Monday, November 29, 2010
Buddy Valastro
The holidays are upon us, which means that most of us will indulge in glorious desserts. The majority of people just love dessert. Why? Because dessert tastes good and it makes people smile.
There was a lot of smiling going on November 23, when we bumped into Buddy Valastro of TLC’s “Cake Boss.” Buddy is out promoting his book titled “Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia.” Since Buddy is very family-oriented we decided to bring along our famiglia, which I feel really touched him. In a very informal meet-and-greet we asked Buddy one simple question:
Q: “Any plans on getting into film? Movies?”
A: “Right now, TV, one thing at a time, but I appreciate it, we’ll see.”
Buddy who is extremely friendly, and most of all humble, was pressed for time, since he had to do a show later that day. Where does he find the time? He’s currently on a book and show tour where he goes around the country showing audiences some of his trade secrets. He is also the proprietor of the infamous “Carlos Bakery” of Hoboken, N.J.
If you love watching the “Cake Boss” you will absolutely love the book. If you never watched the show, I guarantee you will start watching. You’ll learn how Buddy rose to bakery royalty. The book is very entertaining, and full of mouth-watering desserts. The recipes include, “Cream Puffs,” “Lobster Tails,” “Pumpkin Pie” and our favorite “St. Joseph’s Zeppelin.” Buddy’s memoir is to be admired because he loves two things: family and kids.
While some critics feel that the family should have kept Buddy in school, it’s not fair to judge, especially when no one really knows the circumstances. The recipes alone are worth the price of the book. You’ll even see some of the beautiful cake creations he has made. You would need just a book in itself to fill the pages of some of his beautiful masterpieces. If you are waiting to read something about his brother-in-law “Remigio” Remy Gonzalez, forget it. There is absolutely no mention of the disgraced Remy or family heartbreak. Believe me, it was heartbreaking to the family, so they even photoshopped him out of family pictures. Remy Gonzalez still remains in jail on charges of sexually assaulting a minor.
Buddy had brought along his wife, Lisa, who was sitting down with her kids, Sophia and Marco, in a corner of the room. Lisa is expecting their fourth child.
We asked Lisa, “Where is the other little one (referring to Buddy Jr)?” “Oh, he’s with Grandma, she responded.”
All in all, the book is a reflection of Buddy’s family life and humble beginnings, and with all his proclaimed fame, he’s just as sweet as pie. With all his success on TV, it would be great to see Buddy on the big screen some day. I’m quite sure it would be a great hit.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Making of Stars!
So many aspiring singers waste so much money and time in voice lessons. Case in point, some will never make it and the journey is long simply because they just aren’t good enough. Then you have the artists that just need a break. Clearly, the music business has transformed dramatically from decades ago. The record labels do not go out on a limb with tour support, so artists have to promote themselves on Facebook, Twitter and other networking sites. The days of marketing, tour support are gone; however, talent still trumps it all. Now, more than ever you need to do something extraordinary to get people’s attention, and that’s exactly what recording artist Lucas Prata is doing. Canyon News brings you the latest update in an exclusive interview with the dance mastermind behind the hit single “Gimme the Beat.”
Q: Tell us about your latest single, “Gimme The Beat.”
A: "This song was recorded about eight months ago in NYC. I co-wrote it with Dan Metreyeon and the producer 'Q'. It’s a feel good song about scoping out a girl in the club and letting her know how I feel while I tell the DJ to keep pumping the music."
Q: Are you planning on going on tour anytime soon?
A: "I plan on promoting this song in different cities and hopefully doing shows at the same time. There is a Dance tour being talked about that I’m waiting on specifics. Then I can really talk about it."
Q: Tell us about the reality show, “My Big Friggin Wedding.”
A: "This is another reality show about five couples from New York and New Jersey planning out their weddings while dealing with the ups and downs of life. My connection to the show is that I performed on an episode with one of the couples. You’ll have to wait and see what happens."
Q: Back in 2006, you had mentioned about your own reality show titled, "Lucas Prata...The making of a Pop star," did it ever come to fruition?
A: "The show aired on a college network with over 7 million viewers. It did okay. Nothing to write home about. I’m hoping that I can make another one on a major network."
Q: Was "My Super Sweet Sixteen," your first big break?
A: "I wouldn’t call it my first but it without a doubt was a very big part in breaking my music and exposing me to millions of people. The show aired over 600 times and in countries I never even heard of. It took me all over the world doing sweet sixteen’s as well. Yes, I’d call it a Huge break!"
Q: We've seen pictures of you with Snooki, from the "Jersey Shore," and Teresa Guidice from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," any other celebrities you are close to?
A: "I don’t know about close to. I know many of them in my travels and being invited to many events where I would always run into them. I’m very close to Camille Grammer (Beverly Hills Housewives) who was married to Kelsey Grammer. I have been to their home in LA and they have visited me here in New York as well."
Q: If you had one thing to say to your fans, what would that be?
A: "I would say thank you for always supporting my music throughout the years. I know that without my fans I wouldn’t be anything in this music world. They are who make me shine. That’s why I love to perform for them so much. Also I‘d tell them that I‘m making a huge comeback with 'Gimme The Beat.' So look out!"
Q: With all your great success, what is next for you, Lucas Prata?
A: "There’s a lot of different projects I’m working on. I have always liked working with other artists and developing them. My label is Yo Pal Ent. and I’m always looking for new talent. I’m also managing artists as well. I’m also very involved in song writing for many artists out there. So look out for these new projects coming very soon."
Q: Tell us about your latest single, “Gimme The Beat.”
A: "This song was recorded about eight months ago in NYC. I co-wrote it with Dan Metreyeon and the producer 'Q'. It’s a feel good song about scoping out a girl in the club and letting her know how I feel while I tell the DJ to keep pumping the music."
Q: Are you planning on going on tour anytime soon?
A: "I plan on promoting this song in different cities and hopefully doing shows at the same time. There is a Dance tour being talked about that I’m waiting on specifics. Then I can really talk about it."
Q: Tell us about the reality show, “My Big Friggin Wedding.”
A: "This is another reality show about five couples from New York and New Jersey planning out their weddings while dealing with the ups and downs of life. My connection to the show is that I performed on an episode with one of the couples. You’ll have to wait and see what happens."
Q: Back in 2006, you had mentioned about your own reality show titled, "Lucas Prata...The making of a Pop star," did it ever come to fruition?
A: "The show aired on a college network with over 7 million viewers. It did okay. Nothing to write home about. I’m hoping that I can make another one on a major network."
Q: Was "My Super Sweet Sixteen," your first big break?
A: "I wouldn’t call it my first but it without a doubt was a very big part in breaking my music and exposing me to millions of people. The show aired over 600 times and in countries I never even heard of. It took me all over the world doing sweet sixteen’s as well. Yes, I’d call it a Huge break!"
Q: We've seen pictures of you with Snooki, from the "Jersey Shore," and Teresa Guidice from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," any other celebrities you are close to?
A: "I don’t know about close to. I know many of them in my travels and being invited to many events where I would always run into them. I’m very close to Camille Grammer (Beverly Hills Housewives) who was married to Kelsey Grammer. I have been to their home in LA and they have visited me here in New York as well."
Q: If you had one thing to say to your fans, what would that be?
A: "I would say thank you for always supporting my music throughout the years. I know that without my fans I wouldn’t be anything in this music world. They are who make me shine. That’s why I love to perform for them so much. Also I‘d tell them that I‘m making a huge comeback with 'Gimme The Beat.' So look out!"
Q: With all your great success, what is next for you, Lucas Prata?
A: "There’s a lot of different projects I’m working on. I have always liked working with other artists and developing them. My label is Yo Pal Ent. and I’m always looking for new talent. I’m also managing artists as well. I’m also very involved in song writing for many artists out there. So look out for these new projects coming very soon."
Saturday, November 6, 2010
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