LAILA B. HAMEEN: ACTRESS and PERFORMER

LAILA B. HAMEEN

ACTRESS and PERFORMER

"From an early age, I wrote short stories, and entertained my mother and sisters by imitating people and other kids from my class."

When writing and sharing about artists, it is always individualized; from musicians to filmmakers, to actors to fine artists, everyone has their own style. For this particular article, I decided to take a different approach. Laila was such an open book, I decided, for your enjoyment, to have this entire article come directly from Laila, herself. She shares everything from her love and relationship with the camera, her education, her acting career and personal projects. She is ambitious, creative and driven. Laila is such a treat to learn about, I hope you enjoy all that she shares. 



"I started acting in the 6th grade, I was cast in the musical, ''Readin', Ritin', and Rockin. I continued acting through high school. I was a very shy child in school. I had a really bad public speaking phobia all throughout elementary. I was ashamed to even verbally participate in school." 

"Even though I was shy in public, I was quite the ham at home, from what I've been told. I love to write and act. Auditioning and landing a principle role was the moment when I decided that I wanted to be seen and heard."

"One of my best friends was oddly enough a 'camcorder.' Originally, my mother bought it to tape my performance in the 6th grade musical, and later gave it to me. I was fascinated with it. I would make short films about forks, spoons and cups. I got a lot of practice performing in front of the camera, when I was bored in my room." 






"In college, I majored in Radio and Television, and Spanish. I thought I was going to be a News Anchor. I graduated and decided that I wanted to pursue acting in Ohio, of all places."







"My first professional acting gig was when I was featured in a Speedway coffee commercial. That was my very first time on a commercial set with hair and makeup, and a trailer."

I had one line, "I can't live without pumpkin spiced cappuccino."

"The very first play I wrote is called, 'Laid Off.' It's a 'one woman show,' about my review of my life's experiences. I developed the idea after I got 'laid off' from my job in corporate radio. I was going through a touch time finding another job and dealing with my past experiences. I discuss dating mishaps, childhood memories of domestic violence and self esteem issues."

"I never thought in a million years I would write a play, much less one woman show. I was inspired by actor John Lequizamo's, one man show, 'Ghetto Klown,' an HBO special performance. From the moment I saw it I began writing 'Laid Off.' "

"I'm inspired by Dorothy Dandridge. As an African-American "Black" actress, I see her as an unsung Hollywood starlet. I remember being 11 years old and seeing her in the film adaptation of 'Carmen Jones.'"  

"Playwright Suzan Lori Parks inspires me, as a playwright. I watched a lot of interviews on her writing style and methods. She's very free spirited and I dig that! .... And my 'mum,' my mother inspires me, as well. She did some acting before I was born and she is one of my biggest supporters."

Thank you Laila B. Hameen for being on Cincystreets! 

You can see more of Laila's work by visiting her Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Just tap the links below:

                                                   LAILA B HAMEEN FACEBOOK PAGE

                 CLIP OF LAID OFF

                   IMDB Full Biography

And, as always, thanks for reading!

CHUCK LAND: MUSICIAN and FILMMAKER

CHUCK LAND

Musician and Filmmaker

I met Chuck Land in 2004 at the Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky. My band, Pilar, had opened for the newgrass band The Rumpke Mountain Boys and Chuck was filming the entire show. After we had played, he approached me, introduced himself and informed me that he had cameras around the stage. He was very friendly, wide-eyed, energetic and grinning from ear to ear. I could instantly tell he was full of passion and really enjoyed what he was doing. 

He told me that the following weekend his band, "The Chuck Land Band" was also playing at the Southgate House. He invited me to come see his band. I had shared with Chuck that I was, and still am, an experienced camera operator. Chuck asked if I would film his band and I immediately agreed. Man, did he really put on a show!

Chuck really loves to entertain and to make people smile. He enjoys and supports other fellow musicians, and encourages them to partake when he is on stage. He primarily plays the piano, however he has been known to jump on the drums or pick up a guitar. He is a very multi-talented man. 

He shared with me he started playing drums at age 5, and at the age of 14 began playing professionally.  He told me his first actual gig was in a church, he was 11 years old. With a humble smile he says, " my family got me involved in music at an early age, growing up in a soulful church. Chuck said,"My love of keyboards and guitar began when I was 12. I always love it when people freak out, because I flip the guitar upside down and play left style." 

He explained where he received his huge love for music and stated he was "inspired by my Uncle Pete, Uncle Paul and my father, and also credit my first drum teacher Jeff Colvin." Chuck Land is a Cincinnati Native and said, "my Deer Park Jazz Band Directors John Matre and Joe Vetter really took me to the next level teaching me many things that set the foundation of being a professional musician." 

Although Chuck is well known for playing rhythm and blues, he tells me his "favorite genre of music is meditation/ ambient music to heal various chakras that relieve stress and anxiety." With being so preoccupied with film and music he looks for ways to relax and enjoys helping others in the process. He adds, "one day I plan on actually recording and releasing a Sound Healing Album that can help people feel so much better!" 

One can definitely see how Chuck has been moved by music and affected by the powerful and supportive outside influences. He shines when he performs and shares his passion with everyone around him. 




Chuck is as ambitious and excited about filmmaking, as he is his music. 

After sharing his personal history of making music, he continues to elaborate on his passion of filmmaking, and states, "I got involved in film around 2004 when I produced my first documentary featuring 28 bands called, 'My Passion Project.' " He combined his love of music and incorporated it with his love of film. However, he explains that "although I was shooting many bands out of passion for the first 5 years, I had my first film gig producing a promo piece on Dustin Carter, who was an armless/ legless Wrestler from Hillsboro, Ohio." When Dustin Carter went on to qualify for the State Tournament it brought attention to Chuck's promo. His promo film received "international attention." 


Chuck has two companies called Landman Productions, LLC and Landman Media & Photo. He is a professional camera man and offers his services of audio and visual for a variety of events, including weddings, bands, and an array of events. Just like music, Chuck shares, "I enjoy shooting for a variety of reasons. I love documenting history and making a living doing it with my companies."

Aside from his playing music and shooting professionally, he is currently working and shooting a television series called Hippiefied Soldier. He has, again, combined his love of music and filmmaking. 

He wrote the script and is now directing and acting in his feature film. Hippiefied Soldier is "a movie about a hippie rock star that gets drafted into the military to fight World World III." Chuck plays Charlie Grooves, a hippie, singer, performer who loves to party and have fun. However, his life changes when he discovers he has been drafted into the military. This story hits close to home as Chuck Land was in the marines. 

Getting to know Chuck and see him in action, whether he is performing with The Chuck Land Band, playing an instrument, having a musical "jam session" with friends, holding an event, or shooting a film, a band, or professional commercial, is nothing short of a pure treat. It is infectious to be around someone so driven and inspired. 






You can check out more of Chuck Land, his companies and follow the production of, Hippiefied Soldier, by clicking on the links below:

Landman Productions, LLC         Feature Film Hippiefied Soldier

Landman Media & Photo


World Premiere Showing of Hippiefied Soldier September 25, 2016



And, as always, thanks for reading!.... 

KELLY TIGERSEX: SINGER of the Band TIGER SEX

She is raw, in your face, and full of passion.... She is

 KELLY TIGERSEX! 

I met Kelly a couple years ago at the bar Mayday (now known as the Northside Yacht Club). Her band TIGER SEX was putting on a free show. She greeted me with a smile and said she was, "happy to see I could make it." We had been playing Facebook tag with messages. My impression of  Kelly was she seemed kind, honest, genuine, and possibly a woman with something up her sleeve. Man, was I in for a tremendously happy surprise.  She was all that, and then some.  She came out with guns blazing!

Kelly TigerSex is originally from Las Vegas. Her and her band made a conscious decision to move to Cincinnati to further the band's career. Let's look at where it all began...

TIGER SEX was created in 2012 but their first show was in 2013. As Kelly explains, "Kei (guitar) had a band called Tinglerz in Vegas and I was infatuated with that rock 'n roll band. I would dirty dance to them all night!"

"One Day we started hanging out and he told me I should sing after we jammed a little bit... I was like 'no way,' but after singing a bit we naturally started writing together and it became clear we had to start a band. TIGER SEX was born."

Kelly shares about her music inspiration, you can really see and hear her passion for music and how these artists have their influences when she hits the stage. She expresses and shares, "so here is music that inspires me. Being raised on 70's UK punk and rock 'n roll has really inspired me and after meeting Kei, my guitarist, and him introducing me to Japanese and other unknown rock artists (along with his awesome playing) to me has inspired me greatly as well! Stooges, Runaways, Link Wray, Velvet Underground, The Beatles, Zeke, Black Flag, Seeds, Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, and Cramps are a few more known bands that have influenced and taught me greatly as well!" 


TIGER SEX had their first gig in Las Vegas at the Double Down Saloon. As Kelly puts it, "it was packed and a damn good time and we plan on going back soon!"

 
"I don't just prefer punk music but I really do love my 70's punk! I collect vinyl and have a lot of compilations of such random obscure stuff and it shows passion and whatever shitty instruments they had, they made work and let their natural talent, aggression, hate, love, everything out into the music."





Kelly puts her heart and soul into the music, as you can tell from her response. I asked her, "What do you think could get punk music out there more? And what do you think about the indie scene?" She expressed, "getting punk music out there? Honestly, being good at what you do and putting your feeling and ambition into your music will help you spread it better. Being all you can be naturally and doing what you love with passion is important... not just doing it because you can play a guitar/ bass or keep a beat or bark words but actually play with feeling, hit the shit outta those drums and sing like you mean it... to me spreading music is hard but if people like it, they will follow you."

"Music is tough because it's so hard to keep it up and keep it fresh. Indy scene? Indy music or independent scene? I've always loved the underground scenes and always will. Indy music I'm not really into, don't really understand/ know much about... I like Blues, rock 'n roll, classical and old school punk for the most part." 

They are originally from Vegas and now perform in the Cincinnati area. Kelly shares, "it's easier the travel here and we get to go to many different cities and states; Detroit, Chicago, Indiana, Tennessee, California, Nevada, Alaska, Ohio, Kentucky, just to name a few!"

TIGER SEX will be out on the road, so be sure to catch a show! 


Click on these links below to find out more information:

TIGER SEX FACEBOOK

TIGER SEX INFO

TIGER SEX LIVE VIDEOS



And, as always, thanks for reading!

BRIDGET ELLEN: SINGER of the Band TWEENS

New Year's Eve night, celebrating the end of 2015 at The Comet in Northside with family and friends. The place was literally packed with fans waiting to see Bridget Ellen and the band Tweens. As I am sitting at our table, all I can see are bodies. The opening band finishes, and then I hear this powerful voice accompanied by a tight set of drums and wailing guitar. I couldn't see, so I make my way to the side and stand up on a chair. With my bird's eye view of this young woman, with dark and light hair, wearing a gold-shimmering shirt, looking down at her guitar and singing her heart out.  Bridget did not disappoint and leaves the crowd wanting more.

BRIDGET ELLEN
singer/ songwriter of the band TWEENS.

"I've been such a music lover from the beginning. As a kid, me and my mom would sing along to Heart, or ELO, on the radio. My first concert was Metallica at U.S.  Bank Arena. I've always felt like the 90's was a good decade to grow up in because there were so many females in radio rock (bands like Garbage, The Cranberries, The Breeders, etc.)

When I became a teenager, I got into punk and indie music- Cat Power, Royal Trux, The Replacements. When I wanted to start Tweens, I was obsessed with 60's girl groups and budget rock groups like The Shangri-Las, Bobbyteens, Mummies, etc. All of those musicians still really inspire me because they are still embedded in who I am, at this point. "

                                                                                                                                                           
Watching Bridget perform, you can see and hear the passion and influence of all these artists.

(This photo was taken when they were on tour in Brooklyn, New York. )

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

(From the early days of TWEENS in 2012, Photo by Artist and Musician John Hays) 

The band TWEENS was created in 2012; the band members consisted of Jerri Queen (Drummer), Peyton Copes (Bassist), and Bridget Ellen (a.k.a. Bridget Battle, Guitarist and Singer). They described themselves as the "nasty doo-woop band." The three of them came up with the name because "we thought it had a cheeky ring to it. I also kind of liked the crazed tween rock 'n roll fan base vibe, Beatlemania, pop culture obsession, etc. "

How did they meet? Bridget shares, "I had known Peyton and Jerri for a couple years from going to shows and living in Cincinnati.  We decided to move into this house together in Northside to have shows in our basement. One day, we decided to jam out this Dixie Cups song and BOOM, Tweens was born."

Their first gig was in the spring of 2012 at The Comet, right after Bridget had learned guitar.  Bridget started singing in grade school and "didn't play guitar until Tweens was formed in 2012." However, she took to guitar like a duck to water. 


      
                                                  
                                                 (picture by photographer Jesse Fox)


When talking about how to get their music out there she said, "the internet has kind of changed the game, I think. When we put 'Be Mean' online it was like rapid fire with a mix of luck and timing." The internet can certainly help artists with a simple search engine. However, there is a flip side as Bridget states, "With the internet helping with easier exposure, I've found that over saturation has been a problem. It's hard seeing so many people work years on an album and have it released along with like 100 other albums the same day and MAYBE see it remembered on a yearly top record list. It kind of diminishes what makes art special because it's harder for people to savor things."                                  

              



I asked Bridget what she does when she's not performing. She explained, "these days, I make REALLY long playlists every couple of months that I listen to religiously. I like to listen to songs over and over again 'til I get really sick of them. I think anything I listen to that much when a record, or song, is being written or recorded is going to subconsciously inspire what I create.  Been revisiting a lot of Elliot Smith and the Clean, as of lately."


Today, Bridget still performs with her band Tweens with new members, the former members decided to go another direction. Peyton is a manager and tours with bands, and Jerri has chosen to take a vacation from music (at least for the time being).  Bridget sings her heart out, continuing to tour with Tweens. She also has other projects in the making, along with a possible new band that she will reveal at a later date.

I asked her about her feelings toward today's indie scene. She says, "I think its grown a lot the past couple of years. I'd like to see a little more of an eclectic pool of music genre, but it has been really refreshing not seeing just a bunch of dudes on stage all the time."


Thank you Bridget for this wonderful interview, I wish you the best of luck in all your success!



To checkout Bridget and Tweens, you can click on their Facebook page here: TWEENS FACEBOOK 

YouTube video: Song BE MEAN (official music video) 





And, as always, Thanks for reading!





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CARRINGTON ROWE: ACTRESS and PERFORMER

In 2012, I had the privilege of directing this young, talented lady in my short film, Jack Of All Trades. Instantly, I noticed she is professional, reliable, multi-talented and full of life. She is a very busy woman from acting in films, television, theatre and dance. 

CARRINGTON ROWE

Carrington Rowe was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She always knew she wanted to be in acting ever since childhood. She was made to be in the industry. Her first acting gig was in elementary; she was the narrator for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." She was only nine years old, and as she remembers, "it was such a wonderful experience!" It sparked something inside her and she has been driven ever since. She firmly states, "That's my passion! I am going to keep pursuing it until the day I die." 

 Carrington Rowe is a true professional, and consistently works. She is a great listener and respects all cast and crew. She really values her directors and encourages "direction" and feedback. 

She is always working to go to the next level. Carrington has worked on indie sets, short films, feature films , as well as television like the hit show, "Nashville." Here she is behind-the-scenes on set, happy and humble as ever, and always ready to go to work!

On the set of the TV Show Nashville

Being that she has an extensive resume, and has been studying for years at her craft, I asked her how did she learn? She explained how she has been studying for many years, goes to various workshops, improv classes, and even writing classes. She replies, " I still take classes to this day! I brush up on my craft every morning with a warm up called, 'The Acting Method' by Silvana Gallardo."



Carrington continues to perfect her craft and has many sides to her acting. 

On the set of short film Edie Superstar 

I asked Ms. Rowe, who inspires her to act and why? 

This is what she shared: 

"People who truly inspire my acting work are Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Lauren Bacall, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Cary Grant, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Fassbender, and Tom Hiddleston.

Directors that are my favorite are Wes Anderson, Martin Scorcese, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick…it’s hard to choose just a few. I love each of these directors because the way they make the scripts come to life are just absolutely breathtaking! 

The legends are what made Hollywood, let's be honest! Hollywood wouldn't be where it is today without them. I always look at old Hollywood classics and think, 'wow, what a wonderful time it must've been back then.' With the actors now, there are still great performances, which is wonderful! 

The up and coming actors, I am very impressed with what I am seeing! I am looking forward to discovering more of their work and, hopefully, work with them one day!"

I asked Carrington for tips for anyone looking to become an actor. Here is what she advised:

"My advice would be always keep your head up! You're not going to get every role you audition for, and that's okay! If you're serious about this, that means, basically, making this your priority. Always go to classes, keep up on your websites, blogs, resumes, etc. Look for opportunities and KNOW YOUR BRAND!

This is still a business, so if you don't know your brand and you're just starting, that's okay. Eventually, you have to figure out what audience you want, what genres you perform well in, and go for those! Finally, NETWORK!! I can't stress that enough; attend classes, go to see films, attend theatre, agencies, writing and directing network parties. Keep grinding and enjoy it!" 

To see Carrington's body of work, here are a few links, including my personal favorite short film starring Ms. Rowe!

Carrington Rowe facebook                     page: https://www.facebook.com/ActressCarringtonRowe

 imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4990126/?ref_=fn_al_

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTnr6Te-zoy8HyVcmJiyLg


                              Film WE ALL STRUGGLE by Mamadou Sylla

                                           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTA6AxeNtiw

And... as always, thanks for reading!

GREGORY FIGG: FINE ARTIST

While online, I came across this fascinating painting (seen below); it reminded me of the phosphorescent paintings by Fine Artist, Tom Bacher. 

I later discovered it was Cincinnati Artist, Mr. Gregory Figg.                           

                         

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Gregory Figg is a Painter and a Fine Artist, from the very core of his soul. He lives and breathes art. His chosen medium is fluorescent paint, "3D interactive"; closely linked to luminous and phosphorescent paint. It "glows in the dark," and enticing to watch it come to life. 

(Here is Gregory Figg at the Ludlow Theatre)

His work is limitless, and who inspires him? ... His response, "Many artists and writers inspire me. The short list are all the classical painters; Michelangelo, Da Vinci, the Impressionists, Monet, the Surrealists, Dali and Magritte, DuChamp, Ernst, Breton, Miro. Also, many writers; Poe, Blake, Byron, Orwell. I, also, follow many local and modern artists, as well as I am inspired by nature and everyone around me." 


And to put it more simply, he adds with a kind smile, "I am easily inspired."


Here you can watch one of his videos. It is absolutely fascinating to watch this interaction, please click: 

                                              Painting FIRESTORM 2.0





Other paintings by Gregory Figg:

Gregory has been painting and drawing since childhood. He shares, with a grin, that when he was a toddler he painted his nursery walls, "with 'shit,' as my sister tells the story."  You can see his love of life and the environment around him. His use of light and playful colors radiate through every piece he creates.

  

"So very early on, I knew I always wanted to be an Artist."

"I have always enjoyed creating and showing my work. It's the bridge to others, as I see it. A way to express the "inexpressible" to others, and to myself I suppose. If people didn't like my work I would still do it. The fact that they do has always felt as an added benefit. I will always create and I don't plan on ever stopping, for anything, or anyone. It
is my journey, and I love it like nothing else."




Gregory is an inspiring human being. I hope you check out his work and support local artists!

January 30th, 2016, his next show:      

Energy Club

700 W. Pete Rose Way
Cinti, OH 45203

Please click on the links below for more information about Gregory Figg:

Facebook page                                               Figg Dimension Website

Figg Dimension Youtube



And, as always, thanks for reading!