L.A. Story

Alexa Wilkinson-- An Appetite for Music, Life and More on Appetite Lullaby. Check Her Out On Tour with Josh Kelley! LA STORY Music Blog & PODCAST

Alexa Wilkinson is a name you might not  recognize right now but very soon, you are going to hear her tunes climbing the charts and her voice will be on the radio a lot!  Her first CD, Lullaby Appetite, currently available on iTunes and will be nationally released June 2007 on DNK Records (home to Josh Kelley.)

Photo my Mario Antoine

Having been a musician since the age of 10, Alexa Wilkinson is a formidable talent in a small package.  Don't let her youth fool you! She's seen enough of life to carry her tunes and give you a fresh feel and also some edge to the music that won't disappoint. Her fresh, smooth vocals slide easily around the extremely hummable melodies, toe-tapping rhythms and sprite guitar playing.  The lyrics are rich with expression, exposing a vulnerability and honesty sans naïvete.  Young she may be and willing to learn, but immature isn't in the vocabulary to describe Wilkinson. Rather there is an emotional maturity of looking at life with an optimistic eye, learning from one’s mistakes, and moving on.

Recently I was able to snag some interview time with Alexa Wilkinson while she was in Denver  on tour.  As of tomorrow 4/30, Alexa along with Josh Kelley and Keaton Simons and gang will be back in LA hitting 2 dates in Los Angeles: the Coach House on 4/30 and then The Troubadour on Friday 5/4/2007-- where Keaton Simons will open for Alexa and Josh. Definitely a tour date worth heading into the city to see! Here's a podcast of PART I of the interview with Alexa. Look for part II soon!

Part 1 of Alexa Wilkinson, singer/ songrwriter/musician

MP3 File

 

Photo of the  recording production crew including Josh Kelley

Josh Kelley, a serious musican/artist/record producer promoting his third album on this tour, learned of Alexa’s talent and collaborated on and produced five of her songs by July, 2006.   Other collaborators include Michael Brauer (Coldplay, Paul McCartney, and Grammy winner John Mayer), David Thoener (Matchbox 20, Faith Hill, and Santana), and Greg Calbi (John Lennon, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Lenny Kravitz)--so there is some SERIOUS writers and musicians involved in this album and it belies that talent that's quite evident from the opening .

Alexa and Kate Voegele (as described in the podcast)..

Josh Kelley commented on working with Alexa,
“I was immediately impressed with Alexa’s music—she is an extremely talented singer and songwriter whose unique sound will no doubt propel her to the top.  She’s got such a natural, easygoing style to her music that anyone from all ages can relate to.  I’m proud to have her on tour with me

The Bitter End

Want to hear her tunes? Check out her myspace site below--and also Itunes.com too to purchase  your favorites. I highly recommend the ENTIRE CD since there's a lot more to the music than what you will notice from 1-2 listening of the tracks. She's sharp as a tack.

www.myspace.com/alexawilkinson

Look for Part II of the Alexa Wilkinson Podcast coming soon! Probably after the Monday Coach House date on 4/30 .. and then I will follow up with the Coach House interviews of Josh Kelley, Alexa Wilkinson and Keaton Simons!

Stevie Wilson

Jimmy Kimmel Has a GRAY Day-- or is that NIGHT? Macy Gray Performs on the Jimmy Kimml Show on May 3. WIN TICKETS!!! LA STORY HOT MUSIC TIPS BLOG

Macy Gray will be performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, May 3, 2007. Tune in at 12:05 pm for the show and catch her performance! 

Wait!!! We have something better. Wouldn't it be great to see the show LIVE?

Wouldn't it be better to GO to the show and watch it live, for free! 

Jimmy Kimmel Live is looking for  YOU!! He wants to find Macy Gray fans to be part of his mini-concert on Thursday, May 3rd.

Jimmy Kimmel Live features celebrity guests and cutting edge performers with plenty of surprises, panic, and general pandemonium. The best part is that Macy Gray will play 5 songs for you.

If you are interested in seeing Macy Gray in person and being a part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live audience, please visit www.1iota.com and follow these simple steps:

Click the 1iota TV Shows button
Click the Jimmy Kimmel Live logo
Choose Macy Gray event link to request tickets

ATTENDANCE TO THIS EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY!!!  Remember, BE QUICK, because space is EXTREMELY LIMITED!!

ESSENTIAL NOTICES & Important 411!

You must be at least 18 years old
You must be available on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:15pm – 9:00pm
You must have a valid photo ID
Please do not wear white, light blue, beige or logos, as they don’t come across well on camera
Please do not bring large handbags or knapsacks
No cameras or recording devices

NOW go get your tickets!! If you get tickets, if you go, PLEASE email me directly to tell me about it so that I can get feedback and post it on this blog..

Happy Jimmy Kimmel Live Time!!

Stevie Wilson

Catch up to the best, hottest blogs in the blogosphere-- Web Snob! LA STORY Web Snob Roundup Blog!

It's spring time! Magazines and the weather have you thinking about new clothes, accessories, beauty products-- and oh yeah-- don't forget about the couple of holidays like Mothers Day coming up along with weddings and even baby showers! So check out the deets on the most interesting posts for the week!

Coquette's got the perfect remedy to the dull work week blues with jewelry by Naughty Secretary Club. In celebration of Administrative Professionals Week, everything is 25% off!

Aspiring Handbag Designers: eBelle5 wants you to be discovered

Wedding bells ring that much sweeter when your gown is by Isaac Mizrahi & cost under $200. Fashiontribes checks out his new bridal line for Target.

Girlawhirl readers save $50 on new Stella McCartney totes at Intermix

LA STORY Gets Into Hot Water--with Spongeables and Spongelles Infused Sponges!!

Papierblog looks at Singapore designer Khoon Hooi from Singapore's Spring fashion week

Second City Style on designer Cyndi Chan. Just in time for Spring/Summer '07..

SheFinds - -Fashion, Beauty, FINDS -- Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Lo.'s bangles

StyleBakery.com finds the ultimate one-size-fits-all dress that can be worn 12 different ways - as seen on American Idol favorite, Jordin Sparks.

Styleaholics, get to know YANA Handbags, an artistic, luxe collection of beautiful bags.

Get started modeling with Stylebites as she spills the secrets on how to get scouted and submit to agencies in NYC!

Stylehive talks to Jovovich-Hawk! Read Milla and Carmen's answers about their line, being best friends, and what’s up next for their line.

The Jewelry Weblog is passionate about Passion Works' jewelry, which will put a smile on your face.

Bag Snob digs the anaconda bag from Devi Kroell, the bag designer du jour!

Because any boss lady - including Kristopher - sometimes lives in a Bubble" (Louis Vuitton Ring)

Christina is lusting after the perfect fake tan at eBeautyDaily

Stevie Wilson

Snappy Shower & Bath Cleansing and Exfoliation with Spongeables and Spongelles! LA Story MOM's Day And TRAVEL Blog

Showering  is a daily necessity.. some even take multiple shower/baths in a day-- both for the enjoyment and also just to ditch the daily grime.

Spongeables and Spongelles are an easy way of cleaning up with  sponge infused with gentle  soap that comes in a variety of scents-- some more girly, some a bit more masculine, some kid friendly and some unisex.

Spongeables are an easy way of cleaning up with  sp onge infused with gentle  soap that comes in a variety of scents-- some more girly, some a bit more masculine, some kid friendly and some unisex.
The different colors indicated different scents which include: Sweet Jasmine, Sunkissed Fig, Sweet Lavendar, Marine Sunrise, Cucumber Melon (both great scents for men), Peony Passion, Citrus Basil, Tangy Grapefruit, Lemon  Berry and Unscented. These cutely shaped sponges lather up after getting wet and last really well. There are adorable shapes for kids too!

What's really great about these cool sponges is that they come in different sizes depending on how long you want them to last. Want to test out a scent or going away on a trip? Try the 7 day sponge for a quick trip that you can toss. It's perfect to share  on a weekend trip and toss it as you pack up to leave. Want to give an amazing gift for Mother's Day, Bridal or Baby shower? A couple of these  sponges with some exfoliating scrub or tasty lotion would be a luscious gift.

Now you might be wondering about Spongelles.. since I just talked about Spongeables. There is a difference.

This is a higher end, more skin nuturing, nourishing, soothing, anti-aging product that includes extra ingredients like shea butter and more interesting fragrance blends and they feel (and smell) heavenly. No matter which flavor or size you choose, you can get a great treat -- and treatment!

Using patent-pending technology, SPONGELLES™ infuses natural glycerom and olive oil-based soap into a hypoallergenic sponge for rich, soothing lather.  Shower or use it in the bath  and escape to your own private oasis. Available in: Papaya Sandlewood,  Peony Casis, Lily of the Valley,  Green \Tea /French Lavender, Meyer Lemon /Citrus Accord, and   Musk Hot Spice Ginger.

One of the newest products out is the combo scrubby side paired with a sponge. It's the perfect treat for your feet if you are short on time for a pedicure or want to scrub dead skin from knees or  elbows! 

So check out the web for Spongeables and Spongelles. Find Spongeables at Drugstore.com! Check spas and select locations for Spongelles and their website. Maybe we can make this a bit more enticiing? Check out this cool offer:

Stevie Wilson

Lisa Palleschi is RELEASED, Her Hot New CD ! EPK, MP3 , LA STORYBlog and PODCAST!!

Lisa Palleschi's debut album "RELEASED"  goes into "re-release" this week. Consider it a re-birth of this CD which had it's first single,  "Learning How to Love Again" was the # 1 most added A/C single in its first week.

Lisa Palleschi  cut a demo in 2003 in a small Long Island studio owned by Richie Cannata, a collaborator with Billy Joel. Through the help of Steven C. Beer of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, she began traveling to New York, L.A. and Nashville to co-write and   define/refine  both her voice and her songs with the likes of such co-producers/co-writers as Jeff Franzel (Taylor Dayne, Clay Aiken, Shawn Colvin), Adrian Gurvitz (Sheryl Crow, Meredith Brooks, Steve Perry), Frank Filipetti (James Taylor, Carly Simon, The Color Purple) and Tom Kimmel (Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, Art Garfunkel).

Lisa Palleschi:  songwriter musician-- Podcast!


MP3 File

When I listened to this CD, I heard two distinct voices or themes-- and I asked Lisa about it (and you can hear more in the podcast)

"I think this album has two personalities. Half the songs are really pretty ballads, love songs, and the other half are more in-your-face, rock songs."
Wanna See You Cry mp3

While I think she has a beautiful voice, after a while the love songs really start to feel the same-- hwoever when she cuts loose and switches the theme and "voice", she rocks and really comes across with a dynamic presentation. I would love to see this sort of thing develop more into a more  fully developed presentation.. but as a first drop CD, great job!!

Palleschi EPK     -- this is a cool little video that is really Lisa giving us the  back story of her career and her life.      

The 12 songs on the disc cover the gamut from post-break-up tune "New Beginning" which Palleschi states "It's about taking risks and not being afraid to fall on your ass!") to "Lightyears Away," which  talks about living in the present-- being true to live in the moment: "It's about not worrying about little stupid petty stuff, tomorrow those things will seem light years away."  Loving the "Already Gone" that what goes round comes back to bite you in the butt -- so apt at times whether it's about a guy or someone just getting justice (sorry but it just fits my state of mind currently) . "Once Upon A Time," talks about the drive to actually fulfill a dream rather than allowing something to die or the "would have/could have/should have"  situation. According to Lisa, she "was thinking about all the people in the world who never followed through on what they really wanted to do in life."

Website:http://www.LisaPalleschi.com

Myspace.com: http://www.myspace.com/LisaPalleschi

Want to buy this CD? It's definitely a worthy addition to your collection or Ipod:
Amazon.com

Don't Call 911 When You See Art Attacks and Strokes! Whip Out the Plastic Instead for the Most UNIQUE WEARABLE Jewelry+ Artworks! LA STORY Jewelry + Art = GREAT Finds Blog

                Art Attacks and Strokes Bead Lunar Eclipse

This season, approach buying clothing and accessories as making a statement about you. An easy way to spice up a wardrobe is with jewelry-- Not just any jewelry and let's skip the bling please.  Check out the more unusual presentations: look  for pieces that are truly "outside the box" in terms of presentation and construction. Where would find such artwork+jewelry?

Art Attacks and Strokes.com  is a one-stop museum, wish-book, idea book and lots more. It's more than jewelry but for this blog -- it's ONLY about the jewelry and the elegant simplicity of select pieces-- and they are made out of pyrex glass mixed with different minerals to create colors.

   

Chad Pitts  is the master designer, artist and head magician (read THE magician) and creative genius behind Art Attacks and Strokes. There is more to the name of his company than pun-ful humor.. there is a message.
On his site, he posts this message

The goal at Art Attacks & Strokes is not only to create and promote glass art, but also to support environmental projects and art awareness programs. Art Attacks & Strokes is in the process of developing an “art-reach” program, with the goal of inspiring and evoking creativity in people from all walks of life.  We particularly desire to reach individuals who ordinarily might not be introduced or exposed to the healing and therapeutic benefits of creating. 

One of the leading factors of health problems is STRESS, and one of the best ways to relieve stress is through the creative process.  Creative expression can come in any form: from painting, sculpting and glass blowing to dancing, building, to cooking and making music.  Thank you for your interest in Art Attacks & Strokes.  We hope you are pleased and inspired by what you see!

For himself, for others, he works and he teaches glass-blowing to help others create lovely objects. While the act of creation is so truly magical,  it takes more than an act of winding, blowing, twisting the glass to turn out these beautiful pieces. It takes a creative mind-- thoughtful of color and how minerals interact with glass and are affected by heat.

This gorgeous heart is done in glass with gold that turns pink in the firing process. It's so amazing.

This is the Water Cross-- named for the water type tones in it.

What's so unique is that  piece is different and he does custom work too -- so you can have something made for yourself, for a gift (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Bridal, Birthday)  that's truly special.

\

This is the Rose Petal Pendant

There are othershapes that he works with-- tablets and spheres are really interesting and they lay nicely at the neck and are very low-key but can draw a lot of attention.

Contact Chad through ArtAttacksandstrokes.com website or through
www.myspace.com/artattacksandstrokes page. Check it out. Prices are on the photos. You can call or email him with requests.

I find the jewelry to be phenomenally gorgeous. It's unique and I have both a tablet and a bead and they look different when threaded on a gold or silver chain but they also work on rubber or leather string too. So it's up to you how you want it to look and it's as easy as threading the bead to change the look from funky to polished.

So don't have a heart attack-- have an ART ATTACK and shop your heart out at Art Attack and Strokes.

Stevie Wilson

   

It's Just a Case of Shoe LUV!... Finding the Perfect Kicks At UrbanOutfitters.com. LA Story Kickin Up Her Heels Blog!

Finding the right pair of shoes isn't always the easiest thing. You see something in a magazine but the price tag might make a serious dent in the CC or it might just a style you see in your mind. If bright colorful shoes are on  your mind right now -- particularly those at a great price tag, then check out Urbanoutfitters.com for some schweet shoes that are just begging to be bought.

Here's a hot pair that's perfect for the season.

A "button peep toe" with a perforated leather in that lipstick red we all adore shows off stellar details with a not too large peep toe and a great little button to call attention to sexy feet. The cork heels run about 3 inches and gave a comfy rubber insole.

The details on this shoe make it sheer perfection and perfect for spring, summer and even into fall (with a smidge of holiday wear too perhaps). The hot ticket is only $68.00 too.

Get them while they are hot!

Stevie Wilson

Want to Give MOM the Gift of Her Dreams? Enter To Win A Trip for Mom & Daughter/Son to the Big APPLE for the DREAMGIRLS DREAM BIG GIVEAWAY!!! LA STORY DREAMGIRLS Dream Big Blog!

In  honor of Mother's Day and in conjunction with the release of Dreamgirls on DVD, Glam.com  would LOVE to send one LUCKY reader  and their mom to New York City for a day packed with pampering and fun.

What the winner gets:

* A trip for him/her and his/her mom to New York City (Airfare for 2)
* at the luxurious Dream Hotel ( 1 room/1 night)
  * Makeovers for him/her and his/her mom (2)
  *Tickets to a Broadway show (2)

  * Dream Big gift bag
  * Dreamgirls 2-disc DVD
  * Dreamgirls 2-disc Soundtrack
   * Exclusive Dreamgirls Playbill
   *  Dreamgirls Coffee Table book

When?
This  promotion is in progress NOW  and will run until May 31st.

For more  information AND TO ENTER THIS CONTEST, you can go to www.glam.com/dreamgirls

Start DREAMING Chiquitas and ENTER this contest! It never hurts to dream and this is a BIG dream, so dream BIG!

Stevie Wilson

Brush Up on Your French-- The Soleil is Here and It's HOT! LA Story Zubie NY Jewelry Blog!

You won't get a sunburn from this sunny piece from Zubie NYC jewelry piece. This gorgeous piece SCREAMS spring & summer and would serve well to put the pop in the basic black, brown, grey or navy dress, top or suit you are wearing. Heck wear it with a bathing suit. It suits all purposes-- day OR night! Perfect for Mother's Day, anniversary or even bridal gifts.

This is a sizzler and it won't last long so trot on over to Zubienyc.com and snap this baby up at this faboo price tag. Tell them Stevie from the LA Story sent you!

Stevie Wilson

Catch the Best Fashion and Style Tidbits on the Blogosphere-- Courtesy of WEB SNOB. LA STORY WEB SNOB Roundup Blog

Bag Snob has lunch with the Prince who woke Valextra, Massimo Suppancig.
    

What's behind a fashion logo? Coquette shows you the design process behind the new Saks brand and Kate Moss for Topshop.
 
Kristopher digs Cut-Out Wedge Jil Sander Shoes  'cause a fresh spring double-oh-seven is all about lightening up.
 
eBelle5 Celebrity Auction Alert: Scarlett Johansson's and Sheryl Crow’s Designer handbags are up for grabs.    

I want candy! Fashiontribes finds some sweet bags, accessories & other fashion treats.
   

White shirts from top designers hit the Gap today! Girlawhirl can’t wait to check out the new designs from Doo.Ri, Rodarte and Thakoon

    
LA Story says that prom dreams --like fairytales-- can come true.--courtesy of Bronx Community College students and NYPIRG/Bronx!

My Fashion Life interviews the design duo behind label Daydream Nation


Papierdoll looks at touching up your makeup after an intense workout

    
Easy does it. Second City Style says hello to relaxed, lightweight pieces with a laid-back attitude for spring/summer.

    
SheFinds  asks short shorts: Hot or Not?
 

Stylebakery asks are you on the best dressed list? Find out which of this season's hottest dresses flatter your figure.
      

Celebrity Styleaholic Najwa Moses gives us a sneak peek at Mao Magazine's Freak Chic party with Debbie Harry!
      

Love color jeans but not sure how to wear them? Stylebites decodes the trend!
    

Throw out your granny-panties and check out Stylehive's interview with Jasmine Imani, co-owner of the cheeky online lingerie site, Graffiti Pink.
    

The Jewelry Weblog wonders if yellow gold will ever be as popular for wedding bands as it was back in her day.

Stevie Wilson
 

Joshua Radin Update: Catch the LATEST 411 on Josh Radin. LA STORY Music Blog

Samira from the Joshua_Radin_fansite snagged a GREAT Q&A with Joshua Radin -- you remember him! I did SIX interviews with Joshua on the Hotel Cafe Tour on this blog!

Well catch up with him and his life courtesy of Samira who had a chance to sit down with him LIVE!!!

LUCKY GIRL and LUCKY us because she's sharing the 411 with fashiontribes.com.

Stevie

TLC's What Not To Wear CARMINDY Gives Us the BENEFIT of a Beauty Lesson At Sephora Times Square! LA STORY RIGHT COAST Beauty Blog

Stevie Wilson

Freedom Writers Hits DVD.. LA STORY Blog -- and Discussion

Freedom Writers is  the story of Erin Gruwell, a high school teacher in Long Beach, California, who encouraged her class of "at-risk"  students to overcome the gangs that divided them and the educational system that failed them. She encouraged them  to tell their stories in their own words via   journals.  The journals the students wrote  ultimately became the book The Freedom Writers Diary. 

The film features an outstanding cast of young actors, many of whom grew up surrounded by gang violence and were able to draw upon their own experiences on the street to portray Gruwell’s students with gritty authenticity. The movie also stars  Oscar winner Hilary Swank and  Grey's Anatomy Mc Dreamy, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn (Training Day) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix). This DVD is from Paramount Home Entertainment and can be found on Amazon and all major DVD retailers.

The FREEDOM WRITERS DVD includes feature-length commentary with director/writer Richard LaGravenese and Hilary Swank, deleted scenes, “Making ‘A Dream’”, “Freedom Writers Family”, “Freedom Writers: The Story Behind The Story” and a photo gallery.

The Story of Freedom Writers:

Erin Gruwell 

Want to learn more about Freedom Writers? Check out these other spots on the web:

http://www.myspace.com/freedomwritersmovie

Freedom Writers Foundation

Photo courtesy of the Freedom Writers Foundation.

Check out my personal take on this movie and it's presentation as it has played with the parents, teachers and students at the "hypothetical" school in Long Beach, Calif on which Freedom Writers is based. This was posted on Mediabistro's FishbowlLA Blog.

A couple of things to note: there is busing of students across the entire Long Beach Unified School District. A student can CHOOSE which school they go to-- either local or distant-- in the district. This "hypothetical" high school is  in the upper income area of the city which has both   low income areas, a diverse population of Asians, Latinos, and African Americans who live in all areas of this third largest city in the state of California.  While these students were feeling marginalized at that time, the entire Southern California region was feeling marginalized and fractionalized because of the riots that hit many areas -including Long Beach-- quite hard.  While everyone needed to take a step back and reassess their personal situation as well as the one in the population in general, please don't accept the idea that this woman was the ONLY teacher in the entire district of 5 high schools of 4 thousand plus students at each school to reach out to their students. To do so would be to show disrespect to some amazing teachers at ALL the schools across the Southern California region-- not just Long Beach.

Stevie Wilson