(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—REDLANDS, CA— On Friday, August 31, Music Changing Lives, (MCL) and Hartlis Apparel will host “Ball 4 A Cause,” a celebrity benefits basketball game to keep music and art alive and address social issues amongst our youth. The event will take place at the Redlands Community Center, located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. in Redlands from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Talent slated to participate in Saturday’s “Ball 4 A Cause” celebrity basketball game include actress Meg Delacy from The Fosters & Chicago PD; hip-hop artist Compton AV; celebrity host, TV personality and model Latricia “Purple” Renee, and several other local artist and pro basketball players from the IE that play overseas. Plus, representatives from the Redlands Police Department will join in on the fun and play in the tournament.
Admission is only $15.00 and children 17 and under are FREE. Tickets will be sold at the door and school aged children will need a student ID to get in free. For sponsorship, media or general event information, contact 951-992-0721 or email During the half-time show guest speakers at the event will address prevention and intervention against drugs, gangs, teen violence, dropping out of school and the important role music and art play in keeping our youth focused on their education and their futures.
CEO of Music Changing Lives, Josiah Bruny expressed his gratitude to those getting involved, “I want to thank my staff, board members and everyone who answered our call to come out and Ball 4 A Cause. It’s vital we bring awareness to the issues affecting our youth and community, and I’m grateful for those who see the need and vision and want to get involved to bring change. In the words of Helen Keller ‘Alone, we can do so little; yet together we can do so much,’ and I truly stand by that.”
The jam-packed event will also feature a tour of MCL’s music studio and art lab; and fans will have an opportunity to record a 15 second shout out for Music Changing Lives and Hartlis Apparel.
To learn more about Music Changing Lives, you can visit them on the web at www.MusicChangingLives.org. To shop Hartlis Apparel clothing, visit them on Instagram @hartlisapparel.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— During the Spring of 2018, three San Bernardino City Unified School District students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Beijing, China. They, along with 18 Los Angeles high school students, were selected by On A Mission, Inc., a Los Angeles-area based mentoring program, to attend this trip designed for academically strong students ages 14 to 17. They returned to Tom Bradley International Airport on April 28, 2018, with an international stamp in their newly issued passports and a cultural experience.
Edwin Henderson, President and CEO of On A Mission, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an after-school program serving students living in Los Angeles area, and beyond. The organization aims to teach life skills to the students, help them become productive adults in today’s changing world. They conduct youth educational trips to places Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. This year he decided to take the organization first international trip.
Henderson opened the opportunity up to SBCUSD students when he addressed parents and student at a monthly District African American Advisory Council meeting with hopes to recruit local students. SBCUSD students selected were Yonathan Habtemariam (Cajon High School- 12th), Trayvon Davis (San Bernardino HS- 12th) and Anise Tyehimba (Cajon High School- 11th).
In 2016, Edwin Henderson, Founder, and President of OAM, decided to expand and open the application process to students in the Inland Empire because he saw the need in the community. Habtemariam and Davis also attended On A Mission’s annual trip to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New Your City in 2016. The trip included a tour of the White House, U.S. Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr and Lincoln Memorial, V.I.P. tour of the Pentagon, Howard University, and more.
This was On A Mission, Inc. 8th Annual Student Educational Tour (however this was its first international trip). Some of the experiences and places the students had the opportunity to participate in include: Forbidden City, Beijing Capital Museum, Tiananmen Square, 2008 Olympic Games Sites, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Rickshaw Ride through Beijing, Kung Fu Show, and an Acrobatic Show.
While visiting a local school in Beijing, they recognized many differences from the schools in the United States. While some in the study group learned how to write calligraphy, a few of the Chinese students asked a few of their American counterparts to play basketball with them. While playing basketball, Davis noticed the one of the Chinese student’s shoes were in bad condition. He opened his duffle bag and gave him a pair of his basketball shoes. The player was very appreciative. “I was humbled that I was able to give those (shoes) to him. He was grateful,” said Davis. “It felt good.”
“I had a window seat and was able to take some pretty amazing pictures as we flew across the Pacific Ocean and other countries such as Russia,” said Tyehimba of the 13-hour flight.
“Although Anise would miss one week of school, going to China in of itself was an educational experience that no teacher or a textbook could provide,” stated Desney Tyehimba, parent, and educator in the SBCUSD. “Being immersed in another country’s culture, customs, time zone, language, and food for an entire week is a true example of what it means to be a global citizen.”
Before going on the trip, the students were given ideas and tips on how to raise money, so the trip would not put a strain on the family’s household budgets. Habtemariam took advantage of the tips and in addition to receiving support from family and friends, he was also able to secure a donation from the San Bernardino Police Foundation.
“Going to China reassured my appreciation for the county I live in,” reflected Habtemariam. “I think it’s cool how OAM, Inc. is intentionally showing students the world through a different lens.”
From October 24 to October, 28, 2018, Henderson will once again invite approximately 30 deserving students the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance visit five Historical College and Universities at The HBCU College Tour- Atlanta Homecoming 2018. The schools the students will be visiting are Alabama State, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, Spelman College and Tuskegee. It is important to note, only academically strong students, grades 9th– 12th only, will be invited to participate in the trip. The students must also pass a vigorous interview and selection process. In addition to the visiting the educational institutions, the students will also have an opportunity to visit CNN Headquarters, Coke Cola Headquarters and attend the Morehouse Homecoming football game.
On A Mission, Inc., looks forward to including more students from the SBCUSD on next year’s international trip. For more information contact On A Mission, Inc. at (323) 298-4779 or email: info@joinoam.org
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Congratulations to our 2018 BBW/Plus Size Queen the very beautiful, Tresunda De La Cruz. She came ready to slay! LUE Productions is super excited to have her as our new Queen. Full Bio coming soon. Please follow us on all social media sites for future competitions, shows, auditions and artist’s updates. Until Next week L’s!
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN— God’s Warning to a Doomed Generation – “The Greatest Prophecy in the Bible”–soon to be fulfilled. You see, Jesus made a promise. He said, “I will come again.” [Matthew 24:36], “But of that day and hour knoweth no man; not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” But He says we can know when the end is near. Jesus gave signs concerning His coming and we are seeing those things and hearing those things today. Whole chapters of God’s Holy Word deal almost exclusively with signs regarding the end of time. Matthew 24 is one of those; Revelation 6 is another; Luke 21 is another. “Ah”, but you say, “People have been talking about the coming of Jesus for generation after generation after generation. If it’s really going to happen, why hasn’t He already come?” I’ll tell you why. The Bible says in [2 Peter 3:9], “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” You see, God is so merciful and so good, and He loves us so desperately that He refuses to punish the guilty without giving them sufficient warning and offering them an alternative, a way out of damnation.
I want you to know that God has always sent a warning message to each doomed generation. When you look back in your Bible you will see that there was a time when the whole earth was going to be destroyed by water. God sent a preacher who preached his heart out for one hundred and twenty years. His name was Noah. In spite of all his preaching, only eight people were saved. Then there were the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God said to Abraham, “I`m going to destroy those cities. And Abraham pleaded with God and said, “Lord, if I find fifty people, would You spare it?” And the Lord said, “Yes.” And when he couldn’t find them he said, “Lord, if I could find…” and he came all the way down to ten! But he couldn’t even find ten people in two whole cities. That ought to startle us. For the Bible records that only four people left those two wicked cities before God’s judgment fell, and one of those left her affections there, turned back, and became a pillar of salt. Only three people lived out of two whole cities! The rest thought they could live on in their wickedness, and their immorality and their decadence, and ignore the warning message of God. But the time of judgment came. Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, and as it was in the days of Lot, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be” [Matthew 24:37, Luke 17:26-28].
I tell you, we had better listen to the warning message of God before it is eternally too late, because the handwriting of God’s judgment is on the wall: mene, tekel, upharsin… Mene meaning the time has run out. Finished! Over! No more opportunities! No more second chances! Your number is up! You’re finished! And that’s the way it happens. Suddenly! The finger of God writes on our wall the word mene when we least expect it, when we seem to be at rest and flourishing and partying through life. And then, it’s over. Finished! The Bible says, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” The Bible challenges us” to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Next is the word Tekel meaning weighed. If you never receive Christ as your personal Savior you’ll be weighed on the scales of God by your own life and your own merits. Then the final word written on the wall – Upharsin. A noun from a verb meaning “to break in two,” to separate, to divide… Divide the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the tares. Make no mistake about it the handwriting is on the wall! The Bible says, “Therefore, be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh” [Matthew 24:44]. He came to Sodom and Gomorrah when the people did not expect Him. He came in the days of Noah when they didn’t think He would come. And it happened in Babylon, when they were having a good time. They didn’t think it would happen. But I tell you today, the handwriting is on the wall—something is about to take place very soon. Prophecy is being fulfilled on every hand. Jesus is getting ready to come back for His people, for His church and the signs are all about us.
Bible prophecy tells us that there will only be two groups at that time. One group will cry for the rocks to fall on them and destroy them; they are not ready. The other group will look up with joy and say, “Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us” [Isaiah 25:9]. I want to be part of that group that’s ready when Jesus comes. How about you?
Let’s not wait for “The Hand Writing On The Wall” to tell us it is too late, that judgment has been passed and the sentence is final.
Let’s instead heed “The Hand That Wrote On The Ground” [i.e., Jesus, John 8:6, 8]; while there is still time for mercy and forgiveness…
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA— Sip, Swirl and Savor form the musical theme as noted Jazz artists perform live at the Inland Empire Jazz Experience, held Saturday, September 1, at the Mountain Vista Winery in Rancho Cucamonga. Billed as an experience, the event is led by jazz luminaries Michael Haggins and Jason Webber and features distinguished musicians, Vaughn Fahie, Jazz Zone, Teryn Re and Nick Gomez. Set within the winery’s intimate arbor and picnic area, patrons will sip and sample wines from Mountain Vista’s award-winning cellar and can attend several free workshops, lectures and demonstrations.
“We are offering a unique opportunity to experience top jazz entertainment in a relaxing setting,” notes Brian Cochran, event producer and organizer. “Attendees will also be able to learn more about wine and music and get the best of both,” he adds.
Born in Pasadena, California, Michael Haggins grew up with music. His uncle Al Duncanwas a session drummer for Chess Records in the ’50s and ’60s where he recorded with legends Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Etta James and Sonny Boy Williamson. Haggins studied communications at California State University, Long Beach and at one time worked editing television shows likeThe Cosby ShowandDr. Phil. In the early 2000s, the bassist started his own band and ramped up his music career. Haggins’ most recognized songs, “Daybreak” and “Be Thankful,” have been featured in the television series, Community. His works have also been featured in the television series Raising Hope and Wake Up With Al and also a part of the soundtrack of the motion picture, Hall Pass.
Jason Weber has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. A veteran of the Southern California’s music scene, Jason has 8 CDs under his belt as well as numerous guest appearances on other artists’ recordings. He has performed with jazz iconsGerald Albright, Everette Harp and Brian Auger to name a few. With an average of 300 shows per year, he is in great demand for recording sessions and for performing with other artists.
The Experience includes workshops highlighting wine pairing, wine making and a history of Rancho Cucamonga wines hosted by Mountain Vista Winery. Additionally, Rancho Cucamonga’s Guitar Center showcase an introductory class in Jazz Music 101.
“What an inventive way to learn about music, says Tony Hayes, Guitar Center manager.” It is a perfect setting to inspire, learn and enjoy,” he adds.
Cochran, sees the limited seating and intimate setting as a new step in the way concerts and festivals are presented. “We want our audience to do more than just enjoy the music. We want them to participate and leave with memories.”
Biz Help 101 and Phat X. Inc are leaders in business development. With over 20 years in event planning and branding, they lead the area in marketing and event management. Tickets are on sale and are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visitwww.iejazzfestival.com.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Saturday, August 4, the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) hosted a free event at San Bernardino Valley College entitled, “My Sister’s Keeper.” It was a much needed, first of its kind in the Inland Empire, conference geared toward young women ages 13 to 19. The event took place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included a light breakfast, a backpack giveaways and raffles prizes. Middle school, high school and college students filled the library viewing room not knowing what to expect with the highly charged topic.
“My Sister’s Keeper,” primarily focused on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence, was the brain child of Tiffany James, Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s current President. James recognized the need to have an open conversation about two difficult topics that effect all women daily, even teenagers. At the start of the event attendees were informed that it was a safe place to express their feelings, ask questions and cry if needed. Additionally, there were therapist located throughout the room to be available for anyone triggered by the information presented and encouraged to practice self-care by exiting out of the room as needed. The environment was, first and foremost, a safe space, to open up, be vulnerable and it allowed the young women to let their guard down without judgement.
Due to the sensitive nature of the event, there were planned activities throughout the day woven within the agenda that provided a break from the heavy subject matter. Activities included ice breakers, personal introductions and hobbies and a fun, outside physical dance activity presented by Erika Wright and U-Jam. The activities allowed everyone to come together, build a rapport and meet new people.
The event started with an enthusiastic and energetic welcome from Gwen Rodgers, CEO of Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation. Diane Rodriquez, President of San Bernardino Valley College, also welcomed the attendees to the campus and proclaimed SBVC as one of the best educational institutions in the Inland Empire.
California State Senator Connie Leyva passionately welcomed the young women to be open minded and take in the things that they would experience during the event. She fervently articulated her childhood, admittedly she lived in a bubble, however she pressed the importance of the event. She mentioned several bills pertaining to women, women’s rights and human trafficking. Another Leyva-sponsored bill signed into law last September eliminated the statute of limitation for rape and related crimes in California.
Eloise Gómez Reyes, California’s 47th Assembly District, greeted the group of wide eyed students with a warm and sincere dialogue encouraging them to be open to the information they would experience during the event. She maintained the significance of the event and urged the attendees to listen and to ask as many questions as they wished. She was joined at the event by her husband, San Bernardino Community College District Trustee, Frank Reyes.
Vickye Poindexter-Wilson, a representative of Option House, a domestic violence organization that provides 24-hour crisis intervention and an emergency shelter revealed and shared her deep and personal story that described her horrendous teenage years and young adulthood. Her story began with trauma and she is now a story of triumph. She also informed the audience about the services provided to women, as well as men. Wilson, also CEO of House of Nibbanic Bliss, Inc., a private non-profit agency who works with victims of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence in Southern California, reminded the attendees to know their worth and not to allow anyone take their identity away.
The following include the topics and presenters who delicately and eloquently elucidated with such compassion and understanding topics that many shy away from:
Emotional Abuse and Manipulation- Carmenita Gay (in-depth personal story of survival)
Dating, Consent and Boundaries- Allison England (Implicit vs. Explicit)
San Bernardino District Attorney Office/ Bureau of Victim Services –Traci Rediford (speaking one’s truth)
The event ended with an informative panel of experts in their respective fields. In addition to the professionals on the panel, the attendees were privy to an honest dialogue with two male college students. It was obvious to everyone in the room that the words of the soon-to-be college freshman and sophomore students resonated with the young women on a personal level because they were in the same age range as some of the attendees. Hearing exactly how young men their age perceives how young women carry themselves. They encouraged the attendees to love themselves and believe in themselves because if predators recognize low self-esteem in them, they will likely become easy targets for unwanted and unsolicited negative attention.
The event also included entertainment from two local artists. Spoken word artist/poet, Jameka Johnson, performed a self-reflection selection entitled, “Mirrors.” The use of mirrors on the stage provided a symbolic backdrop to her powerful message It. was well received. Zey, a local singer and guitarist, performed two beautiful self-written songs that wowed the crowd. She was a modest, inspirational performer.
Although this was Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s first “My Sister’s Keeper” event, it will not be the last. The event was a huge success and the organization looks forward to adding the event to its calendar of events from now on. Seeing the smiles and appreciation in the faces of the attendees such as Ashley Dent, a 10th grade student who attends Arroyo Valley High School, solidified the events future.
The event was sponsored by Arrowhead United Way and San Bernardino Valley College.
YWE serves to strengthen the character of young women of high school age in the San Bernardino City region of the Inland Empire in Southern California. Young Women’s Empowerment was founded by CEO Gwendolyn Dowdy- Rodgers. The mission of our program is to empower these young women to achieve at their highest potential, particularly in education, and to instill in them a commitment to return to their community as leaders and mentors.
The Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) is dedicated to strengthening the self-esteem, character, integrity and capacity of young women ages 12-21 so that they may achieve their highest potential. YWE accomplishes its purpose through strategic partnerships with other organizations. YWE is guided by ethics and principles which exhibit respect for cultural diversity.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes honored Ipyani Lockert of Fontana as the 2018 Man of the Year. The Man of the Year award recognizes the accomplishments and service of a distinguished man in the 47th Assembly District for their dedication to improving the lives of others.
Ipyani Lockert was selected as one of 25 finalists of exceptional men who were nominated for the 2018 Man of the Year award for Assembly District 47. Lockert, a long-time community advocate, motivator, entrepreneur and creative writer was selected to receive this year’s Man of the Year award based on his work with Motivational Realizations, California Partnership and other community organizations within the Inland Empire.
“Friday night we honored 25 finalists in the 47th Assembly District who exemplify exceptional service to their community,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “It is an honor to recognize these successful and altruistic men who continue to be mentors to community members throughout the 47thAssembly District and the Inland Empire. Congratulations to Ipyani Lockert for being selected as the 2018 Man of the Year.”
The selection of the Man of the Year started with over 80 men being nominated for this award. The select committee narrowed down the nominations to 25 finalists for 2018 Man of the Year who were honored at the KVCR Studios on Friday, August 24, 2018.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN— Listen, life is short, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow [James 4:13-14]. The Bible urges us to get right with God today [Luke 12:40]. God illustrated the importance of being prepared for His coming in [Matthew 25:1-13]. This message is a reminder, a word of warning or caution for those who are so busy living from day to day they forget how completely fragile and uncertain life is. Simply stated by James, our lives are only a mist, a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Here today and gone tomorrow; here one minute and gone the next. In the Bible, Paul writes, for He [God] says: “… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2]. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior, I beg you today to give your life to Jesus. No one has a guarantee that they’ll live another day. Life is short. Eternity is long. Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of Salvation.” [Isaiah 49:8].
Don’t be like Lot …When it was Time for Decisive Action, Lot lingered…When Heavenly Messengers Were Urging Him to Go, Lot lingered…When Judgment was Imminent, Lot lingered! Lot was highly favored, and in the midst of a general destruction angels were sent to take care of him. He had received a warning which many had not heard – and he had felt the terror that warning would excite. Lot stood in the condition of one who knew that he must leave the city, for it was about to be destroyed. He intended to hurry, but he hesitated. Being slow to move when fully aware that judgment is swift to overtake is very dangerous. Had Lot hastened as the Lord desired him to, his wife would not have become a pillar of salt. Lot had too much of a lingering spirit. Let us not be like him. The same voice that warned Lot to leave Sodom bids us, repent while it is still day! For neither time, nor death, nor judgment linger. Decide for Christ before it is too late. Escape for your life! [Genesis 19:17] Remember Lot’s wife,” as a fearful warning, says the Lord. She became cold, careless, and disobedient. Finally the judgments of God fell upon her, and she became a pillar of salt.
There is a warning that the patience of God with unbelievers and unrepentant people will one day come to an end. It is a warning both for the people of God and for the world. “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” [Ephesians 5:15-17]. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while He is near” [Isaiah 55:6]… the Son of Man will come at an hour when we least expect Him.” [Matthew 24:44] God warns each one of us to be ready.
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death… Now choose life…” [Deuteronomy 30:15-20]
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Although he is technically retired, Mark Ikeda is as busy as ever, and still connected to San Bernardino Valley College. The Professor Emeritus of Biology retired in 2014, and in the years since, has been working with current SBVC students and faculty to classify and curate a collection of thousands of plant specimens, with some dating back to the 1920s and others now extinct. Together, they have been constructing a digital database that lists each specimen’s biology, taxonomy, site, and unique characteristics observed at the time of collection.
It’s been an “enchanting experience” working with the student volunteers and teaching them the process of putting together herbarium sheets, Ikeda said. He first discovered the biology department’s herbarium cabinets, holding thousands of historical and unclassified plant specimens, when he started teaching general biology, anatomy, and human physiology at SBVC in 1990. These specimens are an “irreplaceable resource,” he said, and Ikeda became determined to catalog the specimens in a digital database, so the information is known forever and can be used by researchers and students alike.
Ikeda now works closely with Tatiana Vasquez, biology department chair and the manager of the collection, coming in two or three times a week to assist Vasquez and interested students with the cataloging. It can take two to three hours to identify each specimen, and sometimes, the fruits or flowers need to be dissected. The process involves collecting the specimens, identifying and classifying using large taxonomic keys, pairing organisms with similar species, then assembling the herbarium sheets.
Herbarium sheets are a “lost art form,” Ikeda said, and involve displaying a pressed specimen with a label detailing its species information. SBVC is one of the few colleges in the United States that teaches students the art of plant pressing and assembling herbarium sheets, and the sheets and specimens are protected in herbarium cabinets.
A postcard print showing Urbita Springs, a former lake in downtown San Bernardino where many of the specimens in SBVC’s collection were acquired (photo: Paul Bratulin).
Some of the specimens were collected so long ago they are now extinct, including one that grew in Urbita Springs, a lake that was once located where the Inland Center Mall was built. Volunteering to work with Ikeda and Vasquez is a fascinating way for students who are interested in botany to expand their skills, and those who want an in-depth study of the collection can sign up for BIO-206. They will learn about plant evolution, how to categorize organisms, and how putting together herbarium sheets can complement their career goals.
Over the last three years, Ikeda has cataloged 2,000 specimens. In recognition of his dedication, SBVC has named Ikeda Honored Retiree of the Year in 2017. Ikeda has no intention of slowing down, and that’s a good thing — there’s an additional cabinet in the biology department filled with 2,000 more historical and unclassified organisms, patiently waiting for someone to take a keen interest in their preservation and care.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- When an artist can make themselves known all over the world, that is true artistry because they have the gift of drawing in crowds from different demographics. Music Artist Jaclyn Bradley is that artist.
Bradley is an indie-singer songwriter and a published board-certified music therapist with a master’s degree in music therapy. She studies the effect of music on surgery patients and is a published music in medicine author. Her research has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Music Therapy Perspectives. She conducted the largest music therapy study in history to employ the use of live music in the surgical arena.
Jaclyn was the only participant from America as a contestant on the 8th Season of ‘The Voice of Holland’. Palmer currently resides in the Netherlands and is a native of Lorain, Ohio and resided in West Hollywood for five years.
Palmer’s music was featured on MTV, BRAVO’s “The Rachel Zoe Project”, VH1’s, ‘Breaking Bonaduce’, and ‘Random Acts of Music’ where she helped create a 12-episode voice lesson series. Palmer was Danny Bonaduce’s personal assistant. Her music was also featured on TLC’s “The Hipsters” (starring Joan Rivers), and HGTV’s House Hunter’s International. She also completed her documentary ‘Made of Gold,’ which she made as a tribute to those who died in the USS Indianapolis in World War II.
I recently interviewed the international icon where she chatted on her inspirations and accomplishments. Check it out below:
How were you chosen to be a contestant on ‘The Voice of Holland’? Can You describe your experience with that?
When “The Voice of Holland” called me to audition last year, I was experiencing a creative resurgence from living in Europe- a dream I had always had since childhood. I had just released an album called, “The Dutch Sessions” and filmed “A Loaded Gun,” a musical film confronting gun violence which was an official selection at the Orlando Film Festival.
Before my audition, I learned that “The Voice of Holland” was the original The Voice show, created by the media mogul who also created Big Brother, Deal or no Deal and Fear Factor. I had no idea that all these programs had originated in Holland, but I figured it would be an incredible production company to work with- and it was. I was initially a bit nervous about the language barrier, but it was an incredible experience. I made great friends, had a blast, and being the only American on the show, they gave me subtitles!
You currently reside overseas but have lived in West Hollywood. How different is the music culture out there? What are some of the pros and cons?
Music is a great connector of human spirit, uncompliant to borders and blind to geography. In today’s global world, I find that music culture is, at its core, similar no matter where you travel. With music as my first language, I always find amazing people and connections. In both LA and Holland, I found a tribe of musicians to perform, record and write with, and because of that, I have always felt at home.
The main difference in Europe, at least in Holland, is that the audience really is more respectful in club and concert venues, quietly listening and fully absorbing the musical experience. Holland is also a freer culture overall, and that translates to music where there is never censorship of words or ideas on television or radio. Since Dutch is not my native tongue, I thought that might hinder me here, but everyone listens to American/British music in Europe and because of that, even the Dutch singer/songwriters mostly write and perform in English.
Your music has been featured on a variety of shows on both MTV and VH1. How was your song selected?
While living in L.A., I was hired by Partridge Family alum, Danny Bonaduce to be his personal assistant. Gretchen Bonaduce (his wife at the time) is a singer and I quickly became her friend and assistant, too. It was a great job full of adventure and lots of music. Danny played bass at my first CD release party and Gretchen and I sang live performances of my songs, “Goodnight” and “Lost Angeles” on episodes of Vh1’s “Breaking Bonaduce.” From that opportunity, I got to know the Vh1 music supervisor who used my songs on Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project” and TLC’s “The King of the Crown.” My voice and music have also been featured on MTV’s “Date My Mom” and HGTV’s “Househunters International.”
Are you currently working on any new projects?
I have a Christmas Album, called “December” due out December 1. It is crazy to be absorbed in Holiday music in the middle of a heat wave summer, but I am really excited about it!
Do you have any upcoming shows?
I plan to perform my “December” album in live performance venues and in living room concerts.
What notable artists/people have you worked with and/or are currently working with?
I have many friends collaborating with me on the new album, including Dutch Broadway star, Jeroen Robben who was my teammate on The Voice of Holland. Through the show, I worked with several notable Dutch musicians including Sanne Hans, Ali B and Kira Dekker. In the States, I have sung with Terri Nunn (Berlin), Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), Ty Stone (Atlantic Records), Michael Satrazemis (The Walking Dead) and Gretchen Bonaduce whose book will be released in August… and I’m proud to be mentioned in it!
What are some of your other accomplishments, as far as awards, etc?
As a filmmaker, the documentary I directed, Made of Gold, won the “Award of Recognition” at the Hollywood International Independent Film festival. My latest music video, “Love the Bodies We’re in” was named official selection at the Dances with Films festival and premiered at the famed Chinese Theater in Hollywood this past June.
In 2016, Cleveland Magazine recognized me as one of the city’s “most interesting people,” and most recently, my hometown, Lorain, Ohio, inducted me into the inaugural class of distinguished alumni. I shared the recognition with Saturday Night Live legend, Don Novello aka “Father Guido Sarducci”, which was quite an honor for me.
But my greatest achievement is something else. It is helping others through music. I am a board-certified music therapist and have worked for years with patients in hospitals. I led the largest study in history to bring live music therapy into the operating room. This research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2015 and we helped hundreds of women facing breast cancer. Helping others through music is my greatest joy, but it doesn’t just have to happen in the hospital. Last month, at the Dances with Films festival, a tearful girl came up to me after my screening and told me she was going through a hard time but that my music video had given her hope. To know something, I created with my heart, guitar and a pen, in a quiet room, was able to reach a major venue and touch the heart of another is a privilege that I’m so grateful for.
How can people follow your music? Are you on social? Do you have a website?
I am active on Facebook and Insta. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch my music videos and to view regularly uploaded singing/performance tips. My website is atwww.jaclynbradleypalmer.com
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