Me and the LA Music Awards

I have some very exciting news! I will be performing a showcase in Los Angeles to determine whether or not I get nominated for female singer/songwriter of the year at the LA Music Awards. OMG!!!! This is a really big deal, and I truly hope EVERYONE in LA can make it. I could really use your support on this one! Here are the details:

Tues Jul 28th at 8:30PM - Life on Wilshire - 6311 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048

Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Here’s how to pay in advance using PayPal:

1. Go to PayPal.com
2. Choose ’send money’
3. Send $5 to jeshudak@yahoo.com
4. Don’t forget to include your full name in the message!
5. Your ticket will be waiting for you at the door.

Save yourself $5 and buy your ticket now!

The Story of the Making of “Another Day”

Recently I was asked by my friend Brea Cola if I would be interested in writing a song for an independent film that she was starring in.  The film was called “Broken,” and it’s a 23-minute story based on the lead actor and filmmaker’s life.  Together with director Minh Nguyen, Markiece Palmer shares his experience of becoming jobless, heartbroken, and homeless.  The film is moving, sad, heart-wrenching, and beautiful, and features some amazing and diverse artists on its soundtrack.  After watching a rough cut of the film once, it was not hard to be inspired to write a song.  I watched it one more time and then immediately wrote the song “Another Day.”  I swear that song was just waiting to get out!  The whole experience was so amazing – to be asked to do exactly what I do and then actually be able to do it – I am so grateful to have met these amazing people.  Within a matter of three days, I wrote the song, recorded and co-produced it with producer and good friend Jim Roach, and sent it to be edited into the film.

PREMIERE

The premiere was held on Jun 11th at Aqua Lounge in Beverly Hills.  Also screened that night was Markiece and Minh’s first short film, “Black Gloves,” which has been selected for the Hollyshorts Film Festival here in Hollywood, as well as garnering some major attention in the movie-making world.  It was a very exciting evening, and I performed “Another Day” as well as a couple other songs after the screening.  A good time was had by all.

VIDEO

Minh and Markiece approached me about shooting a music video for “Another Day.”  I just can’t believe how hard these guys work and how fast they make stuff happen!  They already had a director on board, a schedule, and were raring to go.  We shot the video on June 27th & 28th, all over Los Angeles – we even shot on the subway all the way to long beach and back.  It was awesome.  The director Edber Mamisao was absolutely amazing to work with, as was everyone else on the shoot.  Thanks everyone so very much, you all did such an amazing job, and all the credits are listed below.  The video should be done by August 1st, and I can’t wait to see it myself and show it to you!!!  In the meantime, you can listen to “Another Day” on my myspace page.

CREW

Director - Edber Mamisao
Cinematographer - Fabian Tehrani
Producers – Minh Nguyen and Markiece Palmer
Gaffer (Lighting Technician) - Jay Gilman
Camera Assistant/ Key Grip, Casting Assistant - Josh Butcher
Audio Supervisor - Floyd “Flip” Wilcox
RED Digital Capture Technician – Von Thomas
Assistant Director – Amy Applebaum
Special Thanks To: Kim Kuhteubl
Wardrobe Supervisor - Melanie Granger
Stylist - Nadeerah Faquir
Makeup Artist for Jes – Liza Zaretsky
Makeup Artist - Young Bae
Makeup Artist - Brittany Montgomery
Home Location Provider/ Officer Scenario Coach - Doug Du Vall
Still Photographer - Henry Bernardo

CAST

Sheriff - Dwayne Wycoff
Rookie Cop - Reuben Cardona
Dignified Man - Mark E. Rainey
Cookie Lady - Kendall Swenson
Little Boy - Kiev Rhyse
Grocery Mom - Bailey Varness
Shoplifter - Silvio Fama
Tent Father - Ryder Palmere
Tent Daughter #1 - Mackenzie May
Tent Daughter #2 - Jordan Van Vranken
Laid Off Executive - Stephen Marrero
Home Foreclosure Father - Mario Lemus                                                                           
Home Foreclosure Mother - Jessica Meza
Home Foreclosure Kids – Mardel Denise Figueroa, Joel Figueroa, Isaac Figueroa                                        
Ring Lady - Yvonne Du Vall
Homeless Shower Man - TJ Walker