Susan von Seggern

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Killer Tomatoes Eat Select Cities: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence Launches in August

07/30/2026 by Susan von Seggern

Horror-comedy franchise returns with a brand new installment!
San Diego, CA — July 30, 2026 — Hide your ketchup packets … and your robots. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence pits the eternal power of nature against A.I.’s best and brightest.

The brand new installment in the delightfully deranged horror-comedy franchise reveals centuries of previously unknown “tomato activity” and decades of government coverups.

The film will premiere in select theaters across the US this August, opening wider and available on VOD in September. The trailer is now available here.

San Diego Producers and co-writers Steve Peace and Costa Dillon insist that the original 1978 film was actually a documentary seized by covert operatives and recast as a comedy so bad that no one would see it. “I tried to warn the world. Instead they smeared me as the ‘creator of Killer Tomatoes,’” Dillon told a raucous Comic-Con panel before going into hiding after a sold out Killer Tomato after party.

The original spawned three sequels and Marvel’s animated Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Saturday morning show that helped launch the Fox Children’s Network.

Updated Select cities runs:

UltraStar Mission ValleySan Diego, CAOpens August 7
D’Place River Village CinemasBonsal, CA (San Diego)Opens August 7
Hollywood Blvd CinemaWoodridge, IL (Chicago)Opens August 7
Yippee Ki Yay Mother VideoRacine, WI (Milwaukee)Opens August 7
UltraStar Coronado VillageSan Diego, CAOpens August 8
Cinema Arts CenterHuntington, NY (NYC)Opens August 9
Lumiere TheaterLos Angeles, CAOpens August 10
Schulman's Movie Bowl GrilleSherman, TX (Dallas)Opens August 14
Schulman's Movie Bowl GrilleCorsicana, TX (Dallas)Opens August 14
Schulman's Movie Bowl GrilleBay City, TX (Houston)Opens August 14
Smodcastle CinemasAtlantic Highlands, NJOpens August 14
Gardena CinemaGardena, CA (LA)August 14, double feature with original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes film
Sunray CinemasTampa, FLOpens August 28
Cinema VillageNew York, NYOpens August 31
Cinemart CinemasForest Hills, NYOpens August 31
Alpine CinemaBay Ridge, NYOpens August 31
Shankweiler's Drive-InOrefield, PA (AllentownSeptember 1, double feature with original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes film
Bellmore Movies & The ShowplaceBellmore, NY (NYC)September 9
Art Theater Long BeachLong Beach, CA (LA)September 11, double feature with original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes film

Produced by Michael Polis (Yo Gabba Gabba!), directed by David Ferino (Wardcliffe), and written by Killer Tomatoes original creator Costa Dillon, the film’s cast includes comedy legend David Koechner (Anchorman), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier), and franchise icon John Astin (The Addams Family), who returns as Professor Gangreen decades after first appearing in the series, Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), Myrna Velasco (Star Wars Resistance), Zachary Roozen (Romeo and Juliet Killers), Samantha Bailey (Just Add Magic), and Noor Razooky (The Old Man).

AKT: Organic Intelligence kicks off when a young but greedy corporate prodigy goes rogue while working under her aging mentor Professor Nicholas Gangreen (John Astin).

Movieweb says …
“As you can tell from this new trailer,Organic Intelligence looks to be keeping the spirit of the original series alive by leaning into the inherent insanity of the premise. It’s refreshing that, in a day and age where all studios are attempting to revive dormant properties to deliver “gritty” reboots, this sequel knows exactly what it is …”

JoBlo notes …
“The fifth film in the long-running cult franchise embraces modern technology while staying true to the series’ absurd roots, combining classic B-movie insanity with tech satire.”

news.denfaminicogamer.jp/news/260729i adds …
“これまでよりも素早く、そして賢くなって帰ってきた「殺人トマト」と人類の熾烈な戦いが描かれる。8月7日に海外で上映予定”

More runs will be announced as the dates become available.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Film

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence Holds San Diego Comic-Con Party July 25

07/25/2026 by Susan von Seggern

What: After more than four decades, the cult horror-comedy franchise born in San Diego is coming home with a Comic-Con Party! Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, the fifth installment in the series, was largely produced and filmed in San Diego and premieres in select theaters in August, opening wide and available on VOD in September.

Since the original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes debuted in 1978, the series has spawned a Saturday morning cartoon, a Nintendo game, an early-career role for George Clooney, and over four decades of devoted fans.

The SDCC party is taking over your parents 70s basement themed club Good Night John Boy in the heart of the Gaslamp for a night of retro-radness featuring cast meet & greets, killer cosplay, exclusive giveaways, ripe DJs and specialty themed cocktails and bites (*available for purchase).Whether you’ve loved the tomatoes since ’78, you’re here for the brand-new Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, or you’re looking to party after Comic-Con, this is a Saturday-night bash you don’t wanna miss.

Who: “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence’s” notables expected to attend include producer Michael Polis (Yo Gabba Gabba!), director David Ferino, Killer Tomatoes original creators J. Stephen Peace and Costa Dillon, cast members Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), David Koechner (“Anchorman“), Myrna Velasco (Star Wars Resistance), Zachary Roozen (Romeo and Juliet Killers), Samantha Bailey (Just Add Magic), Noor Razooky (The Old Man) and Norman the Killer Tomato.

When: Saturday July 25, 7 to 11 p.m. Red Carpet/Step & Repeat with cast and notables, 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Good Night John Boy in the heart of the Gaslamp, 401 G St, San Diego, CA 92101

Contact: For media needs before the party (media attendance/carpet RSVPs), please contact Susan von Seggern at susan@susanvonseggern.com or 213-840-0077. For media needs at and day of the event, please contact Chris Cantore at 619-209-1953 or me@chriscantore.com. For media needs around the film, please contact Xavier LeBlanc at pr@starboard-ent.com or 206-472-7227.

In addition to the party, “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence” will host an SDCC panel Friday, July 24 at 7:15 in the San Diego Convention Center’s room 6A. The film will also be part of the Atomic Toybox Booth, number 3917 on the main floor at the San Diego Convention Center. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes merch will be available including posters, tomato plushies, clothing, skateboards and more. (SDCC events open to SDCC credentialed media only.)

In “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence,” a young biotech prodigy develops a revolutionary genetically engineered vegetable designed to solve humanity’s problems. But when the experiment spirals out of control, it unleashes a new generation of killer tomatoes, setting the stage for another outrageous chapter in the long-running cult franchise.

The cast also includes Hollywood legend Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight“), Catherine Corcoran (“Terrifier“), and franchise icon John Astin (“The Addams Family“), who returns as Professor Gangreen decades after first appearing in the series.

“Attack of the Killer Tomatoes started in San Diego in 1978, and now it’s coming home. We made this one in the city that created it, and there’s no better stage for its return,” notes Steve Peace, who co-wrote and produced the original film. “Being able to Partner with Good Bye John Boy to transport the original 1970s Killer Tomatoes vibe to the celebration of Organic Intelligence in 2026 is just icing on the cake!”

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Film

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence Holds San Diego Comic-Con Panel July 24

06/30/2026 by adminbolhuis

Cult horror-comedy franchise returns for its fifth installment!San Diego, CA — June 30, 2026 — After more than four decades, the cult horror-comedy franchise born in San Diego is coming home. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, the fifth installment in the series, was largely produced and filmed in San Diego and premieres in select theaters this August, opening wide and available on VOD in September.

The franchise holds its San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) panel on July 24, in the city where it all began. Since the original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes debuted in 1978, the series has spawned a Saturday morning cartoon, a Nintendo game, an early-career role for George Clooney, and four decades of devoted fans.

The SDCC panel takes place on Friday, July 24 at 7:15 in the San Diego Convention Center’s room 6A and will feature moderator and “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence’s” producer Michael Polis (Yo Gabba Gabba!), director David Ferino, Killer Tomatoes original creator Costa Dillon, cast members Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), Myrna Velasco (Star Wars Resistance), Zachary Roozen (Romeo and Juliet Killers), Samantha Bailey (Just Add Magic), and Noor Razooky (The Old Man). The panel will discuss the making of the new film and include the world debut of the official trailer, exclusive footage, an audience Q&A, and a special appearance by Norman the Killer Tomato.

In addition to the panel, “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence” will be part of the Atomic Toybox Booth, number 3917 on the main floor at the San Diego Convention Center. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes merch will be available including posters, tomato plushies, clothing, skateboards and more.

In “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence,” a young biotech prodigy develops a revolutionary genetically engineered vegetable designed to solve humanity’s problems. But when the experiment spirals out of control, it unleashes a new generation of killer tomatoes, setting the stage for another outrageous chapter in the long-running cult franchise.

The cast also includes comedy legend David Koechner (“Anchorman“), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight“), Catherine Corcoran (“Terrifier“), and franchise icon John Astin (“The Addams Family“), who returns as Professor Gangreen decades after first appearing in the series.

“Attack of the Killer Tomatoes started in San Diego in 1978, and now it’s coming home,” notes Steve Peace, who co-wrote and produced the original 1978 film. “We made this one in the city that created it, and there’s no better stage for its return than the biggest pop culture weekend of the year.”
The panel is open to Comic-Con badge holders.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Film

Honey Gold Brings Immersive Audio/Visual Experience to Baton Rouge and San Francisco in Late June

06/22/2026 by Susan von Seggern

Performances take place June 25 at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and June 28 at Audium in San Francisco.

Events release

BATON ROUGE, LA — Honey Gold, the immersive audio/visual collaboration created by Louisiana artists Sariah Sizemore and Taylor Matherne, will present performances in Baton Rouge on June 25, 2026, and San Francisco on June 28, 2026, continuing the project’s growing evolution as a live immersive audiovisual experience blending original music, voice, sound design, projection-mapped visuals, and meditative storytelling.

The June 25 Baton Rouge performance will take place inside the historic House Chamber Room at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol at 7 p.m. The performance marks one of the first immersive audio/visual events of its kind presented within the space. Tickets are available at: Honey Gold Tickets.

On June 28, Honey Gold travels to San Francisco for two performances at Audium at 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Audium is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in immersive and spatial sound, making it a particularly meaningful venue for the project’s Bay Area presentation. The evening will include a site-specific installation experience inside Audium’s lobby and theater spaces, blending projection, sound design, candlelight, and live performance into an immersive sensory environment. Tickets are available at: Honey Gold @ Audium Tickets.

Honey Gold was co-created by Sizemore and Matherne as a shared artistic vision, shaped by their experiences as artists born and raised in Louisiana who used music and art to process the complexities, intensity, and emotional realities of growing up in the South. The project is also informed by Sizemore’s decades in the Bay Area’s experimental audio/visual and healing arts communities, blending immersive performance, original music, projection-mapped visuals, and emotionally restorative experiences designed to help audiences reconnect with themselves and each other.

Matherne, a multi-instrumentalist, bassist, composer, and touring musician, brings years of live performance experience spanning blues, experimental music, and immersive sound-driven composition. Sizemore’s background spans music, immersive healing arts, and more than two decades working in the technology industry, including leadership roles supporting audio software and hardware development at companies such as Avid and Native Instruments. Together, those experiences continue to shape Honey Gold’s intersection of art, meditation, music, technology, and visual storytelling.

Together, they developed Honey Gold as an experience designed to move audiences through tension, release, reflection, awe, and emotional connection, using layered music, immersive visuals, sound-healing elements, and a carefully shaped spatial atmosphere.

“Both Baton Rouge and the Bay Area have expanded my world creatively throughout my lifetime,” said Sizemore. “Coming back home to Baton Rouge and meeting Taylor through the local live music scene brought those worlds together in a way I never expected. His artistry as a musician and the intimacy of creating together as partners helped shape Honey Gold into something deeply personal for both of us. This project really grew out of our shared love of music, immersive art, healing, and creating spaces where people can breathe, feel, and reconnect during a really intense moment in the world.”

The visual dimension of Honey Gold is collaboratively created by the Honey Gold creative team, led by Creative Director Taylor Stoma and Visual Art Lead Ryan Golden, with overarching visual curation and creative direction guided by Sizemore and Matherne. The project’s immersive visual environments combine layered visual storytelling, projection mapping, archival and contemporary imagery, and reactive visual systems designed specifically for each venue and performance environment.

Honey Gold debuted in July 2025 at the Virginia and John Noland Black Box Studio inside the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center in Baton Rouge. A second Baton Rouge performance followed at the City Club of Baton Rouge in January 2026.

The project is fiscally sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, which serves as Honey Gold’s nonprofit umbrella as the team continues developing larger immersive productions, future full-dome film work, and expanded performances in new markets.

On October 3, 2026, Honey Gold will present a special adapted live performance inside the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge. The team is also actively fundraising for a future full-dome film version of Honey Gold, currently planned for completion in 2027.

Tax-deductible donations supporting the Honey Gold project can be made through the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge at:
Arts Council Donation Portal
(Please include “For Honey Gold” in the donation note.)
Recent media coverage and interviews:

  • 225 Magazine Feature on Honey Gold & Sound Baths in Baton Rouge
  • Arts Council Podcast Interview with Honey Gold

For more information:
Honey Gold Official Website
Media Contact:
Susan von Seggern
susan@susanvonseggern.com
213-840-0077

Filed Under: Art, Entertainment, Events, Music

Holiday Film A Heart Full of Hope Premieres at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills

11/22/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Produced by Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (November 10, 2025) — The spirit of the holiday season came alive last week at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills as cast, crew, and special guests gathered for the red carpet premiere of A Heart Full of Hope, the latest uplifting film produced by the Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions.

The premiere drew an enthusiastic crowd, with attendees enjoying a festive evening of holiday cheer, heartfelt storytelling, and cinematic celebration. A Heart Full of Hope delivers a heartfelt message of compassion, perseverance, and the gift of second chances — themes that align beautifully with MNITF’s mission to advance organ donation awareness and support transplant patients and their families.

In attendance were the film’s stars, Chelsea Rose Cook, Juliah Taylor, and Sebastian Armani, as well as director Dale Fabrigar, and producers Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

Guests at the premiere walked on the red carpet, posed for photos, and shared warm holiday wishes as they enjoyed the debut screening. Following the film, an intimate reception, with sandwiches by Fat Sal’s, cannoli by Bug & Bears, and drinks by Booze & Brews, gave attendees the chance to celebrate the production team’s efforts and the film’s message of perseverance and hope.

“A Heart Full of Hope is more than a holiday movie—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness and faith can light the way,” said Nicole Mendez. “We’re proud to collaborate with MNITF to highlight a message that resonates far beyond the screen and will bring awareness to the importance of living kidney donors,” added Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

The film recently had success on the film festival circuit, winning at the Cannes World Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Awards, and the Accolade Global Film Competition. It was also a finalist at the Bright Light International Film Festival and an official selection of the Glendale International Film Festival. A Heart Full of Hope is now available to watch on multiple streaming platforms.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Film

The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala Shines Bright at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

11/22/2025 by Susan von Seggern

An elegant evening produced by Nicole Mendez & Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions celebrates philanthropy, entertainment, and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation’s life-saving mission
Beverly Hills, CA – November 6, 2025 – The 2025 Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) Holiday Gala, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 2nd, and produced by Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions, was a dazzling evening of entertainment, inspiration, and generosity.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Eva LaRue, best known for CSI: Miami and her acclaimed work in daytime television, the gala brought together Hollywood talent, donors, and advocates to support MNITF’s mission of advancing organ transplantation through research and education.

The evening’s program featured a lively tap dance routine produced by Shannon Beach, a mesmerizing hand-balancing act, and a festive finale by The Satin Dollz, who performed a 1940s-inspired holiday medley.

Among the many notable guests were Eric Roberts, Michael Paré, and Stepfanie Kramer, who joined attendees in celebrating the foundation’s continued impact and outreach.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors. Corporate sponsors included: Parking Company of America, Natera, TFS Financial Insurance Services & Total Financial Solutions, Inc., Fiduciary Trust International, Galpin Motors, Dukes Wealth Management, and Midwest Railway Services.
Guests walked the red carpet, enjoyed handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, bid on exclusive auction items, and departed with elegant gift bags—all in the spirit of giving.

Gift bag sponsors included: Ellovi, Beez Gone Natural Skincare, Velvet Sunglasses, Foskaris Wellness, Skanties Anti-Shapewear, Mr. Stew, B!atch Tequila, Capaquarius Media, and Booze & Brews #2.
The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala was truly a night to remember, honoring the compassion and commitment that drives the foundation’s mission forward.

Filed Under: Charity, Entertainment, Events

Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation Wrap Filming on Heart Full of Hope, a Holiday Feature Raising Awareness for Kidney Disease

04/18/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – April 10, 2025 – Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) are proud to announce the completion of principal photography for Heart Full of Hope, their second Christmas holiday film dedicated to raising awareness about kidney disease. This poignant feature, produced by Nicole Mendez and Suzanne DeLaurentiis, tells an inspiring story of resilience, love, and the transformative power of kindness while shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals battling renal failure.

Written by Tricia Aurand and directed by Dale Fabrigar, Heart Full of Hope is a tender holiday film starring Juliah Taylor, Chelsea Cook, and Sebastian Armani. With its themes of perseverance and hope, it promises to be a moving addition to the holiday season lineup.

Heart Full of Hope follows Whitney, played by Juliah Taylor, a determined woman in her 30s who refuses to let renal failure or the demands of regular dialysis stand in the way of her dream to earn a college degree. Supporting her is her vibrant younger sister, Lynette, played by Chelsea Cook, whose unwavering love masks the heartache of knowing she isn’t a match to help Whitney through a kidney transplant.

The story takes an uplifting turn when Whitney forms a unique bond with Sebastian, played by Sebastian Armani. Sebastian is a charismatic teacher who has recently returned home to teach at her college. As Whitney introduces Sebastian to Lynette, sparks fly between them, bringing unexpected joy into their lives.

Meanwhile, Lynette’s boss, Kaya, a Native American woman, played by Cree Armstead, reveals that her grandfather is battling kidney failure and struggling to find a donor. Through Kaya’s heartfelt story, Lynette gains insight into the broader impact of kidney disease within Native American communities and begins understanding the systemic challenges many face in finding treatment.

Heart Full of Hope will be released during the 2025 holiday season. For updates on the film and information about kidney disease awareness initiatives, visit MNITF.org.

About the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF):
MNITF is a public non-profit organization that adheres to its mission of advancing the science and practice of organ transplantation and end-stage organ disease therapies through research, education, and innovation. MNITF’s commitment to education and outreach has resulted in successful, community patient education programs that target underserved populations to increase awareness and access to transplantation.

For more information on MNITF, please see https://mnitf.org/. For more information on Suzanne DeLaurentiis, please see https://suzannedelaurentiisproduction.com/. For media needs, including interviews with talent or producers, or production stills, please contact Susan von Seggern at susan@susanvonseggern.com or 213-840-0077.

Filed Under: Charity, Entertainment, Film

Noah Solt Navigates Inner Luminosity with New Single “Old Star” Out Today

02/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

San Francisco, CA – January 29, 2025 – Indie-folk artist and sea captain Noah Solt releases his enchanting new single, “Old Star,” today. This soulful track serves as the first glimpse into his upcoming album, The Flight of Fallen Leaves, and reflects the serenity and wisdom gained from life at sea.

“Old Star” invites listeners on a journey to introspection through gentle, hymn-like melodies and poetic lyrics. Inspired by Solt’s sailing adventures, the song captures the unpredictability of navigating one’s inner search for belonging. “Old Star reminds me of sailing offshore, where the light of the stars serves as a quiet reassurance—guiding me home,” Solt explains.

This release marks a significant evolution in Solt’s artistry, showcasing a more intimate and ethereal folk sound. The single distills his experiences into a deeply personal space of less sound and deeper resonance, reflecting his artistic journey of bold exploration and intentional reduction.

From Berklee to the High Seas
Noah Solt’s path to “Old Star” has been one of unconventional twists and turns. After a year at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Solt boldly pursued his lifelong dream of sailing worldwide. This three-year maritime adventure catalyzed an outward journey and an inward one, shaping the introspective nature of his music.

Anchored in San Francisco
Now based in San Francisco, Solt lives aboard his sailboat, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant creative energy and diverse culture. His unique background as both musician and sailor infuses his work with rare depth and authenticity, positioning him as a rising star in the indie folk scene.

“Old Star” and the forthcoming album, The Flight of Fallen Leaves, promise to deepen Solt’s musical evolution. By blending poetic songwriting with the quiet wisdom gained from life at sea, his music creates a space for listeners to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their inner luminosity in an often chaotic world.

“Old Star” will be available on all major streaming platforms today.

About Noah Solt
Noah Solt is an indie-folk musician and sea captain whose music navigates the tension and release found in a journey of return. His artistic path has been one of bold exploration and intentional reduction, distilling his work into a more intimate form. Solt’s unique experiences sailing the world’s oceans have given him time to reflect on what matters, creating an introspective and expansive sound that resonates deeply with audiences.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music

Shining a Light on An Untold WWII Tale. Jeep Shows Were Front Line Entertainment by Entertainment Soldiers in the Morale Corps

02/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Jeep Show Author and Expert Robert B. O’Connor Available for Coverage Leading Up to VE Day’s 80th Anniversary, May 8

Memphis, TN – February 6, 2025—As the 80th Anniversary of VE Day approaches, there are precious few stories of World War II in the European Theater of Operations that have not been told, told, and told. However, Memphis-based author Robert B. O’Connor has found and extensively researched such a story.

His book, Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, was released in late 2024 for the 80th Anniversary of that monumental battle, where much of the action takes place. Jeep Show tells the never-before publicized story of the enlisted entertainers of the Army’s Morale Corp. The book follows Private Jim Tanzer and his squad leader, Mickey Rooney, Hollywood’s top box office star from 1939 to 1941, as their Jeep shows tour the front lines where the USO and the Red Cross could not go. The action ramps up when the Germans attack in force, and Private Tanzer inadvertently becomes part of Team SNAFU, the unit of irregulars supporting the 101st Airborne Division in the heroic defense of Bastogne.

O’Connor notes, “When I heard that Jim Hetzer, the WWII Veteran who inspired my main character, entertained combat troops at the front, my first thought was: enlisted men were entertainers? Like most people, I thought there was just the USO’s civilian celebs entertaining the troops in the rear echelon. But, with their Jeep shows, the brave men of the Morale Corp brought a bit of home and humor to the front lines. Due to the fog of war, some of these men ended up in combat. An irresistible story.”

Jeep Show has become a popular book in military and veteran communities, with O’Connor appearing on many vet podcasts, including Veteran’s Radio, Veteran’s Breakfast Club, and more. Don Abernathy of What’s The Scuttlebutt notes, “I can count on two hands the number of fiction books I’ve read in my life. I’ve read hundreds of books, but I don’t devote time to fiction at all. I did 80 pages last night, and I’ve been thinking about it all day. I have been looking so forward to getting back into it. There’s no better compliment.”

The book has been well-reviewed:
“Although a work of fiction, Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge brilliantly draws upon real people, places, and events drawn from the European theatre of World War II. A fun and fascinating read from start to finish, one that rises to an impressive level of literary excellence.” – Midwest Book Review

“It seems odd to call a World War II novel ‘delightful,’ but that’s exactly what you get with O’Connor’s mix of history and fiction as battles rage on and enlisted men entertain the troops.” – Kirkus, Starred Review

“This refreshing take on military fiction masterfully balances the gravity of war with unexpected moments of fun and camaraderie.” – Publisher’s Weekly BookLife, Editor’s Pick

“Band of Brothers meets Forrest Gump.” – Amazon Reader Review

Interviewers find Robert O’Connor an excellent interview with these and many other noting:
“You will not be able to find any time when that dialogue does not fit the time and the place, and the circumstance. Where the history doesn’t match the exact history.” – Jon Hagadorn, 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast

“You were amazing. It was an honor.” – Joe Dimino, Famous Interviews Podcast

“Your insights brought such depth to the conversation, and your passion for sharing this important history was both engaging and inspiring.” – Jorge Loza and Wesley Reynolds, Two Motrin and Water Podcast

Jeep Show author Robert O’Connor will make a fantastic guest or expert for the 80th anniversary of VE Day coverage needs. This never-before-told tale is a perfect way to celebrate America’s victory over fascism with the heart and soul of the US Army’s Morale Corp. And couldn’t we all use a little morale in 2025?

Filed Under: Books, Entertainment

Grammy Nominated, Long Time Spiritual Music Leader Jai Uttal Releases His Version of the Hanuman Chalisa

12/18/2024 by Susan von Seggern

Fairfax, CA – November 14, 2024 – Jai Uttal’s majestic musical setting for the ancient Hindu prayer, the Hanuman Chalisa, is a tour-de-force of devotional musical artistry. The 16-minute composition moves dynamically through myriad moods, bringing to vivid life the epic story of the shape-shifting Hindu monkey deity Hanuman—avatar of Shiva and embodiment of universal love (bhakti) and service (seva) to one’s fellow beings.

The Hanuman Chalisa text was composed by the 16th-century Indian poet and saint Tulsidas. He adapted earlier Sanskrit sources to sing Hanuman’s praises in the vernacular Awadhi language—the language of his people and time period. The Hanuman Chalisa is a life-affirming prayer for all times and places.

“Now, in this time of global crisis,” says Jai, “I offer you my version, entitled Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace.”

Jai Uttal first learned the Chalisa at the feet of his gurus, Neem Karoli Baba and Sri Siddhi Ma, in India in the 1970s. It has been a part of his daily, personal spiritual practice ever since. He decided to share the Chalisa with a wider audience when theater director David Kersnar approached Jai about turning it into an opera for the stage. Early GarageBand demos—Couch Potato Productions as Jai calls them—soon blossomed into a gloriously rich studio recording with longtime Jai Uttal collaborators, the Pagan Love Orchestra and producer Ben Leinbach.

The result is a work of multi-hued, many-faceted splendor. A wistful Doha, or invocation to the gurus, gives way to jubilantly melodic verses—40 in all—punctuated by resplendent recurrences of the root mantra “Jay Sita Ram, Jay Sita Ram, Jay Jay Hanuman.” The music moves with the story—through major and minor modes, deeply-rooted grooves, and moments of floating timelessly in space. A stirring sense of pageantry informs Peter Apfelbaum’s triumphant horn arrangements. Backing vocalists Sandy and Natalie Cressman and Prajna Vieira evoke the feminine energy of Sita, the divine heroine of the saga. Their voices lend an angelic glow to the music.

And throughout, the voice of Jai Uttal—imbued with a lifetime of devotional chanting—guides us deep into the Hanuman Chalisa’s many subtle shades of Divine Love.

“I wanted to make a musical arrangement that expresses the dynamic and brilliantly shining personality of Hanuman,” says Jai, “and something that also reflects the many facets of my long musical, human, and spiritual journey.”

With its joyful, uplifting artistry, the Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace is a balm for our troubled times.
– Alan DiPerna, October 2024

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Metaphysical, Music, Theater

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