tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37351552206928474122009-07-11T10:12:30.763-07:00A Word from Pocho JoeJoe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-38557488005754841532009-07-05T09:29:00.000-07:002009-07-05T09:44:30.688-07:00More blood for your buck - STRANGER extended!"Hernandez-Kolski is tough, convincingly intelligent and memorably charismatic in the complicated role of the Padre." Variety, June 8, 2009<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=stranger.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/stranger.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Critic's and Audience's love STRANGER, so Bootleg is EXTENDING it's run! <br />9 SHOWS ADDED - JULY 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25<br /><br />Come see what the critics are raving about...<br /><br />"Anderson and Farley have effectively captured the flavor, brooding menace, and bloody violence of the genre...Bollas leads a skillful six-man band in his brassy, nerve-tingling, Mexican-flavored score..." - Back Stage <a href="http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-la-theatre/stranger-1003985095.story">(click for full review)</a><br /><br />"...a thrilling (and often hilarious) tribute...succeeds beautifully, on many levels and in many ways...No matter which way you categorize it, Stranger is great theater, pure and simple." - StageSceneLA.com <a href="http://stagescenela.com/html/stranger.html">(click for full review)</a><br /><br />"The world premiere production at the Bootleg Theater rocks, from Farley's inspired direction to Anthony Bollas' appropriately thunderous music to skilled actors who tear into their roles with violent gusto." - Daily Variety <a href="http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117940431.html?categoryid=33&cs=1">(click for full review)</a><br /><br />GO! - LA Weekly <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/stage-news/stage-raw-love-water/">(click for full review)</a><br /><br />"If you like action, if you like music, if you need to laugh and enjoy you’re night out, and who doesn’t these days, Bootleg Theatre’s “The Stranger” is just what the doctor ordered for you." - Stagehappenings.com <a href="http://www.stagehappenings.com/Jason_Lovett/_2009/thestranger.php">(click for full review)</a><br /><br /><br />Bootleg is proud to present<br /><br />STRANGER<br />a World Premiere Spaghetti Western with Music<br /><br />Written by Eva Anderson and Keythe Farley<br />with original music by Anthony Bollas<br />Featuring a Live Band<br /><br />STRANGER is a thrilling tale of redemption and revenge set in the desert east of the Sierra Nevadas in 1847. Full of wild music and shocking plot twists; funny, sardonic dialogue and piles of dead bodies, STRANGER is poised to become the ultimate theatrical experience: an action-packed, blood-soaked thrill ride set to music.<br /><br />Director: Keythe Farley<br />Set Design: Francois-Pierre Couture<br />Lighting Design: Dan Weingarten<br />Costume Design: Ann Closs-Farley<br />Sound Design: Rebecca Kessin<br />Fight Choreography: Victor Warren<br />Dance Choreography: Bradley Michaud<br /><br />CAST: Richard Azurdia, Ann Closs-Farley, Michael Dunn, Cameron Dye, Wallis Herst, Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Travis Michael Holder, Dylan Kenin, David Natale and Molly O’Neill<br /><br />BAND: Anthony Bollas, Tim Ford, Vince Ocampo, Gardo Ramirez, Drew Von Ah, Kelly Wright<br /><br />This Week: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, July 1 - 3 at 8pm<br />NO SHOW JULY 4th<br />EXTENDED: Thursday - Saturday, July 9 - 25 at 8pm<br /><br />Tickets: $25 General Admission<br />$15 for Students/Seniors<br /><br />Half-price tix:<br /><br />Goldstar Events:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/stranger.html">http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/stranger.html</a><br /><br />LA STAGE TIX:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lastagetix.com/lastagetixCalendar.asp?showlist=3937">http://www.lastagetix.com/lastagetixCalendar.asp?showlist=3937</a><br /><br />Come have dinner before the show! Micheal Dunn (Chef of Route 99: Orange Star Dinner Show) has created an exclusive line of STRANGER snack box dinners & sweet treats. Come and enjoy a bite to eat with a drink from our beer & wine bar.<br />For more info & Tickets go to the <a href="http://www.bootlegtheater.com">BOOTLEG website</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-3855748800575484153?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-64545425634289880462009-05-31T12:25:00.000-07:002009-05-31T14:04:18.844-07:00TWO SHOWS THIS WEEK!!<a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=JoeJosh-EdieKnows2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/JoeJosh-EdieKnows2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />(pic by Meredith Robinson)<br /> <br />1) "So Fresh and So Clean" returns to LA!<br />ONE NIGHT ONLY! ALL AGES!!<br />Friday, June 5th at 11:30pm<br />LA Comedy Festival at iO West<br />6366 Hollywood Blvd.<br />Hollywood, CA 90028<br />Tickets are only $5<br />www.ioimprov.com<br /> <br />THIS SHOW CONTAINS (IM)MATURE SUBJECT MATTER.<br /><br />"Raucous, raunchy, radical, relevant! <br />--Ric Salinas (Culture Clash)<br /><br />"Hilarious and outrageous!"<br />--Stan Lathan (Def Comedy & Def Poetry Co-Creator)<br /><br />“Danger baring its soul.”<br />--Craig Robinson (Comedian - The Office, Knocked Up)<br />As part of the LA Comedy Fest, we'll be performing a 30min version of the show. If ya haven't had a chance yet or wanna bring friends, iO West is a fun spot to catch a show. Come early, grab a drink and then join us for some late-night poetry meets comedy meets beatboxing. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=89566820215&ref=mf">Click here to view the Facebook page which includes more info, more reviews and a 3min video of the show. </a><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Gc6CzIMA0Xs/ShYAExUbbNI/AAAAAAAAABY/Kng7DFF8xLs/S220/STRANGERPCFrontforBPTix.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Gc6CzIMA0Xs/ShYAExUbbNI/AAAAAAAAABY/Kng7DFF8xLs/S220/STRANGERPCFrontforBPTix.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2) "STRANGER"<br />Bootleg Theater presents the world premiere of STRANGER<br />A spaghetti western with music<br />Written by Eva Anderson and Keythe Farley with original music by Anthony Bollas<br />Directed by Keythe Farley, STRANGER is a thrilling tale of redemption and revenge set in the desert east of the Sierra Nevadas in 1847.<br /> <br />Previews now through June 5th<br />Opens June 6th and runs through July 4th<br />Wed - Sat at 8pm<br /> <br />Tickets:<br />$25 general admission/$15 previews<br />$15 for students/seniors<br />Reservations: 213-389-385<br />(Half price tix are available at <a href="www.lastagetix.com">www.lastagetix.com</a> or <a href="www.goldstar.com">www.goldstar.com</a>.)<br /> <br />More info: <a href="www.bootlegtheater.com">www.bootlegtheater.com</a><br /><a href="www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=206644640603&ref=ts">Click here to view the Facebook page</a>.<br /> <br />If you're a fan of spaghetti westerns, you MUST see this show. Talk about a star-studded production team and cast. Ann Closs-Farley doing costumes, Francois-Pierre Couture the set designer. Fight choreography by Victor Warren. Dance choreography by Bradley Michaud. And plenty of blood packets. I am very excited about my role. I get to play PADRE, the priest who tries to lead the town towards the "dawn of a new day."<br /> <br /><a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=stranger.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/stranger.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br /> <br />I look forward to seeing you at one of these shows.<br /> <br />I hope that you're well.<br /> <br />Love,<br /> <br />Joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-6454542563428988046?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-86684454137713464882009-04-30T16:04:00.000-07:002009-04-30T16:13:33.501-07:00BERKELEY, HERE WE COME!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2682/215/5/510576093/n510576093_1900207_5805552.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 402px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2682/215/5/510576093/n510576093_1900207_5805552.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-8668445413771346488?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-48752152240898272482009-04-08T16:21:00.001-07:002009-04-09T17:00:21.332-07:00Hallelujah!I was locked out of my blogger account for awhile. Damn Gmail took over or somethin' and was holding my words hostage.<br /><br />Latest news, huh?<br /><br />I'm finally gonna start updating my calendar so keep your eyes open.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">JOE HERNANDEZ-KOLSKI TO HOST 2009 NALIP AWARDS</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=home_ima1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/home_ima1.jpg" border="0" alt="nalip logo"></a><br /><br />On Saturday, April 18th, I'll be hosting the awards ceremony at one of the biggest Latino industry events in town. I'm very excited to say the least. My boy Joshua Silverstein will be along with me.<br /><br />Go to <a href="http://www.nalip.org">http://www.nalip.org</a> for more info.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN" IS HEADING UP TO THE BAY AREA! FRIDAY, MAY 15TH!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=may15_sofreshlogo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/may15_sofreshlogo.jpg" border="0" alt="so fresh and so clean logo"></a><br /><br />Thanks to our girls Esther Manilla and Sarah Guerra, we'll be bringing the show to La Pena Cultural Center Friday, May 15th for one night only.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"RIGHT CLICK IF YOU LOVE ME"</span><br /><a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=RightClickGuy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/RightClickGuy.jpg" border="0" alt="right click logo"></a><br /><br />I am currently in a sketch comedy show at Second City... <br /><br />Feeling unlucky? Do you find yourself laughing all alone? Have more friends online than in real life? Give your keyboard a rest and come laugh in the face of loneliness. We'll show you the hilarious side of other people's pain. Starring: Sharon Brennan, Lisa Curry, Theresa Gumprecht, Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Kellie McDonough, Desi Molinari, Scott Narver, Phil Ranta, Darla Rose, Armand Vasquez. Directed by Marc Warzecha. $10.<br /><br />Every Friday 'til April 24th. <br />Second City Hollywood<br />6560 Hollywood Blvd.<br />LA, CA 90028<br /><br />9:30 - 10:30pm<br />$10<br />Tickets: 323-464-8542<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-4875215224089827248?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-66435873413577173442008-12-15T23:32:00.000-08:002008-12-16T00:00:14.227-08:00"So Fresh and So Clean" -- Comedy Central Stage -- Jan 29th!<a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=P1010631-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/P1010631-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br>We just confirmed that the Comedy Central Stage will be producing a FREE performance of "So Fresh and So Clean" on Thursday, January 29th. <br /><br />Comedy Central Stage at the Hudson <br />6539 Santa Monica Boulevard <br />cross street Hudson Avenue between Highland and Vine <br /><br />Thursday , January 29, 2009 <br /><br />Show begins at 8:00pm <br />Absolutely Free <br />Reservations Required <br />To RSVP, please call 323.960.5519 <br />Street and Lot Parking Available <br /><br />See ya there!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-6643587341357717344?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-31810063186900120322008-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:002008-11-13T10:55:30.092-08:00Watch for Joe in "THE SOLOIST"<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/the%20soloist" target="_blank"><img src="http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r329/Corky728/soloist.jpg" border="0" alt="Soloist Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a><br /><br />I just attended the cast and crew screening last night at the CineramaDome and was really blown away. Talk about a great film that won't be released 'til next year (March 13, 2009) due to b.s. industry politics. I have a very small part as EMT #1. You'll have an easier time seeing my name in the credits than in the actual film but I don't care. I'm just proud to be a part of such a wonderful film.<br /><br />Jamie Foxx plays Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless music prodigy, who is befriended by LA Times reporter Steve Lopez, played by Robert Downey Jr, It's a very moving story. The audience last night was filled with actual homeless people who had parts in the film. They cheered when their friends were on screen. It was incredibly powerful. For more info on how to get involved go to www.takepart.com/thesoloist<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-3181006318690012032?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-33296928950946648762008-11-13T10:41:00.001-08:002008-11-13T10:44:06.545-08:00THANK YOU, NACA!I had a great time performing at the NACA NORTHEAST conference this past Friday night. Talk about an amazing crowd! I've never had more fun throwing Twinkies at an audience!<br /><br />Shout out to my agents, Tammy, Amber and Sarah from American Program Bureau. And shout outs to all of the students who stopped by afterwards! Send me your pics and I'll post them in my blog!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-3329692895094664876?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-84662626992081970942008-09-14T23:09:00.000-07:002008-09-14T23:25:35.531-07:00Why? Because we like you.<a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=joejosh.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/joejosh.jpg" border="0" alt="so fresh and so clean"></a><br /> <br /> <br /><strong>"So Fresh and So Clean"</strong><br />returns to bang.<br /><br />Comedy. Poetry. Beatboxing.<br /><br />Only Four Shows!<br />Every Saturday in October at 8pm!<br /><br />This show contains (im)mature subject matter. <br /><br />"<strong>So Fresh and So Clean</strong> is hilarious and outrageous, driven by provocative writing and strong performances. Joe and Josh are an amazing team. See this show!"<br />--Stan Lathan (Co-Creator of HBO's Def Comedy Jam & Def Poetry)<br /><br /><br />Two-time HBO Def Poet <strong>Joe Hernandez-Kolski </strong>and internationally-known beatboxer <strong>Joshua Silverstein </strong>combine comedy, poetry and beatboxing in this hilarious performance that grapples with love/sex, ethnicity and politics. According to Joe, “Imagine the Smothers Brothers meet Rahzel combined with that book of Truly Tasteless Jokes that you used to carry in your backpack during grade school.” <br /><br />After two previous sold out engagements, bang is inviting them back once again. <br /><br />Come see why.<br /> <br /><br /><strong>"So Fresh and So Clean"</strong><br /><br />Written and performed by Joe Hernandez-Kolski and Joshua Silverstein<br />Directed by Benjamin Byron Davis<br /><br />Saturday, October 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th at 8pm<br />(Total Running Time: Around 50min.)<br /><br />bang. Comedy Theatre<br />457 N. Fairfax<br />Hollywood, CA 90036<br />(1 bl North of Canter's)<br /><br />www.bangstudio.com<br />box office: 323-653-6886<br /><br />Tix: Still just $10<br />(Street parking or $5 paylot NE corner Fairfax & Rosewood)<br /><br /><br />About the artists:<br /><br /><strong>Joe Hernandez-Kolski</strong> is an accomplished actor who has traveled throughout the U.S. and the U.K. as part of several theatrical productions including the West End debut of “The Bomb-itty of Errors” and Center Theater Group’s “The Stones.” As a spoken word artist, not only has he performed twice on HBO’s “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry,” but he was recently invited to open for John Mellencamp in Chicago. Born and raised in Chicago and a graduate of Princeton University, Joe continues to balance his work as an actor with his youth work. He is proud to be the host of Downbeat 720, a high school open-mic that he helped create over seven years ago.<br /><br /><strong>Joshua Silverstein</strong> is an LA native, equally skilled as an actor, comedian and beatboxer. After traveling the country with Norman Lear’s “Declare Yourself” Tour, Joshua returned to Los Angeles to continue developing his skills as both an actor and beatboxer. He is the host of several successful music/poetry events throughout Los Angeles including “Reflection” at Temple Bar and “Friday Night Heartbeat” at the Agape International Spiritual Center.<br /><br /><strong>Benjamin Byron Davis</strong> is a native of Boston. He is an actor, writer and director. He has performed his two solo shows, “In Absentia” and “Big Shot,” on both coasts to critical acclaim. He has numerous television and film credits as an actor, and his first collaboration with Joe Hernandez-Kolski - “You Wanna Piece of Me?" - received a rave review in the New York Times when it bowed in NYC's Fringe Festival. Ben teaches acting at the reknown Ivanna Chubbuck studios in Hollywood and holds a BFA with honors in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.<br /> <br /><br />Info on the theater: www.bangstudio.com<br />Info on Joe: www.pochojoe.com<br />Info on Josh: www.myspace.com/joshuasilverstein<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-8466262699208197094?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-49072544686507391242008-07-22T11:14:00.000-07:002008-07-22T11:17:29.918-07:00John Mellencamp tonight in ChicagoI'm going to be one of the opening acts for John Mellencamp tonight at his show at the Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island.<br /><br />Below are the two pieces that I'll be performing.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<br /><br /><strong>"COOL"<br />(the Chicago Remix)</strong><br />Ryan Seacrest in his black leather pants<br />Is not cool<br />Hummers in parking spots labeled compact<br />Are not cool<br />Rims more expensive than your car<br />Are not cool<br />Calling a burrito a wrap<br />Is not cool<br />Calling a woman a bitch <br />Is not cool<br />Winters so cold you can freeze your nipples off<br />Are not cool<br />Downtown parking prices<br />Are not cool<br />Summer Expressway Construction<br />Is not cool<br />Leaving a voice mail message and giving the phone number really fast<br />Is not cool<br />Those mornings when it feels like your goals are completely out of reach<br />Are not cool<br />A 21 year old b-boy of mine <br />Being shot and paralyzed<br />For being at the wrong place at the wrong time<br />Is not only not cool<br />It is a painful reminder of what still needs to change in our world today.<br />And these ridiculous gas prices<br />Are not cool<br /><br />I’ll tell you what I think is cool<br />Heath Ledger’s performance in “The Dark Knight”<br />Is cool<br />Getting Italian ice at Mario’s on Taylor Street<br />On a hot summer night<br />Is cool<br />Chicago Theater<br />Is cool<br />Chicago pizza<br />Is cool<br />The best skyline in the country<br />Is cool<br />Walking with a women and not in front of her<br />Is cool<br />Any John Mellencamp CD<br />Is cool<br />A father walking with his son in Millennium Park<br />Is cool and beautiful<br />Cute chicks in ugly cars<br />Are cool<br />Voting in November<br />Is cool<br />Enjoying what you do<br />Is cool<br />Being alive in the present <br />Is cool<br />Working to create change<br />Is cool<br />Never giving up<br />Is cool<br />The fact that Bush will be gone soon<br />Is cool<br />Cubbies/Sox World Series<br />Will be cool<br />Lucinda Williams<br />Is cool<br />The audience at Charter One Pavilion on a beautiful Tuesday night<br />Is cool<br />Bill O’Reilly<br /><br />So please remember as I continue to remind myself<br />Living your life by Rousseau’s philosophy that<br />“All men are inherently good”<br />Is cool<br />Treating people as you wish to be treated<br />Is cool<br />Giving your own life the respect that it deserves<br />That’s the coolest of them all.<br /><br /><strong>"AMERICA'S SON"</strong><br /><br />I’m a small city kid with my eyes open wide<br />Riding my bike through Chicago’s Northwest side<br />A 13 year old boy full of so many questions<br />Being raised by Catholic Poles and Mexicans<br />Hanging out with headbangers<br />Attending a Black high school<br />So many cultures<br />I don’t understand the rules<br />That somehow set up a deeply segregated population<br />Economics using race to divide our nation<br />But it doesn’t seem right to me<br />Dr. King spoke of commonalities<br />But Reagan says everything’s okay<br />And he looks great on TV<br />So who am I, at thirteen,<br />To question our country?<br /><br />And then I hear this voice on the radio<br />I listen to his words<br />He strips off the paradise<br />Exposing the real world<br />It almost sounds like country<br />And yet I like it<br />I don’t understand why<br />He says he was born in a small town<br />And I live among buildings that touch the sky<br />But there’s more to it<br />It’s the way the band grooves<br />It’s like rock n roll born out of rhythm and blues<br />And there’s a passion in his voice<br />A connection immediately felt<br />To him it’s not about race<br />It’s about those who truly have the wealth<br /><br />Those in the fields<br />Those with blue collars<br />Those who focus on something higher than the man made dollar<br />Those with bloodied palms for a day’s minimum wage<br />Those who wear their knowledge in the crow’s feet on their face<br /><br />I immediately wanna run out and buy all of this man’s CDs<br />But I can’t afford them so my buddy dubs copies for me<br />Album after album so many solid joints<br />Yes, john, by the way, I owe you some soundscan points<br /><br />Written in poor penmanship<br />I pop in a tape simply labeled “Uh-huh”<br />And I learn that it’s <br />“the simple man that pays for the thrills, the bills, the pills that kill”<br />I stretch out scarecrow<br />Staying glued to the TV while I watch this man inspire an entire Farm Aid audience<br />As they sing along with pride<br />“Scarecrow on a wooden cross<br />Blackbird in the barn<br />400 empty acres<br />That used to be my farm<br />I grew up like my daddy did<br />My grandpa cleared this land<br />When I was five<br />I walked the fence<br />While grandpa held my hand”<br /><br />I switch tapes and breathe in Lonesome Jubilee<br />The tape that still means the most to me<br />Released on my fourteenth birthday<br />I claim this as the one that makes me a lifelong fan<br />From “Paper in Fire” to “Down n Out in Paradise” to<br />“Hard Times for an Honest Man”<br /><br />I finally have enough dollars to buy Big Daddy<br />As I make my way to Princeton University<br />A scholarship kid with very few dates and a coupla A’s<br />I witness so much money and I’m both angry and amazed but then I listen to<br />“Whenever We Wanted” and I’m reminded<br />(which I have to say has one of the most intelligent, down to earth and straight up SEXIEST women ever on its album cover)<br />I’m reminded<br />“Now more than ever the world needs love<br />Now more than ever I can’t stand alone<br />Now more than ever…”<br /><br />I am one of a million young poets screaming out their words<br />To a world full of people just living to be heard<br />By future generations riding on the highways that this man from Bloomington built<br />Thanks to you, John, I do have a better understanding<br /><br />I know it’s important to not only question my government but more importantly myself<br />To remove my plastic smile and pull my confidence back off the shelf<br />To stop making excuses to follow through with my plan<br />To suck it up tough it out to be the best I can<br />Cuz this is our country at such a brilliantly beautiful time<br />America was born from those not afraid to cross the line<br /><br />I am still the same city boy with my eyes open wide<br />With optimism so brightly shining from inside<br />A full-grown adult still full of so many questions<br />But what would you expect from a Catholic Polish Mexican?<br /><br />Thanks to you<br />I now embrace my full family name<br />I accept my life without passing the blame<br />My life is now I know that’s the answer<br />And I’m not ashamed that I’m a real good dancer<br />And yes, I’m 5’6” which to the world might be small<br />But you remind me to always walk tall<br /><br />So on those days when I ask myself if it’s all worth it<br />Your music gives me a true sense of purpose<br />Your music reminds me that I am not the only one<br />So I keep on fighting thanks to you<br />You are truly America’s Son.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-4907254468650739124?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-55238786084889480332008-07-03T11:13:00.000-07:002008-07-15T17:27:53.093-07:00LATINATION<a href="http://www.pochojoe.com/blogger3.html/uploaded_images/latination-754499.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.pochojoe.com/blogger3.html/uploaded_images/latination-753559.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Episode 422<br />Showing Week of 07/14/08 - 07/20/08<br />Rerun Week of 09/08/08 - 09/14/08<br /><br />Meet an inspiring star in the spoken word scene, Joe Hernandez-Kolski; Chill with up and coming music video director, Michael Lozano; Nurturing the artists of tomorrow, discover Austin’s own, Lupe Arte; Discover the healing powers of music with rock group, Curanderos; Get roughed up by Cuban born “American Gladiator,” Alex Castro.<br /><br /><br />LatiNation is in its fourth season and features segments such as extreme sports, video gaming, urban fashions, technology, wrestling, underground music movements, and pop culture. LatiNation can be seen weekly on over 90 (overwhelming full-powered) English-language TV stations from coast to coast, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, reaching over 85% of the U.S. Hispanic market and over 65 million homes.<br /><br /> <br /><br />LOCAL WEEKLY AIR DATES:<br /><br />Los Angeles KCAL 9 Saturday Nights @ 12:30 AM<br /><br />New York WWOR/MY9 Sundays @ 4:30 PM<br /><br />Chicago WPWR/My 50 Sundays @ 11PM<br /><br />Complete market list at http://aimtvgroup.com/ln/wheretowatch/<br /><br />See exclusive video for the web at www.LNMas.com <http://www.lnmas.com/> <br /><br />http://aimtvgroup.com/ln/whatson/http://aimtvgroup.com/ln/whatson/<br /><br /><br />Thanks go out to Dolly Romero and Jared Bentley!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-5523878608488948033?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-36920101642230143062008-04-21T17:12:00.000-07:002008-04-21T17:14:30.422-07:00"So Fresh and So Clean" is BACK at BANG!<a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=sofresh_front_3_final.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/sofresh_front_3_final.jpg" border="0" alt="So Fresh and So Clean"></a><br /><br><br><br />"So Fresh and So Clean" returns to the bang Comedy Theater!<br />Every Saturday in May at 8pm! <br /><br /><br />THIS SHOW CONTAINS (IM)MATURE SUBJECT MATTER.<br /><br />"So Fresh and So Clean" is written and performed by two-time HBO Def Poet Joe Hernandez-Kolski and internationally-known beatboxer Joshua Silverstein.<br /> <br />After packing the bang Comedy Theater to the rafters and receiving a standing ovation, they've asked us to bring the show back! We've been working on it and we promise that it's even "fresher" and "cleaner" (so to speak).<br /> <br />Please join us every Saturday in May at 8pm for a new hip-hop theater piece that combines comedy, spoken word poetry and beatboxing. (Imagine the Smothers Brothers meet Rahzel combined with that book of Truly Tasteless Jokes that you used to carry in your backpack during grade school.) <br /><br />Dr. Cornel West says that, "Joe’s work offers a fresh perspective that is both honest and insightful." When Queen Latifah first saw Josh perform, she immediately exclaimed on the mic, "That kid is fresh!"<br /><br />Come see why.<br /><br />"So Fresh and So Clean"<br />Written and Performed by Joe Hernandez-Kolski and Joshua Silverstein<br />Directed by Benjamin Byron Davis<br /><br /> <br />EVERY SATURDAY IN MAY!<br /><br />Saturday, May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st at 8pm<br />bang Comedy Theatre<br />457 N. Fairfax<br />Hollywood, CA 90036<br />(1 bl North of Canter's) <br />www.bangstudio.com<br />box office: 323-653-886<br /><br />Tix: $10<br /><br />Street parking or $5 paylot NE corner Fairfax & Rosewood<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<br /> <br />p.s. Keep your eyes peeled for an invitation to another great event coming up on Friday, May 9th..."Downbeat on the Street." Downbeat 720 (the high school open stage that I host with DJ Jedi) is taking over the Promenade! Friday, May 9th, come to the 3rd Street Promenade from 7-9pm and watch as our high school artists perform for the crowd. More details to follow.<br /> <br />(photo by Alfie Ebojo)<br /> <br />www.pochojoe.com<br />www.youtube.com/pochojoe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-3692010164223014306?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-62460782775539491752008-04-06T01:53:00.000-07:002008-04-06T02:06:46.314-07:00The latest.It's 2am and I really should be asleep but there's a lot of good stuff happening right now:<br /><br />1) Just confirmed -- "So Fresh and So Clean" returns to bang Comedy Theater on Saturday, May 3rd! Yes, the last show went so well (standing room only AND a standing ovation) that we'll be doing the show there EVERY SATURDAY IN MAY AT 8PM. And we're looking to rehaul the show so there will be a lot of changes (in other words, come see it again).<br /><br />Mark your calendars NOW.<br /><br />2) I'm currently having a blast working on a Center Theater Group workshop production of a new hip-hop musical. Loosely based on "Othello," it's written by Matt Sax and directed by Eric Rosen (The team that brought you "CLAY"). We're really having a lot of fun and later today we'll be performing for the CTG artistic staff. (And, yes, I'm singing all up in this biyotch!)<br /><br />And then I drive directly to...<br /><br />3) ...the set of Dreamworks' "The Soloist." Directed by Joe Wright ("Atonement"), this film stars Jamie Foxx as a homeless man who's a musical prodigy and Robert Downey Jr as the LA Times writer who befriends him. Yes, I'll be on the set with an Oscar-nominated director and working with two Oscar-winning actors. Wish me luck.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-6246078277553949175?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-32697693270040501172008-03-07T17:05:00.000-08:002008-03-07T17:17:05.352-08:00"You Wanna Piece of Me?" to be published.<a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/?action=view&current=letterhead.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/pochojoe/letterhead.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Yes, I just signed the agreement. "You Wanna Piece of Me?" (my first "solo" show) will be part of a Hip-Hop Theater anthology to be published by University of Michigan press.<br /><br />Thanks go out to Professor Daniel Banks (NYU Tisch) for putting it together. And, of course, the show would not have happened without the collaborative efforts of DJ Jedi, director Benjamin Byron Davis, producer Justin Yoffe, stage manager Olivia Killingsworth and visual artist phloe.<br /><br />The book is to be released Spring 2009.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-3269769327004050117?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-17796103632485627002008-03-07T16:55:00.000-08:002008-03-07T17:05:48.082-08:00Saturday, March 8th -- Latino State of Comedy PerformanceI'm pretty psyched to be chosen as one of the performers in the "Latino State of Comedy" show as part of the 2008 NALIP Conference. If you don't know, the NALIP (Nat'l Association of Latino Independent Producers) Conference has become one of the biggest events of the year. Last year, I co-hosted the late-night short films event, this year I'm on the mainstage. Thanks go out to Kathryn Galan and Rick Najera.<br /><br />Saturday, March 8th at 8pm<br />Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa <br />25135 Park Lantern <br />Dana Point, CA 92629 <br />www.lagunacliffs.com<br /><br />If you're going to be at the conference, I look forward to seeing you there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-1779610363248562700?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-91479308239177238942008-03-07T16:41:00.000-08:002008-06-13T10:00:42.023-07:00A really nice article.My love and thanks go out to Mahal Jewelz for this piece.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.originalthoughtmag.com/mag/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=302&Itemid=302" target="_blank">http://www.originalthoughtmag.com/mag/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=302&Itemid=302</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-9147930823917723894?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-17045434993196516462008-01-18T10:26:00.000-08:002008-01-31T23:26:31.273-08:00"So Fresh and So Clean" premieres Thursday, 2/21/08 at bang Comedy Theatre!<a href="http://www.flukiest.com" title="hosted by www.flukiest.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://media1.flukiest.com/i/97/22/2279/m_16162591.jpg" border="0" alt="hosted by www.flukiest.com"></a><br /><br />"So Fresh and So Clean" is written and performed by two-time HBO Def Poet Joe Hernandez-Kolski and internationally-known beatboxer Joshua Silverstein.<br /><br />Please join us for the world premiere of this new hip-hop theater piece that combines comedy, spoken word poetry and beatboxing. (Imagine the Smothers Brothers meet Rahzel combined with that Truly Tasteless Jokes book that you used to carry in your backpack during grade school.) <br /><br />Dr. Cornel West says that, “Joe’s work offers a fresh perspective that is both honest and insightful.” When Queen Latifah first saw Josh perform, she immediately exclaimed on the mic, “That kid is fresh!”<br /><br />Come see why.<br /><br />"So Fresh and So Clean"<br />Written and Performed by Joe Hernandez-Kolski and Joshua Silverstein<br />Directed by Benjamin Byron Davis<br /><br />Thursday, February 21st at 8pm<br />bang Comedy Theatre<br />457 N. Fairfax<br />Hollywood, CA 90036<br />(1 bl North of Canter's) <br />www.bangstudio.com<br />box office: 323-653-886<br /><br />Tix: $10<br /><br />FREE for all Writers! (w/WGA ID)<br /><br />Street parking or $5 paylot NE corner Fairfax & Rosewood<br /><br />THIS SHOW CONTAINS (IM)MATURE SUBJECT MATTER.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-1704543499319651646?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-58491264514214244242008-01-14T22:56:00.001-08:002008-01-14T23:15:00.936-08:00Welcome to 2008!C'mon, I hope that you watched or read "The Secret" and are all excited about the new year! What's your New Year's resolution?<br /><br />Welcome to the official Joe Hernandez-Kolski website. There's all sorts of exciting stuff to check out. Click on "Portfolio" to watch all of the latest videos that I've posted, including a new Acting Reel and Hosting Reel. <br /><br />Other videos of note:<br /><br />AFTERSCHOOL'D -- my short film directed by Peter Alton. We were an NBC Comedy Short Cuts finalist.<br /><br />HBO DEF POETRY -- watch my performance from the fourth season. My performance from the sixth season will be up shortly.<br /><br />SI TV's NOT SO FOREIGN FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE -- there's a bunch of footage from the tv show that I hosted and co-wrote. Check your local cable listings to see if you have Si TV. The show has multiple airings, mostly on weekends.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Joe<br /><br />p.s. Watch THE WIRE. It's the best show on television right now.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-5849126451421424424?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735155220692847412.post-89934727591765421892008-01-10T01:20:00.000-08:002008-01-10T01:24:41.800-08:00well looky here... a new page<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3735155220692847412-8993472759176542189?l=www.pochojoe.com%2Fblogger3.html%2Fblogger3.html'/></div>Joe Hernandez-Kolskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645915888712298398noreply@blogger.com0