Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with Jimmy Griswold Band at Aces Live in Bradenton

Jimmy Griswold/photo provided

I'm pleased to announce Jimmy Griswold Band is the special guest for this week's edition of Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays."

Griswold is a New England native living in St. Petersburg, where he has built a large, loyal following. Griswold has released four national and internationally reviewed albums. He's also opened for greats such as Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, and Jimmy Vaughan. Griswold has played numerous Florida blues festivals and toured the U.K. three times.

Griswold recently posted this on Facebook:

Monday August 1st! Grizz Trio wails on Sugar Shack Mondays ... Steve Vitale (bass) Tommy Bell (drums) and Bobby Ray Bishop makin us sound great! Thanks to Damon Fowler for the gig! South of the Skyway fans Pleae come catch us at this rare south of the bridge venue.

Fowler is returning home from tour of Italy.

Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays"

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 1 with special guest:
The Jimmy Griswold Band

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click at 8:30 p.m. to watch Jimmy Griswold's performance and my interview with him in between sets:

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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Me and Ms. Winehouse: remembering a true talent

Amy Winehouse/Associated Press

Midnight hits and I turn to Amy Winehouse again.

It’s a perfectly imperfect version of a song inspired by her own busted relationships.

Or perhaps Shakespeare’s “Rome and Juliet.”

I sip my fat glass of red, sit back and savor the emotion with which she imbues each lovesick lyric:

“Over futile odds and laughed at by the gods,” Winehouse sings over a clumsily strummed acoustic guitar. “And now the final frame, love is a losing game.”

Her sophisticated jazz phrasing has always impressed me but it’s the pathos the British soul singer communicates that keeps me coming “Back to Black.”

And her debut album “Frank.”

As well as the sensational live stuff, especially from 2006-07, posted on YouTube.

The way Winehouse’s songs stirred whatever is left of my damaged soul made me dismiss her highly exploited self-destruction.

Unlike most, I refused to admit she might not make it.

So much talent.

She had to beat those demons.

She had to provide more songs to comfort me on these lonely nights.

Yes, my proverbial prayers for her recovery were utterly selfish.

I felt a kinship with Winehouse.

Few people in our age group were wowed by talking to Tony Bennett or worshiped Ronnie Spector.

I thought five years ago that Winehouse might just save pop music.

Teach her young, mainstream audience the rich rewards of the past pop/rock/R&B/soul greats.

Instead, she's dead and style-over-substance acts such as Britney Spears still sell out arenas.

Winehouse's music remains a movement, though, if the collective We continues to perpetuate it.

“Back to Black” has returned to the upper regions of the pop charts.

It’s an album of honesty in a world gone wrong filled with fakery.

It features songs that smartly update the sounds of Stax and Motown with contemporary language about feeling sexy, confident, disrespected and sad all in the same day, sung with heart-wrenching sincerity and rare 21st century vocal chops.

While many Winehouse songs are supreme expressions of beautiful despair, she could also elicit a grin with something like “Me and Mr. Jones.”

"What kind of f--kery are we?" she coolly croons. "Nowadays you don't mean d--k to me."

Amy Winehouse will be missed.

Bradenton's Jamie Gregorich takes home trophy on tonight's 'Hell's Kitchen'

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Monday on "Hell's Kitchen," Jamie Gregorich burned a quesadilla and got scolded by soul-crushing celebrity chef host Gordon Ramsay.

The 25-year-old Bradenton resident made a huge comeback tonight.

Perhaps I'm being a bit too optimistic here, but it appeared as if the sous chef at acclaimed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye may be emerging as the show's rising star.

For starters, Jamie didn't make a single mistake in the always ultra-hectic kitchen.

She even managed to catch a live chicken "Rocky 2"-style in the first part of the opening challenge.

The Manatee County native then helped her all-female Red Team to victory with a grilled chicken salad she made solo for special guests Jen Garcia from People and Dave Karger from Entertainment Weekly

Garcia found the dish a bit daring but said, "Overall, I enjoyed it."

Karger concurred.

Jamie's "movie star" moment came after her Red Team celebrated its challenge win with a go-karting trip.

"I love go-kart racing," she said during her confessional. "It's a rush."

The Class of 2004 Manatee High School graduate and Manatee Technical Institute alumni/instructor flew around the track like Danica Patrick.

In the finals she beat big-mouths Elise and Carrie.

Jamie beamed as she held her trophy high.

Back in the kitchen, the Red Team cooked for a pair of Olympian volleyball stars and, well, dropped the ball. Luckily, so did the Blue Team.

Jamie then took charge of devising a plan of choosing two team Reds to be sent home.

Elise and Carrie were picked as the problem children.

At Ramsay's urging, the Red Team voted for which should be dismissed. Most, including Jamie, wanted Elise out. The celebrity chef called an emotional Elise to him and then snapped, "Stop crying and get back in line."

As throughout the episode, the producers/editors chose Jamie for the reaction shot: Hands over her face in disgust.

The Blue Team's woefully unskilled Chino went home.

The rest remain for more hell.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Jamie Gregorich prepares her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?

Photos by TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/ttompkins@bradenton.com Bradenton resident and 'Hell's Kitchen' contestant Jamie Gregorich prepares her signature dish, lamb chop lollipops, below, at Euphemia Haye, the Longboat Key restaurant where she works as a sous chef.

 

Can Bradenton resident Jamie Gregorich survive another round of heat from chef/host Gordon Ramsay on "Hell's Kitchen"?

Tune in today at 8 p.m. on Fox to find out.

Last night, Gregorich, who works as a sous chef at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, burned a quesadilla and got scolded by the hot-headed Ramsay.

"Stop sulking like a (expletive) baby!" he yelled.

Carrie wandered around aimlessly and big-mouth Elise started screaming at her during the competition. Gregorich had finally had enough and yelled at both of them. "Your mouth is one of the issues," she said to Elise.

Gregorich took a seat in the confessional to wonder whether Carrie can get it together. "She's fracturing the team," she said.

Continue reading Herald day/features editor Jana Morreale's post from last night.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Bradenton resident and 'Hell's Kitchen' contestant Jamie Gregorich holds her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye, the Longboat Key restaurant where she works as a sous chef.

Jamie Gregorich, the 25-year-old Bradenton sous chef, has survived to cook another day on the reality cooking show "Hell's Kitchen."

Gregorich, who has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, overcame a burned quesadilla mishap and team infighting to remain on the show.

After last week's episode where the men's Blue Team lost for the second time, host/chef Gordon Ramsay ordered one woman from the Red Team to volunteer to go to the Blue Team. Gregorich was the first to volunteer, but everyone else wanted to send the ditzy Carrie, especially Elise, who "wants to throw up when she looks at her."

Carrie volunteered to go, but Ramsay threw the team a curve ball and told Natalie she was now on the Blue Team.

The Teamwork Challenge featured scary clowns and a room full of hungry children all waiting for the teams to serve them food the fastest. Gregorich burned a quesadilla and got yelled at by the hot-headed Ramsay. "Stop sulking like a (expletive) baby!" he yelled.

Carrie wandered around aimlessly and big-mouth Elise started screaming at her during the competition. Gregorich had finally had enough and yelled at both of them. "Your mouth is one of the issues," she said to Elise.

With all the f-bombs going on in the kitchen, that the children in the dining room may have picked up some new vocabulary.

The Blue Team won in a close race and was awarded a road trip to Medieval Times to eat meat with their hands and watch knights battle with swords.

Gregorich took a seat in the confessional to wonder whether Carrie can get it together. "She's fracturing the team," she said.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

The next night at Family Night dinner service the Red Team started off good with excellent appetizer work from Gregorich and Krupa. However, things started to break down during the entree service and the team didn't manage to get one entree out. They were forced by Ramsay to apologize to all the families who were waiting for food and then the chef kicked them out of the kitchen. The ultimate humiliation.

So, the Blue Team won the second challenge. At the elimination everyone on the Red Team was all for Carrie getting kicked off, but Jennifer and Amanda were called out for bad food preparation. Gregorich wisely suggested that "attitudes need to be adjusted."

In the end, Chef Ramsay asked for Amanda's chef's jacket because he said she had given up and you should never give up.

Tune in for tomorrow's episode, which will feature, what else, more cooking and more fighting.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday July 24 by Wade Tatangelo: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH season 9 premiere episode part 2 of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

—Posted by day/features editor Jana Morreale.

Jose’s Real Cuban Food in Bradenton: Air date confirmed for 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'

Jose Baserva by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com

The suspense is finally over for Jose Baserva.

His beloved restaurant Jose’s Real Cuban Food had been scheduled to be seen at 9 p.m. on June 6 during an episode of Food Network’s popular road show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

Today, Baserva at last learned when a nationwide audience would be able to watch crazy-haired host Guy Fieri dine on his picadillo, paella and boliche.

“To all my Facebook fans I have great news: The official air date is now September 19,” Baserva posted at 5 p.m. on the social network site. “Just got the call today. Thanks to everyone for their support.”

Back in June, Baserva told the Herald business had quadrupled since the news broke in May that “Triple D” had taped at Jose’s.

“It’s nuts, it’s absolutely nuts,” Baserva said. “We really appreciate community helping us out.”

What’s the restaurant owner expect in terms of customer turnout after the show airs?

“Forget it!” Baserva said with a big chuckle.

 Jose’s Real Cuban Food is at 8799 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

TONIGHT: Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with JP Soars and the Red Hots at Aces Live in Bradenton

JP Soars/Facebook

Boca Raton-based JP Soars and the Red Hots, the 2009 International Blues Challenge winner, return as the special guest for this week's edition of Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays."

Soars, who appeared with Damon Fowler at the Jan. 3 premiere of “Sugar Shack Mondays.”, recently released "More Bees With Honey."

BluesWax, the online edition of the Bradenton-based internationally distributed magazine Blues Revue, highly recommends the album:

Soars’ core band consists of mates Donald “The Cougar” Gottlieb on electric bass and Chris Peet on drums. On it, Soars’ takes a nice T-Bone Walker-styled guitar solo. The song is still viable as it ends with “taxes are high and all the good jobs are gone.” Also covered is “Sweet Blood Call,” written by Louisiana Red. The lyric “I have a hard time kissing you baby with my pistol in your mouth” is a classic. Colby’s piano and Soars’ guitar go ballistic.
Soars is more than just another blues guitarist. This album produced by Soars’ and Jeremy Staska proves that his talents run deep. Get this album and begin to follow JP. His career is on the rise.

Read entire review.

Fowler is in Italy this week to perform at the Polistena Rock Blues Festival.

Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays"

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., July 25 with special guest:

JP Soars and the Red Hots

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click at 8:30 p.m. to watch JP Soars and the Red Hots' performance:

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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Top 10: Famous musicians who've become movie stars

Still of Britney Spears and Anson Mount from the 2002 flop "Crossroads."

After getting all serious with my column last Sunday, I'm back to light and fun this week.

Here's my highly subjective Top 10 list of best pop stars turned movie stars.

Pop stars from Bing Crosby to Britney Spears have tried to make it in movies.
Elvis Presley made a whole slew of films.
Not a real good one in the bunch.

Since releasing the chart-topping album “FutureSex/LoveSounds” nearly five years ago and single-handedly bringing sexy back, Justin Timberlake has focused solely on his screen career.
The risky move has paid off.

Continue reading "Top musician actors." 

Amy Winehouse will be missed

AP Photo - FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2007 file photo, British singer Amy Winehouse poses for photographs after being interviewed by The Associated Press at a studio in north London, Friday, Feb. 16, 2007.

I haven't been this saddened by a musician's death since Kurt Cobain.

An emotive, gifted singer and accomplished songwriter, Amy Winehouse, dead at age 27, had so much more to give the world.

In 2007, I picked her breakthrough album "Back to Black" as my third favorite of the year for the annual Top 10 lists we did at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

3  Amy Winehouse: Back to Black (Republic). Forget, for a moment, the awful tabloid photos, the on-stage blunders (key bump, anyone?) and that she really does need rehab. Winehouse did a remarkable thing this year: She gave us a soul album that brilliantly updates the sounds of Stax and Motown with language that speaks to the modern woman -- someone who can feel sexy, confident, scorned and miserable all in the same day, and openly discuss such feelings. The horns and backup singers might recall a record from 1970, but it's all about the here and now when Winehouse asks: "What kind of (expletive) is this?" and then sings "You don't mean (expletive) to me."

Looking at my iTunes, "Back to Black" has enjoyed substantial more plays than the top two on my list from '07.

I'll have more to say about Winehouse's passing — and her joining Cobain, Jimi, Janis and others in the 27 Club — in the near future. For now, here's one of Winehouse's self-penned songs I consider perhaps the most powerful of the past decade, especially this acoustic version. 

REVIEW: 'Animals Out of Paper' at Banyan delivers with surprising folds

Barbara Sloan/Credit Gary Sweetman

Origami may drive the plot but it’s more a play about memory pain than folding paper.

Thick with metaphors and symbolism, Rajiv Joseph’s poignant romantic comedy “Animals Out of Paper,” which the Banyan Theater Company opened at the Cook Theatre in Sarasota on Thursday, manages to entertain while also exploring the limits of artistic healing and the merits of love. The show largely succeeds thanks to the intelligent, genre-busting script and the graceful acting mounted by director Jim Wise.

World-famous origami artist and author Ilana (Barbara Sloan) can’t bring herself to fold. After being left by her husband and three-legged dog, she has moved into her messy studio (nice work by set designer Jeffrey Dean). Ilana eats takeout and wastes away the days sprawled out on the sofa.

Enter high school math teacher and aspiring origami artist Andy (Christopher Swan). He has a crush on Ilana the size of the enormous origami hawk hanging above her sofa. Andy talks Ilana into tutoring his star student Suresh (Luke Bartholomew), an 18-year-old senior who excels at origami. The pupil also has a penchant for hip-hop, rapper wannabe attire (props to costume designer Dee Richards) and urban lingo, often of the misogynistic bent.

Ilana prefers good, old-fashioned F-bombs.

Andy and Ilana date but the relationship appears doomed from the start. He’s a goofball. And his positive platitudes do Ilana, or the audience, little good.

Christopher Swan, Barbara Sloan and Luke Bartholomew/Credit Gary Sweetman

Suresh offers numerous surprises. Not all are completely believable but still manage to reward. Of all the characters, he’s the only one who walks away from play better off than when it began.

Ilana, easily the most interesting and perplexing character on stage, benefits greatly from Sloan’s superb performance. She’s the one who must sell lines about paper having no memory and how “folds leave scars.”

“Animals Out of Paper” doesn’t offer a neatly folded ending. But it provides a humorous, tender look at the fickle nature of life and love. It’s the familiar given a fresh treatment.


Tickets/info.

Read "Banyan brings acclaimed ‘Animals’ to stage."

Banyan Theater Company.

Bradenton band We the Kings at State Theatre in St. Pete

Travis Clark being interviewed for upcoming We the Kings DVD on top of the Bradenton Financial Center in downtown. Photo courtesy of Travis Clark.

Internationally acclaimed Bradenton pop-rock band We the Kings are performing tonight just across the Sunshine Skyway Brdige.

"Back home in Florida!!! Playing in St. Petersburg tonight at State Theater," lead singer/songwriter Travis Clark tweeted today. "Who's coming FLA?!"

We the Kings latest full-length release, "Sunshine State of Mind," came out  July 12 on S-Curve Records/Universal Music Group.

I interviewed Clark while he and the band were recording the album:

“The new record goes back to our roots and we’re writing songs that make people go crazy and have a blast,” Clark said. “It’s music to blast out of your car stereo. We might have one or two softer songs on it but the majority will be upbeat.”

Read rest of "Local rockers We the Kings home for holidays."

Details about tonight's show.

Los Lobos, Ryan Shaw to headline Sarasota Blues Fest; competition for local band slot

Los Lobos to headline Sarasota Blues Fest/Publicity photo

One of the most acclaimed and eclectic bands of the past three decades, Los Lobos, will headline the  21st Annual Sarasota Blues Fest on Saturday, November 5 at Ed Smith Stadium. Young soul music sensation, Ryan Shaw, who could prove to be this year's Trombone Shorty, joins the multiple Grammy winners. Singer Shaun Murphy, best known for her work with Little Feat from 1993-2009, has also been confirmed. Child prodigy, Mike Imbasciani, with special guest and guitar sensation Alex Shaw, are performing as well.

Ryan Shaw/Publicity photo

In addition to the acts above, The Gator Club in Sarasota is hosting the free “Ticket To Blues Fest” event 9 p.m. Saturday, August 13. Local and regional bands will be competing for the last slot at the festival and cash prizes. The public is encouraged to participate and help pick the winner by voting for their favorite bands online (ourstage.com/go/sarasotaBluesFest - until July 25) and at the “Ticket To Blues Fest” live event. Artists selected to perform at the fest will be announced at the event and on www.sarasotabluesfest.com.

Tickets to the 21st Annual Sarasota Blues Fest go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13th at sarasotabluesfest.com, The Gator Club and at Rossiter’s Harley Davidson. The festival gates open at 11 a.m. and music starting at noon. Tickets are $22 in advance and as always, all children free with paid adult admission. Partial proceeds from the fest have always been earmarked for charity. All Faiths Food Bank Backpack Program will be 2011’s recipient.

The Sarasota Blues Fest was started in 1991 by the Sarasota Blues Society and blossomed into the largest musical event in Sarasota under Barbara Strauss, a native of Sarasota who has produced the festival since 1993. She passed the torch to ExtremeTix and Three Zebras entertainment earlier this year. 

“A bunch of people tried to acquire the festival but when these people came it was truly a blessing for me and Sarasota,” Strauss told the Herald in June. “They will eventually be able to bring in bigger bands because they have so many more resources, but will also keep people involved in the community."

Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'

Red Team contestant Jamie Gregorich, of Bradenton, on the July 18 debut episode of season nine of 'Hell's Kitchen'/Fox

Jamie Gregorich didn't have much screen time today on night two of the season premiere of "Hell’s Kitchen," which aired on Fox from 8 to 9 p.m.

But when it came to her close-ups, she looked and sounded confident.

The 25-year-old who lives in Bradenton and has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye also managed to go the entire episode without once being reprimanded by hellishly cruel celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay

"I think it will be a turning point," she told millions of viewers after being forced to drink a meat shake — gross to most; looked pretty good to me — after her female Red Team lost to the male's Blue Team during the steak/grill challenge.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Gregorich was right.

The Red Team then smoked the Blue Team in the kitchen — completely crushing the boys who were carpet-bombed by Ramsay's expletive-laced rants.

The celebrity chef mostly praised the women.

"It's the most amazing feeling," Gregorich said near the episode's end.

The Blue Team's second straight loss meant Ramsay gave the boot to bass fish liar Brendan Heavey and next week a woman will join the men's team to help the struggling fellows out.

Will it be our Manatee County native?

The next episodes of "Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mon. July 25 and Tue. July 26 on Fox.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

But in order to do so she (or he) has to survive Ramsay's wicked wrath.

“(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading my interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Buzz Worthy: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere

Buzz Worthy: Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'

Buzz Worthy: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut

WATCH season 9 premiere episode part 1 of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

TONIGHT: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere

Contestant Jamie cooks for the Red Team during dinner service on an all-new episode of HELL'S KITCHEN airing Tuesday, July 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Greg Gayne/FOX.

Jamie Gregorich made her debut Monday on the hot reality series "Hell's Kitchen."

It featured much yelling, cussing and an ambulance ride for one contestant.

The 25-year-old Gregorich, who lives in Bradenton, has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

Her signature dish on "Hell' Kitchen," lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture, started being served at the local restaurant Monday.

Alas, devilish celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay thought her lamb was overcooked when he sampled it during Monday's broadcast. He said to Gregorich, "If you are going to call yourself a sous chef learn how to cook lamb properly first."

Fortunately, Gregorich is on the Red Team and they are made up of all female contestants and worked together fairly well as a during the dinner service round, performing better than the men's Blue Team.

We didn't see much of Gregorich during the dinner service portion of the show, which means she was doing her job correctly — wand not getting yelled at by the expletive-loving host.

The Blue Team lost the competition and had to nominate three contestants for elimination: Steven, Monterrey and Chino. Chef Ramsay kicked off Steven.

The stakes are high in this reality cooking show. The winner of "Hell's Kitchen" will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

www.Fox.com.

The second part of the season premiere of "Hell's Kitchen" airs at 8 p.m. today on Fox.

Let's hope the Manatee County native can survives Ramsay's wrath for another week.

“(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading the Herald's interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Buzz Worthy: Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'

Buzz Worthy: UPDATED 7/19: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut

WATCH season 9 premiere episode part 1 of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Jamie Gregorich made her debut tonight on the sizzling reality series "Hell's Kitchen," which featured a lot of yelling, profanity-laced rants and an ambulance ride for one contestant. And it's only the first show.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Bradenton, has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

Her signature dish on "Hell' Kitchen," lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture, will be served at the local restaurant starting this evening. Unfortunately hot-headed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay thought her lamb was overcooked when he sampled it during tonight's show.

He said to Gregorich, "If you are going to call yourself a sous chef learn how to cook lamb properly first."

The good news is that Gregorich is on the Red Team, which is made up of all the female contestants. They worked together semi-well as a team during the dinner service round and performed better than the men's Blue Team.

We didn't see much of Gregorich during the dinner service portion of the show, which means she was doing what she was supposed to do and was not getting yelled at by the expletive-loving host.

The Blue Team lost the competition and had to nominate three contestants for elimination: Steven, Monterrey and Chino. Chef Ramsay kicked off Steven.

The stakes are high in this reality cooking show. The winner of "Hell's Kitchen" will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.
The next episode of "Hell's Kitchen" airs at 8 p.m. July 25 on Fox.

Tune in to see if the Manatee County native can survives Ramsay's wrath for another week.

 “(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading the Herald's interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

—Posted by day/features editor Jana Morreale.

UPDATED 7/24: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut

UPDATED 7/24:  "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye"

UPDATED 7/19 p.m.:  "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

UPDATED 7/19: Coverage of debut show: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"


WATCH season premiere episode.


Original post:

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Jamie Gregorich will be at her parents' home in Bradenton tonight watching herself on "Hell's Kitchen."

The 25-year-old, who also has her own house in the Friendly City, has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

Her signature dish on "Hell' Kitchen," lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture, will be served at the local restaurant starting this evening.

The debut "Hell's Kitchen" episode of season nine starring hot-headed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay airs at 8 p.m. today on Fox.

Gregorich is a contestant on the red team.

Tune in to see if the Manatee County native survives Ramsay's wrath.

 “(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading my interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with the Damon Fowler Group and special guest Shaun Rounds

Shaun Rounds (center) at Ace's in Bradenton Jan. 24. Photo by Lacy Campbell.

Orlando-based blues/soul man Shaun Rounds will be the special guest for this week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays.

Rounds will be sitting in with the Damon Fowler Group.

Rounds can be seen every Sunday at B.B. King's Resturant and Blues Club in Orlando.

Here's footage from Rounds headlining Sugar Shack Monday on Jan. 24 while Fowler toured the Caribbean.

Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays"

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., July 18 with special guest:

Damon Folwer Group with Shaun Rounds

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click at 8:30 p.m. for performances and my interviews with Fowler, Rounds and perhaps a couple other special guests.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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UPDATED JULY 18: Neighbors need to make peace with Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar in downtown Bradenton

UPDATED JULY 18: Before I walked over to Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar Sunday around 6 p.m. Sunday (July 17) for another fun, relaxing evening, I received an email from Scott Tibbetts, owner of the land that houses Tarpon Pointe and neighboring Manatee Landings Marina. I then received an email from his investment partner Bruce Bottorff. I noticed the valet parking has already been implemented:

We are working on several issues that are synonymous with the rapid growth of the business. A few of them are:

1.  Parking

2.  Crowd Control

We have located two additional parking alternatives - the medical business complex just to the east of the Manatee Memorial hospital and the auto parts store at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 7th street.  We have purchased shuttle carts to expedite bringing people on and taking people off of the property.  We have also brought in a professional valet service that started Saturday evening.  Both of these free services will enable us to better control the crowds and improve on the parking situation for our neighbors.

We expect to have in excess of 100 employees within the next few weeks.

Original post:

Pic I took July 13 from the deck of Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar.

I've had two enjoyable experiences at the newly opened Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, which sits along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton. It's about a 20-25 minute walk from my place in Point Pleasant. I'll probably stroll by later today for a most tasty Tarpon Pointe Rita and quality music courtesy of the Venturas, which perform 6 to 10 p.m.

From my column running today:

Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar should be a boon for downtown Bradenton.

The new destination spot features two tiki bars, tables for outdoor dining, an upstairs deck providing gorgeous views of the river and downtown, as well as sand volleyball courts and places to play the popular lawn game cornhole.

Its success could pave the way for Manatee River finally being dotted with bistros, cafes, upscale eateries and even boutiques....

So what could possibly be controversial about a family-friendly business occupying a beautiful piece of land formerly sullied by an abandoned house structure?

Music.

Continue reading my latest Buzz Worthy column "Make peace with Tarpon Pointe."

Click for info on Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar.

Click for info on the Venturas.

UPDATED 7/13: Sarasota approves $1.2 million for arts organizations

UPDATED JULY 13: "Sarasota OKs $1.2M for arts organizations"

http://www.scgov.net

Good news for Sarasota arts scene.

Just found this in my inbox:

July 12, 2011

Sarasota County Commission agenda action

The following item was discussed on Tuesday, July 12, in the Commission Chamber at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.

Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grants (Item 10)

The Commission approved more than $1.2 million in grants for local organizations.

Stay tuned for details.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with the Damon Fowler Group

Damon Fowler and Chuck Riley at Sugar Shack Monday/photo by Lacy Campbell

This week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays at Aces Live in Bradenton features a full evening of Blind Pig recording artist the Damon Fowler Group.

And perhaps some special guests. And, yes, probably our beloved puppets.

From Herald Weekend cover story I did on Fowler and his new album:

Fowler returns from the Bahamas just in time for a WMNF (88.5 FM)-sponsored CD release party Saturday at Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa. “Devil Got His Way,” his second album for the prestigious Blind Pig Records, came out Jan. 18. It has already received glowing reviews from top Americana publication No Depression and daily newspapers such as the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Philadelphia Daily News. Many of the songs on “Devil Got His Way” were written in Bradenton Beach.

Continue reading "Bradenton Beach’s Fowler releases ‘Devil.’"

I'll be at the Sugar Shack — aka Aces Live — again this Monday hosting and interviewing Fowler and any specials guests before show starts and in between sets. Yes, puppets will probably be involved and other comic craziness. See you there or watch online. 

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8: 30 p.m. Mon., July 11 with special guest:
Damon Fowler Group 

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interview with Fowler (and perhaps some special guests)  at

8:30 p.m. Monday, July 11

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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UPDATED 7/8: Bradenton chef to appear on 'Hell's Kitchen'

UPDATED 7/8: Interview with Jamie Gregoric (and others close to her) titled "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’" 




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Jamie Gregorich/Facebook

Jamie Gregorich, a 25-year-old from Bradenton who has worked for four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, will appear on the the ninth season of "Hell's Kitchen."

The series premiere of the reality show starring foul-mouthed, hot-headed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay airs 8 p.m. July 18 on Fox.

Class of 2004 Manatee High School graduate and Manatee Technical Institute alumni Gregorich is currently the sous chef at Euphemia Haye, where she trained under owner/executive chef Raymond Arpke. She was hired in 2007 as a "Garde Manager,” prepping  cold appetizers and salads.

“It was my first professional kitchen job but I knew they must have seen something in me,” Gregorich said in a statement . “I wanted to do my best and show them that my passion was real.”

Arpke supports and his employee appearing on "Hell's Kitchen" and is confident she will perform well under the pressure dished out in huge portions by Ramsay.

“I think Jamie appreciates working in our environment. She is open to continued learning and importantly focused on pleasing the guest. She has a good sense of humor and is cool-headed,” Arpke said in a statement.  “There may not be much less bleeping going on here than there is in Hell’s Kitchen, but I think there is something to be said for courtesy and patience.”

Gregorich landed the television appearance after attending a casting call in Miami. Her signature dish is lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture. In addition to working at Euphemia Haye, she's a culinary instructor at Manatee Technical Institute.

Official website for "Hell's Kitchen."

And this is what Gregorich has to deal with on national television (mature language):

What does James Spader hire mean for 'The Office'?

James Spader as Alan Shore in 'Boston Legal.' Credit: Carin Baer /ABC.

So, James Spader will reprise his guest role as manipulative salesman Robert California on "The Office" when the show returns this fall.

Not a bad get for NBC's workplace comedy.

But what about the branch manager role played by departed series star Steve Carell?

Does this mean that it's down to Jim, Dwight or Andy?

I'm thinking loveable goofball Andy will get the promotion.

Especially in light of the success Ed Helms — the actor who plays Andy — has had with the "Hangovers."

Ed Helms poses with a cutout of himself in Park City. Credit: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with The Nouveaux Honkies

Today's fiery Fourth of July version of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday at Aces Live in Bradenton features special guest The Nouveaux Honkies.

From the band's website:

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., July 4 with the
and special guest
The Nouveaux Honkies

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch at

8:30 p.m. Monday, July 4

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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REVIEW: ‘Becky’s New Car’ is a ticket well worth the ride

Becky (Geraldine Librandi) takes a drive. PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

Speeding along with just the right amount of humor, conflict and a heartbreaking detour, the Banyan Theater Company’s production of Steven Dietz’s “Becky’s New Car” amounts to a must-see joy ride.
Deftly directed by Gil Lazier, the comedy of manners rests on the shoulders of fourth wall-busting Becky, who is played by the immensely gifted Geraldine Librandi — you might recognize her from several episodes of the “The Sopranos.”

Don Walker, Jesse Dornan and Geraldine Librandi. PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

The play starts with Becky immediately inviting the audience, which packed the 161-seat capacity Jane B. Cook Theatre on opening night Thursday, into her working-class living room. She’s in the middle of cleaning and within moments of being on stage, hands a front row audience member a roll of toilet paper and says “Could you put this in the bathroom when you go?”

Becky (Geraldine Librandi) at work. PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

It’s not the first time an actor in “Becky’s New Car” will interact with the crowd. I usually find crossing the fourth wall gimmicky. But aside from when Becky brings three women on stage to help her get dressed for a big night out, I felt each instance worked, adding to the intimacy of the play.

Walter (Peter Thomasson) and Becky (Librandi). PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

So, Becky’s cleaning house and telling us about her life. We quickly learn her roofer husband Joe (Don Walker) is a good man but not exactly thrilling after nearly three decades of marriage. Their 26-year-old son Chris (Jesse Dornan) studies psychology and lives in the basement. Becky is an overworked office manager at a car dealership. Her life could be better, sure, but it’s not bad.

Becky (Librandi) and Joe (Walker) kissing. PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

The play kicks into high gear when Becky meets famed billboard mogul Walter Flood (Peter Thomasson) who’s recently widowed and the grieving process has made him a bit daft. He misinterprets Becky’s’ comments about her husband, concluding he’s dead. She allows the rich, handsome prince charming in need of a companion to believe the lie and runs with it.

Steve (Robert Mowry) and Becky (Librandi). PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

The second act largely consists of a series of hilarious mistaken identity incidents involving the entire, highly talented, seven-person cast. The triple-focus living room/auto dealership office/Flood home on a riser set of designer Richard Cannon proves ideal for the madness.

Walter (Peter Thomasson) and Becky (Librandi). PHOTO BY GARY SWEETMAN.

By the time Dietz cleverly ties up all the loose ends we our left with more than just an evening of laugh-out-loud moments — not that there’s anything wrong with such a comedy. But what makes “Becky’s New Car” really shine is that it also serves as a moving meditation on matrimony, infidelity and coping mechanisms. Yes, it’s a true joy ride.

Details: June 30-July 17, The Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $28.50/$8 with student I.D. Information: (941) 358-5330 or www.banyantheatercompany.com.

Story ran in Bradenton Herald on July 3.