Looking for the perfect way to welcome summer? Look no further than the Newport Beach Wine Festival at the Balboa Bay Resort. This Memorial Day Weekend, the luxurious waterfront resort will once again host the beloved annual event, now in its 19th year.

With a dazzling array of premium wines, gourmet cuisine, live music, and more, this three-day festival is set to be a unique experience for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

“We look forward to this weekend all year long,” says Cindy Racco, Managing Director at Balboa Bay Resort and Club. “With our picturesque surroundings, it’s the ultimate destination to unwind with a glass of wine or explore a variety of spirits. We’re thrilled to host this extraordinary event once again.”

The festivities kick off on Friday, May 24, with the Justin Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner. This exclusive four-course meal, curated by Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan and Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman, promises to be a culinary delight.

Guests will be among the first to taste JUSTIN’s new wines from outside of Paso Robles, including a Sonoma County Chardonnay and a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Hosted in the resort’s elegant Lighthouse Room, which offers sweeping views of Newport Harbor.

On Saturday, May 25, the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival takes center stage. From 1-5 p.m., the resort will transform into a wine lover’s paradise, featuring a Grand Tasting of over 40 esteemed wine and spirits vendors.

Imagine strolling along the boardwalk and Bayfront Lawn, sampling exquisite wines and spirits from brands like DAOU, Whispering Angel, Flecha Azul, and Macallan, all while enjoying live music and the stunning marina views.

Guests can cap the weekend off with indulgence at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 26. Held in the Lighthouse Room, this lavish brunch buffet will feature fresh seafood and caviar, traditional brunch favorites, a carving station, and an omelet station, all accompanied by live music and the effervescent flow of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

For those planning to fully immerse themselves in the festival, Balboa Bay Resort is offering a special deal: guests who book a room for the Wine Festival over Memorial Day Weekend will enjoy a 10 percent discount on both guest room rates and festival tickets.

The resort has partnered with luxury electric vehicle brand Lucid Motors to provide complimentary chauffeur rides from its Fashion Island studio, making it easy to arrive in style. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to use this service or ride-sharing options.

Start the summer at one of Newport Beach’s most scenic locations. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Balboa Bay Resort.

The post Sip, Savor, and Celebrate: Newport Beach Wine Festival Returns to Balboa Bay Resort appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Before he hits the Marina Room Tavern stage as the anniversary celebration’s headliner, Martin chatted with us about his influences, favorite career moments, his undying work ethic, and his hopes for the future of jazz.

What challenges have you experienced as a jazz artist in the modern music climate?

Jazz has fallen to about one percent of all music consumption. That’s concerning for jazz artists and I think that’s why many jazz artists often cross genres. The challenge is adaptability. So many jazz musicians seem trapped within what was being pioneered by the great jazz artists in the 20s, 50s, or whatever. In reality, Coltrane and others were performing pop songs of their era so what’s so wrong with doing that today. I often pull out Nirvana and Christina Aguilera songs during my show and people go nuts. I’m still improvising and exploring harmonic possibilities and it connects with the audience. Connecting with the audience one of the great things about music and should be a top priority to every musician, jazz included.

What’s on your current playlist?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Anderson Paak. I love the way his music is produced, the melodies, and the horns. Trumpeter and former New Orleans resident Maurice Brown is on a lot of his stuff.

What has been the most treasured moment of your career so far?

My most treasured moment is when I’m on stage and everything is clicking. The band is locked in and everyone is listening to each other on a deep level. The audience is in the palm of my hands and I’m choosing the right songs at the right moment. I never have a set list, I call the songs on the spot depending on what I’m feeling from the crowd. It’s exhilarating when it all comes together and everyone is feeling it.

What will the audience experience at the Music Preserves Foundation 1 Year Anniversary Party?

We’re bringing New Orleans to Laguna Beach! I plan on performing some of the New Orleans classics as well as my original music; something old, something new.

What is your creative process? And how are you continuously evolving in that process?

As a songwriter, ideas can come in a variety of ways. Some of the songs on my new album “Keep Movin'” were deliberately written. I made time, sat down, and started writing. Other songs just come to me. I heard “Leaf in a Hurricane” in almost its entirety in a Copenhagen apartment when my band performed the jazz festival there in 2018. I heard the melody, lyrics, key, and chords changes in my head. As a soloist on the saxophone, I listen and transcribe other players as much as possible. I try to expand my vocabulary and adventure to new approaches in improvisation. It’s all a never ending journey.

What do you feel is the best song you’ve ever released, and why?

This is hard! I like them all and often for different reasons. The lyrics to “Another You” always get to people even in the rowdiest of New Orleans clubs. I’m really proud of vibe and stories of “Rectify” and “Young Ambition” off my new album. The message in “Leaf in a Hurricane” is poetically powerful. I’m going to stop now because I can’t think of just one and I’ll keep going.

What are your current and/or future projects?

I’m a part of the “Soul Brass Band” in New Orleans. We just released an album called “Levels” produced by Galactic’s Ben Ellman. Both Soul and the James Martin Band are scheduled to perform several of the top music festivals this year in the US and in Europe. I think after releasing two solo albums in 2 years, my direction will be to collaborate writing and recording singles with other artists. Hit me up on Instagram at @JamesMartinMusic if you would like to create some music together!

The Dana Point-based Music Preserves Foundation has the mission to “inspire and educate the community through the preservation and presentation of music.” The foundation generates an appreciation for music by creating music and arts programs at festivals, schools and in the city through preserving and presenting lectures, exhibits, performances, educational programs and cultural collaborations.

For more info on Music Preserves Foundation, visit https://www.musicpreserves.org/

For more info about James Martin, visit http://www.jamesmartinmusic.com/

The post New Orleans’ artist James Martin is exactly what jazz needs appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Broadway lovers know White for her numerous roles in successful musicals, including “Cats,” “Chicago,” “Once On This Island,” “Dreamgirls,” and her Tony Award-winning performance as the no-nonsense hooker Sonya in “The Life.” Others are thrilled to know her as the kind woman who took care of children and monsters alike on Sesame Street, as well as the woman behind the sassy, strong vocals as the lead muse in Disney’s “Hercules.”   

The native New Yorker Broadway queen is in Southern California to perform her cabaret show “An Evening with Lillias White” throughout stages and clubs in the region, including a three-night run at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on Jan. 23-25.    

What would you say is your all-time favorite role in a musical? 

Oh that’s tough, I have a couple of favorites. I’d have to say my number one is “The Life.” That just grows with me and I received all those wonderful accolades and awards. “Dream Girls” was a good one too, because I got to work with Michael Bennett. I also did “Romance in Hard Times,” which was written by William Finn and that’s one of my favorite musicals as well, because I got to play a character who was completely optimistic.

Do you have any other hidden talents that we may not know about?

I’m pretty fluent in Spanish. I started learning it when I was in junior high school and I really enjoy speaking it. So when I get together with people who speak Spanish, I try to practice with them. As for hidden talents, I like to just go with the flow and see what comes of it. 

What will your audience experience in your cabaret show?

I would say a flashback to some happier times. I want people to feel like there’s still a potential for love and happiness. I’m going to get a little political. I’m hearing a lot of Trump people are out in Orange County… this is still America. I can still speak my mind. So I’ll be a little bit political about how I’m feeling about what’s going on. But it’s just fun. I want people to leave happier and more optimistic than when they came in. That’s my goal is to make people feel like they have hope and the potential for love and good feelings. Even if we disagree politically, even if we don’t share the same religious beliefs or other beliefs. This is a country made of all different kinds of people. And frankly, if you’re not Native American, we are all immigrants. But I want people to just leave happy.

Beautiful. Where is your Tony and Emmy as we speak? 

Well I actually don’t the Emmy statue. I have an Emmy award as part of the cast of “Sesame Street,” but we did not actually get a statue. In one of my family’s homes is a certificate that says I won an Emmy as a part of the cast. But my Tony Award is in my living room on the shelf, very prominently displayed. Every now and then, when I’m feeling some kind of way, I take it down and I twirl it around. And I remember that night that my mother was there, my kids were there, my boyfriend was there, and it was just a very special night.

I love that. What did you want to be when you grow up? 

At first I wanted to be a nurse. I’m still that way. I like to take care of people. So when I was a little girl, I wanted to be like the Nurse Nancy character, one of my favorite books I read as a kid. I wanted to be like her and take care of people, take their temperature, you know? Then when I got a little bit older, I wanted to be a ballerina. But singing was always incidental to me as a kid. 

What are you doing on the beach today? 

I’ve got my music, I’ve got a script to read. I’ve got a book to read. I’ve got a new Allure magazine with my dear, dear, dear friend Billy Porter on the cover. I’m just enjoying the elements, sitting here with the mother of the world, the ocean. So I’m sitting here and I’m going to say my prayer for libation. 

What advice would you give young Lillias? 

Oh boy. I have to write a book to her. Yeah. I’d say listen to your mother. Listen to your mother, because she really does have your best interest at heart. I would say save your money. I would say be very careful who you choose to bed down with. Make sure that you’re sure of who you are and who you’re dealing with when it comes to romance and picking a partner or boyfriends. I would say to the job at hand to never stop learning. Never stop striving to learn your craft and perfect it. 

What’s on the horizon for you and your career? 

I am waiting to hear if I’ll get this TV gig that I went up for last week. I’m waiting to see if they’re gonna work out the case. And I’m going to be at Carnegie Hall for Tituss Burgess’ debut. I’m part of his group that’s going to be there on February 1. I’m looking forward to that, and I’m looking forward to a very healthy, happy, joy-filled 2020.

An Evening With Lillias White

Jan. 17: Vitello’s Italian Restaurant in Studio City

Jan. 18: The Purple Room in Palm Springs

Jan. 19: Martinis Above Fourth in San Diego

Jan. 23-25: Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa

The post Broadway legend Lillias White shares heartfelt advice & precious moments appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The musical pair’s songs are actually written explicitly for the purpose of audience participation, using the call-and-response technique to get their audiences moving, shouting and singing the second they hit the stage. The Minnesota-grown group is making their way to California rock clubs to perform their fun show, including the Voo Doo Room in San Diego on Jan. 23 and Chain Reaction in Anaheim on Jan. 30.

Bryan Atchison chatted with me about everything from “Darrin’s Dance Grooves” to punk rock influences to the science behind writing a song about cats.

My sister is a 4th grade teacher and her students warm up to your songs and dance moves every single morning. They are so excited that you guys are playing the all ages Chain Reaction!

That’s so awesome! I am so excited. I know that some parents are like, “Why is this kids band playing the Chain Reaction?” But as a kid that loves punk music, I’m like, “Yes! We get to play Chain Reaction. That’s the coolest.” 

So I just rocked out to “Cat Party.” You have to tell me what’s the inspiration behind this song?

Well “Cat Party” is one of five cat songs on an album called “Viral: Songs About Cats and Stuff” and it was made in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We have a modern art museum called the Walker. And they did like a hundred events in a hundred days, and one of the events was having this internet cat video festival. I’m going to give you a little backstory. So they were like, “Hey, hope 15 people come to this.” And 12 thousand people showed up. So they were like, alright we’re going to do this again in the next year. And they did. And then at the State Fair, which is a huge staple in Minnesota, they did it at the amphitheater where like Usher plays and stuff like that. And there were 15,000 people. They sold it out. It was ticketed like $15-$20 to get in. And all the famous cats came, like Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, all the cats who are now deceased. But anyways, they asked us to make an album for the promotion, and then we played the festival stage. We played the five cat songs with Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub. The funny thing is, we are not cat people at all. So the whole album is kind of like how can we make tongue-in-cheek songs that are like cats are cool, but people are crazy.

Before we started mainly playing like kids’ shows, we were in punk bands. We opened up for a guy named Frank Turner from the U.K. and “Cat Party” was like the jam on that whole tour. So we just kind of stuck with it. We were just kinda trying to make a dumb cat song that would be a crowd pleaser for this singular event, not knowing it would go anywhere else. And since then, every show people are coming up to us showing us pictures of their cats and I’m just kinda like, I don’t care. (laughs) Well I do, I just didn’t grow up with pets, cause my dad was like allergic to everything. And Neil’s a huge dog person. So we have a song called “Puppy.” We have a dog song too, but people don’t even know it exists because it’s not like “Cat Party.” 

There’s definitely an internet trend of cat people with figures like Grumpy Cat, cat videos, and memes that are cat-centric. It seems like you were right at the forefront of this trend that you probably didn’t even realize at the time. 

Yeah, not even, we didn’t even have a clue. I mean, if you think about it, in the age of the internet, fanny packs, cats, rainbows and unicorns are all super popular and it feels like we were like devising a way to like monetize the system or something like that. Not that we have (laughs), but I feel like we were just making music; like we’re camp counselors that kind of really dug things like Lisa Frank, and now that’s kind of what the internet is nowadays. I mean, it doesn’t bother me either way, but now that I look back on it, I’m like, wow, weren’t even planning on it but it works. That’s cool. It’s been fun.

I heard your newest song “My Jam,” which is instantly catchy. What exactly is your writing process? 

Yeah so we basically have like four different kinds of songs. We have like a hard topic like, writing some songs about cats or pizza, and then songs like “My Jam” is kind of a fun generic dance song. We just have a couple of those. This is just kind of a party jam as our newest single. We put out a song later in September called “Glitter” and one about hot sauce, and then “My Jam,” and we have another one about air guitars coming out. So we just kind of have a topic and try to hone in on it, and sometimes in either of our brains, we think of the chorus first and then we build up from there. 

“My Jam” has been kind of kicking around in my head for like four years or so, since I was on a camping trip, and I’ve been trying to figure out how to crack it. I was trying to put other things on top of it, like themes on top of it, because I was convinced just saying you like a song is not enough. And Neil was like, ‘No, that’s it. That’s the song.’ You can just have a song about liking a song! So we’ll see how this one does. I always get a little nervous about songs that don’t have like a hit-you-on-the-head kind of theme. I don’t know how it’ll do, because songs that are about something like pizza take off way more. But we have a fun video that I have planned for it and a couple of really cool dance moves; I think it will go well live. 

Our writing process is pretty collaborative, whichever way a song comes in the hamper. We always have a running list of themes or topics, and then we just try to figure out what we think is funny about that. So either like the funny joke will be the chorus hook or the chorus hook will be kind of a generic saying, word or topic. And then within the verses, we think about how we can explore that thing even more. And we are always making different beats and melodies. Or we make it specifically for that song and then whatever producer or engineer we’re working with will help mix and sparkle it up. And then we’re also thinking about sing-along parts and dance moves and video concepts later. 

But that’s kind of how maybe a generic song comes through. Most of the time we like to have a theme album where all the songs are a minute long, like we have a motivation record but we also have an album about Panera bread. So we create a box around the theme so we can kind of work within that. I don’t know what I would do if I was somebody who we used to be and just wrote songs about love and stuff. I can’t even think about being in a band like that because topics and themes and concepts help me focus and gives me something to construct. 

Are you continuously looking at things and coming up with songs in your head now? 

Definitely! I’m always thinking about songs in my head and I was before Koo Koo existed too. So that’s why I’m glad this exists. I have an output for that. It kind of helps me focus. I love driving cause that’s when I think the most; so I’m always trying to think of things and how they work and how that could be a dance move. Neil’s always trying to make a really funny song and I’m always trying to make a song that’s going to be like the next rock arena. Like I want to be a one hit wonder wedding hit band. I want the next “Cupid Shuffle” so bad. I don’t care if that’s like our only hit, and we just play like Laker game halftime shows for the rest of our life. I’m cool with that. 

You guys could be like the next Kool and the Gang.

I mean, that’d be great to have lots of hits like them to party to, and my head is always thinking of songs and dance moves to hopefully create that. 

Glad you brought up dance moves. Who creates your choreography? 

That is fully Neil and me. We’re just mashing it out always, and it’s getting harder now because we’ve made so many videos with new moves. We think what’s a really dead simple move that you can still do with a microphone? We run through the song a bunch of times and think about the moves. It has to be like really bad and really easy. Like it’s gotta be something my dad can do. If my dad can do it, then everyone can do it and will want to do it.

I always would watch these backup dancers or — do you remember the VHS “Darrin’s Dance Grooves?” It’s funny, that just popped in my head. So I had that and I’d watch it a lot and I thought it was really fun, but I was always a little angry at it. It’s like, “Why do you have to be like that? I get it, you’re good, but you’re trying to teach somebody to dance with this. So why you gotta show off and be perfect?” (laughs) I don’t even practice, because we’re lazy or too busy or don’t want to. And that benefits our show because it shows that these guys are half-assing it, so I can do it too. I just never aspire to be perfect; I like everything a little sloppy. 

It’s really cool that you are bringing that punk rock feel to younger generations by playing all ages rock clubs. 

I appreciate that a lot. Yeah we’re playing seven shows in California. I asked Neil if we could play at least two shows on the way out, so we don’t just drive 36 hours to Southern California. We wanted to go up to Northern California too, and Neil could not find an all ages place. I would like to have an all ages show that we didn’t have to bring in our own PA. We really care about all ages spaces, and most of the time when venues and promoters think about all ages they think about 14 years and up. And we like to have four-year-olds and their parents as part of the party. Our target is everyone from 4 years to 4th grade to 22 year-year-olds and their parents. 

Besides live shows, do you guys have any hopes of bringing this to a different medium, like television? 

Oh heck yeah. We’ve been working with a couple of different groups to get a pretty darn good pilot we have been pitching. I can kind of understand the music game, but the TV game is another beast and so it’s changing constantly, and we just kinda have to keep trying. It’s almost like winning the lottery is what we’ve been told by people. Even Steven Spielberg gets shut down. But we keep working at it. We’re not stopping. 

Koo Koo Kanga Roo

• January 23 at 6 pm: Voodoo Room, San Diego, CA
• January 24 at 6 pm: Temblor, Bakersfield, CA
• January 25 at 6 pm: Cornerstone, Berkeley, CA 
• January 26 at 6 pm: Holy Diver, Sacramento, CA
• January 29 at 6 pm: Strummer’s, Fresno, CA
• January 30 at 6 pm: Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA
• January 31 at 6 pm: Rock City Studios, Camarillo, CA 

These shows are open to all ages. Details and advance tickets (unless otherwise noted, $15 general admission; $40 VIP admission) are available now at http://kookookangaroo.com/shows.

The post Get ready to dance with Koo Koo Kanga Roo appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Dana Point Harbor Partners have extended the”Happy Harbor Days”magnificent light display until midnight on January 5. The illuminated harbor features intricate themed light creations including Candy Cane Lane, the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, and lighted trees. Dana Point Harbor Partners Joe Ueberroth, President of Bellwether Financial Group, and Bryon Ward, President of Burnham-Ward Properties, share why you can’t miss this year’s spectacular celebration.

What was the inspiration behind the “Tiki” theme this year? 

Ueberroth: This year marks the first year that Dana Point Harbor Partners are hosting Dana Point Harbor’s annual Boat Parade and activities, so we wanted a theme that is fresh, fun, and festive. The theme, “Tiki Holiday” gives the boaters an opportunity to get creative with their decorations and accompanying music. Dana Point Harbor Partners will also provide an exciting line-up of tiki-themed entertainment including hula dancers, a VW photo booth bus, and face painters. Restaurant offerings with a tiki twist will also be enjoyed.

What elements will make this year’s boat parade event unique from past events? 

Ueberroth: Dana Point Harbor Partners are expecting more boater participant entries than last year, creating a healthy rivalry among the boaters for the best display. We have also introduced exciting new award categories. A $1,000 donation will be awarded to the charity or youth sailing program of the yacht club with the most entries in the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights between Dana West Yacht Club and Dana Point Yacht Club. All award winners will receive cash prizes this year, with a total distribution of over $10,000 courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

How many spectators are you anticipating this year? 

Ward: We are anticipating more than 15,000 spectators across the four days of the Boat Parade alone. Dana Point Harbor is one of the most festive places to be in Orange County throughout the holiday season. We expect thousands of more visitors to enjoy the light displays, restaurants, and shops every evening in the harbor until January 2. Viewing the incredible lights display is a must for Orange County families and their out of town guests.

For those who have never attended the Dana Point Harbor event, what would you tell them? 

Ward: The Boat Parade of Lights is a holiday tradition in Dana Point and truly captures the SoCal holiday spirit. It’s the perfect time to gather your friends and family and enjoy boats decked out with twinkling lights and tiki-themed decor, whether viewing from the shore or onboard a vessel. For those unable to attend the Boat Parade of Lights, the vibrant light displays at the harbor such as the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, lighted trees, and much more will shine bright through January 2.

For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com

The post 4 reasons why you can’t miss Dana Point’s 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Here are 7 awesome things to plan for:

1. Get your heart racing! BMX and CrossFit demonstrations and a Zumbathon are happening in the City of La Habra.
2. Experience the heart of Buena Park and Anaheim without the traffic! Bike, walk, or roll along 1.5 miles of car-free streets connecting the two cities. 
3. Anaheim will host a pop-up hockey skating rink complete with a visit from the Anaheim Ducks Street Team and their mascot Wild Wing. 
4. A kid’s fun zone including an inflatable obstacle course and local stage performances will be rocking Stanton.
5. Indulge in food trucks and good ol’ fashioned lawn games in Garden Grove. 
6. Westminster’s Civic Center will have all kinds of resources and activities to encourage a healthier, happier lifestyle. Also, a bike skills rodeo course, which is as fun as it sounds. 
7. Huntington Beach festival full of live music and entertainment by the Ramsey Brothers Band and BMX demonstrations.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will provide a free OC Bus day pass on the mobile app. Riders can sign up at meetonbeach.com 

For more info on Meet On Beach, visit https://www.meetonbeach.com/

The post 7 must-dos at Meet On Beach appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Owner and founder, Tom Forbath, seeks to revamp the industry by focusing on both the internal and external factors that affect the way we look and feel.

“Genetic and environmental factors leave their mark over time – we were not born with
the varied issues that develop over time. We look at your day-to-day life to find the right
services for you and your body,” said Forbath.

Sample innovative services to entice a visit to PURE Aesthetics + Wellness:

Injectibles – Pure’s master injector has decades of experience, previously honingher skills with prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons while serving the elite andHollywood celebrities.

IPL Photofacial – The ultimate defense against unwanted pigmentation. This
proven technology helps to eradicate brown spots, tame redness, and improve
uneven skin texture and tone often in a single treatment.

Hydrafacial with Microdermabrasion – This invigorating facial and skin-
resurfacing treatment improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, largeor congested pores, hyperpigmentation and brown spots, as well as oily or acne-
prone skin in just a single treatment.

Body Contouring with Coolsculpting – Reduce stubborn fat and contour your
body with this revolutionary, FDA-cleared treatment that freezes cells that are
then metabolized and naturally expelled over time. CoolMini is equally effective
in smaller areas such as the neck, jaw line, and jowls.

IV Therapy & Vitamin Shots – Thoughtfully formulated treatments with the
highest quality natural nutrients, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to help
you achieve optimal health. Whether you are seeking improved skin health,
fighting a cold, battling a migraine, experiencing jet lag or low energy, seeking
athletic performance enhancements, or simply recovering from a night of
indulgence, we have a proven solution to suit your needs.

DNA Medical Weight Management – Revive your metabolism and kick start
dramatic doctor supervised weight loss with our comprehensive 12-week plan
created especially for you, based on your unique DNA. Leveraging the latest in
scientific testing to gauge your capacity to metabolize macros (carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats), this customized nutritional, lifestyle, and fitness program
ensures healthy, sustainable results.

Infrared Sauna & Bemer Mat – Far Infrared Light raises core body temperature
to assist with a multitude of issues ranging from weight loss and detoxification to
pain associated with injury or arthritis. Bemer (Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy
Regulation) technology uses electromagnetic signals to increase blood flow to
the body’s cells and micro-vessels, promoting quick and effective healing from
within. Improved circulation and oxygen saturation supports metabolism,
strengthens response capacity for increased athletic performance, aids in
restorative sleep, and speeds regeneration while providing an overall sense of
wellbeing.

Visit www.pureaestheticswellness.com for a full list of services and moreinformation, or call (949) 524-8844.

The post Luxury medical spa and wellness center opens in Newport appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The post Waddle into the brand new Huntington Beach Duck Donuts shop appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Here is how I covered the 2017 Emmy Awards red carpet equipped with only my Smartphone:

Pre-tips:

Knowing bustling red carpets are very noisy, I knew I needed something to block out the noise for my interviews. I didn’t have the means to purchase high-tech cameras or microphones, and my news company did not provide any assistance in this department either. So I did my research and came across the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Microphone HD, a $99 microphone you can hook up to your cell phone (people use these to record karaoke sessions too!) to somewhat block out the noise and record video at the same time.
Bring a backup phone charger or two… or three… I had three.
Know your social media apps! Each one has their own format of going live and posting updates. Practice posting until it feels natural. The more you know, the more efficient.
1.) TWITTER: Tap the feather icon; tap “Live” to start broadcasting. Anyone can now see and join your live broadcast on Twitter and Periscope, as well as send you comments and hearts to show their support (or distaste!) of the broadcast.

If you want to send out Tweets, you must be quick – people walk by fairly fast on red carpets, so you don’t have time to pick out the perfectly composed Tweet, hashtag and filtered photo. Post your photo/video up with some simple wit or description, and hashtag or tag where you’re at and who you’re with.

2.) FACEBOOK:

Going Live on Facebook is very interactive because you could respond to your viewers and comments in real time as well. Because I was interviewing with the microphone in one hand and phone in the other, I did not have time to do so until later – but if I DID have an extra hand, I could’ve answered some of the comments and asked the celebrities some of the questions that viewers were asking. To go live, go to the “Post” box and tap on the “Live” button, add a description for your broadcast and tap the “Go Live” button when you’re ready. It’s simple and fast, so you could capture content in real time – great resource for on-the-fly broadcasting.

3.) SNAPCHAT: The Snapchat app is definitely a fun one to work with – IF you have time. For example, when I was covering the celebrity red carpet for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s show, I played on Snapchat with the various celebrities and their kids, changing up the filters with fun characters and getting various shoutouts in my “Snap Story.” Or here is me and model Chrissy Teigen playing with Snapchat at her Coach purse gala:

But when you’re on a very active red carpet like the Emmy’s, you will not have a lot of time to play. Still, I used Snapchat for quick, 10 second snippets of fun things I saw or celebrities who briskly walked the carpet, just to capture the fashion or interactions of the people. Just tap the button for a quick photo and send to your story, or hold down the button to record. Snapchat used to only allow 10 second videos, but now you can keep recording if you hold down the button (it will record in 10-second increments after that could be pieced together to create one full story/interview).

4.) INSTAGRAM: Going live on Instagram is very similar to going live on Facebook and Snapchat, allowing you to create media that appears at the top of your followers’ news feeds for 24 hours. While you are broadcasting, you can see how many viewers you have and can respond to comments live. As soon as the broadcast is over, however, the live video disappears – so you must be focused and quick on your feet to answer and interact with viewers. You can also record for a 24-hour span with the “Normal” setting. Just click the camera icon on your Instagram home page, select “Live” if you want to broadcast live, “Normal” if you want to broadcast a story open to viewers for 24 hours, or “Boomerang” if you want to make a quick time-lapsed video from a burst of photos, like a 2-second video (I got a couple of celebrities twirling their gowns).

And lastly, digital journalism came into play as I composed a small feature for my company:

Emmys 2017: Things heard and seen on the red carpet

Be prepared. Stay creative. Have fun.

FULL STORY & PHOTOS HERE: https://jackiemoe.com/2017/09/19/new-media-how-i-broadcast-the-2017-emmy-awards-red-carpet-with-just-my-smartphone/

The post New media: How I broadcast the 2017 Emmy Awards’ red carpet with just my Smartphone. appeared first on Backstage Socal.