Entertainment Today

Sarah Wayne Callies’ recent departure from the highly watched Prison Break isn’t the end of it for fans who are dying to see more of the actress. In fact, her straight-to-DVD movie, Whisper, is up for release on Tuesday, November 27 through NBC Universal Home Entertainment. Callies’ co-stars for the film include Lost’s Josh Hollway, Psych’s Dule Hill, and Australian actor Joel Edgerton, who previously appeared in Smokin’ Aces and Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith. The cast also includes child actor Blake Woodruff, who previously starred in the Cheaper by the Dozen films. Whisper is made by the same producers of the 2005 thriller, White Noise.

Whisper features Josh Holloway playing Max Truemont, a convicted felon hired to kidnap the son of a wealthy woman in England , despite him and his fiancé, Roxanne, played by Sarah Wayne Callies, wanting to star over with their lives. The two then decide to team up for the kidnapping, after they find that it was impossible to get a bank loan with a felon on the application. David, the son of the wealthy woman, was then kidnapped and taken to a remote hideout. There, the conspirators and kidnappers began to get into a huge conflict, making Max realize that there’s more to David that what meets the eye. Apparently, he wasn’t so innocent as he seemed.

Earlier this year, Callies and the production of Prison Break had undergone negotiations for a renewal of contract. However, she strongly expressed her desire to leave the show and focus on being a mother and wife to her family. The show graciously offered her many options in which she could still fulfill her filial responsibilities, but the actress turned them all down. Prison Break then had no choice but to kill off her character and serve Dr. Sara Tancredi’s head in a box in the fourth episode of season 3.

For more resources about Prison Break or for the full story of Former ‘Prison Break’ Actress Stars In Movie please review http://www.buddytv.com

Being an active eBayer, I am often being asked about products to sell. A common question is “Where can I purchase products such as new release CD’s DVD’s and Video Games for Play station and X box at a 75% to 100% discount. Well folks, this sort of discount on this type of merchandise are not available from Wholesalers or Dropshippers. The reason being, the competitive nature of the electronics industry, and simple supply and demand.

Still with the tremendous popularity of these products and their ease to package and ship, people want to sell them. So where can you find these products at a great price? Liquidators! Yes that’s right, Liquidators! What exactly are Liquidators? You Ask. Well, as explained in my book “eBay Marketing Wholesale SourcePak” a Liquidator is a company who buys surplus, over runs, bankruptcies, and going out of business inventory etc. They purchase this merchandise for pennies on the dollar and in turn pass this saving on to you. There are many Liquidators who would have just what you are looking for.

There are General Merchandise Liquidators who basically purchase and sell all sorts of general merchandise. And, there are Liquidators who specialize and only purchase and sell merchandise in a specific niche – say electronics.

An Electronics Liquidator would purchase products from music stores or department stores with an electronics dept or movie rental stores or electronic stores that are going out of business, declaring bankruptcy or who have overstock. From that inventory they would have some of the latest CD’s, DVD’s and Video Games.

Liquidators are similar to Wholesalers and Dropshippers in that you will have to become a member to have access to their inventory. Most require no fee to become a member, while others may charge a nominal fee. However, Liquidators have a set number of units you must buy in order to get a great price. A Liquidator will purchase inventory in bulk and therefore will want to sell the merchandise in cases or lots.

So, Yes You can make Good Money Selling New Release CD’s, DVD’s and, Video Games and the likes on your eBay auction by choosing the proper supplier. And remember that selling on eBay is all about research.

You must research the product you are interested in selling. What is the best price for the item? What is the best selling price you can get for that item? Also, research that item’s market to see just how many people are selling this product.

Finally!  Disney has given our little girls a new princess to fall in love with!  Princess Tiana, the new princess in The Princess and the Frog, does not disappoint.  Consumers seem to be showing their appreciation to Disney for the latest offering with their wallets.  Princess and the Frog merchandise is selling like crazy!   Before the movie even opens December 11, 2009, sales have been out of this world!

A new princess from Disney is long overdue.  What a great character they have created!  The first ever Disney African-American princess is beautiful, strong and determined.  What a great role model for our little girls!  This story, during which strength of character prevails, is one girls everywhere will enjoy.

As with any children’s movie that is a hit, Princess and the Frog merchandise is flying off of the shelves.  It has been reported that Princess and the Frog bedding is selling at nearly three times the amount of other princess bedding sets.  And these figures are based on sales before the movie’s release!

Another hot toy is the Princess Tiana’s Just One Kiss Doll.  With the movie set to open in under a week at the time of this writing, it already tops several hot toy lists.  It is said that this doll will be a huge holiday best seller.  If you are planning to get one, you better get it soon!

Princess and the Frog merchandise will cover a range or products from bedding to apparel.  If you are looking for something special for the little princess in your life, be sure to shop soon!

If you want to be a successful actor, or want your children in the business, this is a team member you must know and understand.

There are agents, and then there are AGENTS!

You can’t lump together high powered agents such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), William Morris Agency (WMA), International Creative Management (ICM), Don Buchwald and Associates, and The Gersh Agency with the struggling one person outfits that are out there.

Most deals at the higher levels are negotiated by agents.

One key difference between agents and almost all other players, except for lawyers, is that they are regulated by state law.

Big Agencies vs. Small Agencies

The big three – CAA, William Morris, and ICM. These companies have at least 50 agents each working for them. There are a few mid-level agencies that are respected (mostly made up of big agency veterans). They are the focal point of power brokering in Hollywood and New York. The same is true for the rest of the world for that matter.

High powered agents represent their clients in all aspects of Motion Picture and Television, including commercials, print, and live appearances. This is what is known as ‘Across the board representation’. Fees for this service are regulated by the Unions. An agent receives no more than 10% of each talent deal.

Smaller agencies will specialize in their areas. In the beginning of their careers, many actors will have different agents for different fields. They will have a Theatrical Agent (Motion Pictures and Television), a Commercial Agent (Commercials only), Voice-Over Agent, Live Appearance Agent (singers, comedians, etc.).

What do Agents do?

An agent does not work for the actor. An agent works for the casting director and the production company.

What!?

An agent provides actors to the casting director when the need arises. An agent’s first loyalty is to his customer (the casting director or production company). That’s who keeps him/her in business.

An agent will look an actor in the eye and say, “I’ll work very hard for you!” What he/she really means is that they think you might be successful in auditions and that the agency would like to include you as another product available to their customer.

An agent will try and negotiate the best possible price for you because that price directly influences their commission. They will also look for the small details that an actor doesn’t think about, such as billing and screen credit, trailer, transportation, etc.

Producers and casting directors are also more confident in hiring an actor with agency representation than someone without.

Just like you are more comfortable buying jewelry from a reputable jewelry store and not off of someone on the street. Again, common sense tells you that an actor with representation is more professional.

Having an agent will enhance your credibility as a professional.

The top agents in the top agencies are some of the MAJOR players in the business. Their calls get answered. Their demands get met. They are just as important in the process as ANY person in Hollywood. Their power is based on the desirability of their clients.

In addition to doing deals on an individual basis, agents ‘package’ their clients so that a studio is forced to take a number of their clients for a particular project.

For example, if a studio wants a particular actor for a television series, they will also have to take a producer and team of writers handled by the same agent.

Why are agents such an important part of the business?

Fundamentally, most creative talent are not necessarily business people. The studio is much more comfortable doing business with an agent because they want business done efficiently and with as little ego damage as possible to the creative talent.

No studio executive wants to tell an actor that he/she is only worth X amount of dollars and that there is no way that they will get above the title billing. They leave those tasks to the better equipped agent.

A good agent knows what the market will bear and can generally get his/her client most of what the studio will give.

Do Agents get their clients work?

Only the most powerful agents can make suggestions to the studios. A good agent will submit a client and have the clout to get them a meeting or audition.

Most agents have to go the typical way of submitting to casting directors and hoping for a call back.

Most people get their own work. This is true especially in the beginning of their careers.

Remember the agent gets 10% of your paycheck. Count on them to only do 10% of the work. You are responsible for the other 90%.

Almost everyone needs an agent to play the game. It still stands that studios will not deal directly with the talent. They want the buffer.

In Los Angeles and New York (and a few more places) agents are exclusive. Meaning you can only have one agent represent you in each field. You may have one agent for theatrical (film and television), one agent for commercials, and one agent for personal appearances. Or, if offered, you may choose to have the same agent represent you across the board.

In Florida, and many other right to work states, you may be listed with as many agents as you want as long as they will have you.

There is a problem with listing with all of the agents in a right to work state. You may get called by all of them for the same audition. You must then decide which one you will list as your representative. This is a no-win situation. It will make some of them mad and they will not submit you the next time.

Just like in Hollywood and New York, you must learn to choose an agent. Getting them to effectively represent you is a fine art that must be learned.

Getting your first Agent.

If you are new to LA, or anywhere for that matter, you might find yourself having what is called a “Golden Period” where everyone will want to get a look at you. You are the new kid in town. You can use this to your advantage.

This is especially true if you are young. Not necessarily your age, but how young you look.

Some of you will have agents and managers competing with each other to sign you. Don’t be fooled. This novelty wears off fast.

Make it your plan to work hard at establishing your career. Think long term.

The best way to find your agent is by word of mouth. This is where your networking skills come into play. Everyone you meet is a resource. Always ask, “Do you know any good agents?” Keep a list.

One of the keys to ANY business is the quantity and quality of contacts that you make.

Effective networking means remembering people’s names. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. People are impressed and flattered when their name is remembered.

Courting an Agent

Don’t try the endless silly schemes some actors invent to get an agents attention. Handing out toilet seat covers with your picture embossed on it, scratch and sniff headshots, jigsaw puzzles that make up your resume, are only good for encouraging agents to treat you like you are treating yourself, like a joke.

What you must do to attract an agent is what people in all businesses do, send out calling cards. In this case, your calling card is your headshot and resume.

Make calls.

Set up appointments.

Get friends to make referrals.

Follow up.

Become involved in clubs and organizations relating to your field.

Continue to develop your skills to become more and more qualified.

Always keep in mind that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. Be prepared or opportunity will pass you by.

If any agent tries to charge you a fee of any kind to sign with them, RUN, don’t walk away. Many scam artists are out there. This is a sure fire way of spotting a crook. A legitimate agent will only charge you their deserved commission when and after they have gotten you work.

Getting Agents to work for you

Here is where the real work begins. Many actors think that once they sign with an agent, they can sit back and wait for the phone to ring.

Since agents make their money from commissions, they will concentrate on clients who are already working.

Makes sense doesn’t it? Go with what works and you can count on your income. An agent who has clients who consistently land jobs from auditions is going to concentrate on those clients. New people are going to have to prove themselves to get the agents attention.

Sure they may have signed you because they believe you will get work, but you are going to have to prove yourself to them.

Things an Agent will want to know

Are you continuing to develop your craft?

Are you doing plays or student films?

Are you enrolled in acting classes?

Are you keeping up on what’s being produced?

Are you reading the Trade Papers?

Are you preparing fully for auditions?

Are you systematically expanding your network?

The truth of the matter is that most of the work you get will be due to your own efforts. This impresses an agent!

Make sure you communicate your efforts to your agent. Birthday cards and Christmas cards are warm and fuzzy, but you will fire up the agent’s enthusiasm when he/she receives the flyer about the play you are in, or a note about the casting director you met.

If you take charge of your career, communicate your efforts to your agent, and enlist your agent in a team effort, you stand a good chance of getting him/her to take an active roll on your behalf.

Which young Broadway leading lady has for several years fallen in love with every guy who plays opposite her, even though or maybe because it’s always a gay? i already met the 4 year old girl that has cancer and will be getting it in September when i cut it, and have it made into a wig. You ll never need to worry about money.” “Oh, sweetheart, please don t talk that way,” his young wife exclaimed. Okay even more specifically- the lack of African American models. Here s how it would work: There would be a fashion show. i have alot of volume to my hair so, if i tease it, it looks kinda 1980 s ish. I m organizing a segment for a fashion show and the category is rain, a remix of Rihanna s Umbrella will be played, and it s a very modern and hyped up show so I m looking for REALLY cool umbrellas for the models to be carrying on the runway. my mom sent this picture to a modeling agency for a contest but do you think its a good pic? Plus stories Bono and getting a head start on Spring beauty trends. Posted in Widget of the day, culture No Comments. okay, i have long blonde hair, its high-fashion model styled. Luella: Her F W collection was such a drastic change from the cutesy florals seen on her models in Spring. How do you guys feel about guys that are in touch with their feminine side. (What he gave, actually, was a blowjob in the bathroom. I mean, for example, Elite model management or something like that- though I looked around and I don t think that it is publicly traded. Here’s a great example of how one of the country’s biggest companies is using a very personal touch to provide excellent customer service, and create evangelists for their brand. The problem was, she needed a new computer immediately, a. i have straight accross bangs, that end just below my eyebrows. i think i will work on dropping 10 or 15 pounds. “Can I model?” “What matches my string cheese pattern skirt”? A fashion related section had never seemed so pointless and juvenile.

im doing a fashion project for my English Class and i need pics of celebrities, runway models, and such wearing GREEN clothing. I m 5 4 126 lbs, I have brown straight hair. I m 5 4 126 lbs, I have brown straightened hair. Also, i m going to do my modeling Z-Card and need to get in the know with different poses.

Then I would say go and they d have to do a sort of scavenger hunt to find all of theire materials i.e sewing kits, ect. A local fashion show is coming up and I m being one of the runway models, I m mostly likely going to have to wear a sleevless dress, when I auditioned I was wearing a long sleeve shirt, so they couldn t see it. Kami Huyse is one of the more popular PR bloggers on the internet, and recently she started having problems with her HP desktop computer.

so i am 5 8 and my mom sent in a head shot and a pic at the beach in a bath suit a few more too! Media-Whore D’Oevres “Who once generously gave a gentleman something during a charity event for an organization in his late mother’s name? It was amazing and if you are ever there it is well worth the visit-teaches you how to sketch models and clothes-i wanna become a fashion designer! again to clarify The school-needs to be in New York State( i live in buffalo)-cant be a university-i m 13 years old! I have a strong interest in fashion:) but anyway my measurments are 38-29-36 am I too small to be a plus sized model? okay, i have long blonde hair, its high-fashion model styled. in catalogs and advertisements with bear midrifs not have pierced navels? i don t have an eating disorder, i just want to succeed in meeting requirements for a model and i m not going to develop an eating disorder because of this. my mom sent this picture to a modeling agency for a contest but do you think its a good pic? I am interested in this guy atm but i dont know if he likes me back.how should i act around him? Please.tell me what I can do?” “Well,” the old man gasped, “you can quit pinching the inlet tube to my oxygen supply for starters.” you b!tch! Many students of this school go to Tokyo University. and on friday is the winter ball at school, and im thinking of wearing that dress. I d be like “tim gunn” and go around crituqing them. I thought it was like CIM or something, with 3 letters. I really want to be a runway model when I m older, or a writer if I don t make atleast 5 8 (the minimum height to do high fashion modeling). i have the right measurements for a model too sooo idk. However, i am very much into fashion, so i wonder if this model colour is in style right now? i want to be just like her (: how do i get into the modeling stuff though?

For more resources and related details about fashion models please review this link http://www.hotchiconline.biz

Some people consider the different trends in fashion simply as fads. Behind the scenes, the various fashion industry players are always on the search to bring up something new.

By ‘trend’, we mean the direction in which something new takes shape or evolve. So, fashion trend can be called as the latest evolvement in the area of fashion. Fashion trend is all about people who walk and look their own way and dress up as they like. These people try to match their steps with the latest in fashion designs. The fashion industry, as such, is a continuously evolving and changing world. Some trends are generally considered as nonsensical and outdated, while some trends make a comeback with sensible and innovative ideas.

In the new millennium, one is witness to the fast pace and re-emergence of some fashion trends of the yesteryears. For instance, the pegged pant legs and the denim jeans seem to be returning to their heydays in fashion again. It seems as if the latest fashion trends contain nothing new; it is as if everything re-emerged to make a new fashion trend. And, one can find the ‘torn’ fashion in jeans in almost all clothing store.

So, who are the people who decide what’s the ‘in’ thing or the ‘hot’ thing in fashion. There are no particular sets of people who declare what constitutes the hottest in fashion trend. The esteemed fashion designers and fashion conscious consumers who purchase the fashion merchandise formulate their own judgment and speak out their opinions. In fact, it is the consumers, or ‘we’, that decide which fashion is hot by deciding to purchase a particular piece of clothing.

If we observe the ‘Fashion Trend Cycle’, we can see that in the initial part of the cycle, a particular trend is highly pursued or hunted down immediately after seeing a fashionable hat, a fashionable outfit or a shoe on the ramp, red carpet or at a music video award session. This is followed by the emulation phase, where every fashion conscious person wants to have a piece of the pie.  In the next phase, this new trend will appear in fashion magazines, movies, TV or the internet. And finally, the trend will hit the market. This was not the case a few decades ago as it used to take some years for a new fashion to make it from the ramps to the market. Nowadays, a new fashion trend makes it appearance in some discount retail store in a matter of days or weeks.

So, how does one know whether a new fashion trend will last long for some time to come? In general, most of these trends last for nearly one year and some a little bit longer. Statistics states that fashion trends make its re-appearance every twenty years. That is the reason behind minis skirts of the 80s gaining acceptance nowadays.

Dedicated fans of the long-running soap opera One Life to Live will apparently have to continue saying goodbye to several of the show’s cast members. In previous reports, it was stated that actress Christina Chambers would be departing from the role of Marty Saybrooke, and now another one of the soap’s actresses is planning to focus on other projects. Kathy Brier, who has breathed life into the character of Marcie Walsh since October 2002, is possibly set to bid the series goodbye with the imminent expiration of her contract by this fall season. If Brier goes, it’s likely that her character Walsh will bow out as well.

The ABC network has remained mum on this speculation, though it seems to be backed up by a statement from the actress herself. Brier has said that she strongly desired to return to the stage and continue performing there instead, being a veteran of theater productions throughout her career. Brier elicited some buzz back when she joined the cast of the soap opera, since she bucked conventional soap stereotypes of drop-dead gorgeous physical attractiveness, in favor of a more realistic and bulky figure. At the time, Brian Frons was employed as the president of ABC Daytime, and he was very vocal in his support for both the actress and the character.

Frons described Brier as a marvelous actress who also had a powerful singing voice. This was in spite of being overweight and homely, though Frons further stated that the audience loved her anyway for her acting talent. Brier’s career speaks for itself in accordance with the assessment made by Frons, as the actress has performed on Broadway while doing One Life to Live at the same time. During the period of August 12, 2003 up to May 2, 2004, she pulled double duties as both Walsh on the TV show and as Tracy Turnblad in the musical Hairspray during its featured Broadway run.

For more resources about One Life to Live: ‘One Life to Live’ About to Lose Another Actress or for the full story of House please review this link http://www.buddytv.com

On the first morning of our vacation to Yachats around 6:45 A.M., I am still drowsy while I curl over in bed taking dim note of our surroundings. Our bedroom faces East with a wall to wall picture window protected by a panel of hanging canvas-like shades.The rising sun is streaming through those vertical panels, illuminating a picture of Martha’s Vineyards on the opposite wall, and an adjacent beach painting called “By the Sea.”I hear my wife Susan in the kitchen probably making coffee. Every so often there is a cracking boom from the surf outside, crashing against our rugged, rocky Oregon coastline.I am more awake now, but I close my eyes to move myself deeper into the spirit of relaxation. However, I do commence to stroke Silas, our twelve pound poodle and pomeranian mix, who is snuggled besides me.Slowly, I become aware of and more sensitive to the outside chatter of birds commingled with the cackling songs of some crows.Woven within the cacophony is the mysterious and melodic flute-like song of an unknown avian creature. Whatever the nature of this species, I am convinced it is a virtuoso.Such sweet, soothing refrains, flash me back to the Native American music, Susan and I became so exquisitely familiar with when we lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the 90’s.The flute notes continue with a slightly reedy resonance, accompanied by three staccato whistles at the end of the bird song. I know in my heart, as a few tears of joy land on my face, that I must have arrived in heaven.As I record these precious moments in my journal, I would like to say a few words of encouragement to aspiring writers. First and foremost, start writing your own journal. There is something healing, therapeutic, and thought provoking about the whole journaling process.Next, while you journal, pause to slow the pace down. Review the written passages and look for word gems or thought jewels to further refine and appreciate.This form of writing then becomes a kind of cognitive meditation, which facilitates peace of mind and limitless creativity.For example, I am sitting now in a comfortable lounge chair located in our beach home living room. I have rewritten my entry at least 10 times or more, which is the third thing I want to suggest to all those who want to get published: keep polishing your work.The more I focused on describing my immediate environment, the more receptive I became to free flowing, relaxing thoughts.I noticed the whole West wall of our living room consists of four, tempered glass windows, about five-by-five square feet each, and a matching pair attached to both side walls. The observation area presents a panoramic view that is unbelievable, humbling, and awe inspiring.Our rental home actually rests on a grassy cliff overlooking and facing the Pacific Ocean. The spectacular water images hypnotize by the undulating motion of the waves, caressing the huge, oddly shaped, black, barnacle covered, volcanic rock slabs, jutting out in the shoreline.As I write about the power of journaling, the surf roars with breaking whitecaps, spiraling around and splashing between the rock formation fingers. Sea gulls fly low over the waters, sometimes diving in to feast on sea bounty.Write about what you hear, feel, and think. Know that there is a creative force within all of us. Practice accessing this inner Light that overcomes all dark secrets, which mysteriously threaten to hold us back from the good we deserve.Let your writing take you to the place of silence deep within our subconscious mind some appropriately call, “The Secret Place of the most High.”Furthermore, listen to the spirit music of your surroundings and observations. Allow your mind, body, and soul to dance to the rhythmic pulse of inspiration and bliss. Give yourself permission to free associate with your creative strengths, talents, and abilities.So, let’s take a deep breath together and revisit one last time the sparkling, gleaming, life images that stand before me today. I look out at a mauve sky on the ocean horizon.At times, the sun turns the sea into millions of glistening diamond lights. A partial cloud-drape extends over the bluish-green waters as far as the eye can see. Gulls and waterfowl are bobbing in clumps, speckling the ocean with white feather squares like enormous nature-made patch quilts. The fishy, salty, seaweed smells permeate the air.I turn to focus once again on the infinite, majestic waves. Their surf-music play notes of rushing, slashing, percussive melodies, which mesmerize, hypnotize, and sooth the soul.To be writing on a day like this is a blessing beyond imagination, with memories to treasure and keep alive in the secret place within.

Dana Stone and Rick Washbrook meet in 1972 thats about 37 years ago at school in Aurora Ontario.   In fact Dana Stone was a student of Washbrooks later in his teens. They went on to being good friends through the years. In there early 20’s they lived together with a band called the Stoves in London.  This is when Washbrook attended record production and engineering at Fanshaw Collage.  Dana Stone was sound man and publicist for the band. Dana Stone himself is a Wonderful singer and writes well crafted songs. He has 3 CD’s out under his label. Has been in the music business all his life diving into many facets of the industry. Washbrook booked most of his shows for the 23 years he played live or worked with an agent. But Dana was always there to advise him. In 2006 Dana Stone decided to help Washbrook get his music out to the public and radio stations. They sure do make a good team. They have released 7 CD projects. The reviews on Washbrooks CD projects and his guitar playing are great and he has received many quotes.  Moe Koffman said.”Rick Washbrook has what it takes to go to the top” Liona Boyd says about his Tribute to Lenny Breau “A Gypsy’s Bed”.”A wonderful evocative and unique tribute to the genius of Lenny Breau.Washbrook creates a relaxing mood,great tone and feel”.

Guitar Player USA Jude Gold said.  “Washbrook plays beautiful guitar”

Washbrook expresses he is so thankful to Dana Stone for his kindred spirit and friendhip all these years.

When Washbrook fell low in his mid 40’s after many years of performing, and lost many family members and his wife. Washbrook became very ill on many levels.

Washbrook says.

“It is Dana’s hand that reached out to board me on that sail boat… to get me away and be free and clean, encouraging a fresh positive new outlook towards my career and future. I am so great full to Dana. My heart is alive and you cant always say in life it’s because of an old friend.Good Friends are hard to come by. I am very fortunate to have him as a friend and be under his label “Dirty ICe Cream Music”.

Please visit Rick Washbrook’s web site for info, songs, bio, and photos. www.washbrookmusic.com

Contact Dana Stone at dirtyicecream@sympatico.ca

Contact Rick Washbrook at rwashbrook@hotmail.com

by John Hook

Beach Music? Many define it by its geography and the kinds of songs it includes while describing ‘friendship’ and ‘good times’ as the glue which binds it. If you’re like me you’ve thrilled to square dancing in bright costumes, two-stepping in country bars, bumping and hustling in discos, and line dancing in modern clubs. They’re all filled with friendship and good times; making those insufficient illustrations of what makes Beach Music what it is.

1. Beach Music in the East and the West are similar, but not the same. Both coastal communities celebrate individuality and self-expression. At the center of West Coast beach culture is the surfer community encouraging private quests marked by athletic achievement while the East Coast dance culture inspires a new form of social success.

2. East Coast Beach Music nurtures new ideals of social equality, romance, and improvisational self-expression. Fifteen years before Rock and Roll, white teenagers in the Southeast embraced Black music as their own. At the same time they developed a new dance to express themselves. From that mixture the Shag evolved.

3.  Many found the secret rites of Shag and Beach Music at the Beach. Like the “soul surfers” of the West Coast, the “soul dancers” set new standards for the ‘good life.’ At the beach, personal and hometown histories stayed home while they assumed nicknames and developed new personalities.

4. Rhythm and Blues and Jazz were foundations for the Shag. In addition to early black music, soul dancers often flipped over national pop hits to see if the ‘B’ side had the right beat and mood for carefree shuffles in coastal and inland pavilions.

5. Society sometimes misread them as mere ‘rebels.’ Like their West coast alter-egos they weren’t rebelling as much as forming new communities and social hierarchies of greater equality with rights of self-expression.

6. Balmy days and nights, sensual Shag moves, and their own ‘coat of arms’ embraced giddy summer romances. The Shaggers’ dress code included Bass Weejuns, no socks, cashmere sweaters, and madras shirts. Like knights of old, girl-partners were revered.  When they danced, *she* was the most gorgeous woman in the world.

7. East Coast soul dancers enshrined the Art of Play as equal to Hard Work. As such they considered social life equivalent to work life. While they worked summer jobs to support themselves, they worked just as hard at “not working” on the dance floor.

8. It looked like a sexual revolution. It really wasn’t focused on sex. Self-confidence and cool were guiding principles and the ’safe date’ was integral to Beach Music. They put dancing before drinking–unlike some who need a ‘boost’ to drop their inhibitions.

9. Classic Beach songs include national hits and treasures unknown outside the Southeast. Fifties Beach songs celebrated the good times in several ways. Although “Drinkin’ Wine Spo Dee O Dee” mentioned wine, it more loudly proclaimed the ‘good times’! Fifties hits included “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Sixty Minute Man,” and “Sh-Boom.” The 60s added hundreds more like “Under the Boardwalk,” “My Girl,” “What Does it Take To Win Your Love,” and “Brown Eyed Girl.”

10. The ‘Shag’ had other names including the ‘Bop’ ‘Freestylin” and ‘Fas’ Dancin’. The music wasn’t named for 25 years! In the beginning most teenagers found it at the Beach. Eventually there were 500+ inland dance clubs, Pavilions, restaurants, swimming pools, and fishing lakes with dance floors.

Beach Music and Shag history show a culture celebrating individual uniqueness in the rituals of music and romance experienced by those who were dancing to their own destinies.  The Beach Music community was like a ‘beta’ version of MySpace, a ‘flat’ world where everyone was equal, each member was in charge of their own self-expression and the accumulation of friends with whom they had common interests.  The internet has simply made the field of dance partners much much larger.

To learn more about this fascinating chapter of American life that is still being written, follow this link http://www.beachshag.com/BMG%20SITC.htm

“Fessa” John Hook is a 39 year broadcaster captains the Endless Summer Network of Beach and Shag music on the net.His three books on Beach music and Shag  are: “Shaggin’ in the Carolinas,” and the “Beach Music Guide 1945-2006, Vols 1 & 2″ and another, “Dancing On the Edge – How Music Freed the South,” coming in the fall of 2009.”‘Shagging In the Carolinas,’ according to Hook, a Beach Music and Shag enthusiast, is a love letter that took 26 years to write.” –Sun Times newspaper

“Hook writes about how Shagging defied social conventions as carefree white teenagers were inspired by the possibilities inherent in improvisational black dance and music.” –Lexington Dispatch”Hook knows what he’s talking about when it comes to Beach Music. As a broadcaster in the late 1980s, he was responsible for the first full-time Beach Music radio station in history….he chronicles the evolution of the dance….before the Lindy Hop, before the Jitterbug, came the Shag, a dance born and bred in the Carolinas.” –Our State magazine