Why Bali: Beats of Paradise Is The Must-See Documentary of The Year

Hi lovelies,

One of the most inspiring documentaries debuting this year is Bali: Beats of Paradise, directed by the incomparable Livi Zheng. The documentary is centered around educating and enlightening us around the Gamelan music genre with Indonesian composer Nyoman Wenten and the Grammy Award winning artist, Judith Hill.

Impressively, Nyoman Wenten has been one of Bali's most notable musicians and dynamic dancers for over the past 40 years.

It was interesting to learn that Gamelan, which is a traditional form of Indonesian music, had been featured in the iconic film, Avatar, the iconic Nintendo game by Mario Bros, and the legendary television series, Star Trek. The documentary explores how this musical genre based in heritage and legacy, has been making major moves crossing over into mainstream music, film, and TV.

This dynamic led to Judith Hill and Wenten collaborating on how to mix the Gamelan music with a hip-hop and modern vibe that really brought the documentary to life. The documentary is also centered around shooting and creating a collaborative music video for their song, Queen of the Hill, that was a mixture of Gamelan music and funk, with the goal of getting over a million views!

The majestic music video was filmed in Joshua Tree Desert located in Southern California and highlighted the traditional Balinese dance, enchanting costumes, Judith’s amazing singing, and the blending of Gamelan and funk musical genres.

Watching the documentary takes you on a beautiful journey on how music has the power to change and inspire us all.

---

WATCH THE TRAILER TO BALI: BEATS OF PARADISE

---

WHERE TO WATCH AND STAY CONNECTED

The world premiere will be at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, CA on Wednesday, November 7.

Subsequently, open in theaters in Los Angeles and New York on November 16 followed by one night only screening events in select cities across the country.

Stay connected on Facebook for the latest updates and where you can watch the documentary.

The 5 Shows To Watch For Up-and-Coming Stars

Hi lovelies,

One of the coolest things in entertainment is being a fan of someone early on. It’s true in sports, music, film, and even reality television. Sometimes you just see someone - say, Kelly Clarkson early in her run on American Idol, or George Clooney in ER - and you know that someone is going places. Now, part of the fun of all this is that it’s tough to predict where a future star will come from. With that said however, we have five suggestions for shows you should be watching for the next up-and-coming stars in entertainment.

1. The Voice

The Voice has become one of the more popular reality talent competitions in TV history, and has produced a fairly incredible number of skilled performers over the years. Even some of the musicians who didn’t win, such as singer-songwriter Matt McAndrew, have gone on to real careers with droves of fans behind them. The success of the performers comes down largely to the amount of talent on the coaching panels. Country music star Blake Shelton and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine are regulars along with a rotating group that has included the likes of Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams, Usher, and others. Additionally, the show brings on guest coaches that provide incredible insights, such as John Legend for the upcoming season. It’s no wonder there’s always up-and-coming talent on a show with so much existing star power.

2. X Factor

X Factor has crossed the Atlantic and now has multiple versions (which is true of a few of these shows, actually), but we’re talking about the UK version, in which contestants are tested by four judges who are still led by producer Simon Cowell. They go through numerous stages of competition, such that unlike The Voice things start out fairly casually, such that there’s a lot of laughter and there are some less than serious auditions in the early going. However, the competition is designed to narrow things down over time until only legitimate talent with star potential remains. And unlike in some other shows, the winner of X Factor gets an automatic £1 million recording deal with Sony Music! That pretty much guarantees “next big thing” status.

3. Saturday Night Live

Not all shows with up-and-coming talent revolve around music. To that point, Saturday Night Live remains unquestionably the best program to watch if you want to see some of the next big names in comedy. Many will agree that the show is past its heyday, and it’s true that we haven’t seen a comedy megastar the likes of Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, or Will Ferrell come out of the show in a while. However, consider some of the talent currently circulating in Hollywood and you’ll quickly get to names like Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Bill Hader. All of these people got their starts on SNL, and it seems that even when the show is in a down year or two there’s always someone on it who’s on the cusp of stardom.

4. Top Chef

The idea of watching a cooking competition for the next big star is a little different, and to be fair these contestants never really become “stars” beyond cooking. Given the massive scope of culinary reality television however, that’s not a small area in which to be a star. These days, some of the big winners on these shows go on to effectively become personalities, owning and operating their own restaurants but also appearing frequently as guests hots and judges in other seasons or even on other shows. Top Chef puts a lot of emphasis on individual ability (as opposed to team-based shows like Hell’s Kitchen) and as a result it’s produced several of these figures. There are genuine stars in the culinary world, such as Michael Voltaggio and Richard Blais, who have come out of this show.

5. The Four

The Four is brand new, so it’s hard to say it’s a proven star-producer. However, the argument is out there that it could be the best talent show ever, and it does seem well worth keeping a close eye on. What separates it, aside from an awesome panel of judges ranging from P. Diddy to Fergie, is that it incorporates hip-hop among other styles of music. It’s more of an anything-goes contest in which, truly, the best musical performer advances and has a shot to earn fame and status. We have little doubt the show will ultimately produce some big new names in the music business.

* This is a guest post

The 5 Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

Hi lovelies,

Over the past year I've become a podcast junkie. I listen to my podcasts while out for my walks and there are a few that I can't live without.

Since we're all kicking off the New Year with me healthy habits, I thought I'd share my podcast playlist with you!

Comment below or find me on social media with your favorite podcast suggestions. 

#1: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER'S AWARDS CHATTER WITH SCOTT FEINBERG

Why listen: It's truly fascinating to hear the behind-the-scenes and personal stories of our favorite celebrities, writers, producers, directors, and content creators.

Plus, Scott Feinberg hosting style is enviable and you can truly feel his connection to both the audience and the interviewee. 

Subscribe, here. 

---

#2: REVISIONIST HISTORY WITH MALCOLM GLADWELL

Why listen: Not only is Malcolm Gladwell one of my favorite authors, but his podcast challenges us to rethink what we think we know about pivotal moments in history. In a world where perception dictates our reality, this podcast will shift your perspective on almost everything, including McDonald's french fries and desegregation of schools during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Subscribe, here. 

---

#3: SUPER SOUL SUNDAY WITH OPRAH WINFREY

Why listen: Personally, Oprah Winfrey is the blueprint of how I want to shape my life and career, but the way in which she marries spirituality and science with some of the world's most influential minds takes the cake. 

Not only do you get inspired and your creative tank re-filled, you also get to learn about the journeys, both the ups and the downs, of the most captivating people across entertainment, sports, politics, publishing, spirituality, and more. 

Subscribe, here. 

---

#4: FAMILY GHOSTS WITH SAM DINGHAM

Why listen: If you ever thought that your family was dysfunctional, you'll feel right at home with this podcast. Sam explores the mysteries that haunt families from did a mother start a fire that killed her 19-year old son to the story of his own grandfather that went wild with a one-eyed freedom fighter turned jewelry thief. 

It makes me thankful for my crazy family!

Subscribe, here.

---

#5: STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Why listen: I think the title speaks for itself, but this podcast breaks down daily things that we should know into easily digestible bits. It'll make for great conversation from first dates to the holiday dinner tables.

Subscribe, here.

Chris Noth x Robert Galinsky x The Bench

Hi lovelies,

My friend and fellow go-getter, Robert Galinsky is making his off-Broadway debut! Get the full scoop below!

Golden Globe Nominated CHRIS NOTH, Drama Desk, Obie, and Olivier Award winner BARRY SHABAKA HENLEY and CHERRY LANE THEATRE Present The Bench, A Homeless Love Story

Inspired by Real People and True Stories Written and Performed by Robert Galinsky

Directed by Jay O. Sanders Beginning Performances October 15, 2017 – December 17, 2017 Press Opening is October 29, 2017 - Limited Engagement at Cherry Lane Theatre

New York: The Bench stars Robert Galinsky and marks the New York directorial debut of Jay O. Sanders, it will begin its limited run at Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) on October 15 and will initially run Sunday evening at 7pm through December 17, 2017, and will celebrate its press opening on Sunday, October 29. Tickets are $49 - $59 and can be purchased by visiting TheBenchPlay.com or by calling 866-811-4111.

This production is being presented by Golden Globe Nominated Chris Noth, Drama Desk, Obie, Olivier Award winner Barry Shabaka Henley and Cherry Lane Theatre. The Bench is produced by Tony Award winning producer Terry Schnuck. Based on true stories, The Bench, set in urban decay and rubble, explores the emotional heartbreak of five homeless characters and the catastrophic hysteria surrounding AIDs in the 1980’s.

The sparse set is accented with hand-drawn imagery, from Daphne Arthur’s graphic novel adaptation of the play, and audio design is by world re-known composer and multi-instrumentalist Deep Singh. It’s a unique and fresh solo theatre piece wherein one actor plays five characters, written in dialogue form, not traditional ‘monologue black out, monologue black out’ traditional solo theater form.

The Bench has been called “effortless—really quite extraordinary.” Backstage Magazine; “The Bench features ensemble work, being done by one human being, with sustainable characters that have incredible nuances. It is palpably and real.” Anney Bonney, Curator at The Kitchen; ‘Galinsky’s street dwellers speak in their own voices, and their voices ring true.” The New Haven Independent; “Not your normal kind of theatre… it keeps your head moving.” The NY Amsterdam News; “Galinsky herds multiple personalities into an evening of furious poetic justice.” New York Press.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
BackStage Magazine has called ROBERT GALINSKY’s acting “extraordinary & effortless” while High Times Magazine says Galinsky is “manic, deadpan & takes aim with psychotic precision.” His favorite roles include: Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet and Solyony in The Three Sisters in New Haven Connecticut's "Free Shakespeare on The Green".

Galinsky is a contributing editor to The Fresh Toast, is Head Speaker Coach for TEDxTeen, TEDxFultonStreet, and teaches writing and performance at Rikers Island Jail, through the non-profit Literacy for Incarcerated Teens and GalinskyCoaching.com. His work as an artist activist has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, and on “The VIEW,” NPR, “ABC Nightline News” and many media outlets. More at www.galinskyplace.com.

JAY O. SANDERS (Director) most recently appeared at the Public Theater in a trilogy of new plays written and directed by Richard Nelson called The Gabriels; Election Year in the Life of One Family, with a company including his wife, Maryann Plunkett. The productions then toured the world, were filmed by WNET, and livestreamed on BroadwayHD.

Before that, they also appeared together in Nelson’s four-play series The Apple Family which was filmed and shown as well on WNET before touring Europe. A passionate Shakespearian, Sanders has also been seen in King Lear, Titus Andronicus, Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, among others, as well as portraying George W. Bush in David Hare’s Stuff Happens at the Public and Alfred Doolittle in Pygmalion at The Roundabout on Broadway. In 2015, his own play, Unexplored Interior, had its world premiere as the inaugural production of Washington D.C.’s Mosaic Theater.

His long list of film credits includes JFK, The Day After Tomorrow, Glory, Tumbleweeds, Half Nelson, Edge of Darkness, and Revolutionary Road. Recent television includes “Sneaky Pete,” “True Detective,” “Blindspot,” “The Good Wife,” “American Odyssey,” and “Person of Interest”. His voice can be frequently heard narrating a long list of PBS documentaries, from WGBH’s NOVA to WNET’s “Secrets of the Dead”.

Battle of the Sexes x L.A. Premiere

Hi lovelies,

Last night I got to attend the star-studded L.A. premiere of Battle of the Sexes. Emma Stone looked flawless in platinum blonde hair and a sparkling silver outfit, while Steve Carrell looked distinguished in his dark suit.

Emma's performance as tennis legend, equal rights pioneer, and LGBQT advocate, Billie Jean King, was uncanny and you forget that you're watching Emma and you really feel as though you're watching Billie Jean in the 1970's.

Beyond the way she speaks and looks, Emma nails Billie Jean's signature walk and it was impressive how precise her tennis move were to mimic the legend's expertise.

Steve's portrayal of Bobby Riggs showed the troubled gambler's life in a compassionate way. Revealing that he was more of a lost soul looking for meaning than a rambling bigot. Elizabeth Shue also gave a riveting performance as his patient yet fed-up wife.

Sarah Silverman gave a compelling performance and she made us laugh throughout the entire film with her endearing portrayal of Gladys Heldman.

But what really stole the show was the powerful speech that the real Billie Jean King gave prior to the movie. She told us about her journey and how she paved the way for women's professional tennis to exist today.

Billie Jean King is also inspiring us through her partnership with Citizen Watches. Both represent excellence, innovation, and ingenuity. You can get the full details on their perfect partnership below.

"CITIZEN, a pioneer in watchmaking and innovative technology since 1918, promotes excellence and creativity with a deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship. CITIZEN advocates “Better Starts Now,” searching for and accomplishing goals that better our lives. In this respect, CITIZEN aligns with organizations and personalities that reflect the values of the brand including the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, Citizen Naismith College Basketball Awards and National Merit Scholarship.

As a “citizen of the world” we bear the responsibility to help cultivate positive change and on-going evolution to our craft. For over 40 years, CITIZEN’s Eco-Drive technology has served as the prime example of how the brand is dedicated to making the world and its environment a better place.

A simple yet revolutionary concept, Eco-Drive harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy. Using a renewable natural resource instead of filling our landfills with discarded watch batteries.

Our name speaks to our belief of inclusion with a multi-cultural mindset to create timepiece that can be enjoyed by citizens all over the world."

Our fight for equal rights and equal pay continues to this day, but Battle of the Sexes is a must-see to inspire us to keep fighting the good fight, with love.

EcoLuxe Lounge x Emmys x Candy Washington

Hi lovelies,

With awards season in full swing, Emmys weekend is one of my favorite weekends to celebrate super talented actors, writers, producers, and directors in television.

Another one of my favorite events during awards season is the EcoLuxe Lounge Pre-Emmys Gifting Suite that is hosted and produced by the incomparable Debbie Durkin.

You can connect with amazing brands and give back to awesome charities. 

Who are your favorite Emmys nominees this season?

CAA x Blackpills x Super High

Hi lovelies,

The other night I had the pleasure of attending CAA's L.A. premiere of the Blackpills series Super High. Blackpills is a digital media company that is a pioneer in short scripted content.

The digital series is written and directed by Edouard Pluvieux and Kev Adams, who also stars along with YouTube star DeStorm Power and model Sarah McDaniel.

The premise of the breakout show is that this misfit team is able to fight crime after receiving super powers from magical weed. Although it might sound a bit far-fetched, the show is refreshingly funny and action-packed.

You can watch all 10 episodes of the first season starting on September 25 on Blackpills. 

Jeeyo App x Candy Washington

Hi lovelies,

What I love the most about social media is that I get to directly share my personal stories, ideas, and experiences with you all.

Connecting with you through your comments, questions, and DMs, is super fulfilling, but I've also found another way to connect and share with you all on a deeper level through the Jeeyo App.

If you haven't heard the scoop about the new social media app, then let me fill you in. The Jeeyo App lets you create and add a story about the topic of your choice, and then you can share it in the app for others to view and comment on.

You can gain also followers and follow your favorite accounts to grow your online community on Jeeyo and create a group of content creators around your common interests, passions, and activities.

But what sets Jeeyo a part from other social media platforms, is that other people can add their own pics and videos directly to your story to create a collaborative story that includes tips, advice, favorite things, top suggestions, personal experiences, recipes, fashion trends, and more, from multiple people on the app.

The topic and story ideas that you can share and add in Jeeyo are endless. You can decide who sees your content, how long your story is live, and if people can contribute to your story from a local or global level.

One of my favorite stories that I've shared on the Jeeyo App is what to wear to brunch and where to go to brunch. Based on that story that I shared, I discovered a cool new brunch spot in L.A. called Zinque thanks a story that a fellow Jeeyo App user added to my original story, and I can't wait to check it out!

The Jeeyo App is a great place to connect with others from around the world and discover new places, things, trends, events, and more. Sharing your own experiences is just the beginning, so don't forget to download the Jeeyo App here and let's start posting!