This week I am so pleased to be joined by actor, comedian, songwriter, singer, live event host, director, producer and LGBTQ community activist Tym Moss. He has been in various independent films including his most recent musical Junk. The star of a critically acclaimed cabaret show, Tym takes to the stage quite frequently. "If These Walls Could Talk" is a live stream talk show that Tym co-hosts with talented singer/performer Wendy Stuart. He has starred in music videos of original songs including "Buy and Obey" and "Free Again" which both can be found on YouTube. No stranger to the red carpet, Tym has stood in chic outfits with microphone in hand, interviewing many famous entertainers. From singing the national anthem to start off a Staten Island Yankees game to being a guest on "The View," Tym has a long list of impressive accomplishments. I am overjoyed and grateful to have this amazing, entertaining, fun-loving and accomplished talent on State of the Arts.

State of the Arts Episode 41 just published! This week my guest is one of my most dynamic college friends, Ashley Westbrook who has a successful travel blog on Instagram and TikTok called DigiAshley. With a diversely cultured background, Ashley reveals her exquisite photography to the world with her captivating blog.  Ashley has studied Shakespeare in London, spent an autumn in France and has been on several business trips in Asia. These are only a few of the locations she has visited. Between vacations, education, business and day trips, Ashley has explored countless intriguing destinations. Her photography speaks for itself. From breathtaking landscapes to curious local attractions, followers of Ashley's blog are always sure to find delightful surprises. The recent circumstances has not stopped my courageous friend, as she has been capturing all the natural glory and industrial marvels the New York area has to offer. An artist in so many ways, Ashley has also acted in and directed theatrical productions in the past. She has extensive education in the theatrical arts as well. I am so pleased to have the honor of interviewing this talented, creative and exciting guest on my podcast this week! #digiashley

This week my guests are Chef Brandon Summers and his fiancée, one of my closest friends, Henrissa. They are the owners of Summers Henn Meals, which is a small food delivery service in Pennsylvania. From Pilipino dishes to salads to pasta to American classics to imaginative fusion delights, their meals span across multiple cultures. The menu is diverse and changes with each season. Fresh, organic, and even home-grown ingredients are used in all their cooking. Their business is based out of their own apartment where they create their delicious masterpieces in their humble kitchen. They cater events, deliver to offices and have acquired a solid client list of regular customers. This culinary power couple balances their lucrative cuisine enterprise with their other jobs. I am overjoyed to have interviewed them next to the beautiful Hudson River today. Tune in for a remarkable, encouraging and heart-warming interview with my two dynamic friends!

State of the Arts Podcast 

This week Derek Upright returns to my podcast to help me commemorate music's iconic pop-rock band The Monkees, who began their careers on a television comedic show created about a band called "The Monkees." The creators of this show gathered an eclectic group of actors and musicians to audition for the roles. They ultimately chose folk rocker/songwriter Michael Nesmith, folksinger/musician Peter Tork, British ex-jockey/former Tony Award nominee Davy Jones and former child actor Micky Dolenz. The zany characters these actors played and their uplifting music won the hearts of a massive audience. Eventually they became a touring, gigging, chart-topping band adored by millions. Derek, who is a Monkees expert and historian, had known the kind-hearted, multi-talented Peter Tork personally. All you nostalgic 1960's music fans and curious culture explorers, come listen to a touching episode about this band's rise to stardom, ability to touch the lives of countless fans with their positivity, timeless popular hits, enchanting personalities and fun-loving cult following! A special thanks to Derek Upright, the witty, knowledgeable and entertaining guest for making this one of State of the Art's most interesting episodes.

This week I welcome back a returning guest: guitarist, singer and songwriter Sharon Ostrov. Besides being a frequent guest on the CTV show The Cool Spot, she is also the host and producer of the Staten Island Community Cable variety show The Music Express. Her two albums "Emotional Rollercoaster" and "Strawberry Obsession" are filled with her impressive original work. After being the founder of the North Shore Four years ago and partaking in many music festivals, she has now returned to the stage at West Fest 14. From nursing homes to popular hot spots like Doc Hannigan's Tavern, Sharon gigs at many well-known Staten Island locations. Tune in for this captivating podcast episode with this talented, groovy and exciting guest whom I am thrilled to have on State of the Arts!     

This week I'm joined on my podcast by gospel, rock, blues and disco drummer Dijon Smith. As a child, Dijon became interested in the drums when his grandparents brought him to church. So, he started playing around with pots and pans at home. Currently he has become a vital part of many church worship bands. Involved in multiple churches, he plays the drums for the Lord on a regular basis. This volunteer for The Road to Recovery once owned six drum kits which he ended up donating to people who needed them. He was rewarded for his generosity when he randomly ended up receiving a free new drum kit. On Wednesday nights he can usually be found at Curtis Winchester and Joe Piteo's Ron Blacks jam sessions in White Plains, New York. He also has experience with the base. Dijon is charitable, kind-hearted, talented and modest, making him such an incredibly pleasant and delightful guest. I am so pleased I had the honor of interviewing him this week on my show!                

Screenwriter Aleesha Dineros-Canuto joins me on my podcast this week to discuss her remarkable work. Educated at Stuyvesant High School and Baruch College, this talented young artist has written many screen plays including a new adaptation of the Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. On her website, two short films she created herself can be found: a light-hearted romantic comedy called "In A Flash" and a terrifying horror flick called, "Till Death." With experience in directing, camera work, editing and production as well, she created these two riveting indie shorts. An education in marketing has helped her understand the importance of marketing in the arts. Social justice issues are very important to her as well. In her script, "The Veiled," Aleesha addresses racism against Asians in this captivating, highly metaphorical thriller. She is now planning to pursue an advanced degree in screenwriting and continue to create her magnificent work. Brilliant, sweet, creative and original, Aleesha is an inspiring guest whom I am honored and thrilled to have on my show. 

I'm joined this week by Billy Little who is a celebrity impersonator, drag performer, fashion designer and painter. Billy has won multiple contest titles including Ms. Fire Island Elite and most recently Mr. Tropicana International. Being the first black member of The Imperial Court in Manhattan, he has stayed with this festive, entertaining organization for nearly thirty years. Once a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, he now creates his own and a few other performers' costumes. The designs are always eye-catching and elaborate. Prince, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson and Wanda Sykes are some of the celebrities he has impersonated. He has also been in body-building competitions and enjoys creating wonderfully captivating paintings. Museums were Billy's favorite venues to practice painting as he was developing his art form. Billy Little has many talents and a delightfully engaging personality. It was a privilege to have a guest with so much versatility, charisma, wisdom, and creativity on my podcast!

This week I am delighted to welcome my good friend and former Manhattanville College classmate Derek Upright who is a classic cinema connoisseur, a DC comic book buff and a peer specialist. In high school, he was involved in the performing arts, acting in various school plays. By the time he was studying at Manhattanville, he became a videographer for many campus productions. An expert on a vast number of films, Derek boasts an impressive watch list of thousands of movies. He's especially partial to classic cinema. With his charming wife Sheri, Derek lives in an elegant high-rise in the heart of New York City. His exciting metropolitan lifestyle includes Broadway shows, sports events, celebrity sightings, leisurely strolls through the Museum of Natural History and dining at a delicious Mexican restaurant in the lobby of his apartment building. It's an honor to have such an intelligent, friendly and sophisticated guest on my podcast. Listen to a remarkable discussion about a diverse array of intriguing topics!