiful future wife Kara Rose. They now have two graceful, creative children who are beginning to learn gymnastics. Showing himself to be exuberantly versatile, he was also an advanced hip hop, b-boy and break dancer. As the president of the Happy Arts and Science Center he made an impactful difference in the community. Having done so much for the Asian community and for artists, Willy is a pillar who deserves abundant gratitude and recognition. With a warm, appreciative welcome I greet my creative, positive, intelligent and genuine tango brother on my podcast!  

To commemorate Episode 88 I have written a parody of the song by 1980's New Wave Band The Nails called "88 Lines About 44 Women." My parody "88 Lines About 88 Podcast Guests" is a tribute and celebration to all the guests who have been on State of the Arts thus far. Co-host Derek Upright and I tip our hats to these wonderful people, these magnificent artists, these hard-working role models who have graced the airwaves of our appreciative podcast. I am forever grateful for them. In this epic episode we explore the history of parody writing, speak about The Nails whose song I parodied and brush upon various other topics from my own journey as a parody writer to potential future episodes we have in mind. This episode is concluded by my singing of "88 Lines About 88 Podcast Guests." This was a song I had written within a few hours and I had delved into my heart to find. A ground-breaking new episode with a never-before touched upon subject matter awaits your patronage!