North Palm Beach Life

Meet Peter Knego

7/9/2022

Peter Knego (Courtesy of Peter Knego)

Peter Knego is, a widely-acclaimed maritime historian, dedicated to chronicling and preserving the craftsmanship of classic ocean-going liners. But what some don't know is his long association with one of music's most acclaimed, but under-appreciated, groups, Sparks, the topic of a recent Netflix documentary by Edgar Wright. In the interview below, he talks about Sparks as well as his mother, Rosalee Calvert, who enjoyed a distinguished career as a model and actress.

For more about Peter, GO HERE

Meet Shani Simpson

5/31/2022

Program Director at the West Palm Beach Center for Arts and Technology

Meet Entertainer Lennis Sabatino

2/24/2022

Lennis Sabatino at the Leopard Lounge in Palm Beach
Photo by PAMELA BARKER

Lennis Sabatino (Courtesy Lennis Sabatino)

Born and raised in New York City, Lennis Sabatino was exposed to many genres of Music, from Opera to the street music of the local 42nd street performers. At home, as a young girl, Lennis was relentless in the act of performing and singing, everything from Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler, and Ella Fitzgerald to Tona la Negra.

Her Dominican roots were steadfast and her amazing capacity for rhythm and music served as evidence of her native upbringing. This New York native has graced many stages around the world with her sultry voice. From Carnegie hall, to Europe, Lennis has over 15 years of professional experience. She performed at the 37th Annual Grammy's in California. She has performed a wide array of music including Gospel, Jazz, Musical theatre, Pop, R&B, Latin and Much more.

Her eclectic voice fits any style and can produce sounds, which can captivate any audience. She attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and she continues to study via the internet today to complete her masters, via the internet, in music Education and performance. Aside from her long list of Jazz Concerts and Jazz Appearances, she is a Lead vocalist of "The It Band" a/k/a Pure Energy, Bravatto and South Florida Powerhouse Band. She has taken South Florida By storm with her ability to cover any genre and is looked on as a top industry professional. She is personalble and enchating as a human being and looks forward to romancing the hearts of her fans.

Listen to the Podcast:

Pam Barker and Lennis Sabatino at the Leopard Lounge (NPBL Photo)

Stephanie Owitz: Finding the Light

11/22/2021

Stephanie Owitz, Director of Arts Culture & Learning at Levis JCC Sandler Center

Stephanie Owitz has been involved with the Levis JCC in a variety of capacities for more than 25 years. A professional social worker, she served as a full time volunteer while she raised her 3 daughters. Her achievements include chairing numerous JCC committees in the 90's and 00's, including the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest in 2007. Ms. Owitz served on the Levis JCC Board of Directors for many years
and as President of the Board from 2008-2012.

Dancer, Actor and Costume Designer Pete Menefee

4/19/2021

Photo Courtesy of Pete Menefee

Three Primetime Emmy Awards to his credit, the incomparable Pete Menefee left dancing and acting by the age of 25 to pursue a career in costume design. In the ensuing years, Pete has designed with way too many performers and shows to easily recap.

In the early years he danced and played the unforgettable teen, Harvey Johnson, in the film “Bye Bye Birdie,” alongside the one-and-only, Ann Margret. He remains friends with Ms. Margret to this day. He can also be seen in another of her films, “Viva Las Vegas.” Then there was the film, Mary Poppins” where Pete danced as a Chimney Sweep. Immediately, he began work on another great film, “My Fair Lady.”

But, it is in the world of costume design where Pete Menefee is a true icon. It is easier to mention the superstars he has not worked with, than those he has. Shirley MacLaine, Charlie’s Angels, Liza, the Olympics, Ziegfried and Roy, the Rockettes. Then toss in acts such as KISS, Tina Turner and the Jackson’s to name just a few. You have seen his creations strutting on stages and screens from Las Vegas to Disney.

Personally, I have admired him for more years than I shall admit. What an honor to have him as my guest. Yes, Pete Menefee is a creator of magic . . . magic performers get to wear, and viewers get to admire. I believe in magic.

GO TO THE PODCAST

Interview: Nick Granello

4/12/2021

Originally from New Orleans, our Gigi the 561 guest, Nicholas Granello, now resides in Dallas. He qualifies as a man-about-town! After the year-long lockdown and the February ice storm with its lengthy power outage, Nick recently returned from a much-needed Spring Break trip to the Flagstaff and Sedona area.A longtime travel lover, Nick is anxious to do more, as well as work on some potential music projects. His cat, Dima, likes to hang out with him, even on car trips. Listen in as we chat about his thoughts on being a mixologist, music,
the pandemic and...hot dogs! A FUN podcast!

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Interview: Steve Hibbert

4/12/2021

Steve Hibbert – who is a recent transplant to Colorado - had a nearly 3 decade-long career as a professional actor, theater director, improv/sketch writing teacher, and as a TV/screen writer.

He now teaches improv and sketch writing at the Bovine Metropolis Theater in the historic Larimer Square District of Downtown Denver. Steve got his start in the '80s and early '90s as a performer, writer (later teacher and director) at the justifiably famous breeding ground for comedy: The Groundlings Theater in L.A.

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Interview: Tom Turner

4/12/2021

A native New Englander, Tom Turner dropped out of college and ran a Vermont bar. Limping back a few years later to get his sheepskin, he went on to become an advertising copywriter, first in Boston, then New York. After 10 years of post-Mad Men life, he made both a career and geography change and ended up in Palm Beach, renovating houses and collecting raw materials for his novels. A previous resident of Charleston and Skidaway Island, outside of Savannah, he currently resides in West Palm Beach. Palm Beach provides the setting for his murder-mystery series of books.

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