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Guest Occupation: Musical Director, Teacher and Composer
Guest Biography:

JEREMY GILIEN

Jeremy Gilien was a founding faculty member of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and served as musical director of the music theater program until 2006, when he became director of music for the department of dance. He is the composer of three operas: The Magician, The Happy Prince, and Calcutta Rose (about Mother Teresa).

His Symphonice Suite from The Happy Prince was the winner of the 1997 Valley Symphony Composition Competition and received its premier under the baton of maestro Robert Chauls. His latest work for the stage is an operatic/political/circus farce entitled Civicus Dutius, which was premiered by the Cal State L.A.department of Theatre Arts and Dance.

He has been nominated for a Lester Horton Award for outstanding achievement in music for dance for his work with the choreographer Rudy Perez. Mr. Gilien has been director of music at Lynwood United Methodist Church, and currently serves as director of music of Downey United Methodist Church. He also serves on the music staff of University SDA church. He is currently staff accompanist at the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute of the Colburn School, the Colburn Dance Academy, and has played summer intensive training programs for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Joffrey Ballet, and Cecchetti U.S.A..

Mr Gilien received an MA degree in composition from California State University, Los Angeles, where he studied composition with Byong- Kon Kim and served as a repetiteur for the opera workshop.

Guest Category: Performing Arts, Entertainment, Music
Guest Occupation: Musical Ensemble
Guest Biography:

MUSICAL ENSEMBLE

Soloist JENNIFER LINDSAY – Soprano

Soloist – CATHERINE DEL RUSSO – Oboe

Soloist – MARINA MANUKIAN – Violin

Soloist – FILIPPO VOLTAGGIO – Bass/Baritone

ALAN BUSTEED – 1st Violin

ROBERT MATSUDA – 2nd Violin

TOM MCEVILLEY – Viola

CAROLINE COWARD – Cello

JEREMY GILIEN – Piano

Guest Category: Performing Arts, Entertainment, Music
Guest Occupation: retired public school educator and psychic
Guest Biography:

Tina Erwin is a retired US Navy Commander and a psychic. Laura Van Tyne is a retired public school educator and psychic. Together, they are a psychic team with a spiritual mission. As co-hosts of The Karmic Path, they unite spirituality, science and psychology to help people to gain unique, down to earth insights into the world of karma. As professionals, they have had challenging experiences that forced them to learn how to cope with psychic/spiritual issues.

They lay down the logic trails of life (and death) and offer useful tools and resources to enable people to learn how to take their power back. Bad things seem to happen to good people. They offer logical explanations and practical solutions and insights into spiritual problems, such as:

  • Why did my dad beat me?
  • Why was I raped?
  • Why did my mom leave me?
  • Why is my brother handicapped?

Talking Points:

(If you have other ideas, we are open to suggestions to what will benefit your audience.)

  • What is karma?
  • What is a karmic ripple effect?
    • What happens when we begin to understand this?
  • In a world out of balance, the best we can do is to learn how to best help our sphere of influence
  • The microcosm: (We can use you as an example, if you like about how your accident forced you to change your karmic path and lead you into a new direction or we can use an example from Tina or Laura)

IF THERE IS MORE TIME:

  • The macrocosm: Corporate influence
  • Georgia Pacific replanting to keep the earth in balance VS Loggers in Siberia who have decimated the permafrost, which will have a global impact.
  • Skype name:

  • Firstlight11
  • Back up Phone Number:

  • Landline: 619-466-6918
  • Mobile: 619-517-7824
  • Current Email:

  • Questions@TheKarmicPath
  • Or

  • Laura@LauraVanTyne.com
  • Laura Van Tyne is a psychic and former public-school teacher. One morning she discovered her daughter could see and talk to ghosts and other beings. Many of these beings were nefarious and soon their home turned into a “house of horrors” with sleepless nights and many events they could never share with family and friends. Psychic ability, spirituality and karmic laws are tied together. She shares that when we begin to understand how they work, we gain insights that are crucial to our soul evolution and spiritual paths.
Guest Category: Psychology, Mental Health, Personal Development, Spiritual, Psychic & Intuitive
Guest Occupation: Executive Movie Producer, former VP of Business Development and Securities Trader
Guest Biography:

SEAN LYDIARD

Sean Lydiard comes from the world of finance.  He was formerly the Vice President of Institutional Business Development at MBT Institutional, a division of MB Trading.  Prior to joining MBT Institutional, Mr. Lydiard was a securities trader for the Electronic Trading Group in New York.  And he began his finance career in the “30 year Treasury Pit” at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). 

Mr. Lydiard was an active member of the Securities Traders Association of Los Angeles. He received his BA in Finance from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  And has held his Series 3, 7, 24, 55 and 63 industry licenses.

Because of his strong financial background and connections, Mr. Lydiard transitioned from Wall Street to film finance.

Sean has earned Executive Producer or Co-Executive Producer credits  for the following movies: Daniel Alfredson’s “BLACKWAY”, starring Anthony Hopkins, Julia Stiles, Ray Liotta and Alexander Ludwig. Robin Swicord’s “WAKEFIELD”, starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner.  “DAISY WINTERS”, starring Brooke Shields, Iwan Rheon, Carrie Preston and featuring Sterling Jerins.  And “STEALING CARS”, starring Emory Cohen, William H. Macy and John Leguizamo.  

“OFFICE UPRISING”, Sean’s first “produced by” feature film is now featured on Sony Crackle.  OFFICE UPRISING stars Brenton Thwaites (Pirates of the Caribbean, Maleficent), Jane Levy (Don’t Breath, Monster Trucks), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars) and many others.   

“CUT THROAT CITY” directed by Rza (of Wu Tang Clan) and produced by Sean Lydiard and Starring Wesley Snipes, Terrance Howard, Eiza Gonzales, Shameik Moore, Kat Graham, Joel David Moore, Isiah Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Isiah Washington, T.I., and many more.  Will be distributed Theatrically by Well Go U.S.A. in the 2nd quarter of 2019.

Mr. Lydiard’s calm and stable nature, combined with his detailed knowledge of the financial side of film-making, has made him a valuable consultant on dozens of other features. 

Guest Category: Arts, Business, News, Investing and Finance, Health & Lifestyle, Philosophy, TV & Film
Guest Occupation: Accomplished pianist, singer, arranger, and songwriter
Guest Biography:

PETER SMITH

Peter is an accomplished pianist, singer, arranger, and songwriter, and his career has flourished on both coasts. Originally a New Yorker, Peter has lived in Los Angeles since 2005. He is especially in demand as an arranger and musical director for singers, in various musical genres. He is co-creator of “TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS: a celebration of Nat “King” Cole.” Peter performs in the show alongside Keith David. Peter is also musical director for Ty Taylor’s project: “The Nouveau Mid Century Romance Songbook,” which debuted at the Wallis in LA. Peter is co-producer, pianist and MD of the album of the same title, which was released worldwide in 2018.
 
Peter had just started working with Natalie Cole as her primary accompanist (just prior to her passing), and he has been traveling the world as Molly Ringwald’s pianist/MD, and served as co-producer and arranger on her Concord Records release: “Except Sometimes.”  He has played on major stages large and small: Iridium (NYC), Jazz Alley (Seattle), Yoshi’s (SF), Blues Alley (DC), Montreal Jazz festival, Vector Arena (NZ), Melbourne Recital Centre (AUS), and many, many more.
 
Peter was an associate Music Director for both seasons of THE FOUR on Fox, working directly with contestants and in conjunction with Music Directors Rickey Minor and Adam Blackstone. He was also the associate Musical Director on DUETS, the hit singing competition show on ABC. Peter worked directly with Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Robin Thicke and John Legend, not only accompanying them and their contestants in rehearsal, but collaborating with them on the musical arrangements for the show.
 
In 2009, Peter released his debut jazz album: HERE IT COMES, which featured a mix of original material and standard repertoire. The musicians on the album are Allen Mezquida, Charles Owens, Trevor Ware, Clayton Cameron, and both Patrice Quinn and Molly Ringwald are featured vocalists. This album was well received, and he followed it up the following year with an ambitious live project: BLUES AT ALVAS.  This recording branched out into some different repertoire (Otis Redding, Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen) as well as familiar standard material and Jazz originals.  This album features most of the same musicians (Allen, Trevor, Clayton, Patrice) and adds Kamasi Washington, Nick Mancini, and Jacques Lesure.  Apart from these two albums (and both Molly Ringwald’s and Mark Arthur Miller’s releases), a sampling of Peter’s discography includes: Laura Harrison’s CD, NOW HERE; Lisa Donna’s and Kristina Pradd’s self-titled releases; GIMME GIMME GIMME (Reinterpreting Black Flag), and Janet LaBelle’s BLOSSOM AND BLUE.
 
Peter’s composing career is merging with the Industry in Los Angeles, and his compositions can be heard on numerous TV shows (MINDY PROJECT, CSI, BENCHED, HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS, etc) as well as in commercials and in the films HOTEL NOIR, MYTH OF FINGERPRINTS, and BLEACHED. He has a growing repertoire of original pop/soul music, which is finding it’s way in the singer/songwriter rooms of Los Angeles as well as the hands of some major artists.
 
Peter attended Columbia University, majoring in literature but studying classical piano with Michael Skelly and entering an extended mentorship with Jazz great, pianist Mike LeDonne.  Peter also was a DJ at the acclaimed radio station at Columbia, WKCR, where he interviewed many of the great pianists in New York and attended the “Jazz University” of historian Phil Schaap.
 
A short list of additional musicians/vocalists with whom Peter has played, performed and/or recorded includes: Roy McCurdy, John B. Williams, Anthony Wilson, Stephon Harris, Edwin Livingston, Gary Wang, Stevie Wonder, Brenna Whitaker, Laura Mace, Maiya Sykes, Gilbert Castellanos, Melissa Morgan, Janis Mann, Ben Harper, John Beasley, James Tormé, Terron Brooks, Kenny Burrell, Bobby Watson, Dwight Trible, Keith David, Alexys Schwartz, Michael Beardon, and many of the best sidemen in Los Angeles.
 
An accomplished actor as well, Peter’s career has brought him many roles on the small screen in shows like “Law and Order,” “24,” “Scandal,” “Weeds,” “CSI,” and many more.  Peter has also performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Regional stages.  Combining his experiences in acting and music, Peter has written a screenplay about jazz pianist Bill Evans during his time with Miles Davis.  The script, “Blue in Green,” has received much acclaim in the industry and is slowly inching it’s way towards production.
Guest Category: Performing Arts, Entertainment, Music
Guest Occupation: Wine Maker
Guest Biography:

Kurt Giusti – Vintner – Via Giusti Wines

In 2009 Kurt Giusti felt a call to honor and preserve the Giusti Family’s 140-year Sonoma County farming tradition and continue the family legacy, which has transcended into Via Giusti Wines. Wine making was a part of the family heritage, but only for personal use, Kurt would help and work in the family orchard, and at their apple juice plant, Giusti Apple in Sebastopol. To this day, Kurt splits his time between the family ranch, running the winery and managing overall ranch operations. Kurt takes pride in the fact that he is continuing the family tradition in Sonoma County agriculture, and is also growing the family brand by expanding into the wine industry beyond farming. “We take pride in our heritage and the efforts we put into each part of the ranch operations and the wine produced. I Know that the attention to each detail makes all the difference in the quality of everything we do, especially the wines!” Salute!

Guest Category: Business, Health & Lifestyle, History, Kids & Family, Society and Culture, Technology, Travel & Leisure
Guest Occupation: Vocalist
Guest Biography:

WILLIAM F. JORDAN, JR 

Voted as the 2016 Best Male Vocalist, by the Las Vegas Black Music Association, William originates from Elizabethtown Kentucky, were he was raised in a Southern Baptist household full of Gospel and Blues influences. He developed his vocal talents while singing in the church choir at First Baptist Church of Elizabethtown, and traveling with his family as guests at several area churches and community events.

Since coming to the west coast, William has been blessed to be the opening act for H-Town, Andre Crouch, The Clark Sisters and sing background for the great Stevie Wonder, Chante Moore and Christopher Williams.  He’s also shared the stage with Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle and Marc Nelson.

William has been a member of an inspirational group called “Light”, an R&B group called “Serenade”, the gospel group “Higher Calling”, and a lead vocalist for the Los Angeles based KJLH Performance Choir. He is currently the lead singer for an R&B band called Rhythm Nation; sings with a couple Temptation tribute groups; and is the featured artist in various casinos in the Las Vegas area.

Along with his singing, William also is an actor and has had leading roles in USC’s production of “The Wiz” and “Cotton Comes To Harlem”. More recently he has been in several Gospel plays, including “Can A Woman Raise A Man” and “A Man Who Finds A Wife Finds A Good Thing”.  He also played Nelson Mandela in a Rock Opera called “Visions”.

In addition to receiving the Best Male Vocalist award, William has received several other awards for his vocal talents and was the first ever recipient of the “Zeola Gaye Take The Stage Mic Award”.  He has also been voted as the “Long Beach Jazz Male Vocalist Of  The Year” multiple times. He believes that his talent comes from God, his family and the experiences that have come his way.  Listening to him is a positive and emotional experience you will not forget.

Guest Category: Performing Arts, Entertainment, Music
Guest Occupation: Jeff is a licensed therapist, addiction counselor, interventionist and family recovery coach.
Guest Biography:

Jeff Jones provides Addiction Navigation for Families. Jeff is a licensed therapist, addiction counselor, interventionist and family recovery coach. Jeff has been featured in Psychology Today and has a mission to change our conversation in the addiction/recovery space with professionals and family members. Jeff says that the bottom line is that healthy family members allow healing to happen in the short-term and continue to heal far into the future. With the creation of a 3-phase family program & online community, he has both challenged and complemented best thinking about addiction & recovery. Jeff’s vision is to collaborate with addiction professionals, therapists, and treatment facilities to empower family members to engage in a process of recognizing the structural problem around the addiction, resourcing themselves so they can best create a family environment that’s inhospitable to active addiction and sets them up to realize how they want to be a family together in the future.

Guest Category: Business, Education, Health & Lifestyle, Medicine, Psychology, Self Help, Society and Culture, Spiritual, Variety