Jon Merz talks production studios and acting in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

My next guest is someone I’ve known for a long time, so it surprised me to realize he’d never been on the show before. Well, that just gives us a lot to cover, doesn’t it?

Actor/writer/model Jon Merz and I talk about opening the doors to Ten 21 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a full-service company that does demo reel scenes, book trailers, script work and a lot more. We talk about the decision to launch his own company and some of the folks they’ve been working with. We touch briefly on his latest project, an adaptation to his successful vampire book series, and will do a deeper dive in a future episode.

Jon’s acted for many years and perhaps his biggest milestone to date was his role in the Whitney Houston biopic, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” We talk about being around some of the biggest names working today and how he prepared for his role. This May, he’ll be taking the stage in “Hunting Whitey” on May 16 at The Wilbur and shares the challenges of stage vs. screen and his techniques for this kind of performance.

Actor/musician Michael Cooke talks being on set and how the pandemic kicked off his new album

Who says that the pandemic can't have a silver lining?

Michael Cooke's career in the stage and screen was well underway (including a role in a new Netflix movie!) when COVID-19 brought such productions to a screeching halt. Undeterred, he decided to use the free time to learn the skills needed to break into music. The result—his new album, “Doin Alright,” a powerful and uplifting collection of songs.

Michael and I dive deep into how his foray into becoming an Olympic athlete led to working on dozens of plays, films, and television shows. He talks about meeting one's heroes as well as those in the industry that he'd love to work with.

We also look at his debut album, and his first time in the recording studio. Michael talks about the message he hopes to pass on through his music.

Following this interview, enjoy “Loosing My Mind For Nothing,” from the debut album.

Dean Chohan shows his cinematic skills in new music videos

In this recording of an Instagram livestream, UK-based R&B artist Dean Chohan talks about the music videos for his new singles, “Got Me Loco” and “Money.” There are two songs that tell a love story, the first being the roller coaster that is love and the second being one person living with a secret and needs to make a decision on the future of the relationship. Both videos are so well done and this could easily be a Netflix series.

We also talk about the people Dean worked with for the video and the chemistry they shared that made the production a success. He's also gotten to know a number of great artists, and he gives them some love during the interview.

Following this, enjoy the single “Got Me Loco.” Dean's got such a cool, mellow style, and the music is really amazing.

EDM artist talks self-production and horror movies

In this episode, EDM artist SARiKAiDEN (pronounced as Sara-Kaden) takes us through his career, which has seen the release of three albums, two EPs, and over six singles, all using only an iPhone and a MacBook. He talks about the production process and some of the programs he uses, as well as how music has helped him to deal with issues like anxiety and depression.

In addition to his work in EDM music, SARiKAiDEN also produces a podcast called Mumble the Owl, focused on horror movies and books, which he relaunched earlier this year.

Boston-based actress shares stories from the set

In this episode, Eli Escobar talks about her career as an actress, which only began a few years ago, but has seen an impressive array of projects. She's worked on a number of indie films, including "In My Mother's Eyes" "Renegade Darlings" "Higher Methods," and "The Island Between Our Love."

Eli talks about how to prep for an audition and some of the more common mistakes people make. She also shares how her son inspired her to try acting when she wasn't sure of herself and later made it into a full-time career.

Sharisse Zeroonian talks film, a new series, and hilarious set tales

Writer/Director Sharisse Zeroonian and I do a deep dive into her film career, looking at her two feature films, Mouse in the Bread and Well Water and a brand new series, One Plus One Equals Two. She talks about what got her into film, and why she's stayed involved for so long. We chat about changes in the industry and the pros and cons of what those have resulted in. And there are plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from Sharisse's films and she shares a couple. 

For music enjoy two songs from Jack and the Box, “If It Sounds Too Good” and “Sugar Tea.” This is a new blues project from Keith Pevoto. Due to physical limitations brought on by Sarcoidosis, he has moved from playing bass to spending the last few years writing songs and getting his vocals in shape. The result is some amazing music that you should really check out.

Blackout Bootleg: 48-Hour Film Project

Here's the podcast of Citywide's Convention Corespondent Ben Chou at the meet and greet for the 48-Hour Film Project. The screenings for the films will be held May 14 and 15, and you can learn more about this here.
Ben talks to Ben Guaraldi, one of the organizers of the project at The People's Republic in Cambridge about the project and its origins. Guaraldi shares the challenge of having a weekend to make a movie, where the creators are given certain elements like a line of dialogue and prop that must be included in some fashion. The two chat about the technological developments that have changed the filmmaking process and made things easier on the production side. We also get a few examples of some of the final products.

Jan. 19, 2017: Sonic Pulse/Peter Eldridge/Frosty

We open the show with the "Beer-Fueled, Bong-Ripping, Pizza-Surfin' Extreme Progressive Power Party Thrash" band Sonic Pulse! They're playing on Jan. 28 at the Revocation show in Manchester, N.H. They've got a new single out, the first of a brand new album.

Singer-songwriter Peter Eldridge has a new album, "Disappearing Day," plus a huge show on Feb. 4. He's be on to tell us all about that, touring solo and with the band New York Voices, and his time teaching at Berklee College of Music.

"Frosty" is a newest feature film from Quentin Lewis, and what a story it is! Murder, betrayal, and deceit run rampant in this fast-paced thriller. Plus, we feature some of the artists who contributed their music to this great project!

Sept. 1, 2016: Plastic Angels/Shannon Beeby

Max with Jeff and Bethany of Plastic Angels

Jeff and Bethany from Plastic Angels talk about this new music project, how they transitioned from their last band, Angry Ginger, and their new EP, "Kings of the World." This one has a deeply personal message, and we discuss what it means for them to share such stories on stage.

BONUS: Filmmaker Shannon Beeby talks about her movie, "RSVP" which screened at the recent Massachusetts Independent Film Festival in August. The movie's about a gay widower who wants to honor his late husband's final wishes by scattering his ashes at sea, but faces resistance from his family.

 

Aug. 18, 2016: Scott Goudsward/Massachusetts Independent Film Festival/R. Patrick Gates/Jennifer Vaughn

Dede Crimmins, Chris Hallock, and Max

Max flies solo tonight, but he's got plenty of guests to keep him company. First up is author Scott T. Goudsward who will be at the upcoming Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival. He's got some great new thrillers out, including "Fountain of the Dead," a great zombie story set here in Boston! 

The Massachusetts Independent Film Festival returns on Aug. 26, and organizers Dede Crimmins and Chris Hallock talk about the filmmakers, who they're most eager to see, and the endless work that goes into putting it together. There are some great films on deck, including the newest work by Italian shock maestro Luigi Cozzi.

It's a music/book combo to end the show with R. Patrick Gates as he shares his latest release, "Savage," the story of what happens when someone loses what makes their life special and strides the line between justice and vengeance. This one has a deeply personal connection, and Patrick also talks about "The Prison," a fictional story based on some chilling real-life occurrences.

BLACKOUT BOOTLEG: Guest co-host Gina House returns as Max heads north to New Hampshire for an interview with journalist and author Jennifer Vaughn for her book, "Throw Away Girls." When dead girls begin to pile up at seedy nightclubs that cater to whimsical, fetish-seeking strangers, reporter Jaycee Wilder suspects a serial killer is at work. But what happens when she begins tracking the clues?

May 19, 2016: EBASS/Cape Ann Brewing/Confused by Love

Hailey Magee, founder of the Emerging Boston Area Singer Songwriters group is back to talk about how best to engage with an audience as part of our monthly EBASS segment This is a pretty insightful discussion that touches on how to really connect with fans both in person and online.
Plus, singer-songwriter Nate Taylor is coming with her, and he's got a new album coming out, "Harboring Hope." We also talk about a promise he made to himself in 2013 to make music his career.

Ben Lauranzano of Cape Ann Brewing shares a few beers with the Citywide crew and tells us about how the business got its start and the many
flavors that they offer. We talk about what makes a really good beer, the seasonal flavors, and how New England has made a name for itself in
the beer industry.

Filmmaker Crosby Tatum, producer Opal Thompson and actor Keith Mascoll are on for the award-winning romantic comedy, Confused by Love. The movie was recently accepted into the Roxbury International Film Festival in June. When a couple is facing foreclosure on their home, an offer to
save them brings some secrets to light.

March 10, 2016: Wreckless Wreck Chords/The Head/Film tax credits/Dry Branch Fire Squad

Max flies solo once more on this week's show, but he's far from alone. The guys from Worm and Wreckless Wreck Chords are in the studio to talk about their upcoming shows this and next month. Along with some great local talent, they've added touring band Andy Social and the Antidotes to the lineup of their April 4 show.

Jack Shaw from Atlanta-based band The Head calls in to talk about their 80-spot tour, now in progress. This great band has made a name for itself in Boston with some recent shows, and their tour will take them across the nation, including several shows at SXSW.

AJ Orsini of Good Natured Dog Productions joins me to talk about the proposal to cut the Film Tax Credits that have led to so many big-name productions to be made in Boston, which has in turn led to a lot of local filmmakers to find steady employment.
Does the credit in fact lead to long-term or steady employment for local film crews? Local legislators say no, that many of the jobs go to out of state workers. What do you think?

Ron Thomason of the band Dry Branch Fire Squad calls in to close out the show in an epic way. For the last 40 years, this amazing bluegrass quartet has played shows on a global scale, even organizing two festivals that feature dozens of bands. They recently performed at the Heritage Museum in Lexington, and Ron talks about how much the area has changed since he was last there.

Oct. 29, 2015: Psychic Dog/Innsmouth/Jeff Campbell

Psychic Dog plays live on Citywide

Psychic Dog have a brand new album, "Audios Heuvos" that they released on Halloween. They play a sick live set and afterward, talk about what went into this new release, including working with James Trout at The Dojo in Somerville.

Filmmaker Izzy Lee and Max pre-recorded this interview the night before the show to talk about her new short film, "Innsmouth," a take on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. It's a subject that Izzy's a huge fan of, and we give a couple previews of what to expect.

Last but not least if San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Jeff Campbell. He's also got a new album to talk about, "The Kitchen Sink." We spin a bunch of these songs, and give the details of shows he has coming up in Philadelphia and San Francisco.

May 28, 2015: Hobo Chili/Stephen O'Connor/Sickle/Pagona

Max and Matt with Geno McGahee and Forris Day Jr.

We open the show with the band Hobo Chili. They've got a tour, new music, and we'll be giving you all the details.

Next, author Stephen O'Connor calls in to talk about his new book, "The Witch at Rivermouth." It's a story that that's based in part on some of Stephen's own experiences, and takes a strong look at religion. It's a great mystery that you'll want to hear about.

Our guest co-host Matt Martino is back with filmmakers Geno McGahee and Forris Day Jr. to give us the story behind their new horror film "Sickle." This one features great new special effects, an amazing cast, and some killer tunes.

Last, author Pagona chats about her book, "Soul Ingredients: Creating Life's Potential Today." There's something in this book for everyone, and lessons that we can all learn to improve our lives.

 

April 30, 2015: Kathleen Rowe/Jordan Pacheco/Jodie Lew-Smith/Jade Sylvan and Fem Bones

Matt and Max with guest co-host Matt Martino and poet-author Jade Sylvan

Kathleen Rowe joins us to talk about her book, Explore the Charles, an in-depth look at the history behind one of the most famous landmarks in Boston. She provides a great historical background into one of the city's most famous landmarks, things that even native Bostonians might not know about

Guest co-host Matt Martino brings on filmmaker Jordan Pacheco to talk about his new horror movie "Provoked," which follows a group of amateur paranormal investigators who have never found proof....until it follows them home. It's something Jordan has some real-life experience with and he shares those stories, as well as other projects he has in the works.

Author Jodi Lew-Smith calls in to talk about her book, The Clever Mill Horse, the first in a history series. This part is set in 1810, and focuses on one woman's promise to her family, and her fight to save them.

For our final interview of the show, we welcome back poet and author Jade Sylvan to hear about her newest project, Spider Cult the Musical, which she's working with the legendary Fem Bones. It's a story of lust, revenge, mythology, and they need your help to make it happen.

April 9, 2015: Good Natured Dog Productions/Gina House/Greg Adams/Anne Litwin

Alecia Orsini from the film company Good Natured Dog Productions talks about the group's 10-year anniversary and their plans for the future. With short and feature films, commercial work, and regular participation in the 48-Hour Film Festival, this creative company has much to be proud of. Orsini also talks about the recent movement to retain the state's tax incentive for filmmakers.

Author Gina House outlines her two books on knitting in her Sleepy Eyes Knits series. She's got some great designs, and interesting insight into the world of knitting circles. Let's just say it's not your grandma's knitting club. Gina's also an archer and relates how she got into the sport and how it's helped her with her work.

New York-based singer-songwriter Greg Adams has been making some big waves in Boston with recent performances at the Hard Rock Cafe and Copperfield's. He's also re-releasing his album, "All or Nothing," following his signing with a PR firm, so there's a lot of great news to share.

Author Anne Litwin shares the origins of her new book, "New Rules for Women." It's all about changing the way that women work together to foster unity and highlight the struggles they still face. It's a fascinating topic, and one that we're glad to discuss.

March 5, 2015: Gianna Botticelli/Arkham Film Society

Singer-songwriter Gianna Botticelli joins us for a great acoustic set and a chat about her recent win in co-host Jeff Royds' Open Mic Challenge. See what set her apart from the other participants and won her the top spot.

Joshua Gravel of the Rhode Island-based Arkham Film Society calls in to give us the scoop on their first Boston event at Coolide Theater. They'll be showing the horror classic "Brain Damage," on a rare 35MM print!

Jan. 15, 2015: Town Meeting/The Kominas/Boston Horror Fest

The folk rock band Town Meeting takes the stage with our first live set of 2015. This band has been all over New England, and we chat about the many family members that make it up their roster and some of the more memorable shows. Oh, and we may just creep them out a little, too.

The Kominas are next, with 10 years as a band under their belt, there's a lot of ground to cover. First off, they've got new music to debut on the show, plus a new video.

Last but definitely not least is Mike Snoonian from All Things Horror. On Jan. 24, he celebrates five years of screening indie films in Boston with the Boston Horror Fest. With some of the most celebrated indie horror filmmakers on the list, this is one festival you won't want to miss!

Last show of 2014: Ellie Ann/Creative Artist Sunday Sessions

Matt and Max with Ellie Ann

Our final show of 2014 features some brand new music from singer/songwriter Ellie Ann. In addition to this Citywide exclusive premier, we talk to Ellie about her social media promotion, the difficulties in touring, and the stories behind her music.

Next, guest co-host Matt Martino talks with Michael Gonzales, a veteran actor and acting coach, who's hosting a regular Creative Artist Sunday Session each week. In this interview, Michael shares some of the truths about acting and how it's a constant learning process.

Citywide Blackout, Aug. 28, 2014: S.E.M.I./Allston X-Mas

Max and Matt with the band S.E.M.I.

Citywide selfie with Kenice and Melissa from Allston X-Mas

We're opening our final August show with a live set from Side Effects May Include (S.E.M.I)! These guys just got added to the battle for Rock N Shock, and we'll be talking all about it!

With the big Boston moving day right around the corner, it's fitting that our other guests are the minds behind Allston X-Mas! We chat about the new web series, the debut show, and just what perils are involved with moving in Boston on Sept. 1.