Shane Evans to play and address youth at Alice Cooper's Rock Teen Center

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Photo courtesy of Michael Montes

Collective Soul’s former drummer Shane Evans is “Better Now”

Shane Evans, the former drummer of Collective Soul and a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, will play a mini-concert and discuss with Phoenix-area teens about the consequences of lifestyle choices, fame and his descent and eventual recovery from drug addiction.

Evans, 42, will play a handful of songs from Collective Soul and then address a group of youth at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at The Rock Teen Center, 13625 N. 32^nd St, Phoenix. The event is sponsored by Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation, a Phoenix-based non-profit organization that allows teens to build confidence and discover their passion through music, dance, self-expression and creativity.   

Evans’ speech, “Rock, Recovery and Redemption” will touch upon the meteoric rise of Collective Soul, his departure from the group, his substance abuse problem and the long road to recovery.

“I've been clean and sober for three years and I'm finally at a point where I can discuss my triumphs and tragedies in public,” Evans said. “So if I am to tell my story, I want to tell it to someone who will listen and learn from my mistakes.”

Almost two decades ago, Evans was riding high as the drummer for Collective Soul. The Stockbridge-based quintet shot to international fame with their 1994 release “Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid”, and their mega-hit, “Shine.” In the span of seven years, they tallied a total seven #1 radio hits, 19 Top 40 singles, and sold more than 10 million albums and CDs worldwide. Evans says with fame came the spoils of success and lifestyle choices that almost killed him.

“It's nothing short of a miracle that I'm still alive. Drugs robbed me of almost everything including my family, friends, my home, and my dignity,” Evans said. “Through sobriety I've gained all of those things back and more. My life today is blessed and I want to share my experiences to help others.”

Evans said he was dismissed from the group in 2005 because of his excessive drug use. His mother's demise from complications of diabetes, the accidental death of a girlfriend and a pair of DUI arrests pushed him further into despair. Evans said he hit rock bottom while living on the run from police at a run-down motel in Atlanta, Ga. He says he was two days away from being homeless when he finally made the decision to get clean and sober in August 2009. Weeks after Evans’ sobriety anniversary, Collective Soul was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

“I still love all of the guys in Collective Soul because they are my brothers and we shared a lot of wonderful and life-changing experiences,” Evans said. “Me getting kicked out of the group was entirely my fault because of my addiction. It’s something I’ve finally come to terms with and must own up to in order to remain sober.”

After completing a yearlong recovery program at Waypoint Center in Dahlonega, Ga., Evans became a substance abuse counselor, helping others to overcome their addictions.

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Solid Rock was founded in 1995 by long-time Arizona residents and devoted fathers Alice Cooper and Chuck Savale who envisioned a faith-based organization dedicated to make an everlasting difference in the lives of kids and teens in the community. Originally, Solid Rock existed to raise money for other organizations with like-minded missions, however, the dream went well beyond its original fundraising foundation. With the opening of The Rock Teen Center at 32nd Street in the Spring 2012, the dream has finally become a reality.

If you go:

What: “Rock, Redemption and Recovery” by Shane Evans

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013

Where: The Rock Teen Center, 13625 N. 32^nd St., Phoenix

Cost: Free to all local area teens

Information: 602-522-9200 or www.alicecoopersolidrock.com

Palm Springs a la Carte served up Feb. 1, 2009

Palm Springs a la Carte gets served up February 1, 2009

Mel Haber still doesn't know how to cook a steak, make a Bloody Mary or open a cash register.

That's not an astounding statement to make unless you have been a very successful restaurateur and have been in business for more than three decades. Haber, who was the operator of six different restaurants, including the legendary Melvyn's Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, made every mistake in the book and succeed in spite of himself.

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact how the former automotive novelty manufacturer from Coney Island, Brooklyn, stumbled into the desert in 1975 and made a name for himself in a business he knew nothing about – the hospitality industry.

Palm Springs a la Carte: The Colorful World of the Caviar Crowd at Their Favorite Desert Hideaway (Barricade Books, 2009) is a charming, often hilarious book describing the adventures of novice restaurateur and hotelier, Melvyn Haber, an automotive accessory manufacturer from the bowels of New York City who is a legend in the sugar-frosted society of Palm Springs.

Haber admits he made every mistake in the book, which didn't preclude him from running one of the most successful restaurant's and hotels of all time. His establishments have attracted a guest list that reads like a Who's Who of the world. Visitors have included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Marlon Brando, Liberace, Liza Minnelli, President Gerald Ford, Steve Allen, Lucille Ball, Dinah Shore, Rita Hayworth, Jerry Lewis and June Allyson.

Haber restored the historic inn and grounds, and built his own restaurant, Melvyn's. He learned the business the hard way and lived through a comedy of errors that would have bankrupted most investors in today's ultra-competitive hotel and restaurant markets. He managed not only to survive, but flourish, and became an example of the American dream in its fullest flower.

The book is filled with entertaining stories that offer a peek into the colorful world of celebrities, Hollywood elite, royalty, diplomats, mafioso and lovable con artists at their favorite desert hideaway. As a raconteur, Haber has few equals. With this book, he finally lifts the velvet rope to give readers the best seat in the house, and enthralls them with witty stories about his black-tie clientèle.

These days you're likely to see Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, David Hasselhoff, Barry Manilow, Lance Bass, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Donald Trump and John Travolta enjoying themselves at the site. It remains one of the world's top dream resorts.

Haber feels his story should be an inspiration to everybody, because in his own words, “If I can make it, anybody can.”

Mel Haber is currently the owner of the Ingleside Inn and Melvyn's restaurant. He is also the president of the Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation and has served on its board for twenty-five years, the last fifteen as president. He resides in Rancho Mirage, California.

Palm Springs a la Carte (ISBN 978-1-56980-353-0) is published by Barricade Books and will be distributed through the National Book Network.

To pre-order Palm Springs a la Carte, visit www.amazon.com or www.inglesideinn.com.

Urban Affair in Downtown Phoenix

URBAN AFFAIR CELEBRATES DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

Celebrate the downtown Phoenix lifestyle during Urban Affair, the Valley’s premier urban living event, Friday, September 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. . The Phoenix Art Museum hosts this special cocktail reception highlighted by local artists and representatives of performing arts and culture organizations including Arizona Opera, Phoenix Symphony, Heard Museum, and Scorpius Dance Theatre. Iconic downtown restaurants and chefs will present a “progressive tasting menu” throughout the evening, including Cibo, Art of Soup, Elizabeth the Market Chef, Urban Cookies, The Breadfruit and more.

A portion of the event proceeds, promotion and energy will benefit Community Food Connections, the non-profit organization that produces Downtown Phoenix Public Market.

“Urban Affair reflects the growing amount of activity and energy in downtown Phoenix and so this year’s event will be even bigger and better,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “Because we have more people living downtown and more arts and cultural options in our urban core than ever before.”

“Phoenix has a huge opportunity to capitalize on the terrific Arts Organizations that are established within close proximity here in the downtown area. Not all cities are so lucky,” commented James Ballinger, The Sybil Harrington Director, Phoenix Art Museum. “Phoenix Art Musem has been a downtown amenity for 49 years, and we are joined by several other great museums and performing arts institutions. We are extremely pleased to host this multi-faceted event and support the overall endeavors of Urban Affair.”

Facts at a Glance

• Location: Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004
• Date: Friday, September 26, 2008
• Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
• Schedule: performances will be programmed throughout the evening
• Tickets: $30, $75 VIP (VIP includes host bar and access to the Champagne & Dessert Gallery)
  

Tickets are available online at http://www.urbanaffairaz.com through Showup.com.

Urban Affair is supported by Phoenix Art Museum, City of Phoenix, New Times, Media Publishers Group, Holy Click! Web Design, Creative Backstage, Local First Arizona, Yelp.com, SoDo Phoenix Business & Civic Association, Roosevelt Row, No Festival Required, RadiatePhx, and Make Phoenix Weird.

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"The White Book" cracks the Top Ten

"The White Book" cracks Top Ten on Amazon charts

"The White Book" has cracked the Top Ten on Amazon.com according to its most recent chart listing. The memoir, penned Ken Mansfield, former U.S. Manager for Apple Records and record producer, has charted in three different categories.

The book ranks #2 in the music category; #3 in entertainment and #11 in biography and memoirs.

Mansfield has worked with some of the biggest giants in the rock 'n roll and the country music genres. As the former U.S. manager of the Apple Records label, he was invited by his bosses, The Beatles to be among only a handful of eyewitnesses to catch their last-ever gig on the rooftop of their London headquarters on January 30, 1969. He was a loyal employee and companion to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr both during the band years and well after their breakup in 1970. He was present when they composed some of their most enduring tunes. As a record label exec and Grammy Award-winning producer, he also worked on the marketing, promotion and production of dozens of top-selling artists, such as the Beach Boys, and was also a major player in country music in the 1970s as producer of choice of the groundbreaking Outlaw movement, whose impact is still felt in the genre to this very day.

Now, Mansfield's experiences with the Fab Four and the music industry - many of which are told for the first time - are recounted in his first all-music tome, "The White Book - The Beatles, the Bands, the Biz: An Insider's Look at an Era" (Thomas Nelson/ISBN 1595551018) published on October 30, 2007.Through exclusive, never-before-seen photos and personal stories, Mansfield - one of the very last Fab Four insiders to pen a book - offers a compelling memoir that delves into his life in the 1960s and '70s and his unique partnership with The Beatles and other musicians who had orbited their world, from James Taylor to Harry Nilsson.

It also includes fleeting, yet unforgettable encounters with Mama Cass Elliott, Eric Clapton, Donovan, Glen Campbell and Dolly Parton. As observer, friend and colleague, Mansfield attended Beatles recording sessions, partied in their swimming pools, took their irate calls, witnessed the madness of Beatlemania, and publicized their success.

Entertaining, historically accurate, and illuminating a side of the Fab Four known only to a few like Mansfield, The White Book shines fresh light on the true characters behind the cultural phenomena that revolutionized a generation."The White Book" is packaged in a limited, numbered edition, a la the original copies of "The Beatles" highly influential double album from 1968, also nicknamed "The White Album."For more information, go to www.fabwhitebook.com

Two thumbs up for "The Worlds Greatest Email"

Two thumbs up for Sue Shifrin-Cassidy

What readers are saying about The World's Greatest Email

“All I can say is, I never laughed so hard. If you've ever received a joke or inspirational e-mail, it's probably in here. I highly recommend it to all. Congratulations Sue!” - Cheryl Corwin

“This was a very clever idea for a book, and thoroughly enjoyable. Sometimes you can't put it down – yet it is also great for short segment reading. The book does cover a large span that we can all relate to.” - Dorri L. Marchetti

The World's Greatest Email is a unique and entertaining compilation of emails from all over the world. Subjects include Fun-E's, inspirational, political and life-saving information.
Sue Shifrin-Cassidy is a noted songwriter, philanthropist, founder of Kids.Charities.org and co-founder of EAT'M (Emerging Artists, Talent and Technology in Music). She is a licensed pilot, enjoys traveling, scuba diving and thoroughbred breeding and racing.

To order The World's Greatest Email, go to www.amazon.com or www.authorhouse.com. To purchase an autographed copy for $15.95, go to www.TheWorldsGreatestEMail.com.

Q & A with Sue Shifrin-Cassidy

Q & A with Sue Shifrin-Cassidy

Sue Shiffrin-Cassidy, author of a new book called The World's Greatest Email, discusses in this recent interview her compilation of Internet correspondences, ponders "The Physics of Hell" and reveals her famous hubby can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

Q: Sue, you're an accomplished songwriter, philanthropist, founder of KidsCharties.org and co-founder of EAT’M (Emerging Artitsts in Talent and Music), the famous entertainment convention. Now you're an author. How did you come up with the idea of writing The World's Greatest Email?

SSC: My mother passed away from a stroke and when I received an email about how to tell the signs of a stroke, I figured, well, I better have a hard copy of this so that if I am in the middle of having one I will be able to find this life saver instead of having to search through several thousands of emails. Then I got an email called “The Physics of Hell”, which I thought was so incredibly smart that I needed to have a hard copy of it as well. That’s when the idea of a book dawned on me.

Q: Tell me how conducted your research and how long it took you to compile the information?

SSC: It took me two years to cull the contents of this book from literally thousands of emails that I received over many years. I worked every single day until I had narrowed it down to the final emails that appear in The World’s Greatest Email.

Q: One of the refreshing qualities of The World's Greatest Email is that it's not always politically correct. Was that a conscious decision on your part, and if so, why?

SSC: We are very tongue in cheek in our family about politics. We get into it all the time. I had received so many political emails, and with the 2008 election looming, I thought it would be neat to have this section where fun could be made of both parties.

Q: How did you decide on the categories for the book?

SSC: I wanted The World’s Greatest Email to be a mixed bag, so I really deliberated on how to categorize the emails I used. They just seemed to naturally break down into areas like “Men, Women and Sex”, “Thought Provoking”, “Smart People/Stupid People” and “Politically Incorrect”. The chapters kind of named themselves.

Q: Do you have a favorite email?

SSC: My favorite is still “The Physics of Hell”. I also think “Cheese Scones” is pretty funny and some of the more risqué ones like “F#@* Austria are a hoot.

Q: What do you like best about your book?

SSC: That I finished it! Actually, I love that it is a book filled with all kinds of information, even some inspirational emails. It makes you laugh and it makes you think and it teaches you things you never knew. The chapter called “Scams, Spam and Urban Legends” is particularly informative. You would not believe how many things are circulating on the Internet that could kill you if you followed the advice. I debunk these myths and I feel that I am doing people an important service by doing so.

Q: Okay, allow me one David Cassidy question... what's a goofy thing he does that he probably wouldn't want his fans to know?

SSC: Actually, David has a hard time walking and chewing gum at the same time. If the phone rings and the doorbell goes at the same time, it is really funny to watch him go into minor shock!

Q: How can people order The World's Greatest Email?
SSC: The World’s Greatest Email is available at www.Amazon.com and at www.authorhouse.com. But if they go to my Web site at www.TheWorldsGreatestEmail.com, they can get an autographed copy for $15.95.