The Upbeat Hang

In Episode 35 of The Upbeat Hang, K Bo and Duke reflect back on the year that passed since the legendary timekeeper of the band Rush, Neil Peart, had died. Peart, a household name to musicians and particularly drummers, left an impressive legacy that spans many iconic records and tours and today, that legacy is building and expanding more than ever. However, in this episode Duke introduces some pretty obscure (and interesting) facts about “The Professor” which are a bit off the beaten path. The guys round out their discussion with a fast forward to 2021 which includes a conversation about “dry January.” Check it out. Special thanks to lukenield for the use of the intro/outro music.

Earlier this year, (in Episode 25, if you want the shortened version) we spoke with Tris, who was candid about many aspects of his career and his life. This talented and humble human being has toured, performed, and recorded with countless hit artists, all over the globe. In this episode, you get to see the full, unedited interview, where he talks about singing, playing the harmonica, Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, overcoming cancer, heartbreaks, playing memorable gigs, finding his life partner, and so much more. Of course, he also discusses Kenny Loggins, Chicago, Al Jarreau, Chaka Kahn, Anita Baker, and others. Enjoy!

If “free” ever good? In this 33rd episode of The Upbeat Hang, K Bo, Duke, and Amy examine that very premise vis-à-vis performing as a musician in the Jersey Shore cover band circuit. More specifically, is it acceptable (or even desirable) for musicians to offer their services for free to venues or, does playing for free dilute the market? Does it open doors to musicians to find “paying” work? These and similar arguments are bantered about in this engaging episode which any working musician will want to weigh in on. Check it out.

“Cut!” This popular filmmaking expression has been uttered by directors for decades in the movie business and in Episode 32 of The Upbeat Hang, we visit with an up and coming director and former NYPD member, Brian Pollock. Brian is the proud recipient of the Manhattan Film Festival’s 2020 Junior Lifetime Achievement Award and in this segment, we delve into Brian’s interesting journey which began when he was a first-responder on 9/11 all the way up to his contemporary status as a filmmaker, director, writer, and performer. Clearly a visionary, storyteller, and intellect, in this episode Brian shares his thoughts on writing, creating, and delivering a story that will surely resonate with his audience.

In Episode 31 of The Upbeat Hang, we welcome former NFL cheerleader, fitness and beauty guru, and current commentator for Monster Jam, Kimberly Cantoni-DiRoma. Having concluded a successful career as a “Jets Flight Crew” member for the N.Y. Jets, Kimberly talks about her experiences professionally cheering (including working a Pro Bowl event), moving on to being a sports entertainment host, and, starting a family. Always an engaging and effervescent personality, Kimberly shares her thoughts on her drive and determination to reach the pinnacle of her capabilities. Listeners will be intrigued to explore the interesting world of professional cheering and sports entertainment hosting.

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if one of your musical idols had never died and he or she was still alive today? What would they be doing? In Episode 30 of The Upbeat Hang, we examine this very question. After soliciting suggestions from our audience, K Bo, Duke, and Amy ponder what some of your favorite artists might be doing today. Indeed, it is an interesting proposition to debate and an even more interesting proposition to put to the imagination and in this episode, we try to bring the artists of yesteryear into the present day. What do you think??

In this fast-paced world, technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Indeed, that fact makes protecting your creative works a priority now, more than ever before. Enter Richard Liebowitz. In Episode 29, listeners will get to hear from Mr. Liebowitz, who is one of the nation’s preeminent copyright attorneys, as to how to go about protecting their intellectual property in this torrid landscape. As an added bonus, The Upbeat Hang solicited questions from subscribers as to what their concerns were with protecting their intellectual property and we asked Richard for suggestions and direction in addressing these concerns. Any discussion where technology intersects legal protection of intellectual property is bound to be a compelling one and listeners will surely benefit from the advice of Mr. Liebowitz. Check it out.

https://richardliebowitzesq.com

For centuries, few things have captivated our imagination as much as magic and illusion and in Episode 28, K Bo, Duke, and Amy sit down the magician/comedian phenom Steven Brundage. Steven became a household name after he captured the attention of the nation on America’s Got Talent when he amazed the judges with his Rubik's cube magic tricks. Since then Steven has gone on to dazzle and perplex audiences all around the world with his wit, illusionary craftwork, and steel-trap mind techniques. In this episode, we get to see a more personal side of Steven and peak behind his curtain of illusion as well as we get to witness some of his magical work up close and personal. Always the performer, Mr. Brundage ensures that K Bo, Duke, and Amy left with jaws open and we bet yours will be too. Check it out.

https://www.stevenbrundagemagic.com

https://davidblaine.com

In Episode 27, K Bo, Duke, and Amy attempt to answer the age-old question which has been asked in entertainment circles since the beginning of time; who is the all-time greatest at their particular craft or instrument? In this instance, the debate centers around Led Zeppelin’s thunderous percussionist, John Bonham, and Rush’s “Professor” of the drum kit, Neil Peart. Both artists come with their own legendary status however, for as many parallels that can be seen between the two, there are just as many divergent qualities between this pair of epic timekeepers. In this Episode, the Upbeat trio examines and discuss the similarities and differences between these two drummers in trying to come to a conclusion as to who is the greatest rock drummer of all time; is it “Bonzo” or“The Professor”? Check it out.

In Episode 26, K Bo, Duke, and Amy bid goodbye to Summer 2020. In what has been nothing short of an unusual time for us all, the trio remembers best what they each took out of the recent past warm summer months. The gang also offer their first annual pre-season NFL Superbowl picks. With professional sports being slightly unpredictable this year, The Upbeat Hang weighs in on their odds-on favorite to win it all. And last but certainly not least, The Hang’s own Duke Clement has announced that he will be hitting the studio shortly to record a new single. However, only Duke knows the who, where, and why of the track. Tune in for K Bo and Amy’s predictions as to what to expect on Duke’s upcoming new single in this latest episode of The Upbeat Hang.