JOHNGY'S BEAT
YOUR 316TH BEST SOURCE FOR POP CULTURE NUGGETS
Friday, March 31, 2023
On the Beat With Erika Piancastelli
Princess Etch at C2E2 2020
Thursday, March 30, 2023
On the Beat With Kayden Phoenix
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 58: "Cindy Fee"
This weekend, my podcast partner Tommy Else and I will be immersed in the world of “The Golden Girls.” After months of anticipation, Golden-Con will be here!
Presented by Golden Fandom, LLC, Golden-Con 2023: Thank You For Being A Fan returns March 31-April 2 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. Hardcore fans and friends Zack Hudson and brothers Brad and Brendan Balof debuted Golden-Con in 2022 as a weekend celebration of "The Golden Girls," the beloved television sitcom that is still popular more than 30 years after its original run. Golden-Con is a three-day weekend with special guests, live performances, cosplay, merchandise and, of course, lots of cheesecake!
This year, Golden-Con will have writers, producers, and directors from every season of the show, including spinoff, "The Golden Palace." Some of the special guests include David Leisure,, who played neighbor Charley, Dinah Manoff and Kristy McNichol from the “Empty Nest” spinoff, director and producer Terry Hughes and Cindy Fee, who sang the theme song.
Chicago-area resident Cindy's version of "Thank You For Being a Friend” has become so iconic, people forget Andrew Gold, the writer and original singer. Gold's version reached No. 25 on the Billboard Top 100 chart of 1978.
Tommy and I had the pleasure of interviewing Cindy about her impressive career. Fee discussed her start, being a session musician, jingles, her versatility, being on the road and much more. That interview is on our YouTube channel at The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 58: "Cindy Fee."
Embracing her connection to the legendary sitcom, she is excited about returning to Golden-Con. Cindy will be meeting fans, discussing the show and her career and of course, performing “Thank You For Being a Friend,” along with some of her original tunes.
Cindy was such a positive and fun person. We were already excited about Golden-Con and talking to Cindy made us even more excited.
There will also be live performances of "The Lost Episodes," a parody show from Hell in a Handbag productions, a Mother of a Solid Gold Dancer Disco Dance Party, a "Biggest Gift" Vendors Market, the "Chicago: You’ve Got Style" costume parade and much more.
Golden-Con runs March 31-April 2 at the beautiful Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk at 301 E. North Water Street. The hours are Friday (1 p.m.-9 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.). Tommy and I will be there covering all aspects, meeting new folks and seeing other friends.
Thank you to Cindy for her time and consideration. For more info, go to ThankYouForBeingAFan.com.
Thank you for being a reader and thank you for being a friend.
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Mike Pankow at C2E2 2020
Monday, March 27, 2023
Friend Encounters: Billy Ray Cyrus and Larry Freda
Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.
Larry Freda has become a more frequent part of Friend Encounters as I realize just how many celebrities he has met. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Larry in person yet, but I feel I know him already through all of his social posts.
Thanks to his Achy Breaky Heart, Billy Ray Cyrus became a big star many years ago. Little did anyone know as big as that song made him, his daughter Miley would later reach superstardom, too.
Billy actually had eight Top Ten singles on the Billboard Country Songs chart. His album Some Gave All spent 17 weeks in the number one position on the Billboard 200. That is the longest streak for a debut artist at number one.
Billy has remained active in music and also acting. Daughter Miley, kind of did that in reverse. She gained stardom as the title character on Disney TV's Hannah Montana, which led to her singing success.
I don't know if Larry has any musical talent, but I know he has met many talented musicians and other celebrities. While he is most often seen with athletes (usually New York legends), he also crosses over into other fields, too. The man is a legend himself and one who I hope to meet someday.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Larry Freda in Ridgewood, NJ-April 2013.
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Celebrity Jersey Cards #628 Rachael Ellering & Britt Baker
Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. With WrestleMania coming April 2-3, I feature some wrestlers.
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Alex Campbell at C2E2 2017
Friday, March 24, 2023
Peyton Pepkowski and Loyola Ramblers
Thursday, March 23, 2023
On the Beat With Jim Millspaugh of Wrestle Horror
The Squared Circle Expo returns April 7-8 to Indianapolis, Indiana. It will be include a wrestler guest lineup of more than 50 legends and stars, two nights of wrestling, Q&A's, panels, vendors and more. One of the vendors is Jim Millspaugh of Wrestle Horror.
I have seen Jim at both of the previous SCX events, but haven't had the chance to really chat with him and learn about his career. That changed yesterday, as I had the pleasure of talking to Jim during our Zoom interview, which can be found at On the Beat With Jim Millspaugh on YouTube.
Jim has an interesting story, getting involved in the world of pro wrestling at a relatively late age. He admits he was too old to actually wrestle, but age isn't an issue for him as a ring announcer, commentator, podcaster and more. Jim and I bonded over entering pro wrestling from different angles, yet still being a part of the squared circle.
In our interview, Jim covered his path to wrestling and all of his projects. He co-hosts Wrestle Horror with Donnie Hoover. He discussed the crossover of horror and wrestling, including their interviews with wrestlers. Jim also revealed what attendees can expect at his booth at SCX and what wrestlers he really wanted to meet.
Fans have a lot of wrestlers to meet at SCX. That list includes Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medal winner Kurt Angle, All Elite Wrestling's MJF, WWE legend Tatanka, podcasters and current stars Matt Cardona and Brian Myers, AEW's Jamie Hayter, WWE Hall of Famer “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, Heath, Rhyno, current SCX champ Jake Omen, WWE Hall of Famer Lisa Marie Varon, WWE legends Tugboat/Typhoon and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, multi-time WWE and TNA/Impact Women's champ Mickie James, multi-time NWA champ Nick Aldis and ECW stars Al Snow, Sandman, Shane Douglas, “The Queen of Extreme” Francine and the bWo's Blue Meanie and Nova, WWF Hall of Famer Tito Santana, Christian, Kevin Sullivan, Evil Uno, AEW's Toni Storm, NJPW's Juice Robinson, WWE HOFer Sgt. Slaughter, AEW's Willow Nightingale, Red Velvet, Dvon Dudley, SoCal Val, Impact's Ace Austin, Impact's Crazzy Steve, PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D), Shark Boy, Athena, Danhausen, Deonna Purrazzo, Steve Maclin, the Hex, Fred Rosser, Ethan Page, Madman Fulton and Funaki.
That's 50 great wrestlers of the past and present from several copanies. I think that list is final, but you never know with the promoters of SCX. There still could be a surprise or two.
New this year is Friday night wrestling, which joins the usual Saturday night fights to make two great evenings of action.
Some of the wrestling matches are:
- Nick Aldis vs. Carson Drake
- The Headbangers vs. Nick Culer and Sgt. Ledbetter
- The Inaugural SCX Women's Championship “Hateful 8 Scramble”
- Lord Crewe vs. Ace Austin
- Brian Pillman Jr. & Kal Herro vs. Savion & Prima Donny
- Crazzy Steve & Carlito vs. Matt Taylor & Hooks
- Rhyno & Heath vs. Soul Shooters vs. Jack Vaughn & Tim Lutz
- Jake Omen vs. Matt Cardona
All of this happens at Wyndham Indianapolis West. It's a fantastic two days and you never have to leave the property. With an extensive menu, on site restaurant Nicolino's is an excellent option for all meals.
After about a year of anticipation, SCX III will be here in 17 days. I will be joined “On the Beat” by Tony Feddeler, as we cover all ends of the fantastic event. Check back here for my coverage.
For more info on SCX go to SquaredCircleX.com. Also, check WrestleHorror.com for more info on Jim and his projects.