Stories That Define The Power Of The Human Spirit

“If it’s a great story, it’ll make it to the screen.” Much can be said about the fortunes of the powerful Hollywood elite. You know, the deal makers. As a fledgling feature film screenwriter and producer, who rocketed out of my chair in Jeanette Milio’s “Entertainment Financing: From First $ To Distribution Of Profit” course, and whose screenwriting craft has been ably developed by the creative brilliance and dedication of Matthew Harrison, Leon Martell, and Michael Weiss, I’ve learned first-hand just how hard the task is, even for those with finance and writing prowess.

But when you’re a born creative, with emotion and purpose that fills an ocean, everything is possible! Perhaps this explains why, two years later, I’m still binge watching one of the finest pieces of scripted drama in American television history, “Queen Of The South” (QOTS). Epic cinematic history I will never forget! If my story “The Deal Closer” makes it to the big screen, and it will, the screenwriting and story development mastery of showrunners Benjamin Lobato and Dailyn Rodriguez, and the QOTS writers will figure prominently in my motivation!

While the details are different, born out of circumstance of life, the two stories follow a similar path. A naive yet strategic and highly competitive female mind, drawn to risk and danger, makes her way from innocent youth to powerful industry leader. The journey is complex and tragic, a wild ride filled with danger and delicious passion in iconic settings of culture, that ultimately leads the heroine to confront the adult persona that holds her captive.

I’ll be honest. While the immensely talented and charismatic Peter Gadiot brought me into the “Queen Of The South” series, it was Alice Braga’s powerful portrayal of Teresa Mendoza, that grabbed me hook line and sinker! An accomplished feature film actress whose IMDB credits span productions from her native Brazil, to sought after roles in Hollywood, Alice Braga brings this compelling character to life in her first television series! A young girl from the drug running streets of Culiacan, the capital city of Sinaloa, Mexico, whose trajectory to “Jefa” of the largest drug cartel in the western hemisphere, to eventual escape and betterment of purpose, will captivate the human spirit! Based on the international best seller “La Reina del Sur” by Arturo Perez-Reverte, in this five season television series, Alice Braga has delivered one of the most engaging and dramatic character arcs in American TV history. Salud!

A remarkable cast that transcends geography and experience, completes this first-rate show running package. Hemky Madera as Teresa’s loveable but fierce protector Pote plays a veteran cartel sicario, who handily dispenses punishment and death to the evilest of characters.

Molly Burnett, who joined the cast in season two, delivers an intense and captivating character arc in Kelly Anne. A young lawyer who graduated at the top of her class, but became a doormat to her abusive husband, then betrayed la Jefa in a drug and alcohol induced mindset, eventually turns her life around and creates a safe world for those she loves.

The creative brilliance of Ryan O’Nan, first as writer, and second as actor, as our beloved King George, is responsible for some of the most memorable adventure scenes and creative dialog of this series. We will always remember the affectionate names he chose for Teresa, Pote, and James; Principacia, Chewy, and Baby Chapo.

While it’s hard to imagine ever having any good feelings for evil CIA operative Devon Finch, the audience is mesmerized by actor Jamie Hector’s masterful delivery of this very evil character who doesn’t mince words with anyone. The Writer who developed this character, and the Casting Director who chose Hector, stand tall among the crowd!

Jon-Michael Ecker as Teresa’s drug running boyfriend Guero, delivers an intoxicating performance that spans four seasons, in life and in death, that gives new meaning to the words, “raising the stakes”.

Devoted cartel captain Chicho, who joined the cast in season four, portrayed by the very talented Alejandro Barrios, simply draws the viewer in with a quiet yet strong presence. It’s pure milk and honey when Teresa leaves him the New Orleans winery and distillery.

Alimi Ballard as the highly principled and suave Marcel Dumas, the reigning drug lord in New Orleans before Teresa arrived on the scene, simply brings down the house with prolific performances in seasons four and five. In a very powerful and final scene you’ll just have to watch, we experience the true depth of Teresa’s generosity and body of spirit, through the quiet deftness and emotional ferocity of Ballard’s Dumas. Devoted viewers will never forget that waterfront scene. Yes it’s all about #QueenFamilia.

I could write a whole treatment on the amazing acting talent of British born Peter Gadiot. With Dutch and Mexican heritage, kudos to the resourceful development exec or agent who brought Gadiot in to play the enigmatic James Valdez. His complex and enduring relationship with our heroine, is pure emotional candy from the finest sugar cane, that tugs emphatically at our heart strings. I first discovered this Drama Centre London trained actor in the fantastical Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis adventure “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”. There was no looking back after that.

I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the outstanding work of cinematographer Abraham Martinez, and Composers Raney Shockne and Giorgio Moroder, whose feature film quality production will reign long for this USA Network scripted TV series! You can catch “Queen of the South” on Netflix or purchase the series on Amazon Prime, as I have done.

As for my feature film project “The Deal Closer”, while the primary intent in this article is to share my passionate and heart fueled ride as a devoted fan of “Queen of the South”, I’m here to say my story has taken flight! I’ve stormed the canyon to the summit, driven on the powerful and overflowing creative fire that QOTS has sparked inside of me!

Supported by a committed and thoughtful group of screenwriting warriors who I meet with weekly on Zoom, I’m most grateful for Margaret, Deborah, Amy, Rachel, and Suzanne.

The Deal Closer follows the journey of steely eyed investment banker Katherine Gilbert, from the heyday of 80’s Wall Street to the hills of Laurel Canyon and the wildly decadent Rock&Roll scene on the Sunset Strip. Katherine’s collision course with rocker Billy Desario, effused in love and business, and complete dedication to the music pure and simple, will fill the audience with rich and storied culture. But it’s Katherine’s journey coming to terms with the sudden murder of her estranged mother, who was also her business partner, that will propel you forward in this fast moving and inspiring story of career ambition, love, and betrayal.

Stay tuned I’ll certainly let you know when “The Deal Closer” rocket ship blasts off!

I guess it’s only fitting to take you out with this incredibly beautiful and inspiring scene, crafted in rich cinematic experience. Queen of the South James and Teresa Final Scene Enjoy!

USA Network Queen of the South

June 12, 2021 By Cynthia Drew In Screenwriting / 2 Comments

ROCK ROYALTY INCARNATE

To be fully transparent, I had not planned to write another blog post on the planet’s greatest Rock&Roll band, my beloved Guns N’ Roses. But after four hours of exquisite musical masterpiece Wednesday night November 29, 2017, in the final performance of the 2017 Not In This Lifetime tour, by the “full on” committed talent of these exceptionally gifted rockers now in their 50’s, following multiple decades of excess and strife hard to fathom, I couldn’t possibly maintain integrity of my musical brand, if I were to write nothing.

Since my Signature VIP experience the opening night April 8, 2016 at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and spanning 2 years, 6 states, 11 electrifying performances, backstage tours, on stage photos, lots of swag and iconic limited edition apparel purchases, more VIP lanyards, a “jumbotron” capture, and an official GN’R Tweet Like and “Retweet”, my eyes and ears were wide open, no ear plugs please, as Guns N’ Roses rightly brought down the house Wednesday night at iconic music venue The Forum in Los Angeles, California, to close out year two of a once “never imaginable” #NotInThisLifetime tour!

I hope this post captures the essence of my awe and admiration. In the last three years, I have learned a lot about what it takes to create music to fill one’s soul. If you’re lucky, you write countless songs, over many years, with many collaborators and perhaps one or two will become a hit. Then of course you have the select few, in your genre of choice, that you can count on one hand, a group of musicians that somehow find each other and legends are sprung! Guns N’ Roses is that band!

Shortly after 8pm Wednesday night November 29, 2017, the seven band members of Guns N’ Roses, six men and one woman, three of which built this iconic act from the ground up, stormed onto the stage of the venerable and refurbished Forum in downtown Los Angeles. They would exit the stage about 4 hours later after playing a record 37 timeless classics that had fans on their feet swaying to and fro, arms in the air, singing along with passionate might, and some with tears flowing. From the early days in the late 1980’s and their meteoric rise to fame on the best selling debut album in U.S. history, “Appetite for Destruction”, to the Grammy Nominated Use Your Illusion I & II albums, to the 2008 release of Chinese Democracy, the collective talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in this band, has arguably ignited one of the greatest resurgences in Rock&Roll history. Fans from across the U.S. and the world ascended upon L.A., as they similarly did in Vegas in April 2016, to bear witness to the majesty of Rock royalty incarnate, with the powerful & eloquent four octave vocal range of Axl Rose on Lead Vocals, Saul Hudson AKA Slash, Chief Shredder on the Electric Guitar, the commanding cool of Duff McKagan on Bass, the fierce and electric Richard Fortus on Rhythm Guitar, Dizzy Reed spinning exquisite lyrical yarns on the Keyboard, the mighty Frank Ferrer on Drums, and Guns N’ Roses first female band member, the very talented Melissa Reese on Keyboards and Backup Vocals.

They powered through timeless classics including “Welcome To The Jungle”, “Mr. Brownstone”, “Out Ta Get Me” and “Used to Love Her” that speak to the reckless abandon that first defined them. Axl Rose playfully offered up “You Could Be Mine” as a “touchy feely” love ballad. Awesome! We love engaging with our legendary frontman! The absolutely riveting and anthemic “Rocket Queen”, infused with epic guitar riffs that only Slash could craft and deliver, did indeed lead the charge for passionate love ballads, to which only a band like Guns N’ Roses could do justice, including “This I Love” from Chinese Democracy, and classics “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Don’t Cry”, and “November Rain”, with devoted fans erupting in emotion when Axl Rose’s Grand Piano arose from below the stage.

The intelligent and in your face “activist” persona of Guns N’ Roses certainly ignited a powerful response Wednesday night with thunderous applause and energy for the very timely classic “Civil War”. Title cut “Chinese Democracy” kicked things off early in the set list, and recent addition “Madagascar”, also from the Chinese Democracy album, burst into the mix in the encore. Income inequality and hate are powerful forces in our country that demand thoughtful action. I just love the integrity and commitment of this band to raise important thought provoking issues. Of course, a live Guns N’ Roses set would certainly not be complete without the driving instrumentals and scorching vocals in “My Michelle” and “Nightrain”.

The global Rock&Roll community has been devastated this past year with the passing of Chris Cornell from Soundgarden and Malcolm Young of AC/DC, among others. In tribute to these extraordinary musicians, Guns N’ Roses added Soundgarden cover “Black Hole Sun” to the set list on May 27 at Sloane Castle in Ireland. On this particular Wednesday night, epic GN’R classic and Bob Dylan cover “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” followed. A fan favorite with audience participation, this ballad has evolved since the early days at venues like The Ritz in New York City. The exquisite combination of Slash on the double neck guitar, “Mr. Richard Fortus” as introduced by Axl, on rhythm guitar, Dizzy Reed and Melissa Reese on the Keyboards will certainly bring you to your knees as you approach Heaven’s door. Perfectly placed following “Patience”, the band launched into AC/DC cover “Whole Lotta Rosie” to pay tribute to Malcolm Young, who was laid to rest days earlier in his hometown Australia. Both artists also hold the composition copyright to these two classics, which means their estates will receive performance royalties for each live GN’R performance.

The band added three songs the final evening, “There Was a Time” and “Catcher In the Rye” from Chinese Democracy, and “Yesterdays” from Use Your Illusion II, which I should note, includes Guns N’ Roses’ very popular Road Manager Del James on the composition copyright, which means he will receive a performance royalty check as well.

Hailing to the very beginning, epic anthem “Paradise City” continued to take the anchor position in leading us out for the night. You can’t argue with success! The energy in the room was still at a fever pitch and a very humble and quite chatty Axl Rose was beaming from ear to ear. Slash, who spends much of the night flying through the air in a tuck position some are lucky to capture on film, continues to evolve his brand with a trademark handstand on stage, this after 4 hours of intense sweat dripping shredding. Bravo! Duff McKagan, who strategically struts around the stage strumming that Bass Guitar like no other, delights his fans by spraying guitar pics from each section of the stage. Richard Fortus, whose skill on the rhythm guitar is beyond measure, commands your attention with a simple quiet strength. The presence of Keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Melissa Reese, tucked away in their mighty musical setups, are lost on no one. The incredible precision and strength of Drummer Frank Ferrer, with a kick a** smile to light up the world, rounds out this incredible ensemble we have come to know and love quite well over the past 20 months.

They return one final time for a bow. Tears are starting to well …. To lead us out, perhaps we should return to the beginning. Welcome To The Jungle baby!

Thank you for the gift of passionate A** Kicking Rock&Roll that fills my soul! I hope you all have a joyous and peace filled Holiday Season!

December 2, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll / 1 Comment

L.A. Music Scene

There are many reasons I moved to southern California, but the L.A. Music Scene certainly figures prominently. After arriving to Hollywood Burbank Airport Saturday night July 22, 2017 with my two mighty felines, I have hit the ground running! I should note this was fresh off an iconic performance two nights earlier at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, featuring none other than my beloved Guns N’ Roses. What a send off!

Thanks to a terrific new friend and industry mentor, the brilliant and very cool Jeff Gray, Music Supervisor and Copyright expert, I have found my musical home in the land of music and sunshine! I kicked off the musical trifecta Monday night July 24, 2017 at The Mint in West L.A. for Hot Tub Johnnie’s Hunnypot Live, a live Artist showcase and Music Industry talk show. Frequented by some terrific and veteran musical industry people, some of whom are now friends, the Hunnypot Live stage features talented performers across a wide variety of musical genre. I’d like to highlight two in particular. On my first visit, I had the great pleasure to meet Sarah Rogo, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from New England, who has taken the west coast music scene by storm, earning a nomination for Best Singer Songwriter at the 2017 San Diego Music Awards. Her first CD, “Sarah Rogo Live at Lestat’s West” was just released by the terrific team at Funzalo Records and she returns to The Mint Wednesday night November 8, 2017.

On October 2, the incredibly talented and full on personality of Addison Scott electrified the Hunnypot Live stage with a funky style R&B groove that absolutely commanded my attention! Hailing from New York, with clear energy and determination, this guy has definitely reeled in a new fan! Featured Artist Addison Scott.

On to the Ultimate Jam Night at the iconic Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. When I say I have found my musical home, this is it! Every Tuesday night, some incredibly talented LA based musicians, that starts with the house band, who I’ll get to in a minute, then rotates in a vast line up of emerging and known Rock&Roll talent. Their largely unrehearsed, theme driven performances will blow you away! Talk about commitment and excellence in the Arts, I think we need a new Musical Award Category! The Ultimate Jam Night is broadcast live around the world on Zinna.tv.

As to this incredible house band, I have to start first with Paul Zablidowsky, aka Paulie Z., lead singer, guitarist and regular host of the Ultimate Jam. A passionate and charismatic artist, his leadership and musical talent is awe inspiring! I should tell you, that at my first night at the Ultimate Jam, the Whisky was at capacity for a tribute in honor of Paulie Z.’s 38 year old brother David Zablidowsky, who had been killed a few days earlier in a fiery motor vehicle accident while on tour in Florida. Despite the incredible pain and anguish he must have been feeling, he was front and center, passionate as ever as the evening’s Host, and performing some epic ballads, including Foreigner’s “Jukebox Hero”! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Stars showed up to show their support including Twisted Sister’s Dee Snyder and current solo artist Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame. As Paul and David both hail from Brooklyn, NY, a music scholarship fund has been set up in David’s Name through the Brooklyn College Foundation. David Z Fund

I should note that the Ultimate Jam Night consistently stands up to support important causes. Paulie Z. was there once again at the hosting mic, for a benefit to raise money for the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. Other themes have included “Hot” to show support for California firefighters, who have been inundated with the worst fire season in the history of the state. All songs performed that night had the word “hot” in the title and included such classics as Rod Stewart’s “Hot Legs” and Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff”!

Artist Kacee Clanton brought down the house for her riveting performance of Janis Joplin on the Ultimate Jam Night’s “Woodstock” night. In her seventeenth year performing hits from this iconic legend gone too soon, she just wrapped a month long residence of “A Night With Janis Joplin” at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center and announced her retirement from the show. We look forward to her new musical adventures! Equally impressive was a seven piece instrumental collaboration that included a two piece brass section performing classics from Carlos Santana. Remember, these are largely unrehearsed performances. WOW!

Of course my final entry for the Ultimate Jam Night fall update, is Guns N’ Roses Night October 3, 2017, including a very special performance from original GN’R drummer Steven Adler! The Ultimate Jam Night and Whisky management pulled out all the stops to bring in the very best talent to perform some of Rock&Roll’s finest, yet very challenging musical masterpieces. They did not disappoint! Steven Adler came out to full on zeal from a packed and exuberant audience, to first pay tribute to Whisky and Rainbow Room founder Mario Maglieri, who passed recently. Joined by the very talented Patrick Stone on lead vocals, Jacob Bunton and Colin Reid on electric guitar, and L.A. Guns Johnny Martin on bass, they kicked of a formidable four song set with “Welcome To The Jungle”. Epic classic “November Rain” featured the magnificent voice of Jenna Syde of Paradise Kitty fame, Quiet Riot’s Alex Grossi on lead guitar, and regular Ultimate Jam Night bassist, the very cool and talented Sean McNabb from Lynch Mob, who just released their eighth studio album Brotherhood September 8, 2017.

Rounding out the musical genius of the Ultimate Jam Night house band regulars is UJN founder Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright, Mitch Perry from the legendary Edgar Winter band on the electric guitar, keyboardist and multi instrumentalist Walter Ino from Survivor, and Joe Travers from Duran Duran and Billy Idol on drums. This is a very special group of talented musicians. If you’re looking for me on a Tuesday night, this is where I’ll be!

Before I segue to my final new favorite musical hot spot, I must give a shout out to a very talented singer songwriter Jags, who I have not yet seen perform live, but had the great honor to meet. His newest EP release, “I AM”, is awesome! Title cut “I AM” features Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver fame on Drums. My favorite though is “Are You Listening”. You definitely want to check this guy out!

To round out my first quarter musical trifecta here in the land of music and sunshine, we now depart the Sunset Strip and travel up and over the majestic hills of Laurel Canyon to the Federal Bar in North Hollywood, for Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series. Hailing from incredible music pedigree, as the daughter of legendary songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Louise Goffin brought down the house on September 17 with an impressive performance all around, ably supported by a full ensemble band! Check out her new hit Revenge and you’ll begin to understand my excitement! This wildly talented singer, songwriter, recording artist, and multi instrumentalist is definitely a force to be reckoned with!

I’ll wrap with an absolutely incredible Mimosa Music performance, all the way from Australia, led by the amazing vocals and songwriting talent of veteran performer Paul Kelly, infused with the powerful and soulful R&B vocals of Vika and Linda Bull, accompanied by veteran talent Ashley Naylor on the Electric Guitar, Bill McDonald on Bass, Cameron Bruce on Keyboards, and Peter Luscombe on Drums. Oh my goodness I haven’t been this excited about a Rock&Roll band since I discovered Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators! Their 2017 album “Paul Kelly – Life is Fine”, distributed by EMI Australia, debuted at number one on the ARIA Charts and is Kelly’s first number one album in Australia! Well done! Their six week U.S. tour culminated at The Roxy in West Hollywood with a mighty performance to a packed and very engaged crowd Sunday night October 22! They returned home to Australia the next day and are now performing to sold out stadiums in their native Australia. I can’t wait for them to return to the U.S.!

I’ll leave you with Paul Kelly’s epic new ballad Rising Moon, filmed at a live performance September 27, 2017 at The City Winery in Atlanta. Enjoy!

Feature Image Credits: Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky A Go featuring Paulie Z. on Vocals, Sean McNabb on Bass, Mitch Perry on Guitar, Walter Ino on Keyboards, and Joe Travers on Drums.

Sarah Rogo performing at Hunnypot Live at The Mint 9/18/17

Addison Scott performing at Hunnypot Live at The Mint 10/2/17

Cynthia Drew and Jeff Gray Ultimate Jam Night at The Whisky A Go Go

Steven Adler Guns N’ Roses Night 10/3/17 Ultimate Jam at The Whisky A Go Go

Louise Goffin performing Gary Calamar Mimosa Music Series at The Federal Bar 9/17/17

Paul Kelly and Zika Bull performing at The Roxy 10/22/17

Paul Kelly and Vika Bull performing at The Roxy 10/22/17

Vika Bull performing at The Roxy with Paul Kelly 10/22/17

Ashley Naylor performing at The Roxy with Paul Kelly 10/22/17

October 30, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll / 1

Smoke On The Water

August was definitely the Rock&Roll month of 2016 with three live performances by three very different and talented bands! I’ve already shared two of those with you, both American born bands. Now you get to hear about my experience with a British Rock legend, recently inducted into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple. I give you the very cool and talented Mr. Glenn Hughes!

On August 15, 2016, this very young and energetic 64 year old rocker, whose powerful and diverse vocal range, delivered a top a mighty bass guitar, delivered a smoking array of classics to a sold out crowd at BB King’s Blues Club in New York City’s Times Square! Ably supported by Danish guitarist Soren Andersen and Swedish drummer Pontus Engborg, the packed crowd of Rock&Roll fans might well as lifted the stage from it’s supporting beams, in praise of this technically brilliant performance!

As a VIP Meet & Greet ticket holder, I stood in awe as we were treated to the intimate viewing of the music sound check, and then some generous time chatting with our iconic Rocker, as we met on the photo line. Mr. Glenn Hughes was very generous with his time, gracious and professional. I really appreciated that! Spanning a nearly 50 year career, this was the first solo U.S. tour for this very humble and grateful British born musician who repeatedly thanked the packed audience for their obvious passion and enthusiasm. Our Rocker was then delighted to share with us his intent to finally become a U.S. Citizen, and promised future U.S. tours.

He opened the set with the 1972 classic “Way Back to the Bone” from his early days with the band Trapeze. He powered through his Rock Hall of Fame material from Deep Purple, and on to his days with Hughes/Thrall, Black Country Communion, and to his new solo career. Classic “Medusa”, which he wrote as a teenager sitting on a stool in his grandmother’s kitchen, delivered the first high point of the night. To cap an incredible evening, he brought down the house with the final encore performance of Deep Purple’s “Burn”! A powerhouse Rock&Roll evening for the memory books!

I’ll send you off with this brilliant 2013 performance by Glenn Hughes and the impressive veteran lineup of the Kings of Chaos, performing live in Cape Town, South Africa. Enjoy! Smoke On The Water

Cynthia with Danish Guitarist Soren Andersen August 15, 2016 at BB Kings Blues Club

Glenn Hughes August 15, 2016 at BB King’s Blues Club

Glenn Hughes and Soren Andersen August 15, 2016 at BB Kings Blues Club

January 4, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In Songs /

#NotInThisLifetime

If you had asked me this time a year ago, if Guns N’ Roses would ever get back together, I would have answered, “Not in this lifetime.” Perhaps I should have been playing closer attention. There were definite signs, but I just didn’t believe it. In a Renaissance period of my life, fueled by my passion for epic Rock&Roll, I am simply grateful they made this choice and I had the opportunity to immerse myself in all of it! Following the memorable debut Arena performance Friday night April 8, 2016 at Las Vegas’ brand new T Mobile Arena, Masterpiece Guns N’ Roses historic reunion. my insatiable appetite for this band, no pun intended, demanded two more performances at hometown New York City area 82,500 seat capacity Met Life Stadium on July 23rd and 24th, and finally on August 12th to the magnificent city of Seattle, Washington, nestled between a thriving sea port and the majestic domes of Mount Rainier, a metropolis steeped in rich music history, and the hometown of GN’R Bass Player Duff McKagan. I have never attended more than one live concert event in one single tour, not even for the Stones, Led Zeppelin, or Aerosmith. Perhaps the twenty year void of the iconic live trio ensemble of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan tugged at my heart strings. Perhaps the opportunity to experience the only true Rock&Roll band of my generation tugged even greater. Yes that sounds right. What about the fans? WOW! I have never seen such devotion from a fan base that spans continents. The final hook was the ensemble of new and old with the very athletic and masterful Rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, the very cool and accessible Frank Ferrer, whose mastery of the drum kit keeps this band in precision timing, and the creative and melodic sound rising from the keyboards with long time member Dizzy Reed and GN’R’s newest member, the brilliantly coiffed Melissa Reese. As a pianist myself, inspired recently to make a new keyboard purchase, I love that this classic Rock&Roll band has evolved and strengthened the mastery of the musical experience beyond the beloved and traditional electric guitar.

Take me down to the Paradise City, where the grass is green and the rockers are gritty! In my Smartphone Blog post this month, I wrap up with a mesmerizing performance of Civil War, that opens with a young and very athletic Axl Rose adorned in a patriotic leather jacket with the words “REBEL” on the back. I am very purposeful in every media choice I make for my Blogs. Very athletic still at 54 years of age, young at heart, passionate, and completely on top of his game, Axl Rose personifies the Rock&Roll rebel heart that brings legions of fans around the world to blockbuster stadium performances, standing for hours in the pit, waving and swaying to the music .. “yeah yeauh “.

Slash, our beloved and very humble Top Hatted Rocker, face buried by a mass of gorgeous rocker curls, whose message to the world doesn’t come from his lips or face, but rather from epic Rock&Roll riffs that send fan emotions into the stratosphere, is simply the greatest guitar player ever to grace a musical stage!

Bass Player Duff McKagan’s first encounter with his friend Slash, took place at Canter’s Deli on North Fairfax in Los Angeles in 1983. A 19 year old Duff had just moved from Seattle and answered an ad Slash had placed looking for a bass player. The conversation logically flowed for more than two hours, simply talking about music. Ultimately they would go on to form the original lineup of Guns N’ Roses in 1985, then releasing their epic debut album Appetite for Destruction in 1987. In Seattle, Duff had been playing with bands since he was 14 years old. A versatile rocker who also played lead guitar and drums, he finally settled in with the Bass. In recent years, he has fronted as lead singer for the various projects he has led since the breakup of the original GN’R lineup. In this tour, he performed lead vocals duty with a gritty rendition of “New Rose”. Also a songwriter, the band opened this tour with “It’s So Easy” GN’R’s first single release from “Appetite For Destruction” in June 1987 in the UK, written by Duff and Wes Arkeen.

So of course, the July 23^rd and 24^th NYC area performances couldn’t come soon enough, following the April 8th performance in Vegas. A Kick A** Rock&Roll weekend start to finish, with my longtime best friend since the 8^th grade, the brilliant Robyn Bryson and her boyfriend Ron, the very cool David Paul, an innovative educator in the New York City school system, who hails from southern California, and a lovely new group of devoted GN’R fan friends Monni, Joe, Nevy, Joseph, Nir, Nick, and Margott. We kicked things off with a tailgate party in the parking lot before heading inside. This would be my first experience of an athletic and mobile Axl Rose since his seated and “throned” performance in Vegas, with his foot healed and free of the huge plaster cast! Live Nation delivered a terrific and well organized “Paradise City VIP” experience and my beloved rockers reinforced their commitment to their craft, this long awaited reunion tour, and their devoted followers. A very fit and athletic Lenny Kravitz opened the night and we never looked back! A month into their U.S. stadium tour, all the worry was gone, and we were all back in the groove of epic Rock&Roll masterpiece by this band of ferocious and legendary Rock talent!

Axl Rose and Duff McKagan Met Life Stadium July 23, 2016 photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Slash July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo Taken by Cynthia Drew

Duff McKagan July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Lenny Kravitz July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

In August 2015, I traveled to Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market for a very unique concert experience and musical fundraiser. Seattle’s public radio station KEXP had managed to raise a whopping $12 million to build new studios at the Seattle Center, studios specifically designed to elevate the musical fan experience with live participation. WOW! I am so impressed by that. They held a free outdoor concert “Raw Power” on the roof, on a gorgeous summer evening overlooking the harbor, in a musical tribute to Iggy Pop, with four legendary Seattle rockers. Yes you guessed it, Duff McKagan on Bass, his “Walking Papers” band member Barrett Martin on Drums, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready on the electric guitar, and singer Mark Arm from Mudhoney. Following the free concert, there was a VIP after party with these iconic rockers, KEXP management, and some influential local businessmen and women at top floor restaurant Matt’s In The Market. They ultimately reached their goal of $15 million and I am so proud to have played a small role in that. In keeping with the tradition of cool fan engagement this band promotes, I met a new Rock&Roll soul sister Jenn Iverson who, a year later, invited me to her lovely home on Lake Washington she shares with her husband Evan and their precious 3 year old daughter Edie, for the Guns N’ Roses August 12, 2016 Friday night performance at the 69,000 capacity Century Link Field. Life is an adventure and I plan to make the most of it! We began this adventure Thursday night at the iconic grunge bar “Linda’s Tavern”, the public place where Kurt Cobain was last seen alive, with yet another GN’R fan group pre party that brought in fans from across the U.S., Canada, and South America. The day of the concert, I decided to stroll around the Lake and amazingly I believe I caught a glimpse of Duff McKagan whizzing by on his bicycle in the early afternoon. An avid bicyclist, I’m guessing he was thrilled to be back at his hometown Lake home following two months of being on the road. Did I mention eldest daughter Grace, 19 years old in her sophomore year at Seattle U, and very talented lead singer of the Pink Slips, was set to open the night, along with Alice In Chains. Yes an unforgettable night steeped in rich Seattle music history!

Jill, Cynthia, Evan, and Jenn August 12, 2016 Century Link Field Seattle, Washington

My GN’R 2016 adventure continued with a terrific set by The Dead Daisies on September 8th at Webster Hall with appearances by Rhythm Guitarist Richard Fortus and Drummer Frank Ferrer. Both mingled in the club briefly following their performances, graciously giving their devoted fans exclusive access to rock royalty! I even met a couple from the south of France, who were doing an Air BNB in Tribeca and who graciously took this lovely photo of me with Frank Ferrer. Yes the FB fan group #GnFnR Fanspot #NotInThisLifetime group is continually growing!

Richard Fortus Webster Hall September 8, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Frank Ferrer Webster Hall September 8, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Frank Ferrer & Cynthia Drew Webster Hall September 8, 2016

The pace continued with a scintillating performance Wednesday September 14, 2016 at Madison Square Garden! Our beloved Axl Rose, in commanding high power lead vocal force, substituted for an ill Brian Johnson with legendary Rock&Roll band ACDC! Founder and lead guitarist Angus Young, not a young man at 61, delivered an incredibly physical and impressive performance on the electric guitar! Yes another new GN’R Rock&Roll sister Tammy Michaud from Los Angeles, who I met in June at Slash’s Conjuring 2 movie screening, flew out for the event and we had a terrific time! The concert was book ended by fan before and after parties with good friends Tammy, Monni, Nir, Joseph, and Avi.

Angus Young AC/DC Madison Square Garden September 14, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose lead singer with AC/DC September 14, 2016 at Madison Square Garden Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

I would be remiss if I did not mention the terrific surprise guest Drum performances by original GN’R drummer Steven Adler. I’m sorry that I missed them and understand it was much appreciated by the fans. I see Steven Adler’s tremendous enthusiasm for this reunion tour and I hope his recovery from back surgery continues in good fashion. Please know that I have equal appreciation for Frank Ferrer and would love for both of them to perform together. Why not? GN’R is a clear driving force in Rock&Roll trend! Where does it say you can’t have two drummers? Like many, I did miss seeing Izzy Stradlin on the Rhythm Guitar and am hopeful that each member of the original lineup can reach a happy accord. Again, like Adler and Ferrer, I hold the same feelings on Stradlin and Fortus.

Sadly I have to wrap up, but I am joyful to end on a very poignant and emotional note. After a record 23 years of not speaking with each other, following a roughly 10 year span of extraordinary Rock&Roll brotherhood that created some of this genre’s greatest classics, I was delighted to see this tweet this morning, with Slash and girlfriend Meegan Hodges in attendance Tuesday night September 20 at AC/DC’s final 2016 tour performance at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, cheering on his legendary rocker brother Axl Rose. Yes this is how it should be! Thank you Axl, Slash, Duff, Richard, Dizzy, Frank, and Melissa for re-energizing a global Rock&Roll audience and delivering some of the best damn music in the history of modern music!

Will sign off with this epic classic … Nothing lasts forever, even cold November Rain. Official November Rain Video

Cynthia Front Row July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium

Cynthia, Robyn, and Ron in the Paradise City VIP Lounge July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium

Slash July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl on the Piano November Rain July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Epic November Rain finale July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose Century Link Field Seattle, Washington August 12, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Duff McKagan July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Melissa Reese July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Richard Fortus July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

September 21, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll / 1 Comment

“10 Cloverfield Lane” Advanced Screening with Slash

Written for Myles Kennedy World by International Correspondent Cynthia Drew

If you love Rock & Roll, have social media savvy, and are determined to network with some legendary music and film types, then Guns and Roses Hall of Fame guitarist Slash has your golden ticket! For the second time in a 30 day period, I had the incredible honor to see yet another advanced screening of a very well made suspense thriller, and hang with one of the greatest guitar legends of all time; this time courtesy of Paramount Studios and legendary film producer J.J. Abrams!

I first learned about Slash’s latest fan contest Friday night March 4 on Twitter, to win tickets to an advanced screening of J.J. Abram’s new film, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Thursday night March 10, 2016, in the Theatre at Paramount Studios in Hollywood!

How could I pull that off, less than a week away, clear across the country, during a work week, with a gymnastics judging assignment Saturday morning? First things first, you’ve got to seize opportunity when it presents, and you’ve got to be in it, to win it! Having already satisfied the FB, Instagram, and Twitter “follow” requirements from my incredible February 13 experience The Witch Advanced Screening With Slash , I simply had to send the requisite RSVP email to the lovely team at Slashfiction Films. Done. I spoke to an actor friend of mine who told me everybody wants to be in J.J. Abrams’ orbit. Got it. Hotel points, airline miles, Super Shuttle, Uber, and my laptop with 6 uninterrupted hours of work each way sealed the deal. So I was all set to spring into action when the “Winner” email flew Tuesday night March 8. My carefully crafted travel plan worked seamlessly, the first time in a long while I can say that. Thank you American Airlines ! Yes, Guns and Roses fans are serious people who travel the globe for a chance to be with their Rockers. One of the winners flew in from Japan!

10 Cloverfield Lane, the second in the Cloverfield franchise, which opened nationally Friday March 11, 2016, is an American science fiction psychological thriller produced by the very talented and versatile J. J. Abrams and his production company Bad Robot Productions, distributed by Paramount Pictures Studio. If you’re a fan of the Emmy Award winning television series Lost, or blockbuster movie franchises like Armageddon, Mission Impossible, and Star Wars, then you certainly know Mr. Abrams. As an Actor, Screenwriter, Director, and Producer, he has earned multiple Emmy, Directors Guild, Writers Guild, BAFTA, and Saturn Awards for his work in Film and Television. Dan Trachtenberg knocked it out of the park in his directorial debut! Three words. Go see it! 10 Cloverfield Lane’s success at the box office results from a brilliantly crafted suspenseful story line, written by Josh Campbell, Matthew Stucken and Damien Chazelle, that sends your expectations in one clear direction, then completely surprises you and delivers a 180 twist; not just once, but consistently throughout the movie! A small, yet powerful ensemble cast, brought it to life and made it real. John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr. delivered very unique and credible performances that brought the audience’s emotion and fear right on to the set. John Goodman in fact, delivered a stunning performance, the best of his career, in my humble opinion. It was a terrific film experience loaded with Oscar worthy talent! I hope the Academy is paying attention. I’ll say it again. Go see it! 10 Cloverfield Lane Tickets

And so it goes for lucky Slash fans, another Bucket List evening for the memory books! We were instructed to enter through the Bronson Gate on Melrose, beginning at 6:45 PM with the film airing at 8:00. We were greeted by the lovely Slashfiction Films team, and of course Bad Robot! I entered the theatre and quickly claimed a strategically placed seat near the Paramount Pictures and Slashfiction Films reserved seating in the back of the theatre. And what do you know, in walked legendary GNR Bass player Dufff McKagan, his supermodel wife Sue Holmes McKagan, and Slash’s lovely girlfriend Meegan Hodges! I had a feeling they would be there. These very talented and humble celebs casually moved about the theatre, hugging friends and saying hi to fans. It was quite the cool rock & roll scene! As the movie time approached, Duff, Sue, and Meegan settled into their seats in the very last row, and all eyes were now on the front of the theatre, as we awaited the arrival of our legendary host.

Slash appeared to thunderous applause, and joined Bad Robot to welcome all of us! A consummate and humble professional, highly committed to his craft and the fan experience, he delivered some brief remarks in praise of the film. As promised, a studio photographer took a wide angle group photo with Slash, Bad Robot, and all of us very lucky fans seated throughout this majestic theatre!

With rock & roll cool, Slash strolled down the aisle to take his seat at the back of the theatre, giving his adoring fans an up close and personal view of music royalty. Of course Slash’s personal post on the Slashfiction Films Facebook page a few days later, wrapped up the fan experience in signature style,

“Thanks to everybody for coming down to Paramount for the 10 Cloverfield Lane screening. It was a great turnout. & a great night. We’ll screen another cool movie soon enough. In the meantime, thanks again. ‪#‎CloverfieldLaneMovie Rock N’ Fuckin’ Roll! iiii]; )”

Again, I simply must say, how appreciative I am for the very unique relationship this superstar seeks to build with his fans. As a veteran Rock & Roll fan, for which music fills my soul, simply listening to the intense emotion filled riffs this genius mind pens, would be enough! With keen intellect and vision, Slash’s thoughtful and creative energy builds upon this, creating a very special fan engagement. It’s exciting to be in the wake of it! Yes of course it benefits his career and wealth, as it should! I also think it serves as a model for all the struggling talented artists who are trying to make a living in today’s technology music age.

I am an early proud investor in Slashfiction Films. You see, Slash’s incredible portfolio of projects continues to expand, this time drawing on his love of the horror film genre, as he launches his own film company. I am quite excited to be involved in the production of their debut film effort, “The Hell Within”, which follows a woman from New York on a quest into the heart of the Brazilian jungle to save a missing girl, only to discover that the child was just the beginning! As a discerning analyst, this was an easy investment decision. Slash’s track record of success speaks for itself. As the iconic Top Hat guitar persona in Guns and Roses, to the critically acclaimed Velvet Revolver, to the exquisite collaboration with the amazing Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, and now to the successful launch of this fledgling film company that attracts legendary award winning film industry talent, thank you Slash for taking us on this great ride! Yes, you have brought us to the Paradise City !

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April 1, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Myles Kennedy World /

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