Susan von Seggern

Public Relations

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

8th Annual OC Yoga Fest Returns to Huntington Beach August 16-17, 2025

08/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

A Weekend of Wellness, Community, and Oceanfront Fun – Now with Expanded Family, First Responder, and Charity Programming

Huntington Beach, CA — July 22, 2025 – The sun-soaked shores of Surf City will once again host thousands for the 8th Annual OC Yoga Fest on August 16th and 17th, 2025. This vibrant, all-ages wellness weekend transforms the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza & Beach into a holistic hub of transformation, music, movement, and a mindful community – all with a unique SoCal spirit.

Festival Highlights:
FREE Access: General admission, all talks, music concerts, vendor village, and beach games are free to attend, both days from 9am–6pm. For maximum wellness, purchase a ticket for unlimited beach classes (four 90-min sessions per day) led by top OC yoga, breathwork, and movement instructors.

World-Class Wellness Experiences:

  • Unlimited yoga, tai chi, sound healing, meditation, and biohacking zone plus talks from 9am-6pm. Talent lineup available at https://ocyogafest.com/.
  • Healing Pavilion on the sand featuring integrative healing modalities, open to all.
  • The “Limitless Longevity” area features hands-on demos and top brands for biohacking, recovery, and holistic health including an ice bath!

Saturday Classes and Entertainment:
Classes get started Saturday morning with Yogi Gabriel teaching a Kundalini class, and Newton Campbell with a Mindful Vinyasa Flow. Hannah Bararon will teach breathwork. Talks include “Chakras & Kundalini” by Yogiraj Utkarsh Sanjanwala, and “Ayurveda & Vedic Astrology” from world famous yogi Mas Vidal. Music on Saturday includes acoustic rocker Savannah Love, and folk singer Anna May.

Sunday Classes and Entertainment:
Sunday classes include movement with Sophia Saenz, Vinyasa Flow with Natalie Makardish, Acro-Yoga with Jack McKee & Alisa Roe, a wellness talk with Greg Wolfe, and a yoga for recovery talk from expert and author Bryan Hyman. Music on Sunday includes Live Looping from Freddie LB and the Doggies, folksinger Christopher Hawley, and Kirtan with the Shakti Bhakti Kirtan Troupe.

NEW Family Features:
A Kids Zone in the upper parking lot with free wellness classes and a bounce house for nonstop fun. Kids 12 and under are always free!
Youth & Community Programs:

  • Free tickets for teens affiliated with UPLIFT Yoga
  • Daily open yoga class dedicated to Fire Fighters and all First Responders
  • Morning “Fun Run” along the boardwalk

Wellness & Sport:

  • BeachCity Sports hosts a free, all-weekend volleyball tournament and beach games for every level.
  • Bike and surfboard rentals beside the stage at ZACKS shop—ride or catch a wave between classes.

Shopping & Samples:
70+ mindful vendors in the Zen Marketplace—many with complimentary snacks and samples, plus wellness brands offering expert advice.

VIP Experience:

  • Shaded VIP Lounge by SHIBUMI, stocked with refreshing drinks donated by sponsor partners and a selection of free snacks
  • Beach bar with a wine sponsor (TBA) and CuentaCuentos Mezcal
  • VIP after-party (location TBA) for Media, Sponsors, VIP Guests, Biohacking brands, and local wellness leaders

Live Music & Community:

  • Main stage is a semi-truck foldout located just right of the pier with grass and stadium seating—enjoy SoCal bands all weekend.
  • Sunday Kirtan set to close the fest (4:30–6pm), followed by a sunset drum circle (6–8pm).
  • Music talent lineup available at https://ocyogafest.com.

Pet-Friendly: Leashed pets welcome!

Charity & Partnerships:
Nearly all programming partners with local charities, nonprofits, or youth organizations. Partner organizations include: UPLIFT Yoga, Yoga for First Responders, Run Surf City, SoCal Kids Club, and Beach City Sports.

Ticketing:
Most of the event is open and free; wristbands ($44+) grant unlimited class access for a single day or the full weekend. Kids 12 and under always attend free, and special groups receive community passes. Tickets are available at https://www.sweatpals.com/event/oc-yoga-festival.

Media & Sponsor Info:
Media, local wellness brands, and in-kind and monetary sponsors can inquire about participation, VIP lounge and gift bag placement, or on-site tickets for special groups.

Join Us:
OC Yoga Fest 2025 is a celebration of inclusivity, community wellness, and oceanfront fun for everybody. Whether you come to move, meditate, listen, play, or just enjoy the beautiful SoCal beach vibes, all are welcome.

Visit: https://ocyogafest.com for schedule updates, VIP and wellness class passes, volunteer and vendor info, and more.

Filed Under: Events, Health, Meditation, Metaphysical, Yoga

Love, Camera, Action Event at The Ripped Bodice: A Romantic Bookstore, May 21, with Noted Romance Author Erin La Rosa Interviewing Scribe Noël Stark

05/15/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Culver City, CA – April 24, 2025 – Alcove Press/Penguin Random House author Noël Stark will be interviewed by noted romance and non-fiction author Erin La Rosa at 7 pm on May 21 at The Ripped Bodice Los Angeles, 3806 Main Street, Culver City, CA 90232. They will discuss Noel’s book Love, Camera, Action, her debut novel. The event is $22, and the ticket includes the book. Tickets are available here.

Love, Camera, Action is a sizzling workplace, enemies-to-lovers romance set against a film and television industry backdrop. It is perfect for fans of noted romance authors Ava Wilder and Tessa Bailey. Released this week, it is available at online and offline booksellers from Alcove Press through Penguin/Random House.

Noël Stark has worked in almost every film and TV industry position, appearing in Land of the Dead and DeGrassi, writing for Paw Patrol, producing over 200 hours of scripted and unscripted television, and having her film Stronger at both the Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals. Although Canadian, she lives in Hollywood with her young son, who desperately misses winter. She likes chocolate milk in her coffee and gets most of her real-world intel from her three step-children.

In the book, up-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels lands her big break directing a steamy episode of the popular series, The Demon. All she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show. Unfortunately, butting heads with the effortlessly sexy director of photography, Jory Blair, throws a wrench in her plans. Jory, who has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list cinematographer, finds himself rethinking his life after a recent health scare. He’s craving the director’s spot, but this creative newbie wants to change the look of his show!

As Cali navigates the pressures of her career-defining opportunity, she finds herself constantly challenged by Jory’s traditional approach. Their creative differences ignite sparks, leading to an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore.

The high-stakes environment of the set, combined with Cali’s undeniable attraction to Jory, creates a whirlwind of passion and conflict. As their collaboration deepens, the show’s producer subtly suggests Jory sabotage Cali to achieve his goals, putting their careers and hearts on the line. In this world of bright lights and even brighter ambitions, Cali and Jory must decide if chasing their dream jobs is worth losing the dream of a future together.

Praise for Love, Camera, Action:

  • “The romantic tension between the two is palpable.” —Publishers Weekly
  • “Love, Camera, Action is hot enough to burn down the set and good enough you’ll read it in one take.” —Katie Kennedy, author of Hearts on Thin Ice
  • “What a delight! Not only is this a juicy and romantic wild ride, it’s also such a well-informed view of the politics and nuances of the film biz, and watching both these leads navigate their growing feelings alongside a great assortment of creative ups and downs is a thoroughly enjoyable to read.” —Aimee Bender, author of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
  • “A whip-smart romantic comedy! Blistering enemies-to-lovers banter and sizzling spice make Love, Camera, Action a must-read. I dare you not to devour this addictive debut.” — Kelly Siskind, author of the One Wild Wish series

Filed Under: Books, Events

Love, Camera, Action Release Event at Village Well Books, April 21, with Bestselling Author Aimee Bender Interviewing Scribe Noël Stark

04/18/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Culver City, CA – Alcove Press/Penguin Random House author Noël Stark will be interviewed by New York Times bestselling author Aimee Bender at 6 pm on April 21 at the Village Well Bookstore, 9900 Culver Blvd #1b, Culver City, CA 90232. They will discuss Noel’s book Love, Camera, Action, her debut novel. The event is free.

Love, Camera, Action is a sizzling workplace, enemies-to-lovers romance set against a film and television industry backdrop. It is perfect for fans of noted romance authors Ava Wilder and Tessa Bailey. On April 22, it will be available at online and offline booksellers from Alcove Press through Penguin/Random House.

Noël Stark has worked in almost every film and TV industry position, appearing in Land of the Dead and DeGrassi, writing for Paw Patrol, producing over 200 hours of scripted and unscripted television, and having her film Stronger at both the Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals. Although Canadian, she lives in Hollywood with her young son, who desperately misses winter. She likes chocolate milk in her coffee and gets most of her real-world intel from her three step-children.

In the book, up-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels lands her big break directing a steamy episode of the popular series, The Demon. All she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show. Unfortunately, butting heads with the effortlessly sexy director of photography, Jory Blair, throws a wrench in her plans. Jory, who has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list cinematographer, finds himself rethinking his life after a recent health scare. He’s craving the director’s spot, but this creative newbie wants to change the look of his show!

As Cali navigates the pressures of her career-defining opportunity, she finds herself constantly challenged by Jory’s traditional approach. Their creative differences ignite sparks, leading to an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore.

The high-stakes environment of the set, combined with Cali’s undeniable attraction to Jory, creates a whirlwind of passion and conflict. As their collaboration deepens, the show’s producer subtly suggests Jory sabotage Cali to achieve his goals, putting their careers and hearts on the line. In this world of bright lights and even brighter ambitions, Cali and Jory must decide if chasing their dream jobs is worth losing the dream of a future together.

Praise for Love, Camera, Action:

  • “The romantic tension between the two is palpable.” —Publishers Weekly
  • “Love, Camera, Action is hot enough to burn down the set and good enough you’ll read it in one take.” —Katie Kennedy, author of Hearts on Thin Ice
  • “A juicy and romantic wild ride . . . Thoroughly enjoyable to read.” —Aimee Bender, author of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Filed Under: Books, Events

Lean Enterprise Institute Releases Managing on Purpose by Mark Reich at Lean Summit 2025, Tomorrow

03/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Atlanta, GA – March 4, 2025—The Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) is pleased to announce the release of Managing on Purpose by Mark Reich, Senior Coach and Chief Engineer of Strategy at LEI, tomorrow. Reich will deliver a keynote speech and lead a panel discussion at the Lean Summit 2025 to mark the release. The event will take place March 5 and 6, 2025, at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339, USA.

“After 23 years working in Toyota, including as an executive leading hoshin kanri for North American headquarters, and another 13 years helping companies in a variety of sectors improve their processes with lean principles, I’m thrilled to release my book Managing on Purpose and give the keynote at LEI’s most important annual event, notes Reich, adding, “I know this book will help execs and managers enhance their leadership development, make lasting positive change, and improve their bottom line.”

Reich will give the Summit keynote address at 9:30 a.m., followed by a keynote panel on which he will host Marcia Brey, Vice President of Logistics at GE Appliances; Charles F. Murphy, Senior Vice President at Turner Construction Company, the leading general builder in the US; Geoff Miller, CEO of Grand Rapids Chair; and Mukesh Bangia, Vice-President at Nucleus Software.

Reich, will share insights on implementing hoshin kanri, a core component of lean management systems. His presentation will focus on aligning organizational strategy with daily operations to drive sustainable growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Managing on Purpose will be officially released at the Summit, and copies will be available for purchase and signing.

About Mark Reich
Mark Reich has over 23 years of experience with Toyota, where he was the process owner of hoshin kanri for North America. As a senior coach at LEI, he has collaborated with numerous business leaders to implement lean practices, including developing and executing hoshin kanri in their organizations. His unique perspective makes Managing on Purpose a vital resource and a practical toolkit for aspiring leaders.

About the Lean Summit 2025
The Lean Summit 2025 is LEI’s flagship event. It brings together leaders and practitioners from diverse industries to share knowledge and best practices in lean thinking and methodologies. For more information about the Lean Summit 2025 or to register, please visit https://events.lean.org/event/cbccfabf-1519-4cd2-ae7c-cc2000844719/overview-lean-summit-2025.

About the Lean Enterprise Institute
The Lean Enterprise Institute Inc. is a nonprofit based in Boston, MA, with a mission to make things better by advancing lean thinking and practice. It fulfills its mission by publishing books, instructing workshops, hosting conferences, partnering with companies, and issuing free content on its website, www.lean.org.

Filed Under: Business, Events

“Jeep Show” Author, Memphian Robert B. O’Connor to Speak at Morton Museum’s Lunch & Learn Series, February 27

02/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

“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)

COLLIERVILLE, TN – January 30, 2025 – Robert B. O’Connor, author of the compelling new historical fiction novel “Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge,” will be the featured speaker at the Morton Museum of Collierville History’s Lunch & Learn series on Tuesday, February 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

O’Connor will discuss his critically acclaimed, meticulously researched novel, which chronicles the remarkable journey of Jim Tanzer, a 30-year-old dance instructor who enlists in the Army during World War II despite having a draft deferment. The book offers a unique perspective on the war, focusing on enlisted entertainers in the little-known Morale Corps and their efforts to boost troop morale through entertainment in combat areas where the USO and the Red Cross could not go.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Morton Museum of Collierville History, 196 Main Street, Collierville, Tennessee 38017
Cost: Free to attend; participants are encouraged to bring their lunch

“Jeep Show” intertwines personal narratives with historical events, notably the Battle of the Bulge, providing readers with a fresh perspective on World War II. O’Connor’s presentation promises to shed light on the extensive morale-boosting efforts of the U.S. Army during the war and the author’s research process and inspiration for the novel.

The Morton Museum’s Lunch & Learn series allows attendees to explore diverse topics through engaging presentations while enjoying their lunch in the museum’s welcoming atmosphere. This event will appeal to history enthusiasts, WWII buffs, and fiction lovers alike.

Robert B. O’Connor, a Memphis-based author, has previously published the nonfiction book “Gumptionade.” His work often focuses on stories of determination triumphing over adversity in history and everyday life.

For more information about the event or to RSVP, please see https://www.colliervilletn.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1012/733?curm=2&cury=2025.

About the Morton Museum of Collierville History:
The Morton Museum of Collierville History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Collierville and the surrounding area. The museum strives to engage the community in exploring local history and culture through its exhibits, educational programs, and events, such as the Lunch & Learn series.

Filed Under: Books, Events

Lean Enterprise Institute Announces Mark Reich as Keynote Speaker at Lean Summit 2025, March 5, 2025

02/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

BOSTON, MA – February 5, 2025—The Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) is pleased to announce that Mark Reich, Senior Coach and Chief Engineer of Strategy at LEI, will deliver a keynote speech and lead a panel discussion at the upcoming Lean Summit 2025. The event will take place March 5 and 6, 2025, at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339, USA.

Reich will give the keynote address at 9:30 a.m., followed by a keynote panel on which he will host Marcia Brey, Vice President of Logistics at GE Appliances; Charles F. Murphy, Senior Vice President at Turner Construction Company, the leading general builder in the US; Geoff Miller, CEO of Grand Rapids Chair; and an executive from Nucleus Software.

“I’m thrilled that we have such a diverse group of international businesses represented on the panel, including small and large consumer goods manufacturers, construction, and software,” notes Reich. Adding, “It shows how lean thinking and hoshin kanri can be applied to just about any business or use case.”

Reich, author of the highly anticipated book Managing on Purpose, out on March 5 as well, will share insights on implementing hoshin kanri, a core component of lean management systems. His presentation will focus on aligning organizational strategy with daily operations to drive sustainable growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Event Highlights

Keynote Speech:
Mark Reich will discuss key concepts from his new book and offer practical strategies for leaders to enhance their organizations’ performance.

Panel Discussion:
Reich will lead Brey and Murphy in exploring real-world applications of lean principles across various sectors.

Book Launch:
Managing on Purpose will be officially released at the summit, and copies will be available for purchase and signing.

About Mark Reich
Mark Reich has over 23 years of experience with Toyota, where he was the process owner of hoshin kanri for North America. As a senior coach at LEI, he has collaborated with numerous business leaders to implement lean practices, including developing and executing hoshin kanri in their organizations. His unique perspective makes Managing on Purpose a vital resource and a practical toolkit for aspiring leaders.

About the Lean Summit 2025
The Lean Summit 2025 is LEI’s flagship event. It brings together leaders and practitioners from diverse industries to share knowledge and best practices in lean thinking and methodologies. For more information about the Lean Summit 2025 or to register, please visit https://events.lean.org/event/cbccfabf-1519-4cd2-ae7c-cc2000844719/overview-lean-summit-2025.

About the Lean Enterprise Institute
The Lean Enterprise Institute Inc. is a nonprofit based in Boston, MA, with a mission to make things better by advancing lean thinking and practice. It fulfills its mission by publishing books, instructing workshops, hosting conferences, partnering with companies, and issuing free content on its website, www.lean.org.

Filed Under: Business, Education, Entrepreneurial, Events, Tech

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

Anne Lamott and Jai Uttal Bring Magic to the Marin Showcase Theater on November 17

11/14/2024 by Susan von Seggern

Jai Will Also Release His Version of the beloved prayer, the Hanuman Chalisa, on November 15th

San Rafael, CA – October 30, 2024—Bestselling author and activist Anne Lamott and world-renowned, Grammy-nominated musician Jai Uttal will join forces to present an evening of holy music and beloved stories. “Sanctuaries: An Evening with Anne Lamott and Jai Uttal” will occur at the Marin Showcase Theater, 20 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903, on November 17 from 7-9 pm. These long-time friends have found perfect creative partners in each other to express what they have experienced along life’s way with reverence, harmony, and laughter.

In these often cold and frightening times, Jai and Anne will present sacred songs and stories illuminating the great teachings life has bestowed on them as they search for meaning, truth, authenticity, and peace. This night will be a kind of duet. Jai will offer chants and songs of praise and devotion to open our hearts, and Anne will read from her inspiring 2024 book “Somehow: Thoughts on Love,” a #1 New York Times bestseller.

Jai and Anne have been friends since they met in 2001 at a local 12-step meeting. Now, both are based in Marin, and they have long wanted to work together. Jai notes, “Annie and I have been trying to figure out a way to work together for ages, and we were super happy when this Marin event came together. We look forward to sharing our art and the community we hold dear.”

Anne and Jai are excited for their Bay Area fans and friends to see them for this unique event – two old friends on stage, offering love and creation and open to magic.

Tickets are $108 for the first three rows, $80 for the middle section, and $50 for the last three rows. Tickets are available at https://tickets.marincenter.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=418.

Meanwhile, Jai has been hard at work recording what some have called his ‘Magnum Opus,’ Hanuman Chalisa, for World Peace. The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn in praise of Hanuman that is recited by millions of people every day across the globe. It was written in the 16th century by the poet-saint Tulsi Das, who became a folk hero for retelling the Ramayana in the language of the common people. Hanuman, one of the central characters of this epic tale, is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, a devotee of Rama and the embodiment of ‘power in the service of love.’ Tulsi Das’ Hanuman Chalisa praises, invokes, and contains the very essence of the beloved monkey god and asks him to bless us with devotion, strength, and purpose. Jai will be pressing a very limited edition of the signed CD available to a few lucky people. Fans are encouraged to pre-save the song from https://ffm.to/hanuman-chalisa. Jai’s version of this song is available for the media to preview here.

Filed Under: Events, Music

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