2015: So Far, So Good!

Offering great promise of what's

to come, the holiday season is a

magical time. But with Valentine's

Day approaching quickly, New

Years Eve is now merely a memory.

So how's 2015 shaping up? Well,

for me, it's been pretty darn good.

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SURF, SAND AND CENTRAL LIFE

As a longtime resident of Florida's Space Coast, I became a HUGE (yet anonymous) admirer of Senior Pastor Randy Alonso and his thriving local, multi campus Central Life Church at the time of my spiritual awakening back in 2010. I was drawn immediately to the powerful "Good News" message of Jesus Christ as presented on Central Life's popular radio show, heard weekday mornings on my favorite hometown station — WMIE 91.5 FM. Hence, I was delighted when this faith-focused, grace-based, non-denominational church recently launched its newest campus in Indialantic, Florida — (practically) inches from my beachside home.

An incredible faith-focused, grace-based, non-denominational church.

Doing church at Central Life with my baby brother - C'MON!

Pastor Randy and I "connected" quickly upon my first visit to the new CL campus last November — and I also was welcomed warmly by campus pastor Ryan Alonso as well as the entire church family. In fact, as 2015 has unfolded, and relationships have developed, I've been afforded wonderful opportunities in which to serve at CL — I even expect to accompany Randy on a pilgrimage to Israel, later this year. Good stuff, to be sure. But the best part of this story is that I now can more easily entice friends to join me for church, as this new beachside CL locale is geographically quite appealing to many of my most-loved peeps. 

Welcome to Central Life Church - Indialantic, FL.

2015 pre-Super Bowl cookout at Central Life Church.

I look forward to sharing much more about the incredible things that God is doing throughout my hometown surf community via Central Life Church in my various 2015 feature stories. Stay tuned!

SERVICE WITH A SMILE!
I'm honored to serve as the new "Coffee Boy" at Central Life Church.

A "SERIOS" CELEBRATION

After a few years of inactivity, my award-winning hard rock band Dead Serios was snatched from the jaws of retirement when we (rather surprisingly) found ourselves performing at a major U.S. music festival on September 26, 2014. And on January 24, 2015, we celebrated our official 30th anniversary, live onstage at the legendary King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Florida.

My longtime security guy, Kirk Sands, protects me from ALL worldly harm!

Dead Serios band and cast members, backstage at The King Center.

Here I am in my dressing room on 1.24.15 with cast member, Leia Dunn, 
who plays the role of "Juicy Lucy" in the Dead Serios show.

We pulled out all the stops (and props) for our high-energy anniversary concert — delivering 14 of our best-known classics, a full cast of crazy onstage characters and a host of special guest performers for the hundreds of hometown fans who packed the King Center's Studio Theatre. And with the exception of tearing the popliteus muscle in my right calf — just two seconds into the show (which hurt like a muther), our performance was a well-executed, arena-caliber production. Mad props to our world-class crew. *FULL DISCLOSURE: If you lack an adolescent sense of humor and / or a penchant for brash garage-rock, you may hurt yourself getting flustered during Dead Serios' (relatively) wholesome, PG-rated show.  

We opened the show with the Dead Serios 
classic, "Lawn Care Studs."

Dead Serios bassist, Joe DelCorvo, onstage with world-renown guest
violinist, Michelle Jones, during the January 2015 King Center concert.

Dead Serios stage show character, "Buster," attempting to
entice guitarist, Stephen Pooley, with "something green."

The Dead Serios anniversary show proved to be an incredible experience for band members and fans alike. We even had the performance shot professionally for an upcoming concert DVD release. Although I remain uncertain regarding the long-term future of the band, we will likely make at least two more major concert appearances in 2015. (Dead Serios on the web) 

More than a mere band, Dead Serios has become a "theater army!"

Dead Serios fans are the best in the world.

Shot live during our January 2015 performance, the first-ever
Dead Serios concert DVD will be released in late February.
(Watch the YouTube preview now)

VINYL CONFESSIONS

I had a little free time on my hands one Saturday shortly after the holidays. Recognizing the dire need for new floor mats and seat covers for my just-purchased Chevy, I ventured out for the first time in years to the one place where I knew that all of my wildest dreams could (and would) come true — Melbourne, Florida's world-famous Renniger's Flea Market, located just a few miles west of my hometown, Satellite Beach.

As I took in the hundreds of vendors and specialty shops, offering an array of such must-have items as fluorescent smart phone cases, personalized trucker hats, costume jewelry, NASCAR memorabilia, lawn care gadgets, chili dogs, gyros and used Mariah Carey CDs, I stumbled into Flashback. Owned and operated by my new pal, Frank, Flashback possesses all the authentic charm of an old school record shop. With the intoxicating fragrance of strawberry incense permeating the air, Frank's place boasts wall-to-wall bins and crates full of reasonably-priced, top-quality vintage LPs from an endless "Who's Who" roster of iconic / classic rock artists, as well as a second-to-none selection of eye-catching pop culture posters.

For the iGadget generation whose only "music" purchases involve keying in redemption codes from their iTunes Christmas gift cards, a visit to Flashback may seem as random as spotting an actual musician at the recent Grammy Awards. However, for those who yearn for the good ol' days — visiting the local record store and "talking shop" with that "cool guy," sporting the ponytail as he cues up the hottest grooves on the in-store turntable, a Flashback experience may be more exciting and satisfying than an excursion to The Magic Kingdom. 

Located at the flea market in Melbourne, Florida, Flashback offers an 
incredible selection of used LPs and super-cool pop culture memorabilia.

FIRST AND GOAL

Although I'm certainly not a gambling man, I do enjoy what's become the friendly annual Super Bowl wager with my (near) lifelong friend and current writing partner, Bryan Dumas. Now residing in Shreveport, Louisiana, Bryan is a manly, NFL know-it-all-type, while I carry a pink Hannah Montana purse and have had little connection to the game since Emmitt Smith retired. However, my gift of revelation regarding the NFL became abundantly clear when I accurately predicted the outcome of the Denver / Seattle match-up in last year's "Big Game." That friendly, pre-kickoff wager won me a $10 Starbucks gift card, courtesy of Bryan. Then, I did it again when I predicted the outcome of the recent New England / Seattle championship. And by the next morning I had received my second annual $10 Starbucks electronic gift card. Thanks Bryan — I look forward to taking your money again when I predict the outcome of the New England / Dallas Super Bowl, next year. FYI, when it comes to the NFL, always listen to the guy wearing rainbow nail polish.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Yes, it may only be mid-February, but 2015 is playing out quite nicely. And it's only gonna get better. Next month, I'll be heading to Orlando's Amway Center for one of the final stops on the current Fleetwood Mac world tour. Although I've seen both Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham live as solo artists, oddly, this will be my first time seeing the actual full band. And as part of a special VIP promotion, I'll even be participating in an exclusive pre-show, Mick Fleetwood meet-and-greet. Stand by, that story is gonna be a doozie! #BucketListCompleted

-Christopher Long
(February 2015)

The latest from author Christopher Long

- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Currently in development...

SUPERSTAR

Read More

NIGHT OF THE CLASSICS: Recreating Vintage Rock

NIGHT OF THE CLASSICS:  
Recreating Vintage Rock

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Concert ticket prices continue to soar, 
while more and more legendary artists 
are touring less and less frequently 
— if at all. Hence, live rock and roll
tribute productions have become wildly 
popular among fans in recent years.

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With award-winning singer / guitarist Adam Sikora leading the charge, the southeast production upstart, Night of the Classics first launched on Florida's Space Coast in 2013. Since then, NOTC has staged several successful events that have brought the classic music of such legendary artists as Pink Floyd and The Beatles to thousands of enthusiasts.

In an exclusive interview with "The Show Biz Guru," Sikora recently shared his passion for vintage rock and roll, as well as his enthusiasm for producing NOTC concerts — including the upcoming "day of Woodstock" at Cocoa, Florida's Cocoa Village Amphitheater on March 7th.

Adam Sikora

Nick Hildyard

"My goal for Night of the Classics is to keep doing 

shows more frequently and to eventually bring the 

recreation of these great bands across the nation."

-Adam Sikora

Night of the Classics presents the music of The Beatles.

Brandon Rapone

However, Sikora was particularly jazzed about his next NOTC production. Pairing the classic crunch of AC/DC with timeless tracks from Led Zeppelin, the event takes place at The Gleason Performing Arts Center on the campus of the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne on Friday, January 23rd. The group's lineup will once again feature members of such popular Florida-based bands as Red Tide and Hot Pink, PLUS, internationally-known frontman Nick Hildyard. Tickets are affordable — ranging from $15-$20.  Doors open at 6pm and the show kicks off with a bang at 7pm.

Sikora's long-term vision is bold, but Night of the Classics already has a proven track record. And given his outfit's current popularity, the future appears bright, indeed.

-Christopher Long

(January 2015)

The latest from author Christopher Long

- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Read More

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

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Well, here we are again —  bidding (hopefully) a fond

farewell to another year gone by, and prepping to
embrace all the promise of the new one rolling in.

So, how was your 2014? I was kinda busy...

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I kicked off 2014 with a bang — attending the January 2nd Melbourne, Florida concert performance of rock legend, Gregg Allman. I celebrated a milestone on St. Patty's Day — a full decade of sobriety. And in May, my third book, SHOUT IT OUT LOUD, was released and it has been thus far receiving glowing reviews. BTW, I currently have two additional book projects in development, including my upcoming fiction debut, entitled SUPERSTAR.

Entitled SHOUT IT OUT LOUD, my third book was released in May 2014.

The summer was a total gas. I served once again as an adult leader at East Coast Christian Center's week-long (Invasion) youth camp, held near Gainsville, Florida. As they say, "Never say 'never'," and by the end of July, I'd done the unthinkable — I actually went back on tour with a rock band — The RockNRoll Chorus. I recounted the entire incredible experience in a three-part series last August. You can read my story here: Pt. I, Pt. II, Pt. III.

Last fall, my award-winning band, Dead Serios, was snatched from the jaws of retirement after a near four-year hiatus. And on September 26th we appeared onstage alongside such national chartbusters as Great White, Faster Pussycat and Enuff Z'nuff at Florida's annual outdoor '80s In The Park rock festival. (Get the skinny on the 30-year Dead Serios saga HERE.)

It felt great to once again be back onstage with Dead Serios in 2014.

By year's end, I was back in the missionary field, spreading the "Good News" of Jesus Christ throughout my favorite Third World nation of Nicaragua. During my team's eight-day excursion, the sick were healed, the hungry were fed and hurting folks everywhere were blessed. I look forward to sharing my full story with readers in the new year.

Q: What's cooler than missionary work?
A: Nuthin'

But "The Show Biz Guru" has become a wildly popular entertainment-based Internet destination for a reason. So let's swoop in and take a look at some of the music, movies, books and concerts that made 2014 such a memorable year...

 THE RECORDS THAT ROCKED

ACE FREHLEY 

Space Invader

For the last 40 years, I've maintained a soft spot in my heart (and my head) for the music of the rock band KISS, as well as for the solo projects of its various past and present members. Although Frehley's 2009 Anomaly record fell short of matching his longstanding level of excellence, "the Spaceman" was redeemed with the release of his latest, Space Invader. "Ace is back," indeed — with the best rock record of 2014. Other notable releases in 2014 include Queen - Live at the Rainbow '74, Dennis DeYoung - Live in Los Angeles, Jake Hamilton - Beautiful Rider, Chicago - Now (Chicago XXXVI), and She and Him - Classics.

Read my complete Space Invader review

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TOPS ON TOUR

PAUL SIMON w/ STING

Amway Center / Orlando, FL (3.16.14)

Two legendary singer / songwriters together, live onstage. It was a magical, once in a lifetime combination that made for my best concert experience of 2014. Other great shows this year included Soundgarden, Taking Back Sunday, and Jonny Lang.

Read my complete Paul Simon / Sting concert review

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BOX OFFICE CHAMP

GOD'S NOT DEAD

Given the mind-numbing and often moronic, lowbrow content currently clogging my local cineplex, this film truly was a breath of fresh air when it arrived in theaters last March — the best of 2014, by far. Yet despite the slim pickins, I did enjoy a couple of other box office winners this year, including Heaven is for Real, St. Vincent and The Gambler.

Read my complete God's Not Dead review

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BEST IN BOOKS 

(Non-Fiction)

LEFTOVER PEOPLE

Brent Jensen

I discovered a fistful of fascinating non-fiction titles this year. KISS co-founder Paul Stanley revealed a riveting read with the release of his long-awaited autobiography, Face the Music, while Galadrielle Allman offered a deeply personal story of her father, Duane, in the pages of Please Be With Me. However, it was Canadian author and rock journalist, Brent Jensen, who truly gripped me with his latest, Leftover People. Jensen has been building a loyal international audience since the release of his 2012 debut, No Sleep 'Til Sudbury. He completed his third book recently, and I'm eagerly anticipating its tentative 2015 release.

Read my complete Leftover People review

(Fiction)

SKY ZONE

Creston Mapes

Simply put, Atlanta's "golden boy," Creston Mapes, is the "McCartney" of suspense authors. In 2014, he concluded his popular Crittendon Files series with the release of the edge-of-your-seat thriller, Sky Zone. And for my money, it was the year's best!

Read my complete Sky Zone review

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There ya go, friends — 2014 in a thumbnail overview. Thanks for taking the time this year to stop by and visit me here on "The Show Biz Guru." I hope that your 2014 was epic and that 2015 will be equally memorable. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Christopher Long
(December 2014)

The latest from author Christopher Long

- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Read More

MOVIE REVIEW: The Gambler

MOVIE REVIEW:

The Gambler

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The current holiday season has offered a slew 

of potential blockbusters featuring an array of 

big-names — including the Christmas Day 

release of The Gambler, starring the ever-

chiseled and super-bankable, Mark Wahlberg.

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Director Rupert Wyatt performs a modern-day "nip and tuck" on the 1974 original with his latest film, The Gambler. Boasting an impressive cast that features John Goodman, Jessica Lange and George Kennedy, The Gambler also delivers (the occasionally shirtless) Mark Wahlberg in the starring role — the rather "troubled," Jim Bennett.

Wahlberg's character, Jim Bennett, is dealt a tough hand in The Gambler.

As I stood in line at my local cineplex, clutching an opening night ticket, I caught the attention of two of my hometown gal pals who were just leaving an earlier showing — and they simply could NOT conceal their lack of enthusiasm for The Gambler. I was bummed out by their passionate post-screening observations for three reasons: A) I'd just paid $8.75 for a ticket, and I hate shelling out that kind of scratch on crappy movies. B) It was Christmas night, and I hate sitting through crappy movies on Christmas. C) I'm a HUGE fan of (the occasionally shirtless) Wahlberg, and I was really looking forward to seeing this movie.

Brie Larson is delightful as Bennett's love interest,  Amy Phillips.

Jessica Lange is rivetting as Bennett's mother, Roberta.

L.A. college literature professor Jim Bennett has a couple of problems — he's a nearly-broke, grown-up, spoiled rich kid with an enormous gambling addiction, he owes more than $250K to the wrong guys — and he's only got seven days to "figure it out." Along the way, Bennett encounters a cluster of compelling characters — and therein lies the film's strength and weakness.

Wahlberg's performance is top notch, to be sure. However, we don't get to look deeply enough into his character's seemingly complex back story to really care whether or not he prevails in the end — at least not until the film's final few minutes. Bennett's onscreen connection with love interest, Amy Phillips, played by Brie Larson, oozes steamy tension, yet the presented picture of their budding relationship seems incomplete and somewhat awkward. And while there already is Oscar buzz surrounding Jessica Lange's performance as Bennett's mother, Roberta, we just aren't allowed to get close enough to connect with her character completely.

Michael K. Williams is cold as ice as Neville.

John Goodman steals the show as the "no nonsense" loan shark, Frank.

John Goodman delivers perhaps the most powerful and gripping performance in the role of "no nonsense" loan shark, Frank. In fact, The Gambler could likely have truly been a bona fide winner, had Frank been the story's primary character. George Kennedy does a fine job in his opening cameo performance as Bennett's dying grandfather, Ed. However, once again, despite being an important character in the story, Ed simply ain't around long enough to connect all of the pertinent dots.

In sum, I did NOT see eye-to-eye with my gal pals' assessment of The Gambler. For me, the story was rather compelling, the cast provided stellar performances and there was plenty of suspense and a reasonable payoff at the end — making it at least worth the $8.75 admission price. Simply put, The Gambler is certainly no Four Brothers, but thank goodness, it's no Rock Star either. 

-Christopher Long
(December 2014)

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Check out my other movie reviews from 2014:

22 Jump Street

Heaven is for Real

God's Not Dead

Son of God

The Wolf of Wall Street

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The latest from author Christopher Long
- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Read More