7 Days to Vegas, the movie ♠️♥️♣️♦️

Long time readers of this blog will recall that I am a big supporter of Independent films. Last night I attended a private screening in Hollywood for a new film called 7 Days to Vegas (formerly titled "Walk to Vegas". Inspired by a true story, 7 Days to Vegas is a comedy about a group of high stakes gamblers and poker hustlers who will bet on-- and against, anything. The well written script draws in the viewer through a fascinating cast of characters with their crazy quirks, obsessions, and flaws that help lay the foundation for the entire story line. Anyone who has spent any time at a poker table will appreciate the playful pace and banter among the friends who sometimes defy the concept of friendship to one another. The classic highs and lows of heavy gamblers are masterfully conveyed, thanks to sharp writing by Vincent Van Patten ad Steve Alper. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the story are the never-ending series of proposition bets (Prop bets or side bets) among the group of friends. The ultimate prop, which is the film's namesake is the prop-bet-to-end-all-prop-bets. For sure, this is a laugh-out-loud comedy (for those of you under 40, that's "LOL"). The laughter keeps the story moving, as the character antics have you trying to decide who you like, dislike, and who to trust. The true mastery of this comedy however are thickest plot twists with unexpected outcomes. Aside from some salty language and the usual stereotypes about people in the fast lane of life, 7 Days to Vegas is a fun night at the movies, regardless of whether or not you are a poker player. As it turns out, poker players will love 7 Days to Vegas. World Poker Tour fans will be thrilled to see long time WPT host Vince Van Patten as 'Duke' in the lead role. His real life brother James Van Patten,  nearly steals the film with his portrayal of 'Carl' who has more than a few surprises in store throughout the film.

One unexpected star is the cinematography itself; the natural beauty of the California Mojave desert provides gorgeous scenery and serves as a 'supporting actor' to Duke's plight in his epic walk.

The cast includes Ross McCall as 'Sebastion', who you love to hate, the beautiful Eileen Davidson, as Duke's wife 'KC', James Kyson as 'Wing', John O'Hurley as 'Walter', Willie Garson, as 'Danny' Jennifer Tilly, Chad Lowe and Lucas Bryant, who plays 'Chucky' a drug addicted Hollywood actor with a gambling problem. 

They say laughter is the medicine, and this is just what the doctor ordered for us all. In short, I loved this movie, so don't miss it when it comes out. For now you can see the trailer for 7 Days to Vegas here. Follow the film on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news. 

♠️♥️♣️♦️

National Guide Dog Month Fundraiser Starts Today!

Today is the official kick off of National Guide Dog Month. Many of you know I work for Natural Balance Pet Foods, who sponsors this fundraiser. This year our goal is to raise $1 million dollars during the month of September. Guide Dogs improve the lives of the blind by creating opportunities for life-changing independence. They provide safe mobility, loving companionship and truly the miracle of independence to the visually impaired through the use of a guide dog.

• Did you know that every 7 minutes, someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired?
• Did you know that 13% of our active military return from war with eye injuries?

For many, blindness means being shut off from society, stuck at home, or moving about with a walking stick, tapping ahead to find a clear path in the darkness.  

Guide Dogs can literally change the life of a blind person, restoring confidence, providing freedom to return to work, and resume a normal routine that those of us who are sighted take for granted every day.  

During the month of September you can make a donation at any Petco store, or local independent pet retailer where Natural Balance Pet Foods are available. Simply make a donation at the register when you check out. You can also purchase specially marked bags of Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice in 28lb bags, where $1 per bag will be donated to this cause. 
If you prefer, you can also donate online from the convenience of your own home. Go to www.petco.com/naturalbalance and make a donation in any amount TODAY, Thank you!

Jimmy and Dick Van Patten with Nicollette Sheridan, and "Ally" guide dog puppy in training. Visit www.petco.com for a special video message from Ms Sheridan about National Guide Dog Month.

-Rick Rockhill

Preview to National Guide Dog Month

What does actress Nicollette Sheridan have in common with Dick and Jimmy Van Patten? Well, they all love animals and have joined forces in a campaign to raise $1 million in support of guide dogs for the visually impaired. September is National Guide Dog Month, but STARTING TODAY, you can donate ONLINE by going to www.petco.com/naturalbalance. If we get one million people to just donate $1 each, we'll hit our goal. I'll be blogging quite a bit about guide dogs over the next few weeks, and I hope to inspire you to make a donation, in any amount. Its fast. Its easy. Help a blind person get a guide dog and have their independence back. Check out this message from Nicollette Sheridan, with Dick Van Patten:

Please consider making a donation online RIGHT NOW: go to www.petco.com/naturalbalance

Palm Springs Savant & Co #105 "On Broadway"

I usually prepare for my weekly radio show The Palm Springs Savant & Co at least five days in advance. I draft an outline, do a bit of research and have the full show's content on my laptop. If I have a call in guest, I prepare their questions and often have a pre-interview screening with the guest. This week I had a little snafu that had me hopping. The show's topic was about Broadway plays. I scheduled my friend Jimmy Van Patten to call in at ten minutes past the hour. I had prepared all sorts of research and information to discuss about Broadway as an intro to the show, and then switch to Jimmy' segment. Just as I was going live on air, my laptop crashed and I had to reboot. The show went live and there I was with no script or notes from my research. I had to wing it, and speak from memory trying to recall my notes. Me rambling on air for ten minutes just doesn't make for good radio, but I pulled it off. I was grateful when Jimmy called in at his scheduled time, as I was out of things to say. Jimmy Van Patten is an accomplished actor, writer, producer in his own right, and also son of Dick Van Patten. (Incidentally, Jimmy mentioned that Dick Van Patten will have a part in a new HBO TV series called "Luck", by David Milch, starring Dustin Hoffman. He also has a new book called Eighty is Not Enough.) Jimmy has been working on a new Broadway musical called The Flunky, in collaboration with the lovely and talented Deborah Gibson. Jimmy shared insights from his early career as a child actor; his first job was working with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall on TV's The Odd Couple. He was a great radio guest, sharing anecdotes of his father's long career on Broadway, film and TV, which was a treat. Jimmy also discussed the process of bringing a play to Broadway and the importance of persistence and patience. He had some advice to young playwrights and actors too. He also shared a great story of how he met Deborah "Debbie" Gibson at the famous Playboy Mansion and how they began working together. It was a great show, thanks to Jimmy! You can learn more about his new play from his website: The Flunky The Musical.

On Tuesday April 27th, Jimmy will be with his dad in Palm Springs for "Dinner with Dick Van Patten" at Melvyn's restaurant at the Ingleside Inn. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Melvyn's restaurant at 760-325-2323. You can learn more about Dick Van Patten's book at DickVanPatten.net

If you are someone who enjoys Broadway or wants to someday get involved, this is a show not to be missed. You can listen to the show anytime from the archives on BlogTalkRadio.com or on podcast from iTunes for free.
-Rick Rockhill

The Flunky, A New Musical

Yesterday I was in the LA area to see a special performance of a new musical called The Flunky. The book/lyrics were written by Jimmy Van Patten, and music/lyrics written by Deborah Gibson. In the business, this performance was considered a "showcase workshop", designed to present the story to a live audience and gauge their reactions. It is also intended to garner interest and financial support of potential investors. The birth and future life of a play or musical depends on "showcase workshop performances" so the principles of the show prepare extensively for the event. I attended with friends and a few influential Hollywood moguls who are interested in the play. I had read the script last year and heard the early demo music tracks while the show was still in development. So, it was exciting to finally see the show come together on stage with a talented group of actors. It starred PJ Griffith, Jimmy Van Patten and Deborah Gibson in leading roles. The show centers around Jackie (PJ Griffith), who is the flunky to an aging former rock star, Tyler Mann (Jimmy Van Patten), who is attempting a comeback. Jackie successfully enters into the world of the rock star and develops an interest in Sandra (Deborah Gibson) who is a budding singer attempting a back up career with the rock star. As Jackie attempts to win favor with the rock star, he learns a few valuable lessons about himself along the way. The villain character is Gunar (Dennis Kenney), a butler who attempts to control the rock star with a concoction of drug laced diet Kool-Aid. It is a fun, entertaining story with a catchy score and toe tapping songs. A highly talented cast brought the musical to life, with Christopher Davis Carlisle, Michael DeLuise, Dennis Kenney, Zarah Mahler, Suzanne Petrela, and Tom Schmid. The ensemble cast included Jebbel Arce, Ceaser F. Barajas, Ryan Castellino, Drew D'Andrea, Janelle Dote, Leon Le, Marlene Martinez and Leah McKendrick. The show was directed by Kay Cole, with musical direction by Mary Ekler and choreography by Eddie Bennett. After the show a small group of us went out to dinner with Jimmy Van Patten and Deborah Gibson to celebrate and compare notes about the performance (see photo above). It was a fun evening and a terrific opportunity to see the birth of a musical in the making. I am confident that in the near future, The Flunky will have a run somewhere for a wider audience to enjoy. I'll certainly keep you posted.

-Rick Rockhill

An Evening at The Magic Castle in Hollywood

Friday evening I had the privilege of visiting the Magic Castle in Hollywood. The Magic Castle is an incredible place. It's the home to the Academy of Magical Arts, and features performances by world famous magicians, illusionists, and sleight of hand artists. Built in 1908, the castle itself drips with history and has an old world charm to it's Victorian decor. Upon entering, there is a small room to check in at reception. I was visiting as the guest of a particular Hollywood actor who is a member, so I was quickly ushered to the front of the line. The "ante" room of the Castle has no visible doors to enter the club.
We were instructed to approach a wall of bookshelves and say "open sesame" to an owl that was sitting on the bookshelf. With those words, the bookshelf moved and exposed the hidden entrance to the club's inner sanctum. The decor of the Castle was mesmerizing, adding to the mystic. Walls are covered with magic memorabilia from throughout history, with portraits of the many great magicians and illusionists.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner and then went to the main magic show. After the big show, we wandered through the Castle to attend several other magic acts in rooms such as The Close Up Gallery, The Parlour of Prestidigitation, and The Palace of Mystery. These magicians were quite amazing and held my attention throughout the evening as I tried (in vain) to figure out how they did their tricks.

Above: The exterior of the Magic Castle


Above left: Although photographs inside ae forbidden, here is a rare interior photo of the "Houdini Room" & above right: outside the Castle, two lovely ladies flank me and actor/writer/producer Jimmy Van Patten.

I'm hoping to have an opportunity to return to the Magic Castle again someday to attend their "Houdini Seance". It is billed as an evening of elegance and mystery of a classic Victorian seance. It celebrates Harry Houdini, the "Handcuff King" who devoted much of his final years to the investigation of psychic phenomena, and who promised his beloved wife that he would, if he could find a way, send her a message from the other side.
-Rick Rockhill Dick Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten

Screen Actors Guild Foundation "Tea In the Desert"

Today I attended the "Tea in the Desert" Event to benefit the Screen Actor's Guild Foundation. It was held at the historic O'Donnell House nestled in the mountain side overlooking Palm Springs. Held in conjunction with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the event was brimming with Hollywood celebrities, various SAG members and the local elite from the Coachella Valley. Attendees included: Dick Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten, Connie Stevens, Valerie Harper, JoBeth Williams, Adam Beach, Mitch Ryan, Mary Hart, and Jerry Penacoli among others.
Here's John and I posing at the red carpet, and Integrated Wealth Management Hosts Jason and Jim

Me and John relaxing with some champagne before the guests arrived.

Guests were greeted by dashing gentlemen wearing dark suits, bolwer hats and sunflower unbrellas.

The party decor was planned flawlessly by Little Divas, Inc.

Below Left: Celebrity guests Dick Van Patten, Connie Stevens and Jimmy Van Patten

Below Right: Jason with Valerie Harper and Barbara Wisby

Below Left: Actor Adam Beach speaking on behalf of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation

Below Right: Mary Hart always brings a sparkle to everything. (She's practically my neighbor)

Friends Doug and Bud enjoy the warm sunshine, Me and John relaxing in the VIP area

Below Left: Friends Gary and Pete enjoying the afternoon

Below Right: Relaxing with Zach from Integrated Wealth Management and his charming girlfriend

PETCO and Natural Balance were among the donors for the event's gift bags

- Rick Rockhill