Louise Roe hosts 'Plain Jane' on the CW

"Louise Roe hosts ‘Plain Jane’ on the CW"

Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

“A show for everyone who dreams of finding love and discovering the true meaning of beauty, ‘Plain Jane’ is funny, fashionable and - dare we say - fierce.”

- StayFamous.Net

For many young women, the ever-changing world of fashion can be intimidating and, at times, a bit overwhelming. But when fashion expert Loiuse Roe (of MTV’s “The City”) takes on a “Plain Jane” each week in her new reality series, she will transform not only their outward appearance, but also give them the confidence to reveal their true feelings to a secret crush.

Louise Roe is stylish, witty, and all-together lovable as the host of “Plain Jane,” airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on the CW Television Network.

In a recent interview, Roe told me that her favorite part of the makeover process is the shoes and the shopping. For her, the show is fundamentally about, “How much fashion really boosts your confidence and can completely change the way you feel about yourself.”

“They don’t even know that they’ve got these cute little waists and great legs half the time,” Roe said. “They’re just wearing sweats the entire time.”

But before the girls are transformed from head to toe on the outside, they must first learn what it takes to be confident on the inside. The unique tasks assigned to each participant, enable them to build their self-esteem and overcome some of their biggest fears.

Cristen (left) and Louise Roe on PLAIN JANE on The CW.Photo by Matt Kennedy © 2010 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved.

“We have a little device called the zapper, which is basically like a kind of dog collar.” Roe explained, “And, I’m always like, ‘It won’t kill you. It’s not a fatal electrocution.’ But, it is quite funny. I know it sounds mean, but we kind of strap it to their ankle and give her the rules. And when she breaks the rules, it’s just a gentle electrocution reminder to remember what the rules are.”

For every girl who wants to know what it takes to go from being a “Plain Jane” to a head-turner, Roe offers plenty of style tips about jewelry, shoes and handbags for viewers too. After all, like she tells participants, “I’m not changing you. Just taking who you are and tweaking it a bit.”

When it comes to fashion, “Plain Jane” is the one summer accessory you shouldn’t go without. “Plain Jane” premieres at 9 p.m. July 28 after “America’s Next Top Model” on the CW.

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"Louise Roe hosts 'Plain Jane' on the CW"

Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

Top photo of Louise Roe by Richard Phibbs

© 2010 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

Kansas continues to build musical legacy

"Kansas continues to build musical legacy"
Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Since the 1970s, Kansas has occupied the airwaves with their timeless classics like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son” (which is featured on the video games Rock Band II and Guitar Hero II). With multi-platinum selling records and a host of fans around the globe, the band continues to entertain crowds.

From left Phil Ehart, Bill Greer, Rich Williams, Steve Walsh and Dave Ragsdale.
I recently had the opportunity to ask guitarist Rich Williams about their upcoming concerts in Central New York.

Listen to a message from Rich Williams:

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "Have you spent any time in Central New York before?"

Rich Williams: "While we have played in the area several times in our 36-year career, we’ve only just passed through. That’s how life on the road goes."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "You’ll be playing both at Harborfest and at this year’s New York State Fair, will there be any differences between the two shows? And are there any surprises in store?"

Rich Williams: "We will be playing Kansas material at both shows, that’s what we do. As far as “surprises” are concerned, again, we will show up and do what we do. Are there any surprises is store for us? Phil really likes cake..."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What’s your favorite song to perform this year?"

Rich Williams: "I enjoy playing guitar period, but because of the crowd response, 'Dust [in the Wind]' and '[Carry On] Wayward Son' are always exciting to play in front of an audience. Practicing them alone at home, not quite as exciting."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "How do you think you’ve changed as performers over the years?"

Rich Williams: "We’re much better players now. Practice makes perfect. Well, we don’t really practice all that much, so perfection is way off in the distance, but years of playing makes you more comfortable with your instrument."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "When people think of Kansas, what do you want your musical legacy to be?"

Rich Williams: "Kansas was a band. Not an act, not an artist, not a combo, not a stylish fad of the month... a band."

Kansas will headline at Oswego's Harborfest July 23 and return to Central New York Aug. 27 to play a concert at the New York State Fair.

"Kansas continues to build musical legacy"
Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of Kansas

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A conversation with Peter Tolan and Callie Thorne of 'Rescue Me'

"A conversation with Peter Tolan and Callie Thorne"
Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

As the television series “Rescue Me,” starring Denis Leary, begins its final two season run on FX, I recently had the opportunity to speak to executive producer Peter Tolan ("Analyze This") and actress Callie Thorne ("Homicide: Life on the Street") about filming in New York City and what their experience was like working on the show. Here’s what they had to say.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “The city is such an important character in 'Rescue Me.' Talk about how it impacts the filming process and what you think New York adds to the overall tone and character of the series.”

Peter Tolan: “Well, way back at the beginning we were asked if we would shoot the show in Toronto. We said no.”

Callie Thorne: “I didn’t know that.”

Peter Tolan: “Yeah. That was the only thing, really, that the Network was saying to us was would we do that. We said no, because we recognized even before we started that we wanted the city to be that other bigger character. So, I mean, there’s so much you get from it. There are problems, but they are sort of minor in terms of dealing with the city and whatever else. But, it’s so authentic.”

“If you’re doing a show that’s supposedly about real people and real emotion, problems, and family and all that, you can’t put it on a fake stage. You can’t pretend you’re someplace else. There’s an authenticity to actually shooting in the city that can’t be replicated. That’s always helped us. It’s always been a big part of the show. So, that has always been important.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “If you could sum up your journey working on the series, how would you describe your experience?”

Callie Thorne: “The journey certainly is different from everything else I worked on because, in terms of having this amount of time to explore and sort of live through a real lifetime of a character is daunting, it’s awesome, and it’s fun, but you do a play or you do a guest spot on another show, or sometimes even when you do a movie, you’re doing kind of like a glimpse of a day in the life of somebody. So, being able to really live a lot of Shelia is something that I’m never going to forget, and the fact that Peter, Denis, and Evan, as they did the whole case, they really treated us like peers instead of employees.”

“They were very much interested when we had ideas about our characters or when we felt something felt a little hanky or we felt something might make more sense if Shelia behaved this way. They were always listening. They were always ready to try something new, so that is actually another thing I’m very grateful for in terms of having spent all this time with these people because, again, that’s really rare. It’s not often that you’re asked your opinion. And not only are you asked your opinion, but it can show through in the scene work. So, I attribute all my favorite things about Shelia in all these years to really how Denis, Peter, and Evan led us through the story telling.”

“Rescue Me” airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX.

"A conversation with Peter Tolan and Callie Thorne"
Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of FX Networks

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Juliet Simms steals the spotlight

"Juliet Simms steals the spotlight"

Automatic Loveletter: ‘Truth or Dare’ Album Review
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

“Powerful, genuine, and soulful, ‘Truth or Dare’ is the album you’ve been waiting for.”

– StayFamous.Net

Review: 5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

It’s 2 p.m. on a Wednesday and Juliet Simms is arriving back at her hotel room in Los Angeles, where she is getting ready to film the music video for “Heart Song,” the first single off her new album “Truth or Dare.”

Despite her busy travel schedule, she takes a moment to do a telephone interview with a reporter in New York.

Simms, who is the lead singer for the up-and-coming rock band Automatic Loveletter, will soon be on the road again, joining the Vans Warped Tour with fellow band mates Tommy Simms (guitar), Clint Fowler (bass) and Ryan Metcalf (drums).

As a talented young musician, Juliet describes herself as the girl next door, a down to earth, sometimes goofy, no holds barred 24 year-old, who remembers the days when she would come home and watch “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” with her mother.

When the band is on tour, she especially appreciates staying in touch with her family and friends over the phone, by text message or on Facebook. “They support me so much,” she said.

Despite the challenges of being away from home, she still finds time for herself. “I wake up in the morning and I like to have alone time for a few hours.” Simms said, “I wake up earlier than everybody else. I’ll do yoga or go workout or go get some coffee.”

Although she enjoys performing on stage, Simms admits she also loves sitting on her bed with her guitar and writing a song. “I feel like I’m creating something out of thin air,” she said. “It feels magic.”

On June 22, Automatic Loveletter will release their highly-anticipated new album “Truth or Dare” on SIN (SonyMusic Independent Network), a record that is both spellbinding and emotional. It is impossible not to fall in love with Juliet’s free personality, her energetic style, and her passion for making quality, timeless rock-and-roll.

“I just want to make music that lasts forever.” Simms said. “I didn’t want this album to be in the moment… I want it to be something that my grandchildren will listen to and dig, because it’s a good song.”

According to Simms, “Truth or Dare” took around seven or eight months to complete, although some of the songs were written in years prior. The simple, yet dazzling album artwork, which was partially inspired by 1980s pop icons Madonna and Blondie, whose faces were featured on the front of their records, also incorporates a stylish use of feathers and Juliet’s own passion for glitter and trendy makeup.

From the StayFamous.Net “Favorite Song on the Album,” “Fade Away,” to the song that begs to be played again and again, “Don’t Let Me Down,” Automatic Loveletter demonstrates they can deliver catchy choruses and songs that listeners can relate to. Juliet Simms is a storyteller, whose passionate vocal performances mimic her true feelings. Her lyrical storytelling ability in songs like “Story of My Life” effortlessly draw you in.

"Let it Ride" is a song that doesn’t hold back. Showcasing the range of Juliet’s vocal ability, the track stands up to any band on the radio today.

Listen to a message from Juliet:


Over the next few months, the group is planning to make stops in several major cities across the United States and Canada, including Houston (July 2), Toronto (July 9), Montreal (July 10), Atlanta (July 26), Salt Lake City (Aug. 7), Denver (Aug. 8), and San Diego (Aug. 10).

“I like having an impact in other people’s lives.” Simms said. “I feel like I feel ten times more than most people. I guess that comes out in me when I’m singing and performing, because I’m not putting on a show, it’s actually how I felt during writing that song and how I feel about that song.”

With music as stunning as the album’s cover photo of lead singer Juliet Simms, Automatic Loveletter’s “Truth of Dare” will leave you breathless.

Automatic Loveletter’s debut album “Truth or Dare” is available June 22. For more information visit the band’s official Web site: http://www.automaticloveletter.com/. You can also follow Juliet Simms on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JulietSimmsALL and listen to their music at www.myspace.com/automaticloveletter.

"Juliet Simms steals the spotlight"
Photograph courtesy of Another Reybee Production

Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com