The ONE & MANY JIMMY JAMES!

2012-01-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

I came back to LA Jan. 9, 2012.
I had a restful time in San Antonio at Mom's house. I keep a room there and have it configured very similar to my room in LA. It helps me to have familiarity of where I put things and kinda know where everything is so that the transition between places is easy.

My 2nd annual Christmas show Dec. 22, 2011 at The Bonham Exchange was a success again. My business doubled from last year. Maybe they'll have me back again next year. I appeared on local FOX KABB NEWS FIRST. They promoted me like a rock star. They promoted my Christmas album (now on iTunes) heavily as well as my Bonham show. I did some quick voices on camera from the the album and then when they came back from commercial break I did the Bette Davis 'Feliz Navidad' (with the wig & cigarette) live on camera. They played the show out with that.

Now I'm back in LA. I just finished a private event in Palm Springs at The Hilton Hotel this past Saturday. I also had a meeting at a local club there because I'm looking for a place to try out new material and have fun doing it. I'm looking for a place casual enough for fun but still conducive enough for live singing. Things are looking good. I'll announce it if it comes through.

SAN ANTONIO, TX CHRISTMAS SHOW! 12/22/11

2011-12-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

Home for the Holidays!
December 22, 2011 / 8pm

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/213314

This will be my 2nd Annual Christmas Show in my hometown of San Antonio. Last year was a blast and I'm planning a different show this year. I'll be doing a few Christmas songs from my recently added Christmas album to iTunes but I'll be doing a regular show including a new tribute to Amy Winehouse. Hope to see you there.

CHRISTMAS DREAMS COME TRUE

2011-12-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

So Proud to Announce for the FIRST TIME EVER my

CHRISTMAS ALBUM IS NOW AVAILABLE ON iTUNES!

I've wanted this to happen for so long but before uploading it, I wanted to include a bonus track of a song I wrote back in 1998 after my father passed away from Cancer.

I called up my friend / legendary music producer/arranger, Bob Esty here in Los Angeles who has worked with Cher, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer and many more.... in fact every time you hear "Last Dance" or "Take Me Home" - it's Bob Esty's musical arrangement and production!

I called him up to ask if he could make my wish come true, and he said YES! Along with David Arana, Bob Esty and I went to work in the studio. My dream came true! The little song I wrote came to life with the magic of Bob Esty and David Arana.

I performed the song for the first time this past Dec. 9th at The Cavern Club Theater at Casita del Campo in Los Angeles for my Christmas show. Bob Esty was in the house. I introduced him and everyone cheered. I sang the song live and it got ovations. It was a super fun night with friends and fans and newcomers alike who just wanted to check out my show.

So look up my Christmas album in iTunes. Play it at your parties and don't tell them right away who it is. Just let them wonder. I hope you enjoy the bonus track "First Christmas Without U" dedicated to my Dad Jim Johnson, and to anyone who has had to face that First Christmas without a loved one being there. Peace.

FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT U

Lyrics: JIMMY JAMES / Music produced & arranged: BOB ESTY, DAVID ARANA

IT'S COMIN' ON CHRISTMAS SOON

AND I'M SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE MOOD

GOT A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR

I GOT EVERYTHING I WANT AND SO MUCH MORE

BUT YOU'RE NOT HERE WITH ME

AND THOSE MEMORIES HANG ON THE TREE

BUT AS LONG AS YOU'RE MISSING

I'LL BE WISHING THAT YOU WERE HERE WITH ME

Chorus:

AND I KNOW THE SNOW'S ON THE WAY

BUT STILL IT WON'T BE THE SAME

WHAT AM I GONNA DO

ON THIS FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT U

EVERYONE'S FEELING THE JOY

AND THE CHILDREN ARE WAITING FOR TOYS

I DON'T WANNA BE DOWN

NOT WHEN SANTA CLAUSE IS COMIN' TO TOWN

AND I KNOW I GOTTA BE STRONG

SOMEHOW LEARN TO MOVE ON

BUT AS LONG AS YOU'RE MISSING

I'LL BE WISHING THAT YOU WERE HERE WITH ME

Chorus

11/15 & MORE...WEEKEND SHOPPING SINGING & JUDGING

2011-11-22T01:36:00.001-08:00

Nov. 15, 2011 Tuesday:
I did my show at Casita del Campo. I had a great audience. I was in excellent voice. I even sang "Evergreen" for the Streisand voice. I rarely ever do this number because it's toooo hard. I got 2 standing ovations. Sold a lot of merch. My longtime friend/designer Michael Schmidt showed up. with Moniker Mgmt's Diana Coney. Also the talented male actress Jackie Beat came with writer Muffy Bolding, actress Selene Luna, actor/club impresario Mario Diaz, entertainer Calpernia, star trainer Craig Ramsay, legendary music producer Bob Esty and more people from music, television and film. Although I was kinda feeling a little low, the audience really picked me up and I had a great time. November 15 holds memories that I try to ignore. But I won't go into it.
http://www.michaelschmidtstudios.com/
http://missjackiebeat.com/
http://seleneluna.com/site/
http://www.monikermgmt.com/mainmenu.html
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0225019/ (Mario Diaz)
http://www.calpernia.com/
http://amprofile.blogspot.com/2011/02/bob-esty-has-worked-with-some-divas.html (Bob Esty)
http://www.craigramsayfitness.com/

Nov. 20, 2011 Saturday:
Woke up at Billy's. We went shopping. He bought a BIG Karaoke Machine so that we can all sing at his Thanksgiving party. Only problem is...the neighbors! He also bought a big refrigerator for his back porch patio and a bunch of stuff at Bed Bath & Beyond.


Billy rolling out the Karaoke Machine to put in his car. That's the owner Faye (R) who sold the machine and lots of Karaoke CDs. She wants her dolly back. http://singingstore.com/

Nov. 21, 2011 Sunday:
Sunday Morning I woke up in Sherman Oaks at my friend Billy's house. He has a room there for me to get away. I go up to the mountain, I hear Paula Abdul lives on his street, maybe I'll go Christmas caroling at her house. It was pouring rain & cold this Morning! In L.A. most people don't know how to handle this weather but it was so refreshing and cool. The rain cleans the air. We need that. I stumbled out of bed like Dolly Parton without her wig and went to the kitchen. I love using Keurig 1 cup-at-a-time coffee maker. I discovered Emiril's Big Easy Intense coffee - so good. Billy bought it yesterday at Bed Bath & Beyond. I like a good strong coffee. Even though it's bold and intense, it had a slight hickory smooth overtone - not bitter at all.

http://www.coffee.org/products/view.php?item=347

It was so hard for me to figure out how I would muster the energy to go out tonight but I had a commitment to judge a "Cabaret Idol" contest at The Hollywood Bar & Grill on Sunset and Gower. Even though I just wanted to date Emeril and kick it down a notch with some coffee and chill out. Billy brought KFC original recipe. OH LORD... I have not eaten this stuff in over a year. I've kinda been eating vegan lately - not 100% but leaning towards it somewhat. I had a small amount of KFC and tried not to think about the investigative report by Brian Ross at ABC NEWS expose on the Sparboe facility in Vincent, Iowa. They showed the chickens are unsanitary and gross and McDonalds pulled out of their contract with the facility. The chicken wing I ate had broken bones. The chicken is not healthy. I'm grossing myself out...yuk. Whenever I eat vegan, I never feel tired or bloated. Eating vegan makes me feel nourished.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/mcdonalds-dumps-mcmuffin-egg-factory-health-concerns/story?id=14976054#.TsuEuPHFgvo

6:30pm I eventually took my flesh-eating body down to judge "Cabaret Idol" and I was so entertained with the talent of the contestants. The contest is weekly every Sunday at 7pm but I only judged this one night. I sang "8 Divas" with a live piano player and drums. I think I did pretty good. I got a rousing ovation. Everybody was very nice to me.
https://www.facebook.com/cabaretidol

Late night snack: Ranch corn nuts and Good n Plenty licorice candy...Very VEGAN.

CHRISTMAS SHOWS!

2011-11-20T00:23:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to announce that I will be doing my Christmas show at Casita del Campo's CAVERN CLUB THEATER for the first time! December 8 & 9, 2011. The last of the jewel case Christmas CDs will be available at the show before it all goes digital on iTunes. The artwork on the CD (front & back is by Alvaro in New York City). http://cavernclubtheater.com/

I am also going to do my 2nd annual Christmas show in my own hometown of San Antonio, TX at The Bonham Exchange Dance club - December 22, 2011. Tickets available very soon at BROWNPAPERTICKETS.COM

I will sing some excerpts from my popular Christmas album as well of some, not so Christmas songs. In the past when I've tried to do a show with only Christmas songs, it felt too boring. So I will do a well rounded show with a sprinkling of Holiday Cheer.

Hope you can make it!

Front of my Christmas CD. Beautiful artwork by Alavaro NYC.

Back of my Christmas CD. Artwork by Alvaro. It's kind of a Marilyn Snow man...lol.

2011-11-10T13:25:00.001-08:00

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

The last time I did my show it was sold-out. I'm coming back to do my AWARD WINNING New York Show! Lots of Voices, Comedy, a couple of my own songs and video presentations.

Hope you can make it.

LETTER TO LISA. WORKS FOR MY BLOG TOO

2011-11-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Lisa,
I'm frantically packing to go to Palm Springs tomorrow.
I'm judging a Drag contest called "Broadway In Drag" @ The Palm Canyon Theater. I'm doing 1 promo number Cher - "Memory"

Saturday, Nov. 5 I do a 2pm 30min show at the Pride outdoor festival.
8:00pm I do The Purple Room. I saw Ross' name in the ticket sales - Thanks :)

I got flyers to promote AND the cutest FASHIONISTA bracelets which act as the ticket to get into The Purple Room. I LOVE the bracelets. I'll have to mail you a couple.

Sunday, Nov. 6 I do an early Morning guest appearance with THE REAL Carol Channing for PBS "IN THE LIFE."

Monday Nov. 7 I go back to L.A. whewwww.....

My networking in Los Angeles and the West Coast feels like it is finally starting to build like I had it built it up in NYC.

Oh, and just a few days ago I contacted Bob Esty (music producer for Cher "Take Me Home" and other songs... he's also produced Donna Summer "Last Dance" Striesand "Enough Is Enough" also Weather Girls "It's Raining Men." etc... he's great. I've known him for many years. I sent him my acappella vocals of a song I wrote called "First Christmas Without U." I want him to produce the music so when I upload my Christmas album early December, I can add it as a bonus track. I'm VERY excited. I'm a big fan of Bob Esty! He's big time and I'm lucky to know him. He's a great guy.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bob-esty-p74520/credits

Last Saturday, Oct. 29 (Halloween wkend) I performed as Ursula the Witch with a black guy dressed as the Little Mermaid. It was so much fun! I sang "Poor Unfortunate Soul."
After I did the Ursula thing I went into FASHIONISTA in the Ursula drag...lol!
It was SUCH A FUN PARTY! My friend Billy Butler produced it and paid for it.
About 500 people were there. Everybody was in a great mood and just having fun!

I actually drank Jack Daniels on the rocks! Can you believe it? You know I never drink.
After the show that night I got to meet Tara - Pat Carol's daughter!
Pat Carol is the voice of Ursula in the Disney movie "Little Mermaid." That was so cool.

Ursula & Tara! Pat Carol's daughter after my performance. Her Mom Pat Carol did the original voice for Ursula. You gotta watch it on YouTube. It's the ONLY voice for Ursula. I was all too happy to use my lower register of my voice for the character. Jack Daniels is good for the low voice...lol. That white thing in my dress is a big fan that opens up.

I only know Billy in this picture (the pirate next to me). You can see what he really looks like on his Facebook. William Butler. I did not recognize him at first in his costume.

Me singing as Ursula the Witch "Poor Unfortunate Souls." Lower left corner The Little Mermaid Bruce Daniels...lol

This is only some of the stuff I've been up to lately...and btw, I'm soooo late in writing in my Blog, so if you don't mind I'm going to copy and paste this email into my Blog. I've been so busy lately -
15 hour days! That's Hollywood.

Love to U & Linda xoxo
JIMMY

P.S. You girls have been so good to me. Whenever you want me to do another party for you. Just ask. I would be happy to perform in your home again. Your Oct. 7 party was a blast! xo

P.S.S. The Kardashians are whores!

P.S.S. Ursula "Poor Unfortunate Souls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyFVG4VfPmg

HOLLYWOOD ACADAMY AWARDS & TEXAS

2011-09-22T02:49:00.000-07:00

Wed. September 14, 2011


On the 20th CENTURY FOX LOT inside the commissary. The Oscars are just as you enter. We ate inside. It was so good. I had grilled salmon, mashed potaoes & veggies. OINK!

I went with some friends to eat at the 20th Century commissary. This is my 2nd time to walk around the lot. The 1st time was written in my blog several months ago when I had an audition for MODERN FAMILY.

I don't think I can describe how awesome it feels to walk around this lot. Shirley Temple was here and had her own little house built. I saw it. Lucille Ball worked on this lot and so did Bette Davis. And of course Marilyn Monroe was a 20th Century Fox girl. The place is magical for me. A little Texas boy born in Laredo raised in San Antonio... I could not have dreamed about this... it's so surreal.

Beautiful giant mural of MM from 'The Seven Year Itch'

These beautiful Tea Cups were hand delivered to me in LA by my friend Fran. She and her partner Lucy have been coming to see my shows in Provincetown for years. They are so sweet. One night I was a little too honest in my show and revealed that I have a Coffee Mug & Tea Cup obsession. So these 2 ladies have been supplying me with mugs and tea cups ever since. Love you girls!

Friday / September 16, 2011
When in Texas, do what the Texans do. I woke up late Friday Morning in Houston. I had to return to the scene of the crime from last year. PAPPA'S Bar-B-Q Restaurant. I ordered a giant baked potato with turkey, chives, butter, cheddar cheese. A side of pickles, Mac & Cheese, Corn, BBQ sauce and Cantaloupe drink. I could not eat it all. But I tried.

Stafford, Texas is just on the edge of Houston. So basically you fly into Houston, stay in a Houston Hotel but you get driven to the Stafford Performing Arts Centre. I was booked to open for ABBA 'The Concert' Tribute band (I did it last year too). So nice to be asked back again.

What a fun 2 days. I was feeling kinda nervous because as a warm up act you know people are not really there to see you. But judging the reaction, I think I did pretty good. Right after my segment there was a short intermission where I went out to the lobby to sell CDs and my new FASHIONISTA tshirts.

It was a great Friday & Saturday. The promoters took me and the ABBA members (17 of us) to the Aquarium restaurant on Saturday afternoon.

Blackened Talapia, Coconut shrimp, Mashed potatoes / gravy, Scallops & Veggies...OINK!

Tshirt DESIGNS

2011-09-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

Been working on Tshirt designs for my merchandise store. I think the first one we will be printing up is #3. I'm going to work on #5 later but maybe put the designer 'wrap' in the back.
But for now I'll keep it simple.

CASITA del CAMPO - Jimmy James - Live! Sept. 10, 2011

2011-09-06T02:54:00.000-07:00

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

Come see my show!

Saturday 9pm.

Casita del Campo's
CAVERN CLUB THEATER

1920 Hyperion

Los Angeles, CA (Silverlake)

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/195810

SEPTEMBER 2 'FACES' SACRAMENTO, CA

2011-08-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way to perform this Friday September 2 at a club called FACES in Sacramento, CA.

I'm in here somewhere...??? I think they listed me as "Jesse James???" Looks like they got a lot of stuff going on.
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/189425

BARBRA STREISAND CD RELEASE PARTY

2011-08-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

I was not in good voice. Damn. My voice is always good these days but this particular night I didn't have the power or clarity I normally have.

This night was a record release party for Barbra Streisand's newest album. There were a lot of incredible singers there. Some of them visiting LA from NYC's Broadway. All of the singers were hitting it out of the ball park.

Musical Mondays takes place every Monday in West Hollywood at Club 11. The guys there are great there. Ryan O'Conner & Scott Nevins run this night.

My friend Gary DeVaughn recorded this on my iPhone. My hair looks weird in this video like I'm bald or something...but I'm not.

Jimmy James talks "Fashionista" with Jess Zaino on The Glam List: Skype ...

2011-08-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEW

2011-08-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzPoa7_KfcQ&feature=share

SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES...CANCELED!

2011-08-18T03:38:00.000-07:00

CANCELED!
Sorry but I have decided to cancel the SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES due to scheduling problems.

No hard feelings towards The Palms. I think the facility was very nice and has a great potential for something in the future. But we were unable to keep the show time consistent therefore making it too hard to promote it properly and it was too confusing to my fans.

My sincere apologies.

Coming soon CASITA del CAMPO date around September 9, 10 or 11.

JIMMY JAMES

SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES! They wanna extend me!

2011-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES!

Every SATURDAY in August 2011, 9pm (sharp).

The PALMS BAR & SHOW LOUNGE

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191205

This past Saturday was fun. Legendary Warhol Superstar Holly Woodlawn stopped by unexpectedly. Also in the house was legendary music producer Bob Esty (Take Me Home, Last Dance, Enough Is Enough...). Also some television industry people came and my former publicist Scott Barton.
.................................................
Set List:
SUMMER SUN (Jimmy James original)
HISTORY REPEATING (Shirley Bassey)
3 SISTER DIVAS "GOD BLESS THE CHILD" (Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross)
SWEET DREAMS (Patsy Cline)
CHER MEDLEY
PRIVATE DANCER (Tina Turner)
LOVE IS A LOSING GAME (work-in-progress Amy Winehouse)
KISSING A FRAUD (Jimmy James original)
U DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS (Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond)
8 DIVAS "I've Got It Bad" Dance Mix (8 voices in 1 song)
FASHIONISTA (Jimmy James original)
...........................................................

The club is set up very well for me. The sound is good, there's a follow spot, a cute stage, a video screen, a fan that blows on me during the show and the club is in my neighborhood...what else could I want? They actually want to extend me so I have a lot to think about. It would be quite a commitment.
It is luxurious to have a place to keep my timing and voice worked-out. I always need a work-shop to practice. I had a place like this for 5 years in NYC and it was very valuable to have a place to try out new material.

MY OWN DAMN VOICE! MY OWN DAMN SONGS! JIM CARREY!

2011-08-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES! EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST. Every show will be different...

This past August 6, 9pm, I kicked off my SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES at The Palms Bar / Show Lounge in West Hollywood, CA. I'm scheduled to do every Saturday in August. I always need a place to work out new material - practice.

I recently revisited some unreleased songs I wrote that I thought were pretty good. One of the songs, "Money Love & Pain" struck my fancy so I decided to do it in the show. It felt good to sing it that night. The sound is good in the club.

The show had several bumps in the road, that I guess, only I would notice but I started to be vocal about it trying to get a laugh. But, some of it fell flat. Sometimes in comedy when you think it's funny in your head you keep harping on it trying to get a laugh but it doesn't always work. Oh well...it didn't work.

But I feel I did an ok show. A lot of the show was original material. A stark difference from my usual expected impressions. It's really bizzare to me how some people have severe unfavorable reactions to this. BUT for people who had never seen my show...they seemed to really like the show!

Don't get me wrong...I love my Divas. I love doing the Voices. I love doing the Voice Impressions but I am a creative talent beyond just impressions. I NEVER in my life wanted to be a one-trick-pony. I will NEVER be a one-trick-pony. Even during my Marilyn Years, I did not ONLY do Marilyn. I did her for the first 15-20 minutes then I would go backstage to change and come out with an opening song as myself and start doing the Voice Impressions after that. That was my show, that's how I did it. It worked for many years.

I'm a songwriter now and a recording artist in my own right. I recorded a global hit and an original album, so if I choose to sing a couple of original songs that I WROTE, don't hate me so hard! Trust me they're good songs and my own damn voice is NOT bad either. I have a nice voice. I like it. It may not be Barbra or Judy or Cher or Billie Holiday or Patsy Cline or Eartha Kitt - but my voice is MINE! Just enjoy the ride and don't get bitter if I don't do Barbra Streisand or Bette Davis. Open your mind and give me a chance to show you more talent than you ever thought possible. That being said, I do love my Divas. They are ALL extensions of me. They've inspired me as an artist. I grew up with them. I hung my dreams on them.

Playlist at The Palms Bar/ Show Lounge August 6, 2011:
1. SUMMER SUN
2. HISTORY REPEATING (Shirley Bassey)
3. MONEY LOVE & PAIN
http://soundcloud.com/jimmy-james-3/demo-money-love-pain-jimmy
4. DON'T LEAVE ME THIS WAY (Cher)
5. COME RAIN or COME SHINE acapella (Judy Garland)
6. MAYBE THIS TIME acapella (Liza Minnelli)
7. SECRET (Madonna)
8. LOVE IS A LOSING GAME (work-in-progress Amy Winehouse)
8. LIKE U DO (Duet Boy George & Jimmy James)
9. FASHIONISTA

Sammy Davis Jr. asked Frank Sinatra, "Frank how can I make it in show business like the big guys?" Frank Sinatra said to him, "You gotta do your own thing. Stop the impressions. Be Sammy Davis, Jr. Be the best you."

This brings to mind a famous quote from Judy Garland: "Why be a second rate version of someone else when you can be a first rate version of yourself."

Jim Carrey came to Hollywood and started out doing impressions. He was damn good and damn funny. But he knew he had to be original. He believed in himself and persevered with his own originality. Where would Jim Carrey be if he just settled for being a Voice Impressionist? Maybe Vegas?...Ok...but probably not doing multi-Million Dollar Block Buster movies.

Jim Carrey doing impressions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsVHhBFGSps

I looked up some inspiring quotes from Jim Carrey.

JIM CARREY QUOTES:
At the Comedy Store I started to get known doing impressions and stopped doing that because I saw where it was leading and so because I did that I was able to excel to another level without being known as the comic impressionist.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

Some nights it was a melee, literally, where I'd be standing trying to defend myself for what I was doing. People would be screaming at me to do my old act, and getting actually violent and angry at me.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

Desperation is a necessary ingredient to learning anything, or creating anything. Period. If you ain't desperate at some point, you ain't interesting.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

I've had incredible blessings, unbelievable fortitude and at the same time there's always a balancing factor to my life and generally what it is, you pick up the book on comedians and I'm not in it.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

I just want to be myself.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

I'm very serious about no alcohol, no drugs. Life is too beautiful.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

If you've got a talent, protect it.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

Originality is really important.
Quotation of Jim Carrey

JULY: TEXAS, REHOBOTH, LA ... SUMMER SUN!

2011-08-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to hang out with Mom in San Antonio. It was peaceful and I was able to think about a lot of things. She's getting on in years and she has always been there for me 100%. I don't know...maybe I should move home for a while. I want to spend more time with her and I don't want to have any regrets later.

I was also able to see some friends, go out to dinner, jog (even though it was so sweltering hot even in the evening). I used my iPhone to document the 3 and 4 miles.

By the end of July I took off to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to do a show at the Blue Moon Cafe/Restaurant/Club. By all accounts it seems that I did a good show, everyone seemed to like it and I love the owners Tim & Randy. They spoil me with good food, good attention to detail and such kind generosity. It's always so much fun for me in Rehoboth.

Pamela Stanley who had a massive hit in the 80s with a song called "COMING OUT OF HIDING" performs at Blue Moon regularly in the early evenings and can really really belt out a song. I over-heard her singing Rihanna's S&M song while I was in the dressing room. I could swear it was the original record except Pamela sings it better! I met her Son and his girlfriend. We all had a fantastic dinner together along with Tim & Randy. Miss Mona who is the entertainment director works there, had airport duty. He was so nice. I had to land in Philadelphia and be driven 2 hours in on Tuesday July 26, perform on the 27, leave July 28 with another 2hr drive back to Philadelphia but Miss Mona was nice to talk to. Thursday the 28th was a LONG 12hr day traveling enroute to LA.


The wonderful Royal Rose Inn Guest house where I stayed. Rehoboth Beach, DE. Just steps away from the club. Dining room of Blue Moon. Fried green tomatoes appetizer. So good! Big compliments to Chef Lion Gardner. Everything is sooo exquisite. Daytime view of the performance room. At night they fill it with chairs to hold over 100 people. I did my full multi-media show. The sound was fantastic here. Tim & Randy KNOW how to pull it together. It was a joy to perform here.

A jog before the show. I jogged around a little lake. Maybe man-made.

The dressing room backstage at Blue Moon.

Sidewalk towards The Royal Rose Guest house.

Exterior of The Blue Moon Restaurant/Cabaret.

Inside the Royal Rose Room. Video for Mom.

Boardwalk Rehoboth Beach. Wed. 7/27/11

After show with Phoenix who performs regularly at Blue Moon.

My Marquee! ...lol oh well.

Some fun audience members after the show.

Pamela Stanley's 80s hit "Coming Out of Hiding." The song still sounds good even today.

Back in LA:
My friend Billy picked me up from LAX on Thursday. I wound up going to his house up in Sherman Oaks. The next day Friday evening he had a get-together with some friends. Very nice California evenings. Paradise. Unlike the rest of the Country which is sweltering.

Brendon

Christian

Matt & Lilly

My song "SUMMER SUN" I made them frolic.

Saturday afternoon July 30, was a full-blown pool party at Billy's house.
It finally occurred to me that when I decided to leave NY in Jan '09 I vowed if there was going to be a recession / depression, that I was going to spend it in beautiful Sunny Los Angeles, CA by a pool. My dream came true.

By Monday August 1, I came back to reality and had some meetings. There's always a meeting to be had in LA. Showbiz.

JULY 1: DENVER. JULY 2 - 25: VACATION! FASHIONISTA: in AFGHANISTAN!

2011-07-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

View of the CLOCKTOWER from my Marriott window in Downtown Denver, Colorado.

DENVER, CO: Ready for my closeup Mr. Murdoch! For some reason I'm always booked on FOX for TV interviews.

For some reason, I'm always getting on FOX for early Morning interviews...Houston, San Antonio, now Denver.

Early Morning closeup. Denver TV station.

Friday - July 1, I performed at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret (http://lannies.com/). Playing for Lannie & Jefferson always makes me feel like I'm living my dream of being a professional performer. The reason is because, I don't live in Denver and never have. It's not a vacation resort where tourists have to look for something to do. Lannie's is a cabaret underneath the Clock Tower landmark. Basically Denver people come to see me there and it feels good to have a full or sold-out room just because. Just because maybe they've heard about me or word-of-mouth.

Since it was close to July 4th, towards the end of the show I came out with my red white & blue shirt and feathered headdress. I would point to my headdress and say "Native" then point to my shirt and say "American." Just so people could make sense of "the look." Hahahaaa....
Basically all you need to know is that I love a headdress.

The day started with a 7am wake up to be on the local FOX affiliate show "EVERYDAY." I wanted to workout a little at the Marriott's gym downstairs to wakeup my voice but unfortunately, I was on for maybe 2 minutes. I went through a lot of trouble to pull the Morning look together just for 2 minutes but oh well. Then I went back to the hotel and did some laundry and did more treadmill. It's hard to breath in Denver because of the altitude. I never had time for a nap. Naps are not easy for me.
Marriott Downtown Denver:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dencd-courtyard-denver-downtown/

By 3pm I went to the Clocktower (2 blocks away from the Marriott) to do sound check rehearsal. The sound guy was good but the sound check took 4 hours. Don't ask me why.... At 7pm I have to rush to the hotel to get ready and rush back to start the show at 8pm. I wound up being 20minutes late. Seems like everybody liked this show the best of any show I've ever done there. I was happy and beat at the same time.
Alas the people in Denver have always been so kind to me. DJ Rockstar Aarron was there, Lannie and Jefferson (owners), also in the room was local entertainment news caster Kirk Montgomery who has always been so kind to mention me on the news including this time as well. So I was on TV twice today. He told me he mentioned on the news that I was the best entertainer he's ever seen. THAT was REALLY NICE! I'm so grateful.
______________________________
SHOW LIST:
SUMMER SUN TV.............Jimmy James original song
HISTORY REPEATING......Shirley Bassey tribute
WHERE IS MY MAN..........Eartha Kitt
Leavin On Your Mind / Don't Tell Me....... Patsy Cline / Madonna
Walking In MEMPHIS.......HiNRG Cher vocal (track from 'Forever Cher' double disc cd).
What'll I Do (VAMP)..........Judy Garland speaks
What'll I Do (INSTR).........Judy Garland sings
Don't Be Cruel ...................Elvis
Gypsy ................................Stevie Nicks
KISSING A FRAUD.........Jimmy James original
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane..............Bette Davis
DVD PRESENTATION: 1988 Jimmy James as Marilyn Monroe on The Nancy Merrill Talk Show (Boston, MA). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-7u-QRnrn4
Encore:
Endless Love......Diana Ross / Lionel Richie
8 DIVAS ..... DVD PRESENTATION ....... Jimmy sings 8 voices in 1 song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-7u-QRnrn4
_______________________________

By July 2nd I was on a flight from Denver to San Antonio to visit my Mom and family for vacation.

July 26 I fly to Rehoboth Beach to play BLUE MOON (http://www.bluemoonrehoboth.com/).
July 27 I do the show.
July 28 I fly back to Los Angeles.

August 6, 13, 20, 27 I do shows at The Palms Bar/nightclub in West Hollywood, CA.
The SUMMER SUN CONCERT SERIES! Come by if you're in the area.

Below more pix from Denver. During & after the show: July 1, 2011.

After the show Rockstar Aarron & Kirk Montgomery (Channel 9 News).

Autographs for some girls after the show.


FULL HOUSE at LANNIE'S CLOCKTOWER CABARET

I should have gone to the hotel room after this very long day but instead I went to a couple low key bars to hang out. I was picked up by strangers and met strangers but it was ok. I probably seemed really out of it to folks but I was tired. Here's the last shot of me before I went back to the hotel to pack to leave the next day.


Good Night everybody. I'm ready for my July vacation. :)

P.S. On July 19, I got an email from a guy who works for the US State Department in Afghanistan. He wanted me to call him, so I did. He told me the of while stationed in Afghanistan he went to the opening of a Dance Club. The owner instructed the DJ from Atlanta to play only American Dance Music. So after the owner welcomed everybody to the 1st night, the DJs FIRST SONG was 'FASHIONISTA!' Sweet!

RuPAUL CAME TO THE SHOW! AND I LOVE MY NEW WHITE iPHONE!

2011-06-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

My claw hand! Hahahaaa...I'm hiding my silver sharpie...Autographs darling! Autographs! It would have been better to see the sharpie than a claw hand! (DJ, RuPaul, Lindon, Jimmy).

Last night was THE night!
I've heard that sometimes before a really good show, something tragic happens. On our way to Casita del Campo, we witnessed a COP car BASH into the passenger right side of a Mercedes driven by a little old lady. Ouch! This happened on Fountain a few blocks before Sunset. But...

My show "DIVAS - DEAD or ALIVE!" really came together in a big fun way. I think the pacing and energy was fun and to top it off RuPaul was there to watch the show. My special guest 19 year old Lindon Warren (https://www.facebook.com/findingjudy) did a great job and of course was thrilled to meet RuPaul.

We all posed for pictures. Ru commented that he really liked my opening song "Summer Sun" (from my album JAMESTOWN) and was going to download it on iTunes. Very cool!

On the set of WEHO Sports public access to promote "Divas - Dead or Alive!" Raul & Brenda are the hosts. I wore my flag shirt just for fun, I had no idea I was going to match their set...lol.

RuPaul came to see my show 'Divas - Dead or Alive!' FUN! I featured 19 year old Lindon Warren in the show. This was an incredible night.

This is a mistake photo. The difference between my legs and RuPaul's legs...lol!


My new iPhone fits in perfectly into my lifestyle. Screen saver picture (me as Marilyn '83) by Jim Hamilton. No I don't usually have pix of myself on the computer, I just thought it would look good for this...really, I wouldn't lie to you...lol.

On the Morning of June 28, I woke up early for a 9am jog using my NIKE + app that reports to my Facebook how far I've gone. I'm in trouble now...uh I mean accountable. It recorded 1.8mi. It's kinda cool. It also keeps the tally on record.

Then at 10am I had a meeting with a producer who books shows in casinos and wants to work with me. Fingers crossed.

DIVAS DEAD or ALIVE! One more show.

2011-06-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

One more show on JUNE 28 / Tue. / 8pm.

Introducing 19 year old Lindon Warren from the the film short "Finding Judy" making the rounds at film festivals now.

CAVERNCLUBTHEATER.COM

JUNE 14 @ CASITA del CAMPO / Cavern Club Theater

2011-06-10T04:36:00.000-07:00

DIVAS - DEAD or ALIVE!

Starring: JIMMY JAMES

Introducing: Lindon Warren

June 14 / 8pm

Casita del Campo

1920 Hyperion Ave.

Los Angeles, CA (Silverlake area)

CAVERNCLUBTHEATER.COM

THE WORLD DID NOT END. I MADE IT TO MY BIRTHDAY MAY 22.

2011-06-02T01:29:00.000-07:00

MAY 20: LAX to FLORIDA.
Long day. I flew cross country LAX (7am) to Atlanta (last seat in the back in a corner, no window.
4 1/2 hrs.) change planes then Atlanta to Tampa airport where I was picked up to go to St. Petersburg. Checked into hotel. Went to Georgie's Alibi for a sound check. Back to hotel. By now it's 8:30pm. Showtime 10pm.

I meet up with my 2 friends Nini & Stacey from Daytona. Nini ran my iPod during the show. Frank & Peter from What's Happening Magazine came too. So glad. My voice was barely recovering for the show. Barely. I could have done better. But that's life.
Stacey, Nini and I go across the street from the Hampton Inn to a diner to eat. I was starving. Back to the hotel. Stacey & Nini slept in one bed, me in another. I don't understand this hotel...on normal TV they were showing the Adult Video Awards on. What? Saw Chi LaRue on there. All the girls remind me of my character from '92 - Beverly the Slut. I took a lot of flack for that back then. But now days I see 'Beverly the Slut' everywhere.

MAY 21: THE WORLD DID NOT END.
Damn, I only planned my life up to this point. I don't know what to do beyond this. I was hoping I would not have to pay the upcoming June's rent. Damn!

Woke up around 11am. Stacey & Nini were already gone. Hotel is kicking me out of the room because they're sold out. I finish packing. Hang out in the lobby for about an hour and do computer work. Facebook and Emails.

They drive me to Tampa airport. 2 hrs in restaurant. Read the USA Today about Oprah's last shows. Tampa to Atlanta. Change planes and board again the LAST SEAT (this time isle by the bathrooms).
The flight was soooo long going back to LA. Arrive around 10pm. Eventually make my way to the parking lot to get my car. I'm not used to traveling alone. I've never liked it. It feels too lonely. I prefer going with an assistant or my own sound person. I'm trying to save clubs money but it's hard.

MAY 22: MY BIRTHDAY.
I am so happy to wake up in my own bed. Mmmmmm another beautiful day in Southern California. Mom called and wished me Happy Birthday. I eventually get my luggage out of my car and prepare for an evening shoot for TruTV. Just a small segment for a pilot similar to 'Taxi Cab Confessions.' I shot it with friend Jackie Beat. The producer and director said our segment was their favorite.
Afterwards I made an appearance at Club 11 in West Hollywood for The SASSY AWARDS. I went with my friend Gail Boggs. Afterwards we went to get a burger down the street. The streets were wild. It was Long Beach Pride this day. Lots of people must have continued the party into WeHo.

Around 2am I remember that one of the producers of TruTV had given me 2 red velvet cupcakes from SWEET LADY JANE http://www.sweetladyjane.com/. I remembered they were in the fridge so I went to the fridge, got the 2 cupcakes, got into bed and wished myself Happy Birthday. I had to work on my Sunday Birthday. It was a long day AND a long weekend, but those 2 cupcakes made everything ok. Grateful.

Audition for TruTV & BOOKED AGAIN AT CASITA / JUNE 14 & 28

2011-05-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

I had an audition for TruTV on Seward St. My voice is still not up to par. I had a rough morning before the audition with severe nasty coughing. But I think I'm getting better. I think I did ok at the audition but I wish my voice was better.

After the audition I went to wash my car because it was full of bird droppings. YUK! Then I went to The Coffee Bean (on Sunset & Holloway) to write in my Journal and make my list of things to get done. Lots to do. I'm going to have to hire an assistant.

My journal, sunglasses, Montblanc pen (I've had it since '97).

I got booked again at Casita del Campo for 2 Tuesdays in June (14 & 28).
My new show... 'DIVAS DEAD or ALIVE!'

See you there.

LARYNGITIS AGAIN

2011-05-10T00:43:00.000-07:00

Been in bed all day. I got kind of a cough and totally hoarse voice. I really can't even talk. My voice is gone. It's a weird feeling not to have my voice. It makes me feel crippled. I've been watching a lot of TV.

In the evening we got a little bit of rain here in LA. My windows were open, it was cool, the ceiling fan was spinning. Although I was sick in bed, the temperature and fresh air was nice. I could not answer the phone today because I could not speak.

Pretty - Episode 1

2011-05-05T01:56:00.000-07:00

SAM PANCAKE SHOW (Yes that's his real name)

2011-05-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

I saw Sam Pancake do his one man show at The Cavern Club Theater at Casita del Campo. So hilarious!
He is quite a genius performer. He's been on tons of commercials, TV shows including WILL & GRACE and more.
I first met Sam at his home for his Birthday party 2 years ago. Since then I've seen him do guest appearances in some of Jackie Beat's shows.

He did a great job tonight keeping us all laughing and inspired. At the end, it was so touching.

Here's a clip to give you an idea of the Sam Pancake magic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wpaBV0m_WI

QUAD INSERT...4 BUSY DAYS.

2011-05-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday / April 29...THE Wedding.

Flew back to LA. My roommate and RuPaul winner Raja came to pick me up from airport. We went to IHOP West Hollywood to eat dinner. Roommate took off to a party. I stayed home and stayed up to watch THE Wedding http://royalwedding.aol.com/. Kathy (in San Antonio) and I talked on the phone while we both watched it. I went to bed though just as they were entering Buckingham Palace.

Friday / April 30 (Today felt like Saturday to me. Universal Studios Hollywood, CA)

Going up on the Jurrasic Ride at Universal Studios. It's about to drop and get us wet...Ahahahaaa! Photo: Gary

It was a beautiful day for me and my friend Gary to go on a VIP tour at Universal Studios. It was such a gorgeous day. It was not too crowded. The Season has not quite kicked in. We took a trolly tour that was really exciting and kinda scary too. The Jurrasic Park ride was fun. In the House of Horrors I was screaming like a teenage girl. I can't do that one again. It was too scary.
At night I went to see Nadia Ginsberg in "The Madonnalogues." Funny! Great Show! The Cavern Club Theater at Casita del Campo - Silverlake (LA).

Saturday / April 31

Did the big morning walk with friends at Lake Hollywood. Then we had Lunch at Sunset & Vine at Go Burger. I was craving the chili. I was so hungry. Never ate breakfast. Later in the evening I made some veggie chili over brown rice. I was having a chili day. Gail Boggs came over to visit. We talked about a script she's got brewing. Wants me in it.

Sunday / May 1 (TWO Standing Ovations, but who's counting?)

This is the Terrace Garden Room where I performed at night. The room was full of tables added than what this picture shows.

I performed at the SLS HOTEL (Beverly Hills) for David McGrath's 50th Birthday party. Me and my sound guy were invited to have the 4 course dinner. Everything was perfect. I got up to sing and got 2 standing ovations! The crowd was mixed - gay, straight, drag, professionals, show biz, medical field, family, butch, fem all fun. David's a great guy who has given of himself so much to the community in New York with GMHC and Desert Aids Project LA. I met him in NYC several years ago. Now he's living in Beverly Hills and I was so honored that he asked me to perform at his party. The people were so much fun and fantastic, indicative of a great man. He has started a new leather company called Twisted DNA that is already doing great business.

EASTER 2011...F BAR & PHOTO SHOOT- HOUSTON. WHAT A HEATHEN.

2011-04-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Michael Andrew Voight. From the Houston photo shoot Easter Sunday. I was shot between show at the downtown HILTON hotel room #18073.

After flying in to San Antonio for 2 weeks to visit Mom, I then took off to Houston to do 2 big shows at F BAR - Houston's newest big dance club. Everyone was so nice and although I don't have pix right now (my camera broke down) something will show up. Someone was video taping and said it would be on YouTube.

It was a very hectic Easter weekend for me. Saturday night we went out to a restaurant called Benjy's then later a couple of clubs. I ran into my old (very old) friend Lady Bunny who was performing at Guava Lamp and Spinning at The Vue. Then me and my gang went to F BAR with lines wrapped around the building and total crazy fun. Great dance music. We hung out socialized. Everybody kept trying to make me drink but I can't drink anymore. I've lost it - can't stomach the stuff. All liquor now tastes like poison. I can usually have about ONE drink per night, that's about all I can gag down. I was never a big drinker anyway but I never had such an adverse gag reaction to it either.

Sunday was the big day. Rehearsal at 12:30pm at F BAR. Worked out the choreography with the queens for FASHIONISTA. They were great! By 3pm I was back at the downtown Hilton hotel room #18073 to start painting my face while photographer Michael Andrew Voight set up for a shoot that was to take place between the 5 & 9pm shows.

My Easter Sunday schedule:
11:30 Wake up. Insomnia last night. Coffee. No Breakfast.
12:30pm - Sound check rehearsal.
3:00pm - Back to hotel to paint my face.
5:30pm - pick up from hotel to club.
6:00pm - Show at F BAR.
7:45pm - back to Hilton to do photo shoot.
9:30pm - go back to F BAR to do 2nd show.
10:30pm - sell and sign merch hang out for a bit.
12ish am - go to grab a Mex bite with Photog & his assistant (first time to eat all day).
1:00am - back to the Hilton to finish the photo shoot.
2:00am - All done. Now to pack the explosion up so I can leave tomorrow.
2:30am-3:30am emails / Facebook...Never Twittered today. I had too much to do. Too much on my mind. Too many details to keep in order.

I had to do this all by myself! Unfortunately my assistant could not get time off from work.

The fun continues...

MY LA SHOWS WERE PACKED! NOW I'M IN TEXAS RESTING.

2011-04-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

My shows at The CAVERN CLUB THEATER were packed and I got Standing Ovations. I was so happy. Photographer David LaChapelle was there as well as other industry types. The actress Lisa Marie from 'Mars Attacks' was there too. When you perform in LA you NEVER quite know who is in your audience. One of the biggest compliments I got was from someone who had not seen me perform since the late '80s. He said, "I thought your voice was going to be old and rough but it's BETTER than it's ever been." Yay! That was nice to hear. Believe me I have to be so careful not to talk over loud music, I can't drink very much, I have to keep working out, drink lots of water, get enough sleep etc...I have to lead a healthy existence.

Backstage mirror. I look sad but I'm NOT. Just tired after promoting, socializing & 2 nights shows doing those voices. Hard work.

My friend and former assistant Phillip from NY was visiting me for a week and he came to both nights. I was so happy for that. He was always close by for my last years in New York to help me out so much. I felt secure having my rock there for me. Even though I've been performing for 27 years (shhh don't tell anyone)...I still get nervous and scared. I need something to ground me a give me strength. Phil always did that for me. Just knowing someone close by had my back gave me strength.

My former assistant Phil visiting from New York City. We went to the Farmers Market. Maybe he'll move to LA. I think he was really impressed with California. I know he sho wuz popular...lol!

Now I'm in San Antonio visiting Mom before I go do a BIG dance club in Houston called 'F BAR.' I feel like Dorathy who came back from Oz and woke up in Kansas. I always get that feeling.
I've missed my Mom. Last time I saw Mom was early January 2011. I'm so lucky to have my own room to come back to and come back down to earth. To just be quiet.

My Houston gig. April 24. It's gonna be FUN!

April 6...FEELING THE SPRING ;)

2011-04-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon us and I love it. Such a good feeling. My show at The Cavern Club Theater this
April 8 & 9 is selling very well. That makes me so happy. It's a fun room to play and the mix of people I get is great.

http://www.cavernclubtheater.com/

Last night April 5, I went out to see the documentary "Con Artist" a film about Mark Kostabi.
http://www.google.com/search?q=kostabi&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=hKw&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=2uKcTcDxFobQsAPts_iABA&ved=0CCEQsAQ&biw=1029&bih=573

I went with a couple of friends, Phil my friend and assistant from NYC is visiting and staying with me for a week. A talented photographer. Also my longtime friend/artist/painter John Dowd went as well. John is an extremely talented painter who sells out of everything when he has his show at the end of the Season in Provincetown, MA. He's visiting from NY and Provincetown and it was great to see him out here. His work is beautiful and is often compared to Edward Hopper but without people in his paintings. There is a quiet peacefulness to his exquisite works. Serene. I love his way of painting light.
http://www.williamscottgallery.com/artistdetail.php?artistID=1012&artist=John%20Dowd&title=53.%20Early%20Autumn%20%28Cape%20Cod%29&category=&index=23&scrollTo=1677

We all liked the Documentary. Kostabi is unusual to say the least. I think his behavior in the doc is left for interpretation. Lusting for fame and undignified shameless self promotion maybe the only answer to avoiding obscurity for some. Enjoy the art sales while you're alive.

Afterwards we went to the Abbey in West Hollywood to have a drink and chat. It was a nice night.

IMPRESSIONISM Back By Popular Demand!

2011-03-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

YAY! I get to play Casita del Campo's CAVERN CLUB THEATER again. My show did very well last time so management asked me back. I'm so glad because I had fun the last time I did IMPRESSIONISM there. The show allows me to change it up a bit from time to time. Now that I'm not so nervous, I can add some other voices that are too hard to do if I'm too nervous.
http://www.cavernclubtheater.com/

Meanwhile, I've been going with friends to these outdoor aerobics classes in the valley (7-9pm). They take place Mon, Wed & Fri. There are about 100 people in the class. It's like Mob-aerobics. I thought about telling Perez Hilton but I don't want it to get too popular. Lots of Hispanic people go to this. I say funny things in Spanish and they crack up. Nobody knows who I am...I love it. They play crazy Dance music from back in the day and ends with Hispanic music. It's totally camp and so much fun.

DAME ELIZABETH ENDS AN ERA. RADIO INTERVIEW. TV PILOT! BUSY!

2011-03-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

We lost the legendary screen legend and artist Dame Elizabeth Taylor. I did feel like so many it was an end of an era. The last of the Great Great Giant Movie Stars. Fame and celebrity is different now. In watching all of her footage flying across the tv screen, I really marvel at how Elizabeth Taylor made her life matter. Her tireless fight and struggle later in life to raise millions for AIDS was awe inspiring. I aspire to make my life matter like she did. Thank you Dame Elizabeth for sharing your gifts with us. Thank you for sharing your humanitarianism. Rest in peace oh Great Beauty. I hope in heaven you have been reunited with all your friends.

My friends who do Born This Way Radio asked if I could do a call in interview. I decided to create a story line in that the premise would be that Heaven was going to have a "Giant" celebration party accepting Ms. Taylor into the heavens. The radio station would have a direct line into heaven to speak to some of the performers at this party. Judy Garland, Eartha Kitt, Billie Holiday and Bette Davis was the MC. So anyway, if you have time you can listen to the link below. Hope it works. I don't have time to listen to it.

What's funny about the the radio interview is that I was performing at a REAL private party, so I was calling in while the people at my party provided background noise. I performed for Gene Kelly's widow Patricia http://www.patriciawardkelly.com/. So it was a crazy day & night doing the radio show, performing at the party and earlier doing laundry and getting my outfits ready for tomorrows TV pilot performance.

Just look at this Goddess work a headdress!

"Born This Way Radio" with Jimmy James! 4/3/11

I'll be on the show again 4/3/11. To promote my return to The Cavern Club Theater. Back by popular demand! YAY!!! CAVERNCLUBTHEATER.COM

MONDAY / MARCH 28....Today I had to be on set at 10am for a new TV project. I can't talk about it yet because I signed a non-disclosure contract. But I will say the premise of the show is talent. We spent all day Monday taping the show at The Music Box Theater. Fingers crossed. I hope it gets somewhere. There were 14 contestants. The auditions were last week and I got cast. Very cool!

Then in the evening I went to the valley with my workout friend to do outdoor aerobics. It costs $1.00! It takes place on a cluster of 4 tennis courts and attracts over 100 people. I'm so sore and tired. I gotta build up to my stamina. Last week it rained a lot in LA so I got lazy and didn't do my workouts. I gotta makeup for it this week.

LADY BUNNY and PIE.

2011-03-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

March 19, 2011:
This past Saturday I went to pick up my friend Lady Bunny from her hotel room in Culver City (she's been in LA for a month to taping the 2nd Season of RuPaul's "DRAG U". We hung out with some other friends and had lunch at The Silver Spoon Diner in West Hollywood. Then Bunny "twisted" our arms to go to The House of Pies in Los Felis on Vermont St. We were pigs! I made Bunny pay for all the pies. LOL!

Took Bunny back to Culver City hotel. Driving back with Diana and Jason we saw that BIG MOON in the sky. It's the closest it's been to planet earth since the early 90's...WOW it looked awesome!

March 20, 2011
Sunday I woke up to pouring rain. Kinda nice. Relaxing. The LA marathon still went on. God bless 'em. They did it for a good cause - APLA! I bow down to those people who braved the cold and rain. I was a pig and stayed in the apt. with my roommate Diana. Our friend Jerome came over and we were lazy pigs. We just ate and layed on the sofa watching tv. It was cold and rainy all day and night. Maybe the nuclear Winter is here.

GUEST APPEARANCE at JACKIE BEAT'S SHOW

2011-03-16T00:54:00.000-07:00

In the afternoon I took my friend who is in film & television to Vegan Glory for lunch. Then we did a 2 mile walk in West Hollywood. I'm glad we did it. Then came home to get my stuff together for tonight's show...

Tonight I made a guest appearance at Jackie Beat's Comedy Show "That's Racist" with other special guests: Alec Mapa and Johnny McGovern. The room was completely full and the audience was great. I did a couple of numbers: "HALF BREED" for the Cher voice & "GOD BLESS THE CHILD" for the voices of Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt and Diana Ross. The crowd was great. The 2nd show tomorrow is SOLD-OUT!


Me and Superstar Alec Mapa! We met in Provincetown when it was our first Summer there back in 1986 YIKES! He's become a famous star with multitudes of television and film appearances including a regular role on Ugly Betty. It was great to hang out with him for the "Racist" show.

The brilliant crazy Jackie Beat in one of her Character looks. She's lost over 100 pounds! Check out YouTube for tons of Jackie's videos with millions of views!

Me with Calpernia Addams backstage at The Cavern Club Theater. She helped us with anything we needed. She's so adorable and sweet. Check out her hit on iTunes called "Stunning."

A GIFT FROM MY MOTHER JOSEFINA de LLANO, JOHNSON

2011-03-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

My Mother is like an angel to me. She goes to church everyday and prays for so many including me. She has been there for me when no one else was around. She doesn't have a computer so she asked my sister to forward this poem to me. It is but the sweetest gift to feel her love in the most darkest of times. I am grateful for every second that my Mom is still around. I wanted to share this poem with anyone who may want to read it. A gift sent from my Mother Josefina:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for – but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Anonymous from a Dear Abby or Dear Ann column!

LAKE HOLLYWOOD WITH FILM MAKERS / Back on the wagon

2011-03-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

First of all my heart and prayers go out to the Japanese people. My father spoke fluent Spanish and Japanese. I've always been fascinated by the Japanese. For now I thank God for my comfortable bed and shelter with enough food and water. I am so grateful but living in LA, you never know when something might happen. But I can't help it. I have to live here for now.

Two weeks ago I met with a life coach and I was a fast learner. I will continue with him again soon. But for now I became very busy with a lot of things. Just talking things out with the life coach was very eye-opening. I started to see more possibilities than I thought were there. I felt renewed.

I began jogging with a couple of film makers. Don't ask me how, but it just happened through a series of events. Anyway, I've been able to learn more about the business and it's been exhilarating. One of the film makers is still sticking to it and picking me up in the Mornings to go walking / jogging. We get to talk about the ins and outs of the business and I learn, learn, learn.

I'm glad I have a workout buddy. My jawline seems to be coming back. I like my jawline when it's not covered with fat. We do our workouts in the morning which has always been my fantasy but inevitably I always wind up doing it in the late afternoon or evening hours. I'm back on the wagon. Spring is coming.

My network of contacts keeps increasing out here in Hollyweird and I like that.

SECOND ALBUM RELEASE on iTUNES from FULL BLOWN RECORDS.

2011-03-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

FULL BLOWN RECORDS, Inc. has FINALLY released my 2nd album on to iTUNES!!!

When I was transitioning my career from dressing in the Marilyn drag for 17 years, I needed a place where I could go to find my own voice and voices. The owner of 'PIECES' in the West Village in NYC, Bob Esty (not the same Bob Esty who worked with Cher & Streisand) told me that he would let me have the little stage once a week Mondays at Midnight. He told me to just come in to do whatever I wanted to do. I was afraid but I took the job.

I wanted to learn how to stand on my own as a performer exploring my own identity without having to be a "look-a-like." I was anxious to move on and explore life without Marilyn. What people don't understand is that even though I was the best in the world at what I did as Marilyn, the sad truth is that the real showbiz industry looks down on look-a-likes. It was never going to be respected beyond just some small clubs. I could not grow anymore from this act. If I hung on any longer, inevitably, it would all be sad for me. I retired from performing as Marilyn Monroe in 1997.

For 5 years every week I forced myself to practice. Every week I came up with a different show. Every week I stretched myself to incorporate more comedy and tried to get better.

These recordings are RAW from my SONY Mini Disc Recorder. The premise for these recordings was so that I could listen the next day to hear mistakes with lyrics or wrong notes. Over 22 shows were recorded and after several years I decided to make a CD of some of the best moments. These are some of the best moments hand-picked by me.

There are some magical moments for me in these recordings but...The recordings are not perfect. My performances are not perfect - it's all RAW and I learned so much. It made me a much stronger performer.

I'M A BELIEBER!

2011-03-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

I went with my friend Gail Boggs to see an afternoon showing of Justin Bieber's movie NEVER SAY NEVER at Century City's AMC theaters. This boy is so talented it brought me to tears. If anyone is looking at him as just a teen idol they're grossly mistaken. This kid is a prodigy. A brilliant one. He writes many of his own songs, plays drums, piano, guitar, dances like a well seasoned dancer, sings pitch perfect with soul AND has the most amazing electrifying charisma. You won't be writing this boy off any time soon. While watching this film I felt like I was witnessing something incredibly special.

The new world of YouTube and Social Media certainly helped to fuel and accelerate his fame but the fame is deserved. You learn in this film that even with all his talent he was told "NO" countless times by the record and radio industry because there was no format for his "youngness." He made it without Disney or Nickelodeon. He's not just "cute." He's not just a "teen idol." What I witnessed in this film was truly something to behold and a promise for the future that says true gifted talented artistists can still rise above the drowning noise of lip sync and vocoded performers.

I'M A BELIEBER!

The above pix were shot in the movie theater with my cell phone. From the movie "NEVER SAY NEVER"

BUSY BUSY BUSY FEB. 15-26.

2011-02-28T02:27:00.000-08:00

It's been a little over a year since I officially moved to LA. My busy-ness is almost starting to match that of when I lived in New York. As my network and friends build so does my work. I just finished watching the Academy Awards (Feb. 26) I tweeted several times during about the fashions and funny stuff. What happened to James Franco? He looked bored hosting this thing. Ann Hathaway did her best to keep a brave face. She has a pretty singing voice. Gwenny has a shockingly nice singing voice too. "Everybody's always tryin' to get in on the act" - Jimmy Durante.

I nudged my reality show producer about pitching to OWN but he has his reasons for not doing it right now. I'm trying people, don't ever think I'm not trying. The famous Mark Burnett said he was turned down 19,000 times before finally someone said yes to him. Now he's the TOP reality show production company.

Anyway this has been a busy couple of weeks...

Feb. 15 & 16: I went to The NEW MUSIC SEMINAR in Universal City Sheraton Hotel headed by Tom Silverman of Tommy Boy Records. It was great to be there to learn, mingle and network. All day events.

Feb. 18 & 19: I finally performed my show IMPRESSIONISM at Casita del Campo's CAVERN CLUB THEATER. I got STANDING OVATIONS at both shows! They want me back. The staff there are very nice and I would love to play there again. There are some videos on my FB wall.

Me & the hilarious and sweet Muffy Bolding. She's a writer.

Debbie O'Hannion & John Lucas running for city counsel in West Hollywood.

Ed & Tre

DJ Irene and her girlfriend. Irene and I were signed to Interhit Records back in the day when I recorded "Who Wants To Be Your Lover"

Some of the crowd upstairs after the show the Mexican food is great.

Despite the awful rainfall I had decent crowds. In LA when it rains nobody wants to go out. We're so spoiled with perfect weather. Even I who's been through 15 years of New York City Winters now can't manage an outing in LA rain. What happened? I'm such a wimp now. I want my perfect weather - Waaaaaaaaaa...

Feb. 20: I was asked to step in to do the makeup for actress / model Sharon Hinnendael. I was asked at the last minute because for some reason the appointed makeup artist could not make it and no one else was available at the last minute. I jumped in to help my friend Traver Rains at his studio in North Hollywood. He was the photographer. It was a new experience for me but I took to it like a fish in water. The agent that booked me said I was very good at taking care of Sharon. Sharon seemed very pleased with me too writing on my FB wall that I was her favorite makeup artist ever. She's a very sweet and funny girl. She was cracking me up.

I know what it's like to be on her end of it when everyone is pulling on you and expecting you to perform. Bless her heart, this was her 2nd photo shoot that day so I tried to make her feel comfortable. I made sure she had her water, coffee, spit out her old gum, got her new gum. I held her robe for her through the topless shoots, egged her on at the shoot saying "you look great" "work it" "that's right" "Love it" etc... it was great fun!

I look like shit in this pic (several hours of working) BUT I was there to make her look good. I was not expecting to work this Sunday afternoon but I had a blast doing Sharon's makeup, she's so cool and funny. Without all this Texas makeup (intended look btw) and boofed up hair, she looks like a sexy California girl. Traver was putting her in various Texas looks for South by Southwest in Ausin, TX.
This picture is Sharon Hinnendael without the heavy makeup and boofed up hair.

Feb. 21: I was on the phone trying, trying to be Joan River's opening act for La Mirada Performing Arts Center. I called her Manager, Agent, sent my Demo reel from Youtube etc... It didn't work out. If she only knew I was trying to open for her I know she'd let me. But I feel like too many handlers are making the decisions for her. Who knows.... But I tried and I had someone else trying for me too. I'm going to have to figure out how to try to get the Reel to her personally. If you see me on Joan Rivers talk show back in the day she is genuinely fascinated by me. I need to run into her again and tell her I want to open for her.

Feb. 22: I had a meeting at The Roosevelt Hotel with a writer from England who saw my show at Casita and wanted to take me to lunch. He moves to LA in November. Nice perk.

Feb. 25: (Saturday night) Jackie Beat took me to his friends beautiful home in LA where we watched a screening of his new movie "GINGERBREAD MAN 3" Jackie was really good and Muffy (above) is in it and wrote some of it too. The two guys own this house and one works at FOX Studios doing publicity. They live very close to the FOX STUDIOS.
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150423029465045

THE FUN CONTINUES...

JIMMY

CASITA DEL CAMPO / CAVERN CLUB THEATER

2011-02-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Feb. 18 & 19 / 9pm
CASITA DEL CAMPO's
CAVERN CLUB THEATER

Tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/153732

It's gonna be fun! Casual. Great crowds. Upstairs good Mexican food. Downstairs The Cavern Club Theater. Grab a Margarita and come downstairs for a fun show.

WORKING VALENTINE WEEKEND LOS ANGELES STYLE

2011-02-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

Saturday Feb. 12, 2011
I went to The Key Club at 1pm on Sunset Blvd. to a songwriters seminar. Only 2 hrs. Seal and Cee Lo Green spoke amongst others. They've written big hit songs. I did not know that Cee Lo wrote "Don't Cha" for Pussycat Dolls. Other songwriters here wrote for Bruno, Britney, Miley, Katy Perry, Beyonce and more...

My only gripe with the organizers is that in standing in a room full of songwriters and creative music people, why isn't there a get-to-know one another in the room moment? My next new collaborator could be next to me but how do I know it? How do you meet 200 people in that room?

Later, I took off to Universal City to The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. I had to open for Funny Lady Judy Tenuta. The staff at the club was soooooo nice. The sound system was wonderful. I decided that since it was Black History month that I would be a black woman so my routine was:

1. God Bless the Child (voices of...Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross)
2. Private Dancer: Tina Turner
3. I Try: Macy Gray

From the back of the house. Judy on stage. Sorry for the blurry.
Judy was hilarious and tore up the place. It was a nice evening with Judy Tenuta. I felt she was on a good roll - in a good groove with the audience.

Backstage after show. Judy and Jimmy.

Shot from outside Jon Lovitz Comedy Club looking out towards Universal Plaza.

MY FIRST CD IS FINALLY AVAILABLE ON ITUNES!

2011-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00


FOR THE FIRS TIME EVER! My 1st CD "The ONE & MANY VOICES of JIMMY JAMES - LIVE!" is available on iTunes!!! Recorded live in the Summer of '98, I did not release this until 2000. I did very well with this CD and seemed to be a fan favorite. I compiled 21 tracks altogether. When I announced this on my Facebook wall today the comments lit up. That took me by surprise. This CD has been out of print for several years because I moved on to other projects. Nonetheless I'm proud of my first baby. I hope you enjoy it.

I've also included this back cover here on my blog so you can get a feel for the whole project creatively. I was meticulous about every detail and unfortunately iTunes only allows for the Front cover. Part of the fun of doing the 'physical' cds is compiling the artwork and detail for my fans. I realize I can't take everybody into my live shows but I try as hard as I can to bring you in with the artwork.

Inside booklet. "The ONE & MANY VOICES of JIMMY JAMES - LIVE!"
(by clicking on the image, hopefully it will enlarge for you).


This is Front & Back cover of the booklet. Also earlier this morning I did an 11am interview on SKYPE with Jess Zaino in New York City http://jesszaino.blogspot.com/. I painted myself up and wore a Shawn Lochridge headdress. It was fun and as soon as the interview is available I'll link it.

JIMMY & JUDY!

2011-02-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

My sister's name is Judy so this is kinda funny..."I'm workin' with Judy."

I'm opening for Judy Tenuta this weekend Feb. 12. I'm excited!
8pm Show at The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Studios, CA.
Info is on this ad and the link below:

http://thejonlovitzcomedyclub.com/show.cfm?id=61481

________________________

Feb. 18 & 19
Casita Del Campo's CAVERN CLUB THEATER

IMPRESSIONISM is coming to Silverlake, California

2011-02-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

My show IMPRESSIONISM is coming to LA for the first time. Cavern Club Theater is underneath a Mexican Restaurant called 'Casita Del Campo.' Good Mex food. I should know I'm from San Antonio, TX and we've got great Tex/Mex food there. In addition to the great food the salsa at Casita is one of the best I've ever tasted.

This should be fun so if you're around come on down to the basement. Let's have a good time.

Tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/153732

TWITTER

2011-02-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

What do you do when someone you don't like is following you on Twitter? How do you ask someone to unfollow you? You can't block them. What do I do? This person gets on my nerves. They know I'm not a friend of theirs. Creepy.

I watched Oprah today on Vegan eating. It's actually my favorite way to eat but it's hard when you travel. It's hard when you have a roommate who is a meat eater. Here in LA I often go to Vegan Glory. It's Thai influenced and so good. I love all kinds vegetables with red curry sauce.

I'm so glad I'm not on the East Coast right now. They are getting pounded with snow. Wheewww. I dodged that bullet.

PALM SPRINGS this WEEKEND! A LITTLE MM RANT. WHOOPS.

2011-01-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

Packing today for my trip to Palm Springs tomorrow (Fri. 1/28).
I perform:
SATURDAY / JAN. 29 / 9PM

BLAME IT ON MIDNIGHT

777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760)323-1200

I'm especially happy today because I was blessed with a royalty check for my music!
I'm very grateful. I love making money while I'm laying in bed...just like the good ol' days...LOL!

Getting a royalty check in the mail for my OWN music means so much to me. It gives me validation. I'm validated for all the effort, blood, sweat and tears I've put into making my own expression happen. I still get asked all the time to do Marilyn Monroe again. But the truth is I did it for about 17 years. That's a lot of time. And although I was the best in the world at recreating her, it still never felt as good as it does now to get paid for my own original work.
No one can take my own creation away from me. If someone wants to record 'Fashionista' or any other song from 'JAMESTOWN' I will be paid. When my music gets on to a commercial or a movie or a TV show - I get paid.

If I ever try to do Marilyn for a commercial - I get sued.

I don't own anything of Marilyn Monroe. If anyone wants to impersonate her go ahead. Be my guest. I did it for as long as I could. I gave it the best years of my youth and it only went so far. I was threatened with lawsuits and threatened with her estate lawyer to pay commissions for all my little club dates...give me a break! How sad to be so young, beautiful and talented yet so blocked from success. No thanks you can keep all that shit. Keep it all. I don't want it.

I'm proud of my Marilyn Years but prouder of MY OWN MUSIC.

"Why be a 2nd rate version of someone else when you can be a 1st rate version of yourself."
- Judy Garland

Monroe's Estate Lawyer Roger Richman wanted to sue this!
He's a creep.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PICTURES?

2011-01-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

What happened?
Reinvention?
I know everything changes over time. BUT I don't think these pictures of Madonna are that far apart in time. I know the pressures of trying to look a certain way from 20 years ago. It's showbiz and it's an image driven business. I get it. Sometimes I think, when money is no object, celebrities can start to go over-board with chisel-happy doctors who are all too eager to take their money and chisel, pump, sculpt, slice, chop etc... I guess maybe the celebrity demands it.

I don't believe you have to look like you did 20 years ago. At some point you have to own and embrace your long accomplished life and say; "Ya I survived the muck, I made something of myself. I have the scars to prove it, and what? This is me! I'm older, smarter, wiser richer and cooler because I have a 1/2 Century life experience. I know things that you don't know because I made it up to this point. Don't ogle over my life's 'battle scars' when you yourself are on your way to getting your own battle scars soon - very soon...but hopefully not from a plastic surgeon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan."

ARTWORK FOR CAVERN CLUB THEATER

2011-01-26T21:21:00.000-08:00

Finally got the artwork for THE CAVERN CLUB THEATER.

Last night I saw Nadia Ginsburgh at The club. Her "MADONNALOGUES" was very funny with send-ups of Madonna, Cher, Wynnona Ryder and others was hilarious.

Check her out on YouTube. She was SOLD-OUT!

http://www.youtube.com/user/nadyaginsburg

Worked all day today and I can't believe it's already WED! Whaaa??? Lots of emails and phone calls. I'm trying to find where my box of 'FASHIONISTA' Tshirts are. They were supposed to be here by now. My Mom shipped them from San Antonio, TX to LA 2 weeks ago. They should be here by now. I need them for this weekend in Palm Springs. Lost? I don't know.

DON'T FORGET PALM SPRINGS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!

JIMMY JAMES - live! Jan. 29 / 9pm
BLAME IT ON MIDNIGHT
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-323-1200

PAINFULLY BEAUTIFUL MALIBU

2011-01-23T23:10:00.000-08:00

IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL TODAY
in LOS ANGELES!
I mean seriously while people are freezing around the country in frigate temps...it's like spring here.
I went with my friend Armen Ra on a drive to Malibu. We stopped at the famous Paradise Cove for a bite in the evening. We were not that hungry but it was nice just to go out there and drive on the PCH. Armen took these pix on his iPhone just as the Sun was setting. The rich aqua blues and pinks in the sky in these photos have not been retouched at all.

I have been busy busy with a lot of projects so taking a little time off was nice and relaxing.

I'm so grateful to have these beautiful days in abundance. It's almost painful to be here. It's kinda like how did I manage to make this happen in my life?

Earlier in the day when I woke up I watched my DVR of Oprah's 'Behind the Scenes' on OWN. I'm so fascinated by these shows. In college I studied Radio, TV & Film so these shows really get me entranced. I also watched Maya Angelou's 'Master Class' on OWN. What a remarkable woman! I have to get her books. She made me cry. She is so profound and wise and full of soul. There was a quick black & white clip of her singing in a movie (I think?) and WOW she had a fantastic voice! Very regal and strong, deep and full with rich resonance. I'm going to go on YouTube to see what I can find of her singing....just checked YouTube and I can't find that clip.

After watching the OWN shows I went with Armen to have lunch at Mels Diner on Sunset Blvd.

After Mels I went down the street to go check out the space at Hamburger Hamlet in Beverly Hills where I'll be performing for a VIP party soon. There is a baby grand piano there and a built in sound system. So it looks like it's set up fine.
http://hamburgerhamlet.com/index.php?q=lochamletsunset.html

I did a private party for her several years ago but she p-r-o-b-a-b-l-y won't remember.

BOOKINGS IN PALM SPRINGS & LA!

2011-01-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

I'M BOOKED SATURDAY, JANUARY 29th in Palm Springs, CA.

BLAME IT ON MIDNIGHT
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760)323-1200
9pm / $10.00 CASH (cheap!)

BLAME IT ON MIDNIGHT has a good restaurant on one side and a very cute Cabaret on the other. Maybe you can have dinner there at 7 or 8 and come over to my show after. Fine cocktails are served from the large sprawling bar.

The reaction to me coming there has been great so far and I'm looking forward to a full house.
I'm going to blend comedy and music together. I want to pull out material that many people have not heard me do. I'm going to make my show fun! It's a casual and easy atmosphere there.

I have been putting in long hours here in LA since I got back and the days are
zooming by.

_________________________

MY SHOW IMPRESSIONISM GETS BOOKED!
I also got booked at The CAVERN CLUB THEATER at Casita Del Campo Restaurant in Silver Lake, CA (basically LA). The performance space is underneath the restaurant.

Coming from San Antonio, I'm kinda picky about Mexican food and this place is good. The salsa is one of the BEST I've ever tasted. This restaurant has been around for about 30 years and there's a reason - GOOD MEXICAN FOOD!

THE CAVERN CLUB THEATER
at CASITA DEL CAMPO Restauarant
1920 Hyperion Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

Feb. 18 & 19 / 9pm

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/153732

1/11/11

2011-01-12T02:21:00.001-08:00

Finally back in Los Angeles. Funny thing how I can feel like I could just stay in my hometown of San Antonio.

After my show on Dec. 23, I went into a Holiday daze. I did what I wanted to do. I ate what I wanted to eat. I got up late...I was an all around lazy pig and I loved it. Staying with mom is peaceful. There is no pressure there. My room is there for me. Everything in white and southwest decor. I don't care if it's passe, in Texas I like that decor.

So back to Hollywood. My Southwest flight in the evening was pretty empty which is rare these days. I read Time Magazine. Mark Zuckerburg Person of the Year. I'm kinda getting tired or bored with 'Facebook.' Dare I say it? Out of the 3600 "friends" and counting, I might know about 30 people. I don't know anyone else! I'm starting to get too many invites to clubs and crap in my inbox. I'm even getting invited to stuff by people I haven't 'friended.' I'm getting invites by clubs and crap that I don't care about. It's all starting to be too much. I don't like living in this imagined world of "friends." I want real relationships - real friends...uh uh oh wait...I live in Hollywood. That's right, I forgot...maybe I should stay on Facebook so that I can stay in touch with my imaginary "friends" on the East Coast.

Happy Real New Year!

JJ

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

2010-12-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.

I am grateful to be blessed in so many many ways.

Thanks to God for my talent.
Thanks to Mom for your prayers.
Thanks for my friends.
Thanks to my fans for your support.

Please give to the poor.
Help the ones who have no voice.
Peace & Joy. Blessings.

GETTING READY FOR THE BIG NIGHT!

2010-12-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Finally landed in San Antonio, TX at Mom's house. Getting ready for the BIG night Dec. 23.

The street team is going out to distribute flyers everywhere.

I'm planning a fun and special show for my hometown.

The full page ad came out in The San Antonio Current newspaper. Tickets are selling fast already!

The Bonham Exchange
Dec. 23 / 9pm
Tickets: JIMMYJAMES.COM

20th CENTURY FOX! MY FIRST BIG AUDITION!

2010-12-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

This happened Dec. 9. Yesterday.
For years I've had bookers who book me for shows in nightclubs. But I've never had a real bonafide Agent in Hollywood.

My agent sent me out to a real actors audition for a major television show yesterday. I made sure I went way early in advance to 20th Century Fox Studios. When I got onto the lot I can't describe the sense of magic that came over me. Most all of the buildings were white Deco Style. I felt like I had landed in a sacred magical land. Dorothy landed in the land OZ. Dare I say I felt a sense of belonging.

Before the audition I asked one of the guys in the go-cart to please help me find Building 226. He said "hop on, I'll take you there." It was so glamorous! Gliding through the lot to my destination. Once there I located the exact room and left; I had time to kill. Sooo....

I decided to walk around the lot and explore. I saw posters for the various 20th Century Fox movies including the current "Black Swan."

Marilyn Monroe was with 20th CENTURY FOX. There was a giant mural painted on one of the buildings that could only be seen when you're in the lot. I pulled out my cell phone and pretended to be talking on it then aimed and clicked a picture of the mural. I was a little paranoid because everybody who walks around has badges. I had NO badge except for the pass inside my shirt pocket.

I went to the gift store. I didn't buy because I told myself, I will be back. Someday I will be back.
http://www.foxstudios.com/home.html

I don't know if I did well at the audition, but just being there was cool enough for me.

After the audition, as I was leaving I saw a giant hedge with the Comedy & Tragedy masks sculpted into it. I crossed the green lawn to take a picture with my phone when suddenly a door flies open and a voice yells "Jimmy James what are you doing here?" It was a friend of mine (Emmy Award Winner) is doing some free-lance work on the lot. I started laughing and said "oh you caught me taking pictures..." He quickly pulled out his phone and had me pose by the masks. He also shot me by the 20th Century Fox mural. Thanks Patrick. What magical fun!

Photos of me by: Patrick Harris "Harris of Hollywood"
Later in the evening I was invited to a wonderful little dinner party. They had 2 Emmys on their shelf...Hollywood.

PERFORMANCE DEC. 23 @ THE BONHAM EXCHANGE

2010-12-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Note: The show time is going to be 9pm.
That detail will change shortly in the poster.

I'm getting ready to perform in my hometown December 23, 2010.

The last time I played the Historical Bonham Exchange dance club was about 10 years ago. I think it was in 2000.

I'm excited and I'm sure lot's of friends and family will be there. I now am returning with my own hit record and some new material since then.

I happened to buy my ticket way in advance on Southwest Airlines. My direct nonstop LAX to SAT was only $80. YEE HAW!

Thanks to my friend Frank at "WHAT'S HAPPENING MAGAZINE" in Florida for designing my ad & flyers. He has better things to do but I'm glad I talked him into it because he is one of the best at visuals for art direction. I'm so happy with the design. Check out the MM image on the jacket. I'm so glad she fit in the picture.

This new photo was shot by the talented ALAN MERCER in Hollywood, CA.

I'll be performing at the Bonham with a new look, new songs and new show.

xoxo
JJ

8 people. Food for 20.

2010-11-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to Burbank to my old friend Rita's house for Thanksgiving. There were only 8 of us but they cooked for 20 people. Her girlfriend Jo did such a good job and we all had fun. The people there were in the film and television business including Rita. There was also a manager of musicians there. But all that aside we were all just pigs when it came to the food.

Rita Carreon and I met each other in San Antonio way way back in the day (early 80's) when we both were working for Balloon Expressions - A balloon bouquet delivery company. We would work the phones and take orders as well as inflate the balloons with helium. The company is still there.

It all seems like a lifetime away. I remember telling the owners to buy a theme song I wrote for the company. I got paid $200! This was my first real songwriting gig. I also convinced them that I should dress as Marilyn Monroe to deliver some bouquets to dads on Father's Day.
For an extra fee customers could have the bouquet delivered by Marilyn Monroe. We booked 4 gigs that day and none of the fathers ever suspected that it was a guy dressed as MM. LOL!!!

I'm so glad I have GPS in my car. It is the ONLY way to get around now.

NOVEMBER BIZ.

2010-11-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

I've been increasing my network in Los Angeles. I officially moved here Jan. 2010. It's taken 10 months to just now feel like I'm getting somewhere. November is turning out to be very productive. I've secured a legitimate agent. I've performed for several private functions: The Trevor Project, Judy Tenuta's Birthday party and a couple other private parties.

Here in LA when you perform, you never know who is watching you. Practically everybody is in the entertainment industry on some level. Everybody is connected. I'm also reading some good industry books. One of the books I'm reading is "When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead" by Jerry Weintraub. It's an inside look at the behind the scenes business of shows.

I also have been meeting with some clubs in Palm Springs, CA. I have always liked Palm Springs. There's a unique feeling you get when you go there. I'm also in love with modern and mid-century architecture. The mountain views are majestic. There are no tall buildings there so as not to obstruct the views.

2010-10-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

I'm having meetings again in LA. It's going very well. I've written a new song that these new producers LOVED. I can't wait to get it produced and tell you what the song is. Right now I can tell you it's very European Dance sounding. I think the lyrics are very of the moment.

LAREDO, TX? WHAT??? Early HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

In September I had to leave LA to Texas.
First of all my niece Briana was celebrating her 21st Birthday. She's almost as old as I am! Wink.
It was nice to see mom who lives next door to my sister Jodie (Briana's mom).

After a couple days in San Antonio, I had to leave to Laredo, TX (where I was born) to help with my Uncle Carlos' estate. My Uncle Frank picked me up in San Antonio and we drove out.
I took a picture of the highway on the way to Laredo. We also stopped at Garcias Cafe. It was trippy. There were farmers and ranchers all having lunch. Many of them wearing cowboy hats. I didn't feel weird because even in shorts and Tshirt I get mistaken for being a woman. LOL! No makeup, No wig. "What can I help you with ma'me?"

Going to Laredo was bringing back so many memories of long ago. I had very humble beginnings. My life is so far away from this region but it was humbling to go back. I was reminded of how far I've come since my life in the little house at 1302 Kearney St.

My job (for 2 weeks) in Laredo was to help out. I took pictures of everything in my deceased uncles' home and catalogued it. I started a Facebook for him showing all his stuff for the family to claim what they want. Tedious - yes but I was fine doing it because my uncle was very kind and helpful to everyone in the family. He never wanted to be thanked or expected anything in return. He was successful in business and never minded sharing. He was a good man. Uncle Carlos (Mom's brother) unexpectedly passed away in his sleep Dec. 2, 2009.

We are in the process of selling his house and factory. His property is across from Laredo Community College. They're interested in buying it. We are also going to be selling his 125 acre ranch in Laredo.

When night fell, I was left with one side of the house including my Uncle Carlos' bedroom. I was so spooked! The whole place was filled with figurines and everything was dark decor and old paintings. His home is close to a railroad track where you hear trains all night long. How did he sleep with this? I would NOT sleep on his bed where he died. NO WAY. Luckily there were stacks of new mattresses so I grabbed one and took it to the small screening room just to the side of his bedroom. I threw the mattress on the floor and set myself up nicely. But just outside that screening room was an all dark furniture room.

In LA all of my furniture is white. I'm creeped out by dark decor and furniture at night.

In the screening room off to the side of the bedroom, I had a big flat screen TV to watch. I could make it as loud as I wanted. No one was around. One night I really enjoyed watching the making of "Gone With The Wind." I also caught up on some reading of my Rolling Stone Magazines.

I'm going to include here some photos of the interior of my uncle's house. You can get a visual of my surroundings.

One particular picture is of a coffee table in the sitting room just to the side of his bedroom. I tried to sleep there on a sofa the first night but I was bothered and creept out. I got out of the room and grabbed a mattress and moved to the screening room. You'll see the photo of the coffee table full of ORBS! OMG! Spooky! Creepy!

There were lots of gothic decor and a creepy life-size coat of armor man. It was scaring me at night. It stood right outside the kitchen entrance and that was an great way of keeping me from going in there for a late night snack.

You could say I've already had an early Halloween. So I'm done with spooky for a while.

When I got back to LA, I made an appearance for OUT-Q SIRIUS Radio (Oct. 1) with my pals Derek & Romain. They were in for Gay Days at Disney. They held interviews for several hours at The House of Blues upstairs patio. It was fun to see my pals in California. I was on air for about 20 minutes. It flew by because we had fun. Laredo seemed so far away from and like a spooky dream I had. Early Halloween.

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY in LOS ANGELES, CA

2010-09-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to get away from your office and enjoy a little of what California has to offer. I made plans with a couple of friends to go to Griffith Observatory. A lot of the the stuff in there is extremely fascinating. But I really LOVED sitting in the cool dark Planetarium to watch the show of planets. The woman narrating the show (live) had a very soothing hypnotic voice. I told her after the show I really enjoyed her voice.

The last time I went to a planetarium I was a child on a field trip.
Now that I know how to get there, I would like to go again to this observatory. Thank you Griffith J. Griffith for the park and the observatory you left to the city of Los Angeles.
HAPPY 75th YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

ABBA

2010-08-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

I flew to Houston, TX for a gig on August 14 & 15 at a Performing Arts Center. I was hired as opening act for the ABBA tribute band called "ABBA The Concert."
They were actually quite good. They had about 14 members total. The 2 night concert was sponsored by IKEA and CHEVRON oil. The original dummer was in the show and also the original saxaphone player. All of the members were from Sweden. This is probably the closest I could ever get to actually listening to an ABBA concert.

There were several highlights in the ABBA show but I especially liked when the blond one sang "The Winner Takes It All." ABBA has so many incredible pop songs. The songs just keep going living on like The Beatles.

The Stafford Centre is just outside of Houston in Stafford, TX. I have been to this place before about 5 years ago I opened for The Turtles. It was nice that the promoter called me back for a return engagement. I sold out of all my CDs as I did last time. I feel good that my performance of Voices has a broad appeal for everybody. I opened the show with "Famous" then did the Voices and ended with "Fashionista." The older people of course related to the Voices while some of the younger (girls especially) told me that they play "Fashionista" all the time for dance routines or fashion shows.

This picture is the ONLY picture I have of me and ABBA because although I took tons of pictures, and video from the wings of them performing live on stage, I accidentally erased them ALL from my camera. I still don't know what I did. Oh well.

FINALLY BOUGHT A CAR! A VOLVO.

2010-08-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

I finally bought a car! I officially moved to LA January 2010. But I did not get a car right away.
I was able to borrow my roommates car often. We only have 1 parking space (for her car) and I'm supposed to park on the street. I wasn't in a big rush.

But alas, as time has gone on, I've been able to meet more people, have more meetings so it was time! I finally NEEDED to get my own car. I went to a dealer close by on Fairfax Ave. here in West Hollywood. JT Auto Connection specializes in Volvos, Mercedez, Saab, Jaguar, Volks Wagon etc... It's a small car lot and they seem to hand pick certain cars that are in relatively good shape and they sell them for a reasonable price.

I saw this little Volvo. I test drove it then eventually had my mechanic inspect it. I got it for a very nice price. It drives great! It looks very nice with leather seats and it seems to be very well taken care of. Sun roof too.

Needless to say I'm going everywhere and constantly busy. Movies, restaurants, friends houses, meetings, shopping, sight-seeing etc...

I've been unleashed.

I'm trying to ad more pix of the car but this blog is not letting me. I'll have to try again later.

JULY 4th / FASHIONISTA LIVE Orlando, FL.

2010-07-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this July 7, 2010 late at night. I'll come back and write about my mini tour on July 1, 2, 3, 4. I'm just too sleepy to write too much right now.

July 4th crowd at The Parliament House in Orlando, FL.
http://www.parliamenthouse.com/.
I also did shows the night before, outdoors on the main stage by the pool and in The Footlight Theater inside. Lots of fun!

JOLTED INTO WORKING! Where's my headdress?

2010-06-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

This coming Independence weekend is going to be a hectic one for me especially because I've been on vacation chillin' out in San Antonio. I'm gearing up for this literally. I have new costumes to wear and new headdresses too. I'm going to play some new territories in Michigan where I've never been before.

July 1 at The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. July 2 I play The Dunes Resort in Saugatuck, MI. And July 3 I play the massive Parliament House in Orlando, FL. You are nobody in the dance music world unless you play the main stage of Parliament. It's an institution. It's been around for 35 years! In the nightclub world that's major. I'm excited!

Wheewww! Jolted into working...lol! Who wants that?

Landed in San Antonio for Vacation

2010-06-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Baby James Laredo, TX
(long time ago)

I suppose a lot of people get away to vacation but I'm lucky enough to be able to visit family in a town that is a vacation spot. Although my Mom's house is in quiet suburbia it's such a nice relaxing oasis from everything. I still have my room here with all my things. I'm able to get away from LA and in the past from New York City, to just chill. I think I've said this before but I could almost take a year off and work on projects here. I have storage, costumes, fabrics, memorabilia, photographs, music, on and on .... Tons of tapes that need to be transferred and put on YouTube etc... lots of stuff that needs to be sorted and organized.

I come here and time flies. No sooner do I start a project and I gotta go back to LA or New York. I have an idea for a book about my life but I have to go through thousands of photographs to help me remember everything. It would take time to sort it out. A few years ago I put together a book idea of my Marilyn years and I'm now trying to find it.

I don't live like a hoarder, I keep all the stuff in storage so I don't have to look at it. But once I start looking into stuff, I open Pandora's box. My career has now spanned 27 years!
I started performing professionally in 1983. I have not had a "regular" job since then. I saved a lot of memorabilia over time in anticipation that the day may come when I might want to write a book about my life. Maybe I'm feeling that time is near. Some of my adventures won't be pretty but some of it will be incredible and fun and funny.

July 1 - I'm playing at The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks Township, Michigan.
July 2 - I play The Dunes Resort in Saugatauck, Michigan
July 3 - I play the HUGE complex known as The Parliament House in Orlando, FL. ("Fashionista" was a hit here. I will be performing outdoor to tons of people)

I'm excited to do all these gigs and then I'll play The Rrazz Room in San Francisco July 31.

I'm not performing in Provincetown this Summer. I'd rather wait to return next year with a fresh new show. I've never liked over-exposure even though right now I'm feeling a little under exposed. Tomorrow's a new day and there's always a chance to keep on keepin' on. Look at Betty White. When you catch a wave, you ride it.

I recently saw Joan River's documentary "A Piece of Work." INCREDIBLE! So much inspiration for anyone who has a dream, whatever it may be. You just keep working at it. Never give up. You have to put yourself out in the rain to get struck by lightning.
http://www.ifcfilms.com/videos/joan-rivers-a-piece-of-work-2

In closing I have to say, I feel very peaceful whenever I come to San Antonio. I feel like my skin glows more, my eyes are bright and refreshed. Maybe it's because I get a lot of sleep, maybe because I have less stress, who knows but I feel rejuvenated here? I'm so lucky and grateful I have this little place where I can get away from everything.

JJ

The ABBEY West Hollywood & I got GLEE'D!

2010-05-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

I performed this past Monday May 17, at the famous ABBEY CLUB in West Hollywood on Robertson. Candis Cayne asked me to fill in for her night because she had to go to Atlanta to shoot a LIFETIME movie for TV.

The crowd was packed and really really holding on and not leaving the room. Attention spans can be very short at this type of venue. My voice was in rare form as I sang:
Famous
Where Is My Man..Eartha Kitt
The Man I Love........ Judy Garland / Billie Holiday
Cher Medly
I'm Not A Girl.....Britney Spears
Evergreen..........Barbra Streisand (it came out xtra good)
I Try.................Macy Gray
8 Divas..............8 voices in 1 song
Fashionista

It was so much fun and reminded me of my days in New York City in the West Village when I used to play once a week for 5 years at a little club called PIECES (6th Ave. & Christopher St.).
I used it as a workshop to practice my skills.

I goofed around and talked about current events. It was a little bit stand-up and music too. Some performance art too where I kinda make the audience feel kind of uncomfortable then bring it back to comedy and relieve them. Thanks Candis for letting me fill in!

I GOT GLEE'D!

The latest discovery of FASHIONISTA usage. These kids are GREAT! Big smile from me and I definitely approve!

PRE MOTHER'S DAY w/ Mom & Denver gigs!

2010-05-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Pix from ROCK BAR promotional appearance for Lannie's ClockTower Cabaret in Denver.

I'm finally back in LA.
Last week I went to San Antonio to visit Mom on the days before Mother's Day because I knew I'd be in Denver for Mom's day. I worked at Lannie's ClockTower Cabaret and also made an extra appearance at Tracks Dance Club to do a quick guest appearance. I also stopped into Rock Bar to visit my friend RockStar Aaron. He DJs there on Friday nights so I went into the DJ booth to do a little bit of "Fashionista."

My shows did very well at Lannie's and I was in great voice. I was able to take out to lunch, on Mother's Day, Kirk Montgomery from the channel 9News. I was so greatful for the plug he gave my show over the news.

I'm back in LA working on projects. It never ends but I'm not complaining. It's all good.

JJ

DENVER CLOCKTOWER & TRACKS DANCE CLUB

2010-05-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

If you have friends in Denver send them to the club. May 8th (2 shows) & May 9.

LANNIE'S CLOCTOWER CABARET is a cozy glamorous venue underneath the Denver downtown Clocktower. It'll be my 4th time back.
They serve delicious cocktails and appetizers.

I'm also playing at TRACKS Dance club on Friday May 7. It's a Dance Club where I will be doing a quick promo appearance around 11:00pm. I'm singing "Fashionista" "Famous" and "Walking In Memphis" from my FOREVER CHER album by "Dark Lady" (me).

XOXO
JJ

MOM IS MAKING A GREAT RECOVERY!

2010-05-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

Mom is getting around just fine. She is making a full recovery and I'm so grateful for this. She is healthy and is getting back into her usual routines.

I came to San Antonio for the week before Mother's Day to be with mom and family. I have to be in Denver, CO for this weekend. I perform at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret in downtown Denver.

I'm also researching music for reinventing my show. I'm feeling antsy and adventurous. It's time to change things up and move forward again. I'm exploring a lot of things. Maybe I don't want to sing as much. Although, for some reason my voice is better than ever. Ever since leaving New York, my voice got better. I'm not sure why that is. I'm not sure what the cause is but my voice has never been clearer, richer or better. Maybe I've just gotten better at using the instrument. I wonder how long this good streak will last.

I've kinda been missing doing makeup. I kinda see people on tv or in real life and I think I could help them in the makeup department. Who knows...I'm feeling like going on some kind of adventure.

JJ

The photo above is little JIMMY JAMES by my Dad James Johnson. Laredo, TX (don't ask what year).

Mom's Surgery. She's ALIVE!

2010-04-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to talk about my career and things I've been working on.

Something more important was pending in my life - my mother.

I flew from LAX to San Antonio, TX to be by my Mom's bedside along with my sisters and nieces and nephews. Mom was to undergo surgery for a blocked artery on the left side of her neck.

THANK YOU to all my friends and family who prayed and sent good wishes for my Mom to pull through. The surgery was very scary for all us especially since my Mother has never had any surgery in her life.

She pulled through quicker than expected. Surgery was only about 90 minutes. The Doctor said it was easier than expected. She spent only one night in the hospital and was back home the next day. I am so grateful to have her back. The photo here was just before surgery. I know I'm smiling but I was wracked with nerves.

There is no love like a mother's love. She has handled and done so many things for me in my life and she's irreplaceable.

JJ

RED HAT LADIES FASHION SHOW IN PAMONA , CA

2010-03-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 20th I performed in Pamona, CA for the Victorian chapter of The Red Hat Ladies. I did it to support my friend and Headdress Designer Shawn Lochridge. He is so talented and creative that I want to help him anyway I can.

I met so many lovely ladies. All adorable, sweet and fun. There were about 200 in the luncheon and the models were backstage. They are Red Hat Ladies of another chapter. I never knew what Red Hat Ladies were until now.

Everybody painted out of their minds. Several makeup artists were on hand to glamorize. I helped out too. I did the makeup for the lady in pink.

You can click the link below to see a slide show of the backstage photos of everybody getting ready set to my song 'FASHIONISTA.'

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d5455324f5451304e5446384d7a51334e6a41314d7a633d0d0a&sb=1&campaign=email_receipt_directurl_makeyourown

Sunday March 21, 2010:
I performed at The Celebration Theater for Ryan O'Conner's one man show.

Monday March 22:
In the evening I picked up Lady Bunny who is visiting from New York and we went to see some comics at The Improve. It was the side annex and odd. Selene Luna was hosting and she was fun also Justin Martindale was funny. Afterwards Bunny & I and Corey & Andy went to have dinner at Bossa Nova on Rovertson. Good Brazilian food.

Tuesday March 23:
This was a fun full day! First thing in the morning I answered interview questions for Joshua Miller:
http://joshuami11er.blogspot.com/2010/03/profile-jimmy-james.html

I also got confirmation from Chad Michael's that I can do a guest spot at RAGE in WeHo March 30th to promote my UPRIGHT CABARET gig. Very cool. Chad Michael's "Dream Girls Revue" is a long running drag show that has a different show every week.

Then Shawn Lochridge came to pick me up to go to downtown LA to shop for fabrics and jewels and get ideas for some looks for me. We met some cute young girls who are dancers and I told them they should dance to my song "FASHIONISTA" and they got excited because they have it on their myspace page. Wooohooo! I love that. I gave them hugs. They were so sweet.

Late afternoon Shawn and I went to a costume designer in Whittier to have a meeting. The kind of clothes and looks I'm going for are going to be different and eye-catching. Mainly Japanese inspired. I love Issey Miyake stuff.

Shawn and I returned to West Hollywood to meet up with a friend (Gary) and we had dinner at Merricks Mexican Restaurant. Stuffed our faces!

Wednesday March 24:
I never take naps but since I'm trying to ween off of sugar, by 12 noon I fell into a deep sleep for 3 hours. I felt so groggy. I'm not doing anything too drastic, just cutting back on anything with high fructose and wherever else I can cut. I don't know if this is going to work but I'm experimenting.

Thursday March 25:
Kinda groggy again due to low sugar intake but I did laundry. I'm excited. I have my airline ticket to Tahoe to go look at a possible casino/hotel to play in the near future.

I'll take pictures of Tahoe and the venue for you to see. I'll write next week.

xoxo
JIMMY

WORKING & WORKING! LAUNDRY TOO!

2010-03-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

DON'T ACCUSE ME OF "GOING HOLLYWOOD."
I'M WORKING VERY HARD and DOING MY OWN LAUNDRY.

I'm posting this MARCH 8, 2010.

This past Monday night, March 1, I made a quick appearance at CLUB 11 in West Hollywood for their Musical Mondays. The night is dedicated to Broadway musicals. All guests have to do Broadway style songs and music. So I did my impression of Cher doing "Memory" from 'CATS.' Just before that I did an acappella of Liza singing "Maybe This Time."

Tuesday, March 2, I helped host the club night 'MR. BLACK' at a space where the Spider Room used to be. It's across the street from Capitol Records on Vine above Hollywood Blvd. I had my picture taken with Guy from "Chelsea Lately." I don't think he knows who I am but he was very sweet to pose in a picture with me. He seems very nice. Maybe I'll get to know him better later.

Wednesday, March 3, in the day, I went to a laundermat to do tons of laundry - MY OWN LAUNDRY! Does that sound like I've "Gone Hollywood???" I don't think so. Also today my TV producer pitched my reality show, "Re-Inventing Jimmy James" to VH1. Fingers crossed. It would so nice to be on VH1. Whatever happens I'm just grateful to have interest.
I went to Vegan Glory restaurant tonight with my friend Brandt.

Thursday, March 4, I got a call from a Theatrical Agent who wants to meet with me March 11 about representing me Theatrically and for Voice-Over work. Fingers crossed. Who knows what will happen. I'm just happy I get a call like this.

Friday March 5, I performed to a wildly enthusiastic fun audience who gave me 3 standing ovations! My voice was in excellent condition. I worked hard prior to the show with a 3hour sound check/ rehearsal. HARD WORK! Chilly weather and rain in LA today.
People who work at 'Chelsea Lately' showed up and bought CDs. They said they would spread the word and come again next month. Yay!

Saturday, March 6, it poured rain like crazy here in LA. It put a damper on my attendance. But still the fabulous Oscar nominated and Grammy Award winning stylist from 'Sex In The City' and 'Devil Wears Prada' PATRICIA FIELD showed up and it was a fun show.
Patricia was in LA from NY to be a style reporter for The Associated Press. www.livestream.com/aplive
(click 'Red Carpet').

Sunday, March 7, was a day of rest for me finally. I went to hang out with Patricia Field and my friend Armen Ra who did her makeup for the AP Live Internet show. Pat had a room at the new 'W' Hotel in Hollywood. She came back to the room after her commentary, to watch The Acadamy Awards on the big flat screen tv. We ordered room service and had a nice glamorous relaxing time.

If I've "Gone Hollywood" how come I still do my own laundry and hang out with New Yorkers???

Here's the show list for The Upright Cabaret:

Thanks to everybody who came to see me at The Upright Cabaret!

I'm doing it again April 2 & 3.

xoxo
JJ

Blast from the Past

2010-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Just a little blast from the past. Greg released this on Facebook. It's from the last official photo shoot of me as Marilyn Monroe. New York City 1997 or '98. Photographer: Greg Vonmirsky.

At the end I pretty much had perfected the look to best the best of my abilities. I took it as far as I was willing to take it. I wasn't feeling it anymore. I did the MM thing for about 14 years and I was ready to evolve and move on. I was anxious to go forward and not look back. I have no regrets.

It was a special moment in time and I have no desire to repeat it.

2010-02-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

Even if you never knew she was a beautiful movie star... even if you had never heard of her... you'd still want to know who she was just by the sound of her voice and the way she talks. Such a sweet voice. Marilyn sounds relaxed, poised, intelligent and real. You can hear the charisma in her voice. This is NOT as dumb blond.

Here is an interview with Marilyn Monroe from one of my favorite YouTube channels devoted to her. He does a great job collecting footage. Check out YouTube channel: 77marked

PLANNING NEXT SHOW AT THE UPRIGHT CABARET!

2010-02-23T01:21:00.001-08:00

Here are the Bookmarks that my graphics guy designed for me. Instead of 4x6 flyers (boring) I wanted him to make me some bookmarks because they are useful and also advertise my show.

There are some serious talks going on with my management and a hotel casino in Lake Tahoe. I would be headlining my own show there. We'll see what transpires and I'll let you know.

I now wake up early everyday (around 8:00am) and work at my new desk. I see the gorgeous sunshine coming through my big windows and all things seem possible. Usually between 12pm & 3pm I'll go out for a jog and then get back to work later on.

BUSY FEBRUARY / BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!!! / MARILYN!

2010-02-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

So much has been going on in February and I've been gathering the info and pictures for you.

First of all A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
I FINALLY HAVE A NEW WEB DESIGNER!
Not only will he be able to finally get my web site together, he's also great at graphic design for CD covers, Business cards, Flyers, Posters etc, etc... He can do everything I need to pull my image together for all kinds of products that I have planned. I'm anxious to open my web store soon. I love having products to sell because I'm very conscious of detail and quality.

I'm also going to have mp3s!!! on my web site for people to purchase and download. My own recordings are soon going to be available!!! This is all new technology.
I have at least 4 albums right now that I want to upload on the site. I have entire albums that were always popular and sold very well at my shows but were never particularly available in a store.

Feb. 4, 2010 my new business cards came in. Here's the front and back. You should be able to click on the images to see them close-up:

ANOTHER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
NEW MANAGEMENT!!! YES NEW MANAGEMENT!!! FINALLY!!!
This has just happened and it's going to be good! I am carefully piecing together a team for myself. I will give you more details as soon as I can.

February 6, I went to Traver Rains photography showing in his Hollywood Studio and it was a blast. Traver was 1/2 of the design team HEATHERETTE in NY. A few years ago we were all in NYC and now he's moved out here to rock & roll. The party was fun and he sold all his photos. They were very cleverly framed. Big success!

Posing in front of a Traver Rains chained mirror.

Galen, me, Traver.

Jeni with a Traver Rains blood stain effect dress.

Lots of people at the show. He sold lots of pictures. I should have stolen something.

Around Feb. 10: While the East Coast was being slammed with snow...
MARILYN MONROE!
For all the years when I impersonated MM, I only had access to pictures, movies, videos, stories of actual accounts of meeting her etc...
Nothing ever came as close as when I ran into the Madame Tussauds Marilyn on Hollywood Boulevard! OMG! I was mesmerized by this incredible life-like sculpture. I have to say, that this has to have been the closest I have ever come to her in 3 dimensions. I was spellbound. The DETAILS were impeccable. I took pictures of my friend Armen Ra with her. He took pictures of me with her too but I was dressed so crappy that day, I don't want to show them.
What do you think of her? CLICK ON THE PIX TO ENLARGE.
Here are my critiques (mind you I'm being extremely picky):
I Think the top of the hair needs have more weight but they did a great job.
The eyebrowns need to be darker and more of a peek in the middle.
The eyeliner needs the MM secret lining.
The nose needs to be smaller.
The mouth should be smaller.

Headdress, Justin Bond, Ryan Raftery, TommyBoy Records!

2010-02-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

DIVA IN A HEADDRESS!

Here's a photo from Odyssey Magazine, LA of me after my show at The Upright Cabaret. Headdress by Shawn Lochridge. I wish I had a better picture but I was too busy performing to worry about my own camera.

The following weekend (Jan. 29-30) I got to see Justin Bond from NYC perform at The Upright Cabaret last Friday. Justin Bond has played Carnagie Hall as Kikki of "Kikki & Herb." He also was in the movie "Short Bus" by John Cameron Mitchell.

Ryan Raftery also performed wildly (Saturday night). He's appeared on "Ugly Betty" among other things as well. Both performers packed the place. They're my friends so I was very proud of them. Both have too many credits for me to mention right here but you can Google them.

Justin Bond on stage and afterwards signing merch. I loved when he sang Joni Mitchell's "Court & Spark."

Ryan on stage singing and dancing with a full band. They're all very talented.
It just keeps feeling like I'm still in New York. I still have New York friends here in LA and I see my New York performer friends in clubs. Maybe it's just beginners luck.
I didn't trade off the people - just the weather. LOL!

Speaking of New York ... this past Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 1 & 2) MORE NEW YORK at my door step in LA. Tom Silverman and his lovely wife Donna invited my friend
Armen Ra (http://www.myspace.com/armenra) and I to The Roxy to see some musicians performing for The NEW MUSIC SEMINAR. Among the several performers, we got to see: Semi Precious Weapons rock the house. Adam Lambert was there rocking out.

Silverman was also very generous to have Armen and I attend the SEMINAR at the Henry Fonda Theater as his guests. It was an all day event (9am-7pm). So many great speakers to discuss the future of the music business. I absorbed everything and took notes. So much to learn.

THANK YOU TOM SILVERMAN & DONNA FOR YOUR GREAT ENERGY AND GENEROSITY!

Tom Silverman (Tommy Boy Records) opens the day with a speech about the current state and future of music.

Music Industry experts!

So lucky to hear these people give advice. Lead singer from Semi Precious Weapons (in nude boots) who we saw perform the night before. Another New Yorker. He and his band are opening for Lady GaGa's tour 2010.

Some advice from Music Industry Expert - Martin Atkins. I bought his book: "TOUR:SMART...And Break The Band"
Really good book about music biz.

Ok, so it's my fault I'm inconsistent with my blog. TeeHee...

TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO HOLLYWOOD!!!

2010-01-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

Inside The UPRIGHT CABARET
(1714 N.Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027)

Last weekend (Jan. 22 & 23) I played for the first time in many years a real gig in Los Angeles. Although I just moved here a few months ago, I still had not performed in LA officially because I still had obligations on the road. And most of my time in LA was limited and devoted to basically getting settled in with furniture, shipments, boxes etc...

I am proud to report that last week when I played 2 nights at The UPRIGHT CABARET on Vermont St. that the place was packed on Friday and SOLD-OUT on Saturday! Several standing ovations later, I can't tell you the warmth & welcome I felt coming back to LA after living in New York City for 15 years. First of all, about the standing ovations...nobody makes Angelinos stand. They have seen it all and are not going to give you a standing O that easily. This is the land whose biggest export is ENTERTAINMENT as well as attitude...lol! So getting a Standing O from this crowd holds some heavy weight.

As far as my 2 nights are concerned - I TRIUMPHED! And the GREAT NEWS is that they want me back exclusively to play once a month every Friday & Saturday for the next 3 months! I am so happy & excited! I'm relieved that I was embraced and accepted back in this town. I've been nervous for a year ever since I packed my first box to move out of New York Jan. 2009. The room has a state-of-the-art sound system and cozy seating for 85 people. It felt good to be in this venue. I have not played a proper run in LA since playing FEINSTEIN'S at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in 2003 (Feinstein's no longer exists in Hollywood).

The UPRIGHT CABARET http://www.uprightcabaret.com/ is part of a cute complex which houses The Vermont Restaurant http://www.vermontrestaurantandbar.com/and another hangout / Restaurant called Rockwell VT http://www.rockwellvt.com/ Both are delicious and The UPRIGHT CABARET serves food and drink as well too.
They also have an UPRIGHT CABARET in Palm Springs.
I'm going to play there at the end of April.

I'm so lucky to have been embraced by this PROFESSIONAL establishment. I'm off to a good start in Hollywood. I'm having really good meetings again and the phone is ringing. I can't talk about the new developments yet because I don't want to jinx anything.
As soon as I can talk about it I'll write about it here. It's all good!

Oh and did I tell you that while most of the country is buried in snow or freezing, that here in LA it's about 70 degrees and Sunny? Don't Hate!

_____________________________________________
In other news... Jan. 24, 2010
After my 2 great nights at The UPRIGHT, Sunday my friend and actress Gail Boggs and I went to see AVENUE Q at The Thousand Oaks CIVIC ARTS CENTER. WOW! What a fun musical. So cute and a little porno for puppets too...lol! "The internet is for porn" as one of the songs goes. Now I know why AVENUE Q won so many Tony's. I felt happy and like a kid again - but a grown up kid...I never knew this musical had some puppet soft porn bits in it...lol. Rated R but cute.

I'm doing my hand like I'm holding a puppet. Winter in LA it must have been a chilly 60 degrees. Don't hate!
Sign in sheet for the actors backstage.

It took me moving to California to finally see this wonderful Broadway musical. I hardly saw Broadway shows in NY when I lived there because I was always so busy, busy, busy. Doing what? I'm not sure anymore..well I think I was working on my career.

THANK YOU MICHAEL McASSEY http://www.michaelmcassey.com/ from New York City (Musical Conductor) for getting us the tickets with great seats and giving us a little backstage tour. You are a sweetheart! He recognized Gail Boggs from back in the day in NY. He also knew me from back in the "Don't Tell Mamma Cabaret" days (1987-89) hush. You really made a wonderful memory happen for Gail & I.
(By the way Gail Boggs played Whoopi Goldberg's sister in GHOST. She was the smaller sister. Gail and I know each other since the early 90's when I lived in LA).

Afterwards Gail and I went to P.F. Changs for dinner.

_________________________________________________
In other news:
Things are coming together nicely in my room. I finally assembled my desk. I wanna give a shout-out to Fran & Lucy in Staten Island, NY who have been fans for many years. They know I have a mug obsession and sent me this Marilyn Mug for Christmas. Girls look how nice it looks on my desk. I love you and it was sooooo sweet of you to do this! Also a shout-out to my Ballerina friend in New York City Trutti! She sent me these beautiful silver coasters (among other things) for Christmas. I love you Trutti! Thank You so much! Look how nice it all looks!

I'm eventually going to get a white folding chair too. No black furniture. Everything white and light. I'm sorta leaning towards Mid-Century styling / Modern. For years my NYC apartment had chocolate brown carpet, black & brown furniture and hardly any light coming in. No more darkness in my life.

As soon as I have all the furniture in my room pulled together I'm going to take pictures of everything and show it here.

Here's a look at my previous desk. Yuk!

Hamburger Mary's MEETING

2010-01-22T01:37:00.000-08:00

Had a meeting with a record producer this afternoon at the West Hollywood Hamburger Mary's.
When I'm allowed to talk about the project I'll let you know. But I like it a lot.

While we were having our meeting tucked away from everyone, a guy walked up to my table and asked for an autograph. Wow! I never think anybody knows me. That was cool. He said his boyfriend is from San Antonio and that they had seen me a few years ago at The Jumpstart Theater when I did some shows there. Then eventually his boyfriend came over to introduce himself. I was so flattered. They might come to see me perform at The UPRIGHT CABARET this weekend.

I told them I just moved to LA. One of the guys is a manager at GIANNI VERSACE on Rodeo Drive. Really cool. They were nice. I gave them hugs and even gave them my number to call me.

I told the record producer, "you see, I am somebody!" "take my picture!" "don't you know who I am?" We were laughing. It was the record producer's Birthday today but I said, "I don't care this meeting is about me!" (laughing).

More things keep on happening here in Hollywood. Stay tuned.

JJ

GETTING READY FOR MY SHOWS IN LA!

2010-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

We're going to be having about 5 days of rain here in LA. Oh well...it cleans the air.

I bought a fruit picker this past weekend so that I can grab the avocados and oranges off the tree in the back courtyard. There are hundreds of avocados. I can't believe none of the neighbors grab them. So far I picked 15 avocados and put them in a bowl. It takes about 1 week to ripen.

Getting ready for my 2 shows Jan 22 & 23. 9pm.

Here's a little blurb about me in FRONTIERS Magazine, LA:
http://www.frontierspublishing.com/2819/nightlife/index.html

TICKETING INFO for The UPRIGHT CABARET Show @ The Vermont Restaurant /show lounge:
http://inticketing.com/EVENTS/68784

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2010 is "THE YEAR OF THE COIN!"

2010-01-15T16:39:00.000-08:00

WELL....O.K! I've been lazy about posting.

After performing at a private Christmas party in Boston, MA. December 12, I took about a month off. But I feel good and ready to get back to work.

You would think I could have at least typed in this blog to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm glad I had that time off because I caught a bad cough - perhaps a relapse to the Swine Flu I caught during Thanksgiving. Who knows... All better now.

I'm back in Los Angeles and preparing for my show "IMPRESSIONISM" at THE UPRIGHT CABARET in Los Felis at The Vermont Restaurant and Show Room.
I'm performing a slightly different version than the show in Ptown this past Summer.

I'm extremely busy with projects and I'm excited to be working with my brand new white Scandinavian desk! It's not from Ikea. I got it at Plummers Furniture out here in LA.
I assembled it myself ugh...it was so hard to do.
See below:

I also got a new white bed frame from West Elm. I also assembled that! Ugh...
I won't complain. Look at the tragedy in Haiti. It's heartbreaking. It makes me grateful for what I have and I have nothing to complain about.
As soon as I get my room pulled together, I'll show you pictures. You'll be able to compare the current pictures with the early pictures (blog: May 6, 2009).

Take care!
JJ

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

2009-12-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

FELIZ NAVIDAD!
From my YouTube Channel: ONEANDMANYJIMMYJAMES
My "singing" impersonation of Bette Davis set to some of her movie clips.

Private party in Boston. Freezing relapse of sickness!

2009-12-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I flew to Boston to perform at a private Christmas party in a very nice home. Everything was perfect. The hosts were very sweet. My voice was great. BUT..... it was freeeeezing cold in Boston and I'm in San Antonio now relapsed in sickness with a cough. I'm so glad I have this time off for the Holidays.

I hate Winter. I hate cold weather. I can't deal with it anymore. After 15 years in New York City, I am so over the cold. Back then I was punished with running around the city in the deep freeze of Winter all the time. I didn't have an office job. My job is running around town to get things done.

I gave it up when I left Feb. 25, 2009. I now live in Sunny Hollywood California. I'm spoiled. I love New York but it's only going to be for visiting now.

Anyway, I don't have a fever but I have a cough. Lungs hurt and the cough hurts.

The Passing, The Surviving, The Good Wishes

2009-12-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

I'm getting my strength back. Oh and that damn appetite too...crap! The Swine flu was not fun. I'm glad that is over with. Ok for sure next year, I'll get the flu shot. I've never had one before. I'm always on the fence about getting the shot.

My Mom called me to tell me that my Uncle Carlos deLlano died in his sleep of a heart attack. I was very sad and cried as I flashed back to how funny he could be. He gave me my first job in San Antonio when I was a teenager. I remember getting my first paycheck of $85.00 and how good it felt to have my own money. Uncle Carlos was in the cabinet making business (interior construction). He was always generous to his family. He helped anybody who needed help and never wanted you to thank him. Uncle Carlos was only in his 60's. He will be missed.

I want to give a shout out to Mike V who struggled with his own heart problems but he's come through and thank God, he's going to be around to give everybody hell. GET WELL MIKE! Eat your veggies and STOP SMOKING! We need you around. I need you around so I can keep hearing tell me how fabulous I am...lol!!!

I went to see the movie "Precious" yesterday. I liked it. But I didn't cry. It was sad but not as sad as I thought it was going to be. Overall a good movie. Some good acting. I enjoyed getting to see Mariah from the left side of her face (she only likes to be photographed from the right). It was a treat.

I'm flying to Boston this Friday to do a private party on Saturday. Then Sunday I'll fly to San Antonio for the Holidays.

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! PEACE ON EARTH.

All my love,
JIMMY

H1N1!!! SWINE FLU! Sad Turkey day :(

2009-11-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I was feeling really good and healthy. I was back to running (I took October off and did not run) and really enjoying myself here in Southern Cali. I flew out to Columbus, OH (Oct. 20) to do a gig at Wall Street Nightclub (Oct. 21). My voice was so good and because they have video screens all over the club, I did my full multi-media show. The crowd seemed to be loving me. I had fun.

I had been stuggling that day with an annoying little cough. Actually the cough started in LA on Friday my travel day. After Saturday night's show when I finally got to bed, the next day I woke up very fluish. OH MY GOD! Please don't tell me I have to travel like this.

I was able to find a window seat to lean against and doze off and on for the long flight back.

I paid the cab driver extra to take my bags up one flight of stairs because I was too weak to do it myself. I collapsed in my bed and proceeded to have a miserable week of illness.
I caught the H1N1 SWINE FLU! The next 2 days were the roughest because I was delirious and sleeping a lot. I constantly drank my water which was by my bed at all times.

Thanksgiving was sad. I stayed at home all by myself just watching TV. My roommate spent the night at her friend's house. The Swine flu is a good diet because you don't feel like eating anything. But you feel miserable.

Today is Monday and I'm up and about slowly. Baby steps.

BACK IN LA & BUSY!!!

2009-11-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

I hit the ground running. As soon as I landed Friday before Halloween, I was setting up meetings.
Halloween in West Hollywood was a disaster. FAR TOO CROWDED for me to even bother. Thousands & thousands of people are on Santa Monica Blvd. Why did I even bother? I came home early. I paint my face for a living - I live Halloween. Everytime I do a show I'm scarring people.

After that I was loaded with meetings and filming the very last parts of my reality show pilot. It's being edited now and he should be pitching it in the next couple of weeks. Fingers Crossed.

I wake up earlier in LA because of the sunlight here. This is good, I have full days. I feel like I'm back in showbiz.

So tired right now. I'm going to bed by 1am! Usually on the East Coast, I would get to bed at 4, 5, or 6am.

Good Night John Boy...don't fart.

JJ

6 days left in San Antonio before returning to LA.

2009-10-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Just a simple view from my bedroom window in San Antonio. It's peaceful bland suburbia. It's nice for a while.

I have 1 more week here in San Antonio before I go back to Los Angeles (Oct. 30th). I can't live in SA forever, it's too boring, but for me it's a refuge - an oasis away from the pressures of LA or NY.

I have a lot of meetings waiting for me in LA and it's time to get back to work. I'm ready.

Shawn Lochridge is going to make 2 more headdresses for me. I'm meeting with people in the music business and finishing up the last bits of interview work for the reality show (fingers crossed). I've watched some of these reality shows... maybe I'm not enough of a mess for these shows. All these reality show people are talentless nothings. You waste your time watching this shit.

Then you'll see someone on TV like Susan Boyle (double chin, middle aged, lacking in current standards of image...wheeew thank God, I don't have jump off the building just yet...lol) who can just stand there to sing mesmerizing audiences of all ages who are hungry to hear her God given talent. Hope is renewed. Talent is Divine and speaks to the soul. Reality shows with idiots are man-made and speak to nothing except other idiots. Time suckers.

I keep watching this video over and over. It was shot beautifully. Susan Boyle is a talented singer. The song "Wild Horses" was written by Keith Richards & Mick Jagger - talented musicians. Rolling Stone listed this as one of the top 500 songs of all time. I watch this and I don't give a shit what the Kardashians are doing.

While I'm in San Antonio, I still do my work but I'm more relaxed here and kind of sloth it a bit. It's healthy to take a break from showbiz. I get grounded here but I couldn't live this life forever. I have 2 lives in my Gemini life - 'Showbiz' & 'Regular.'

We celebrated Mom's 75th Birthday (Oct. 19). I'm grateful to still have her around. We showered her with a party and gifts. My Mom has always handled my bookkeeping. I'm very blessed and lucky to have her. I cherish the time I can spend with Mom and love her very much.
Here's me with Mom.

The Johnson family 4 kids: (L to R) Jodie, Johnny, Jimmy, Judy & Mom Josephine. My Dad James Johnson past away several years ago. The FAMILY "J."

Here's Grammy with the grand kids: (L to R) Jamie, Jonathan (above), Joey (below), Jennifer (back), Briana.

I bought a fake painting at TJMAXX. I don't like those fake prints but I really liked this one so I put it up in my room. I don't know...I like it. The BLACK TV gets on my nerves. It's so hard to find white TVs. Manufacturers pleeeez make more white TVs! I saw a white flat screen at Sam's Club but it was too big to fit on my 1980's shelves...lol!

I'm so excited!!! I have tickets for Kathy & I to see the Michael Jackson movie this Tuesday @ 11pm.

IT'S LIKE I"M ON VALIUM...

2009-10-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

I relish my time off. I get lots of sleep and work on my own time. If only I could afford to take a whole year off, I would. I have so many projects that I can work on in San Antonio. For starters I need to clear out my storage unit. I also have so many more videos to add on YouTube.

I just recently uploaded my performance as Betty Page (1996) on to YouTube.
1996! Yikes! Time flies! I barely remember this performance but thank goodness I had a friend record it. It was the one and only time I've ever done a Betty Page. Do you remember 1996?! Hardly anyone had a computer and there was NO YouTube! I think I pulled off the 'look' and 'moves' pretty well considering I didn't really know what I was doing. Now that I can look up Betty Page on YouTube, I think some of my moves were pretty close to hers. This night took place at the famous Tuesday night 'Jackie 60' nightclub. Every week was a different theme. It was in New York City's Meat Packing District at the corner of 14th Street & Washington. Back then this area was stinky and seedy but now it's the glamorous home of exclusive shops & restaurants like: Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartny, Pastis, Jeffery and others...

I also uploaded my behind the scenes filming for the Erasure music video "Rock Me Gently (12/1996)." We made a looooong treck to Malaga, Spain from London. First we flew from London to Malaga then drove 3 hours out to nowhere. We could have shot this shit in Palm Springs, CA. LOL! Why did we have to go so far away to this bizarre and desolate location??? LOL! Everybody there was constantly smoking something... There's a whole chapter I could write about this ordeal with Erasure but I won't go into it right now.

One morning I tried to go jogging before shooting and as I went out about a quarter mile, wild dogs came running after me! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! I was terrified and ran as fast as I could back to the shitty hotel and stayed in my room. No jogging for me in Malaga, Spain.

I also uploaded unedited performances (2007) of my show "DIVAS ARE FOREVER" at Helen's Hideaway room (a cabaret) in New York City in heart of Chelsea. I loved this room so much. Unfortunately it's now closed. The audience on this night was kinda dead but I was sold out. They wake up more towards the end of the show. I don't like my makeup. Especially the eyeshadow...it was too muddy that night.

What's been put up on YouTube is only a tiny tip of the iceberg. I have TONS more video from my career. I really could take a year off here in San Antonio and still not be done with all the projects I could do.

I fly back to Los Angeles October 30th.

JIMMY JAMES as BETTY PAGE 1996

JIMMY JAMES as MARILYN MONROE. Behind the Scenes making of Erasure music video.

"DIVAS ARE FOREVER!" Part 1 JIMMY JAMES LIVE in New York City 2007

More of me on YouTube. My channel is: 'ONEANDMANYJIMMYJAMES'

So RELAXING October in San Antonio

2009-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

I come to San Antonio, TX to visit Mom from time to time just to decompress. I still work from here (computer, emails, gigs etc...). It is so nice to have a place to get away from it all. I have my own room and lots of things I work on while I'm here.

I still have so many projects that I can work on here. I like to land on solid ground here and clear my head. Most everything is white in my room. It's very soothing to me.

I watched an episode of "Rachel Zoe" on TV (fashion stylist reality show) this weekend and she said she likes her house to be all white, because it clears her mind. I usually don't like to waste my time watching reality shows. I'd rather live my own life. But since I have someone working on a reality show for me, I thought I should check some of them out to see what they're about. The only reality show that I've followed is Kathy Griffin 'My Life On the D List' because she's in showbiz and I feel like I can learn from her experiences.

YOM KIPPUR
on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28, I took the Bus! The Bus! TO NEW YORK CITY:
When I left Ptown, I took the BUS! (6:30am) I can't believe I took the bus because I never do that and I can't read a bus schedule. It's TOTALLY CONFUSING to me. I have to keep asking, "so when does it leave?" "What do I do again...?" I'm so annoying, because I kinda panic when It comes to taking a bus, it's so foreign to me. I've only ever taken planes and or been driven or I've driven myself to places.

I went to NYC for 2 days to shop in the garment district for fabric. I bought some great stuff and shipped it to San Antonio where some costumes will be made for me.

I shot some final pictures from the bus window just before it left from Ptown.
I have to say that the experience on the bus was not bad at all. I slept for most of it and the driver was speeding (zooming) on the highway passing up cars especially as we got closer to NY. I was in New York City by 2:15pm Monday afternoon. About 7 hours total. Only 2 stops along the way. Not bad. I think I've slightly overcome my anxiety about taking a bus...but it's still a weird thing. The schedules are unreadable. LOL!

JIMMY JAMES HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! or...uh...uh THE CAPE.

2009-10-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY LEFT PTOWN! SUMMER 2009 is officially over. I lingered on in September and it was good business for me. It seems that there is a kinda sophisticated crowd that comes in for September. On Saturday 9/26/09 the final night, I got 4! Standing Ovations! I guess that's why they're sophisticated...they give me standing o's...lol! My show went on for an hour and a half (not the usual 50-60 minutes). I had a full enthusiastic house, there were 2 Batchlerette parties and I was in good voice.

I recorded the final show as I have often done for many years. Towards the end of the show I did Streisand's "Somewhere." That was one of the standing ovations. I amazed myself on that one because I have not sung that in over a decade. My voice has a new resonance that it has never had before. But I'm always afraid of losing it as time goes on. So I don't really drink. Even the martini I drink on stage is fake and just for show - a prop. I don't smoke except when I do a quick 'Bette Davis' but I never inhale. In the past I was always in smoke filled clubs but now that hardly exists so maybe that too has helped to preserve my voice. In any case I'm grateful for this new found resonance in my voice.

I don't think I have ever written my Show List on my blog so here it is:

1. Fashionista (Klubjumpers special remix)

2. God Bless The Child - Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross

3. Crazy - Patsy Cline

4. Disco Medley: Do You Wanna Dance - Bette Midler
I Love The Nightlife - Alicia Bridges
Do You Wanna Funk - Sylvester
Push Push In The Bush - just a quick finish in my voice.

5. Don't Leave Me This Way - Cher (in Las Vegas. she sang this when I saw her do her disco medly).

6. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

7. Maybe This Time - Liza Minnelli (not always in the show)

8. Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Presley

9. Gypsy - Stevie Nicks

10. Stay Gold - Jimmy James "The Marilyn Years" Marilyn Monroe video montage.

11. Whatever Happened To Baby Jane - Bette Davis

12. Feliz Navidad - Bette Davis comedy video.

13. Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again - self duet Judy Garland / Barbra Streisand. (Jimmy James as Judy Garland on the video screeen while he sings next to the screen doing Barbra's vocal).

ENCORES: (optional choices)
Summer Sun - Jimmy James

8 Divas

The Way Of Love - Cher

Endless Love - Diana Ross / Lionel Richie

Somewhere - Barbra Streisand (performed only at the end of Season. Extremely difficult to do).

WHEEWWWWWWWW!!!!! THAT'S A LOT OF SHOW FOR ONE PERSON.

THANK YOU MICK DELEON FOR PROMOTING & SELLING THE SHOW AND AT THE END RUNNING THE SOUND!!!! YOU DID GREAT JOB ALL SUMMER LONG!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU RICHARD DRUTHER FOR YOUR EXPERTISE IN SOUND AND LIGHTS AND FOR INSTALLING THE NEW GLAMOROUS MARQUEE!!!
THANK YOU TO ALL MY FANS FOR COMING TO SEE ME!!!!
THANK YOU TO MY NEW FANS!!!
THANK YOU PHYLLIS SCHLOSBERG & DIANE Z for letting me perform in your venue and for always supporting me in Ptown! THE BEST MARQUEE IN TOWN!

MAYBE WE'LL DO IT ALL AGAIN NEXT YEAR!

XOXO!
JIMMY JAMES

Lingering in Ptown. I still have business!

2009-09-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am still in Ptown. LOL! I can't seem to leave. I was supposed to leave by now...but...
Well, business is still good for me here. My shows are doing well off Season. I kinda wanna leave now, but hey, people are unemployed in this country and I still have steady work so far without having to board planes and travel or check into hotels etc... Who am I to walk away from this gig right now?

Thanks to everyone who has come to see me in the off Season! It's nice to have a job in one place!

R.I.P. MARY TRAVERS

2009-09-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

As a little kid one of my earliest influences in music was Peter, Paul & Mary with their songs "Puff The Magic Dragon" "Blowin' In The Wind" and "Leavin' On A Jet Plane."

Many many years later she was on the same airplane as I was. I wanted to say something but I was too shy and felt like everybody says the same thing to her. I was just so happy to be on the same plane that she was on. And later I watched her at baggage claim with her assistant. It made me happy inside to know that I got a view of one of my idols in real life. She was cool.

Last week in Provincetown. California I'm coming home...

2009-09-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

My last weekend to perform in Provincetown, September 17, 18, 19 and maybe 20 (if there are enough people in town).

I leave Wed Sept. 23 to San Antonio to visit Mom for a while then eventually back to my new digs in Los Angeles, California. I was only there for 1 month in May before I had to hit the road again.

Like Joni sings..."California I'm coming home..."
Soon I'll be back to THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!

From my YouTube Channel

2009-09-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

YouTube Channel: ONEANDMANYJIMMYJAMES

FRIDAY MORGUE / SATURDAY 3 STANDING O's

2009-09-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

This past Friday night September 4, we had the worst crowd ever of the whole Season. Friday nights everywhere always seem to be tricky for some reason. I don't know why but this seems to be universal. My audience this Friday in particular was like the worst of the whole Season. It was like they weren't breathing. The bartender assured me that they were mesmerized by me. I try not to take the quietness personally but inevitably that's what happens. It makes me so nervous and insecure. I need to learn how to overcome these feelings.

The following night, Saturday, was a different story altogether. The crowd was on fire and I think I did some of my best singing. I got 3 Standing Ovations! It was great! Anyway I recorded this show. I gotta figure out how to upload it here so you can hear it.

In the audience was one of the guys from 'Naked Boys Singing' with his Mom and teenage sister. His sister Paige was excited to know that 'Fashionista' was my song because her friend in cheerleader competition won World Cup Championship and my song was part of the music they used. This makes me so happy! I'm also thrilled that I'm in good company as I heard one of my idols - Sylvester is in the medley as well singing his song 'Stars.'

Check out these cheerleaders. They are so good. They won Championship! 'Fashionista' is in the medley.

WORLD CUP 1st Place! 2008

FASHIONISTA / "BRING IT ON" Movie Soundtrack

2009-09-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

It's official! "BRING IT ON FIGHT TO THE FINISH" is being released and I'm on the soundtrack! I have not seen the movie yet but I'm anxious to see how it's used. This is the 5th installment to these cheerleader movies.

Having my music played in a movie has been a life-long dream of mine.

http://www.bringitonmovie.com/

SOUNDTRACK:
1. Keke Palmer - Footwurkin' (3:05)
2. Alabina - Ya Mama Ya Mama (4:05)
3. Altar feat Jeanie Tracy - Party People (5:29)
4. Anjulie-Jamba (3:05)
5. christina millan - i gotta get to you (4:05)
6. dj alligator project - the whistle song (3:42)
7. down aka kilo - lean like a cholo (3:18)
8. forever the sickest kids - whoa oh! (ft.selena gomez) (3:29)
9. Freddy Chingaz - Latino Go Dumb (3:20)
10. JIMMY JAMES - FASHIONISTA (3:31)
11. kat deluna - whine up (johnny vicious remix) (7:26)
12. kottonmouth kings - rock like us (6:29)
13. lady gaga - just dance (3:56)
14. prima j - corazon (you're not alone) (3:08)
15. Secrets in Stereo - Tonight (3:21)
16. secrets in stereo - happy (3:55)
17. superchick - 07 - it's on - beauty from pain (3:28)
18. the veronicas - popular (2:42)

SHE'S A STAR!

2009-08-31T02:14:00.000-07:00

Good show tonight (Sunday night). Standing Ovation. Lots of people were video taping and taking pictures. I allow it. Before the show I stopped by Coconuts to buy some Smith sunglasses. I love sunglasses and preparing myself when I return to beautiful sunny LA. There was a big line forming for my show in front of the Post Office Cafe/Cabaret. I was so happy. I sang my ass off.

HAIR! FOREHEAD! PONCHO! SHOES!
Enough said, THIS GIRL HAS IT! SHE'S A STAR!!!

LILY TOMLIN & HURRICANE DAN almost did me in. Saturday AUGUST 29

2009-08-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

The show was fun and great tonight. I was happy to have even just half a house. Tonight I had to compete against Hurricane Dan's ferocious rain fall all day AND compete against superstar Lily Tomlin who was performing down the wharf for 800 or 900 people. She came in to town to raise money for a 'dog run'...I don't know why dogs here need a 'dog run' they have ALL of Cape Cod including the beaches to play in, but I'm not objecting...I'm just sayin'...

I was helping out my hawker screaming on the street "Come see my show!!! I'm better than Lily Tomlin!!! And cheaper!!!" I love Lily and I'm a big fan, but I had to attract attention. My tickets are only $20.00. Lily's tickets were $75.00 - $250.00. and people were flocking to the wharf. I was having a 'D List' moment and I didn't like it. So I guess you can say I've made my contribution to that dog run by losing business on a Saturday night. Even the popular Lobster Pot restaurant closed early due to slow biz tonight.

This past Thursday night a man came to my show claiming to be Lily Tomlin's brother. The staff comped him and his friend because he kinda eluded to that fact that Lily would be coming. I put down my foot with my staff NO comps just for 'name-dropping.' Deliver the "NAME" to my show and we'll discuss comps. Of course I would give a courtesy comp to any celebrity. But if you can't deliver the celebrity then PAY THE $20.00. That price is nothing and I keep it down on purpose to make it affordable for everyone. I'm delivering at least $50.00 shows for only $20.00!

Anyway my audience was great and lots of fun. I did some extra numbers for the folks, I was very appreciative to have the crowd I had. They braved the weather and ignored the masses going to the wharf. Wharf! Wharf! scoop the poop! Happy Dog Running.

I'm so obsessed with LA ROUX. Here's another clip. It's been years since I've been so excited over a new Artist. "This time baby I'll be BULLETPROOF!" She is the kewlest!!!

MAGIC VOICE NIGHT!!! FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2009

2009-08-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

Why can't I ever get that special night recorded? There are rare moments when my voice is so perfect that it stuns even me. My voice was in perfect rare form plus I had a great audience. Most of the time my voice is good and good is good, but every once in a while the voice comes out PERFECT and that is rare. On these moments the singing is completely effortless and so joyful. My Diana Ross was uncanny. Streisand was unbelievable. Even my Elvis and Lionel Richie take on a more fluid sound and are richer and more masculine.

These rare magic voice nights might only happen once or twice in a Season. I know that I did not sleep with air condition the night before, because New England has cooled. Air condition is known for drying the throat. I didn't jog (shame on me, but that often warms up and opens my voice). Someday I'll capture one of these 'magic voice' nights on a recording.