New in Entertainment on LiftedMagazine.com

Because we have so many great new articles flowing in each week, we're going to take a few moments to highlight some of them for you right here, in addition to our usual monthly newsletter. What you find featured here on the blog you usually won't find in our newsletters so be sure to sign up for both!

A Moment with Brent Barrett: Broadway and Recording Artist Extraordinaire

Brent gives us advice about life ("As a friend said, 'This is not a dress rehearsal; this is the only life you have.' Everyday is a gift. Take it and make it the best you can."), love ("...My new puppies, Boris and Bianca, my 9-month-old Shih Tzu’s...are the sweetest beings on earth.") and much more. Read the full interview here.

TheatreWorks presents The Elephant Man: The true life story of a remarkable man
A wonderful performance by the whole cast, TheatreWorks’ production of The Elephant Man was done in a manner which not only focused on the physical deformity and emotional pain of the main character, but brought a vast array of life's morals and lessons to light. Religion, acceptance, love, pain, intelligence, tolerance and facing ones own internal imperfections were readily understood. Brilliantly directed by Robert Kelley, and skillfully written for the stage by Bernard Pomerance, this production allowed the audience to place themselves in the shoes of someone who suffered greatly in his life, but through his suffering taught others the importance of tolerance and understanding for people’s differences, no matter what they may be. A true teacher of tolerance and compassion, Joseph Merrick’s life will continue to profoundly touch generations to come. Read our full review here


Coming soon

We'll also be featuring interviews with Shane Sparks (judge from Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance") and Leilene Ondrad (a.k.a. "Smiley" from the reality show "Flavor of Love" and now on the show "Charmed School")

Kitty Kavey Inspires Us

Kitty Kavey's story is one which can provide inspiration for many. Despite a very rough childhood and a massively tragic motorcycle accident Kitty Kavey never seems to have lost the desire to live life to its fullest.

"I'm an eternal optimist," Kitty told us. "I always think it's going to be better, that somehow everything will work itself out. I always thought God was my Dad, and used to talk to Him as if He was just an invisible parent – not some sort of supernatural being. I felt that He thought I was special, and He'd make sure I got through whatever it was. Whenever it seemed something terrible was happening, I had faith that I'd get through."

Even her agent has nothing but kinds words, "She's never forgotten where she came from, and how hard a road it's been. She's a leader and a teacher to those who follow the same path. Always one to help others, she actively participates in charitable activities of all kinds, and loves to be of service to others. She prefers directing, writing and producing work of a comedic genre, and is on a crusade to include a more accurate representation of ethnic minorities in the media. She believes that anything is possible and dreams are attainable here in the land of opportunity. Her feisty nature and positive spirit transcend her circumstances, and remind us all that it is a great day to be alive!"

Read the entire interview online now

The ever intense Shane Drake

Somehow even his name sounds dark and mysterious...Shane told us, "I think that I would be fairly accurate in saying that I am pretty intense. I take my life and the contents of it, quite seriously. I can definitely be a little whacky, sometimes witty, and often times paranoid. Plus it is probably a relevant thing to note that I have a fairly obnoxious dose of OCD which pretty much gives me the qualities of a delusional mad scientist."

To date, Shane Drake has directed over 50 music videos and co-produced 3 films. This year, he was awarded the MTV/VMA for Video Of The Year for his video "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" for the band, Panic! At The Disco.

Although you may be familar with some of his work, you may not know that he used to be a be involved with the youth in his community. "I was a youth pastor for a couple different churches a few years back," Shane responded. "It was a wonderfully enriching time in my life and I loved every moment of it."

Read the entire interview with Shane online now.

Kimberly Caldwell steals our hearts

Lifted Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kimberly Caldwell from American Idol, Idol Chat and much more!

A very down to earth and genuine young woman, Kimberly is destined for success. Whether working on her upcoming album, interviewing celebrities, acting, singing, or even just relaxing, Kimberly always seems to outshine others. This is not done intentionally, but Kimberly just has that presence: Her true talent cannot be hidden.

Read the entire interview online

Kimberly Caldwell is up next!

Lifted Magazine is talking to Kimberly Caldwell this week and we want to know your questions. Don't be shy - we know there must be SOMETHING you want to know.

Also, if you have questions you'd like to ask Ryan Starr, don't forget to send them over!!

Submit questions by commenting on this post here...or email them to questions@liftedmag.com

To find out if YOUR question is selected, just sign up for our newsletter or subscribe to this blog. We'll also notify all our friends via MySpace when the interview comes out!

YOU Interview Ryan Starr from American Idol!

You have questions you'd love to ask Ryan Starr...and we want to know what they are!

Are you dying to know how she got started? Or maybe what her favorite band is? Lifted Magazine will be interviewing Ryan Starr from American Idol very soon so send us your questions today!!

Questions can be submitted to this blog as comments or can be emailed to questions AT liftedmag.com.

To find out if YOUR question is selected, just sign up for our newsletter or subscribe to this blog.

Sabrina Sloan in the pages of Lifted Magazine

Our very own Andrew Moreno recently had the privledge to interview Sabrina Sloan. Below is a snippet... But you can read the full article here: Sabrina Sloan - In Her Own Words

Moreno: Tell me; at what age did you realize your passion for music/performance art?
Sloan: I started singing when I was three-years-old. I got involved with church and school choirs early. I also started playing the piano at the age of 7. At around 9, I would just sit at the piano for hours and play and sing and have my own private concert. I loved the theory of music and how the chords supported the melody and I began to appreciate every part of a song. I’d say I knew then that music was what I loved. I also knew it would always be a part of my life.

Moreno: Where/what do you draw on for strength/encouragement?

Sloan: I feel very strongly that it was part of God’s plan for me to be on the show. In everything I do, I trust He knows why things happen the way they do. I was able to go on the stage feeling confident that I was supposed to be there and share my talent. My greatest encourager is my husband, and I give him credit for helping me finally audition, while keeping me focused through the whole process. Our mantra was “Nothing to Lose.” He helped me do the show without thinking of what people would think of me, how I might get voted off, etc. I had to hit the stage with that “no fear” attitude.

Moreno: Do you keep in contact with the other Idol contestants?

Sloan: I try to, but they have an incredibly busy schedule so usually we talk when I visit the show. I feel for them! I know they’re exhausted! J

Moreno: What is it like working with Sanjaya? Everyone seems to be Malakrazy! What's he like behind-the-scenes?

Sloan: He’s a 17 year old kid! He’s having a blast, and enjoying the show. He’s someone who I think genuinely appreciates everything he’s experiencing being on American Idol. I don’t know if he even knows how FAMOUS he is! You live in a bubble being on the show and I know his mom is good about protecting him from some of that publicity and nationwide obsession!