Sun, Dec 6: TAKE PART in the 28th Annual “LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY CAROLING FESTIVITIES”

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Sunday, Dec 6, 4-9:30 pm, is the 28th Annual “LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY CAROLING FESTIVITIES”
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Join Vincent J. Leinen, Founder / Director of LAHCF and MANY musicians and stars of music, TV, screen and stage, at four senior care centers and a restaurant located in the West San Fernando Valley. Vincent explains, “The tradition of caroling for the elderly began for me in high school while singing at local senior care centers with the St. Mary Catholic Youth Association in Dow City, Iowa (pop. 498). It then continued while attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Now, as a resident of Los Angeles, the tradition has since evolved, grown, and expanded into a series of festivities celebrated across the country. This includes the large-scale, must-attend holiday event (with an esttimated. 200 participants) in Los Angeles.”
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Your editor has taken part, including trading solos with a star of the L.A. Opera while backed by Grammy nominees on their various instruments This enjoyable and rewarding community service project is open to entertainers, singers and musicians of all talent levels and ages.
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Vincent continues, “It is a very fulfilling opportunity to give and to receive joy, happiness, and holiday spirit to and from the elderly residents, care-givers, and participants, while enhancing one’s own perspective or appreciation of life, health, and family. Bottom line: Everyone greatly benefits from the festivities.”
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A full media blitz promoting this event will be launched to many major Los Angeles Metro radio, television, and newspaper outlets, local church bulletins etc., to promote the festivities and overall theme of bringing happiness and/or enlightenment to the elderly, care-givers, and participants during the holiday season.
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Vincent says, “All effort given to support, promote, and participate in this heart-warming activity is especially appreciated, since your contribution and presence would greatly enhance the festivities for all involved. Please RSVP ASAP! For further details, please visit www.ReachfortheStars.com/caroling, email bd754@lafn.org and / or call me at 818-342-9336.”
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Thank you for blessing my life and the lives of others. Happy Holidays!
Vincent J. Leinen
Founder/Director-L.A. Holiday Caroling Festivities
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P.S. Together we have the power to make a difference and to make the world a better place!
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Here’s the schedule:
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28th Annual Los Angeles Holiday Caroling Festivities
Sunday, December 06, 2009
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4 5:15 pm (perform room to room)
West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center- meet main lobby
7940 Topanga Canyon Bl, Canoga Park, 91304, 818-347-3800
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(Then, two performances are staged simultaneously - select the option you desire)
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5:30-6:15 pm (perform main dining room)
*Topanga Park Retirement Center-(formerly Oakdale Heights Senior Living)
7945 Topanga Canyon Bl, Canoga Park, 818-716-9900
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5:30-6:15 pm (perform room to room)
*Topanga Terrace Subacute & Skilled Nursing Facility-meet main lobby
22125 Roscoe Bl, Canoga Park, 91304 818-883-7292
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(Then, back as one group)
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6:30-7:15 pm (perform main dining room)
Hallmark-West Hills Assisted Living-(former Wilshire Retirement Center)
6833 Fallbrook Av, Canoga Park, 91307 818-883-4123
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Music books & refreshments provided for performers, & flowers for the residents
Post-Caroling Wrap Party! The night is young!
7:30-9:30 pm HomeTown Buffet Restaurant, 6705 Fallbrook Av, Canoga Park, Ca.91307,818-713-1776
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For further details - Vincent J. Leinen at (818) 342-9336, e-mail BD754@lafn.org or www.ReachfortheStars.com/Caroling
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NOTABLE ALUMNI PARTICIPANTS from previous LA Holiday Caroling festivities:
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Adrian Kali Turner: Guest starred in TV Shows, including “Numbers” (CBS), “Carly” (Nickelodeon), “Yo Gabba Gabba” (Nick Jr.), “Chuck” (NBC), “Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family), “Nickelodion Kid’s Choice Awards” (Nickelodeon) and “Disney’s 3-Minute Game Show” (Disney).
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Alan O'Day: Pop singer-songwriter of #1 hit “Under Cover Angel” (sold two million copies); wrote Helen Reddy’s #1 hit “Angie Baby” and The Righteous Brothers’ #3 hit “Rock and Roll Heaven”; recently released new album “I Hear Voices”; co-wrote 100+ songs for “Muppet Babies” TV series; wrote/performed music on National Geographic series “Really Wild Animals.’’
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Alex Del Zoppo: Baby in the film “It’s a Wonderful Life”; singer, songwriter, plays keyboards and was original member of Sweetwater, a band that performed at Woodstock and was the subject of the VH1 movie”Sweetwater: A True Rock Story.”
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Aydiee-Vaughn Dunson: Multi-talented actress, singer and actor; portrayed variety of roles in television shows “Everybody Hates Chris,” “My Wife & Kids,” “Boston Legal,” “The Shield” and “Half & Half,” and upcoming theatrical release “Little Hercules in 3-D.” Toured and performed with Al B. Sure and performed in Howie Mandel’s act “Bobby’s World Live”; sang and/or danced on Barry White’s two videos and albums “Put Me In Your Mix” and “I Wanna Do It Good,” and in music videos with The Whispers, George Clinton, Miki Howard and Wanda Vaughn.
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Bill Dempsey Young: Actor portrayed Alistair on “Passions,” and a variety of roles on “General Hospital,” ”Days of Our Lives,” ”Young & The Restless, “7th Heaven” and “Unsolved Mysteries”; son of Dick Young, the legendary World Boxing Hall of Fame Referee/Judge who refereed historic bout between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton.
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Burl Barer: Edgar Award winning author and two-time Anthony Award nominee. Wrote, produced, and voiced national radio and television spots for such recording artists as Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Frank Sinatra. Created and produced national radio and television ad campaigns for many noted corporate clients. Wrote and produced national electric media campaigns for numerous cult classic films. Authored internationally critically acclaimed critical biographical study of Leslie Charteris’s Simon Templar series. Wrote several true crime tales.
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Burleigh Drummond: Vocals & percussion for Ambrosia and Tin Drum.
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Bob Mitchell: first organist for the Los Angeles Dodgers and was renowned for his accompaniment of silent films; formed Mitchell Boys Choir, which provided the music for and appeared in dozens of films including “Angels with Dirty Faces” with James Cagney and the Christmas classic, “The Bishop’s Wife." . Mitchell Boys Choir also recorded with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra among others. His works with the boy’s choir also garnered him several illustrious honors including a Silver Medal from Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco, a Medal from the Pope and the Boy Scouts of America; Played for the Los Angeles Conservancy’s “Last Remaining Seats” series.
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Carl Verheyen: Acclaimed guitarist for Supertramp and “The Carl Verheyen Band.”
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Carlo Miguel Mancini: Accomplished opera tenor performer.
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Charleen Birindelli: lyric coloratura soprano; performed with New York Metro Opera (4 seasons), Broadway productions The Vamp with Carol Channing and The King & I with Yul Brynner and Summerstock featuring Brigadoon.
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Charlene Capetillo: Mezzo soprano; performed all over the world, including L.A.Opera (six seasons), Long Beach Opera, California Philharmonic Orchestra, LA Camerata Orchestra & Chorus in China, Carnegie Hall in NYC; listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Marquis-2003-2009; "A voice like this comes along once in a lifetime,” said Jim Low, Metropolitan Opera. Actor on “Passions.” Fifth great grand-daughter of folk hero Daniel Boone.
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Chelani Tiong: incredible talented singer; performed at Christmas show at Crystal Cathedral.
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Chas West: Lead singer of the band Bonham (formed by Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer and rock legend John Bonham), which released 3 CD’s and toured Europe, Japan, and the US to critical acclaim worldwide.
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Chelsea DiBlasi: Singing voice heard in the movies “Harry Potter,” “Peter Pan,” “Pirates of the Caribbean I”/“II”, and “Polar Express,” and in “The Simpsons” TV series.
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Chris M. Allport: Actor/singer from movie “Pirates of the Caribbean III.”
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Crystal Carson-Bradley: Actress portrayed Julia Barnett on “General Hospital” and a variety of roles in many films; acclaimed acting coach.
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Diane Lotny: Singer originally from New York City; has performed with Dr. John, Buddy Miles, Earl King, Big Brother & the Holding Company.
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Don Peake: Inducted into the Musicians' Hall of Fame in Nashville in 2007. The guitar he used to play lead on Marvin Gaye’s legendary recording “Let’s Get it On’’ is in the permanent collection of icon guitars displayed at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Lead guitarist for The Everly Brothers; holds distinction of being the first white guitarist to play with the Ray Charles Orchestra, with which he both recorded for and toured with for 10 years; guitarist on classic Phil Spector recordings "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by The Righteous Brothers and "River Deep, Mountain High" by Ike & Tina Turner; lead guitarist on The Jackson Five hit songs "ABC" and "I Want You Back”; guitarist for John Lennon, The Commodores, Jan & Dean, The Mamas & Papas, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Beach Boys, Billy Preston, Diana Ross, and Sonny & Cher; Member of elite group of musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew"; wrote arrangement for Bobby Darin's hit rendition of Tim Hardin's "If I Were a Carpenter," Gloria Gaynor's hugely successful disco album "Love Tracks" Jermaine Jackson's "Let's Get Serious" album, and the smash disco song "Don't Take Away the Music” by Tavares: worked as an arranger for artists such as Roy Orbison, Kenny Rankin, The Monkees, Wayne Newton, Sonny & Cher, Minnie Riperton, The Fifth Dimension and Hank Williams Jr.; collaborated with director Wes Craven on the scores for cult horror favorite "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The People Under the Stairs”; performed the scores for fright features "The Prey," "The House Where Death Lives," the made-for-TV vampire picture "I, Desire" and "Sandman” plus Academy Award-winning short films "Violet" and "In the Region of Ice"; composed music for 77 episodes of "Knight Rider” TV series.
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Don Sweeney: Famed drummer, bandleader, concert producer, author of book “Backstage at The Tonight Show.”
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Douglas Perkins: Wrote hundreds of pieces of music that are heard in film and TV around the world daily on such shows ranging from "Friends" to "Sponge Bob Square Pants" to ads for Redkin Shampoo. Recently released new jazz guitar CD "Gardens Of Gizsh (Adventures in Psychedelic BeBop).”
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Eric Henderson: Classical guitarist, writer, and composer. Studied in Spain with Andres Segovia. Toured Europe and the United States extensively. Recorded 7 albums featuring classical and contemporary compositions.
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Florence LaRue: Six-time Grammy winning singer and original member of the acclaimed musical group The 5th Dimension which had mega selling singles per Billboard Magazine “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” #1, “Wedding Bell Blues” #1, “One Less Bell to Answer” #2, “Up, Up and Away” #7, “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All” #8 and “If I Could Reach You” #10. While still touring with the 5th Dimension, she also launched her solo career as a vocalist and actor. Miss LaRue is also a sought after speaker.
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Fred Herrera: Guitarist and original member of Sweetwater, an opening band that performed at Woodstock and was the subject for VH1 movie “Sweetwater: A True Rock Story.”; Mariachi performer in movies “Heartbreak Kid” and “Nutty Professor II” and TV hit “Melrose Place.”
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Garret Swayne: Distinguished singer-songwriter.
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Gina Eckstine: Singer performed all over the world with legends Count Basie, Sammy Davis Jr., Bill Cosby and her father, bop-big band leader and ballad singer Billy Eckstine, aka. Mr. B. She sang on “The Tonight Show” and all the major hotels and casinos in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, including the opening act for Brad Garrett.
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Joanie Fagan: Actress from many Disney movies/portrayed Faith on “The Drew Carey Show,” and member of national touring standup comedy show “3 Blond Moms.”
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Joseph DiBlasi: Guitarist who has recorded with Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd, Charo, and Chicago.
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Joe Vento: Grammy Award winning musician who plays a variety of instruments. Studied at the Julliard School of Music and The New England Conservatory of Music. Performed with many notable orchestras and band leaders, including Count Basie, Nelson Riddle, Harry James, and Jimmy Dorsey. Performed for several presidents and foreign dignitaries, as well as for many other notables too numerous to mention. Has more than 1,500 movie, television, and stage appearances to his credit. Lead the famous group “The Three Suns,” who appeared on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”, Steve Allen, Ed Sullivan, Dinah Shore, Mike Douglas etc. Albums were recorded on the RCA Victor and Surfside labels and are considered collectors items. Currently performs with and conducts the “Joe Vento All-Star Jazz Band Orchestra.
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Judi Faye: singer/actress performed on Broadway in New York, NY
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Judy Brown: backup singer to Glen Campbell, Perry Como, Jerry Lewis, Jim Neighbors.
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Kenny Lee Lewis: Guitarist for Steve Miller Band.
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Kevin Biggers: Former Hesperia, CA City Council member and professional football player for Canadian Football League from the University of Nebraska; candidate for California State Senator in the 25th Senate District.
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Kevin Jones: Keyboard player, Ozzy Osbourne.
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Kiki Ebsen: talented singer, composer, and keyboard player; daughter of legendary actor Buddy Ebsen, famous for his acting role on “The Beverly Hillbillies”; Accompanied a wide range of artists in concert, on video, and/or television, i.e. Al Jarreau, Boney James (played keys 1992 debut CD “Trust” and her own CD “Reds”), Boss Scaggs, Belinda Carlisle, Chicago, Dave Koz, Jessy J (CD “Tequila Moon”), James Ingram, Jeffery Osborne, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Paul Brown (CD “White Sand”), Peter Cetera, Peter Whites (albums “Reflections” and “Playin Favorites”, Steven Bishop, Tracy Chapman (1997 Grammy Awards show) and Christopher Cross with whom she still tours extensively; released four solo CD’s including “Red” (per Mac Report, “the kind of debut most artists can only dream of creating”), “Love Loud” critically acclaimed Muse’s Muse Top 10 of 2002), “Kiki” (London DJ, Steve Quirk (FM100.4) listed it on his Best of 2005 and featured song “Missing You,” written by her father; recent performances Temecula Music Festival, The Jakarta International Jazz Festival, and Waikaloa Music Festival.
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Larry Carroll: Broadcast journalist on KFWB Radio; Emmy Award winner and one of the most recognized and respected figures in L.A. broadcast news.
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Larry Dunn: Keyboard player for the internationally renowned musical group Earth, Wind, & Fire, that sold over 90, 000,000 world wide, had Gold/Platinum Albums & Singles, numerous Grammy Awards and in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Lana Henry: Internationally acclaimed star in the beauty pageant industry, who held several titles locally, nationally and internationally i.e. World's Universal Girl, Cinderella International Woman, Miss International Beauty, Miss Native American International, Miss California Coed, Miss West Coast, Miss California Teen of the Nation, Miss Chino, Miss Upland, and Miss American Rose National Queen, classically trained singer, featured role in a children’s DVD series, “King Red Roar into Action II”.
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Laura Riley: former Miss South Carolina.
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Laura Kay Swanson: Opera singer who performed with LA Opera, Metropolitan Opera, etc.
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Linda C. Breakstone: Former political editor of KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV. In a 33-year career in news, she won several Emmys, Golden Mikes, and Press Club writing awards; nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes for her work at the former L.A. Herald-Examiner.
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Linda Hopkins: one of the greatest blues and gospel singers of our time and acclaimed Broadway actress; 2005, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame; early in career performed with Louis Armstrong ; recorded hit single "Shake a Hand" with Jackie Wilson ranking 21 on the R&B chart; performed in the Broadway Musical Purlie and with Sammy Davis, Jr.; awarded a Tony and Drama Desk Award for her performance in Inner City Blues; recorded classic, traditional, and urban blues, and performed R&B and soul, jazz, and show tunes; received a Tony nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical; Wild Women Blues; In 2005, the first scholarly study of Linda Hopkins, Motherin' The Blues: Linda Hopkins~ The Continuing Legacy of The Blues Woman was researched and written by Erany Barrow-Pryor, Ph.D. through the Department of English at UCLA
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Lisa Haley: Gifted fiddle player; Lisa Haley & the Zydekats received 2008 Grammy nominee in the new “Best Zydeco or Cajun Album” category and voted “Zydeco Band of the Year” 2009 by Bay Area Blues Society; performs worldwide and has played on numerous CDs; contributed to films “Beverly Hillbillies,” “Man in the Moon” and “Rhythm of Life”; played for Brian Setzer, Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett.
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Louis T. Moyle: Actor who portrays “Dodge,” Earl’s older son, on “My Name is Earl,” and roles on TV shows “Shark,” “House,” “Hannah Montana,” and various other television shows and commercials.
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Linda Fisher: Talented singer who specializes in performing in many languages, including Yiddish...
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Linda Slade: Accomplished British actress who has starred in many BBC television dramas, including leads on “Wycliffe,” “Casualty,” “Mud,” “Only Fools and Horses,” “Noel’s House Party,” “Return Of The Psammead,” “Mind to Kill,” “Nuts and Bolts” and “Fair City.” She has performed in theatres across Europe, including West End Stage in London and in Los Angeles. She has acted in film roles in the U.S., including “Hollywood Confidential,” “The Last One,” “Fistful of Righteous Harmony” and “Chapped Lips.”; Performer on NBC Web series “Heroes…Tekezo Kensei: The Sword Saint.” ; Nominated for four L.A. TV Guide awards.
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Mary Harris: Singer-songwriter who performed with Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffet, XTC, Stanley Clark, Animal Logic, Tim Drum.
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MAIA: Internationally acclaimed singer, opening act for Michael Jackson’s History Tour; wrote/performed the #1 song in South Africa for 6 weeks “We Go Together.”
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Michael J. Miller: Honorary Mayor of Woodland Hills, CA.
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Nancy Nevins: Singer/original member of Sweetwater, a band that performed at Woodstock and was the subject of the VH1 movie”Sweetwater: A True Rock Story.”
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Nolan Porter: Legendary Rhythm and Blues performer/recording artist.
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Nick Palance: Critics have called him “The American Andrea Bocelli” (L.A. Sun). He sings a romantic international style of music like that of Josh Groban or Mario Lanza, with repertoire ranging from traditional opera, Broadway, standards, and Latin music, to contemporary “popera.” He travels the world performing for dignitaries, royalty, and celebrity events; now working with one of world’s top producers on his debut album.
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Patricia Zappa: Singer/author of My Brother was a Mother: A Zappa Family Album.
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Patrick Ridolfi: Tenor, soloist and/or professional choral singer who has performed worldwide with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Roger Wagner Chorale, and the Carnegie Hall Society of New York City. Also performed with or for Placido Domingo, Zubin Mehta, Luciano Pavarotti, Franco Zeffirelli and Tracy Ullman; performed with Three Tenors at Dodger Stadium, 1994; sang for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome.
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Patrick Waskielis: Drummer for popular group Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, which performed Billboards #1 single “Fallin’In Love”, #4 single “Don’t Pull Your Love”, “Winners and Loser,” and “Everyday Without You.”
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Prescott Niles: Bassist for rock group The Knack, whose “My Sharona” was #1 Billboard single of 1979; played on George Harrison’s “Shanghai Surprise” album; contributed to “Miami Vice” soundtrack; Father of talented musicians, daughter Liv (nominated for Best female guitarist for LA Rock Music Awards) and son Gabe.
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Rebecca Somberg: Incredibly talented singer.
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Robert Hanley: Cast in approximately 100 TV shows and feature films; stand-up comedian in major clubs and on national TV; has hosted games shows ABC and CBS television networks; “Humanitarian of the Year Award” from City and County of L.A.
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Ron Whitaker: Acclaimed drummer and founding member of the 70’s punk/Goth band Voo Doo Church; donned the stages with Dizzy Reed (GNR), Gilby Clark (GNR, Supernova), Vivian Campbell (Def Leopard), Chris Montez, Chris Squire (YES), Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Gretchen Bonaduce (ANKH), Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow, Prescott Niles (The Knack), Dave Schultz (Goo Goo Dolls/Berlin), Chas West (Bonham/Hollywood Allstarz); reigns as Drummer of the Year as voted by Rock City News Magazine.
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Robbyn Kirmsse: Singing voice of the Rachel Ray talk show and Toyota commercial tunes “We make it easy on you” and “Right Here, Right Now.” Featured on “Cold Case.” Toured U.S. with Joe Walsh & The James Gang. Featured on “Society of Singers Great Voices” CD, which includes Frank Sinatra and Celine Dion; performed with Macy Gray, Vonda Shephard, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Brian McKnight, Billy Preston, Melissa Etheridge (Brad Pitt-Jennifer Aniston wedding), Stevie Wonder, and Slash; 2008 Hollywood Talent Quest winner. Performed on Hollywood Music Awards show airing in January 2009.
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Rudy Sarzo: World-renowed bassist for Ozzie Osbourne, Ouiet Riot, and White Snake.
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Scottie Haskell: Singer who performed with Karen Carpenter, Connie Francis, David Byrne, Pat Benatar, Carole King, Randy Newman, Gnarls Barkley on the 2007 Grammy Awards telecast, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey on the Academy Awards show. Sang on film scores “Shrek,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Spiderman,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Bruce Almighty,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Jurassic Park,” and “The Fantastic Four.” Daughter of Jimmie Haskell, three-time Grammy Award winner and legendary composer, arranger, and conductor.
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Sharon Lindsey: backup singer for Flip Wilson, Don Ho, Jerry Lewis’
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Tom Wilson: Actor portrayed Biff in the 3 Back to the Future movies.
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Sheree “Sheryl” Green-Adams: Original Mickey Mouse Club Mousketeer.
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Tony Jones: Drummer/vocalist, who performed with The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Stephen Bishop, Billy Preston, The Drifters, The Platters, The Coasters, Patty Andrews, Milton Berle, Red Buttons; son of Rick Jones drummer and grandson of Leon Rene,’ legendary music composer of great hits, i.e.: “Rockin Robin”, “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano,” Louis Satchmo’s theme song “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South.”
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Tony Valentino: Member of rock n’ roll band The Standells, whose legendary hit “Dirty Water” was #8 Cash Box singles chart and #11 Billboard singles charts in 1966, while Boston Red Sox baseball team is well-known for playing it immediately after home victories; “The Boy Next Door” made the Billboard’s “Bubbling Under” chart in 1965.
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Trey Carlisle: Actor portrays “Earl Jr.,” Earl’s younger son on television series “My Name is Earl,” and appears in television shows “Patrick” and “All of Us” (CW Channel). Plays principal role of “Tom,” the son of “Kyle,” portrayed by Damon Wayans on the television pilot “Never Better.”
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YOU, if you participate this year!
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