Archive for March, 2014

A MESSAGE TO A MASTER!!!!!

MY HEART IS HEAVY AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE PASSING OF MY GOOD FRIEND AND LEGENDARY DJ FRANKIE KNUCKLES….THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE…..R.I.P. BROTHER MAN……YOUR LEGACY LIVES ON IN ME AND THE WORLD OR SHOULD I SAY THE UNIVERSE!!!!!

FRANKIE GRAMMY

The Rewards Abound For The Master!

FRANKIE AWARDS

Laying In The Cut!

FRANKIE & PREZ & MICHELLE

Chillin’ With The President & First Lady!

JOHN BROWN

Our Good Friend & His Belated Manager John Brown!

THEY ARE NOW TOGETHER AGAIN CAUSING MAJOR HAVOC IN HOUSE HEAVEN!!!!!

Frankie At The Controls

Frankie at The Controls!

Frankie Toast

Frankie During Better Days!

Frankie back In The daze

Frankie Back In The Daze!

Frankie At work

Frankie Shuttin’ It Down!

Frankie Knuckles Way

Frankie Knuckles Way!

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents “International Artist Showcase”

Air Date:   Mon., 3/31/14 – 9AM & 9PM (PST)/Noon & Midnite (EST) @www.KLEDLive.com(91.1FM) Los Angeles

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents “International Artist Showcase” 

Uncle Earl Here Bringing You More Riches From the Ultimate Underground Vault Of Entertainment!

I am so Blessed to receive more great music than I can play and keep up with but TRUST…..They will be heard.

There is definitely a message in the music on this broadcast, If you are open and available to receive it :O))

Musical Artists:

Ignorantia Legit, Fountaine Anthony Band, Blank & Jones ft.The Irrepressibles, Johnny Rei, Canton Jones, DJ Syro ft. Yelle, Geoffrey Star, Goodbyemotel, Le Youth (DJ Danny T), Sheldon Botler, Leroy McBride! 

Special Note:

Announcing The Release Of My New Inspirational Single “FATHER” (Earl Hitz Records 2014)

Dedicated To My Deceased Dad, William Lacy Phillips (1/28/11).

Thanks To David Miranda & The Unisoul Records and Productions Family For Their Love & Support!

Available on Jango Radio, CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and hundreds of stores worldwide!!!!!!

Support Can Be Beautiful :O))

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lacydarrylphillips

Be On The Lookout For Earl Hitz Records/Unisoul Productions New Artists KARINE DA SILVA & JONITE!

 

Musical Artists:

Ignorantia Legit, Fountaine Anthony Band, Blank & Jones ft. The Irrepressibles, Johnny Rei, Canton Jones, DJ Syro ft. Yelle, Geoffrey Star, Goodbyemotel, Le Youth (DJ Danny T), Sheldon Botler, Leroy McBride!

Special Thanks:  

Koffe an Kreme, idee deluxe records, Musik Lounge, Sound Cloud, Musik & Film Noisetrade, Reverbnation, LinkedIn, KLED Live FM, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Music Xray!

Air Date:    Mon., 3/31/14 – 9AM & 9PM (PST)/Noon & Midnite (EST) @www.KLEDLive.com (91.1FM) Los Angeles

 

Broadcast # 215

Direct Link at: www.UltimateUnderground.com and www.kledlive.com

Podcast at: www.UltimateUnderground.com and http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id466386433

KLED Live FM Station Ad

KLED Live FM Station Ad

Ignorantia Legit

Ignorantia Legit

Fountaine Anthony Band

Fountaine Anthony Band

Blank & Jones

Blank & Jones

Chilltronica 4

Chilltronica 4

The Irepressibles

The Irrepressibles

Canton Jones

Canton Jones

Yelle

Yelle

DJ Syro

DJ Syro

Geoffrey Star

Geoffrey Star

Goodbyemotel

Goodbyemotel

Johnny Rei

Johnny Rei

Wes James aka Le Youth

Wes James aka Le Youth

DJ Danny T

DJ Danny T

Sheldon Botler

Sheldon Botler

Leroy McBride

Leroy McBride

Earl Hitz Records

Earl Hitz Records

Karine Da Silva

Karine Da Silva

JONITE

JONITE

Music Xray

Music Xray

KLED Live FM

KLED Live FM

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Unisoul Productions & Records

Unisoul Productions & Records
Frank_Hatchett_Invitation-jpg

Uncle Earl & Karine Hits The Town!

Last night Uncle Earl & Karine Da Silva (New Singing Sensation – Earl Hitz Records/Unisoul Records & Productions)
Dropped It Cause It’s HOT On The Red Carpet at Roscoe’s Media Center Studios in Hollywood for Eric “EZ” Zuley’s
Birthday Celebration and at LA Talk Radio for “Sports & Life withCameron Datzker! IT IS SO ON Y’ALL……LOL :O))
Uncle earl & karine Close-Up
Karine Front
Mel's Diner with Cameron & Crew
Uncle Earl & Karine
Karine Back
Pisces
Saturday, Mar 29, 2014
Has the perfect career suddenly materialized out of nowhere, Pisces? If so, don’t write it off as being too good to be true. It’s very, very real! Take a few days to consider all your options and all possible contingencies. Talk to people who know the ins and outs of the field. If everything seems favorable, go for it. Such an opportunity may not come around again for a long time.

NexTv’s “SOCIAL IMPACT AWARDS”

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents NexTv’s “SOCIAL IMPACT AWARDS” 

For this broadcast, I am bringing you a sneak peek listen into the Social Impact Awards Ceremony held by NEXTV Entertainment on Friday, December 6th, 2013, 7pm at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Monica, California.

The event was hosted by Randy Becker (CEO of NexTv) and Melissa McFarlane (Founder of Creative Successful Entrepreneurs).

Musical Artists:

Steel ft. DJ Kopza, Peter Galperin, Matt Pond, DJ MiKa (Idotisch), Mao, DJ Baoi & Cults, Trapdoor Social! 


Commentary

Randy Becker, Jesse Dieter, Jill Cutler, Dan Hildebrand, Red Elephant PR and many more!

Special Thanks:  

 

Red Elephant PR, Sound Cloud, mp3waxx, Noisetrade, KLED Live FM, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Music Xray!

 

Air Date:     3/24/14 

 

Broadcast # 214

Duration: 1:02:00

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents NexTv’s

“SOCIAL IMPACT AWARDS”

Air Date:   Mon., 3/24/14 – 9AM & 9PM (PST)/Noon & Midnite (EST) @www.KLEDLive.com (91.1FM) Los Angeles

 

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents NexTv’s “SOCIAL IMPACT AWARDS” 

 

For this broadcast, I am bringing you a sneak peek listen into the Social Impact Awards Ceremony held by NEXTV Entertainment on Friday, December 6th, 2013, 7pm at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Monica, California.

 

The event was hosted by Randy Becker (CEO of NexTv) and Melissa McFarlane (Founder of Creative Successful Entrepreneurs).

 

Musical Artists:

Steel ft. DJ Kopza, Peter Galperin, Matt Pond, DJ MiKa (Idotisch), Mao, DJ Baoi & Cults,

Trapdoor Social! 

 

 

ABOUT NEXTV

NexTv is a new kind of company, born out of a new era in the entertainment industry. Utilizing resources from New Media and Established Hollywood, the following is our mission:

  • To find the best content (and talent) from around the web, then repackage it for mainstream television and feature films.
  • To connect cutting-edge writers, actors, filmmakers and all content-generators with the entertainment industry’s most relevant decision-makers.
  • To leverage our massive online community of content-creators, as well as our relationships with high-level industry professionals, to address the great opportunities that 21st century technology has provided for the entertainment industry.

Randy Becker 

Randy Becker began his career as an award-winning professional actor starring on Broadway, in studio features, indie fare and mainstream television.

In 2000, Randy formed Louder Films, an independent production company geared specifically towards fostering “avant garde” films and theater. He produced the critically acclaimed and sold-out run of Tennessee Williams’ TIGER TAIL, on 42nd Street in New York City (NYC Premiere), then the award-winning short film, EZEKIEL (Cannes Film Festival) (inspired by the Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jenut’s classic, DELICATESSEN) before partnering with a former acting manager of his to form Acuna Entertainment (AE).

AE was, essentially two companies; a literary management company and a film/tv production company with the shared mission of transitioning writers to filmmakers. By producing select client-originated material, AE gave its literary clients a chance to direct their own films, often marking their directorial debut. They did this for several of their literary clients, the last production before Randy left, being THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD, starring John Malkovich, Emily Blunt and Tom Hanks.

With Becker in charge of all things creative, AE set up projects at many of the major and mini-major film studios and television networks, shared clients with agencies such as CAA, ICM, WME and helped Becker build deep relationships on both the creative and business side of the industry.

In January, 2009, Randy Becker went off on his own to form NexTv Entertainment. Calling on his history as an artist, his relationships and experience in the business side of the entertainment industry and his profound recognition of a changing landscape, Becker has committed his company to finding that place where artists, business interests and cutting-edge technology compliment each other most effectively.

 

http://www.nextventertainment.com/

 

Melissa McFarlane

 

Previously the Co-Founder of Electric Kites Success Coaching and now the Founder of Creative Successful Entrepreneurs, Melissa has earned a track record for being extremely useful in the arena of personal and business strategy, while demonstrating an uncanny, intuitive genius for removing barriers and cutting through personal and organizational #@!$ for real emotional, mental and practical breakthroughs to occur.

 

Melissa has worked extensively in the area of professional development with a diverse spectrum of individuals and groups including business professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, senior citizens, individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges, and youths at risk.

 

Melissa’s clients are composed of Creative Entrepreneurs including producers, directors, writers, niche lawyers, speakers, artists, trainers, creative types, CEO’s, owners of small businesses, and other coaches as well as growth oriented companies including The Walt Disney Company, CitySearch.com, Korn Ferry International, AT&T, State Farm Insurance, Taco Bell, Mary Kay International, Wishnow & Associates, and the Department of Community Affairs for the City of Chicago.

 

Melissa is a sought after speaker with a wide range of career and personal enhancement topics on which she presents. She has spoken at many companies and conferences, including the esteemed Women’s International Networking conference, at which she has been a featured speaker and presenter (Milan, Italy, & Lausanne, Switzerland). Other speaking venues include: Big Sisters of Los Angeles, The Professional Coach and Mentors Conference, and the International Spirit Light Expo, to name a few.

 

Melissa has appeared multiple times on TV as a guest expert, including on The Berman and Berman Show and the hit national reality show Faking It.

 

Additionally, Melissa has designed and taught many training programs and workshops around the United States and abroad. Her work focuses on assisting her clients in taking responsibility for and then realizing their personal and group potential.

 

Melissa has a Bachelor of Speech from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA), is certified by the Coaches Training Institute, with a master-coach level of experience, and has completed advance coursework in Rochester, NY and London, England, UK.

Melissa and her company are based in Burbank, California, USA.

* * *

Better you. Better the world.

CREATIVE $UCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS

Helping RIGHT-BRAIN thinkers make a LEFT-BRAIN living.

 

http://creative-successful-entrepreneurs.com/

 

Commentary

 

Randy Becker, Jesse Dieter, Jill Cutler, Dan Hildebrand, Red Elephant PR and many more!

 

Special Note:

 

Announcing The Release Of My New Inspirational Single “FATHER” (Earl Hitz Records 2014)

Dedicated To My Deceased Dad, William Lacy Phillips (1/28/11).

 

Thanks To David Miranda & The Unisoul Records and Productions Family

For Their Love & Support!

 

Available on Jango Radio, CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and hundreds of stores worldwide!!!!!! Support Can Be Beautiful :O))

 

Musical Artists:

 

Steel ft. DJ Kopza, Peter Galperin, Matt Pond, DJ MiKa (Idotisch), Mao, DJ Baoi & Cults,

Trapdoor Social! 

 

Special Thanks:  

 

Red Elephant PR, Sound Cloud, mp3waxx, Noisetrade, KLED Live FM,

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Music Xray!

 

 

Air Date:    Mon., 3/24/14 – 9AM & 9PM (PST)/Noon & Midnite (EST) @www.KLEDLive.com (91.1FM) Los Angeles

 

 

Broadcast # 214

 

 

Direct Link at: www.UltimateUnderground.com or www.kledlive.com

 

 

Podcast at: www.UltimateUnderground.com and http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id466386433

Social Impact Awards 2013

Social Impact Awards 2013

Hosts & Guest Panel

Hosts & Guest Panel

Steel ft. DJ Kopza

Steel ft. DJ Kopza

Peter Galperin

Peter Galperin

Uncle Earl, MC & DJ

Uncle Earl, MC & DJ

Matt Pond

Matt Pond

Randy & Filmmakers

Randy & Filmmakers

Mi Ka (Idiotisch)

Mi Ka (Idiotisch)

Randy, Aidan & Friend

Randy, Aidan & Friend

Maor

Maor

Uncle Earl & Dan Hildebrand

Uncle Earl & Dan Hildebrand

Cults

Cults

Baio

Baio

Cameraman

Cameraman

Uncle Earl & Participant

Uncle Earl & Participant

Trapdoor Social

Trapdoor Social

Uncle Earl & Red Elephant PR

Uncle Earl & Red Elephant PR

MusicXray

MusicXray

KLEDLive FM

KLEDLive FM

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Uncle Earl and long time friend Carlease Burke attended the taping of the BET Gospel Celebration 2014! It was an awesome evening full of emotionally charged performances, a killer band lead by my buddy Ray Chew and a cast of thousands giving it up for Jesus! The roster included: Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Richard Smallwood and many others. The highlights for me personally were: Indie.Arie, Chante Moore & Charlie Wilson! After the show Carlease & I hung out at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles with 2 of the band members: Darryl Dixon & David Watson…A Barrel Of Laughs :O))

Uncle Earl & CarleaseCarleas Burke & Uncle Earl

20140315_185647

Pre-Show Stage Set-Up

20140315_185658

The Beautiful Stage & Ceiling at Orpheum Theater

20140315_222635

Carlease Burke & Darryl Dixon

20140315_223022

Uncle Earl & Promise Marks

20140315_224219

Artsy Shot!

BET Opening Number

The Opening Choir Number

“New Media & New Music”

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents “New Media & New Music”

A couple of weeks ago, Damian Pellicione invited Uncle Earl to the 5th Anniversary Celebration of New Media Vault and Pre-Oscar Party at the W Hotel in Hollywood.

The Station Lounge was packed with a wide array of interesting guests from the Entertainment Industry, as well as, people from other notable industries.

You will be hearing from attendees, sponsors and the host himself

I will also be breaking new music form around the world and sharing an excerpt from “Own Your Dreams” by John C. Maxwell…………….

Commentary: 

Marianna, Steven Sievers, Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy, Abby, Samuel Culver, Christian Ijin Link, Ricky Nicks, AXA Financial Advisors, Bill “Nu Spin Music” Watford, Kisha Lockett, Shawn J., Emmanuel, Justin Torbati, Damian Pellicione!

Musical Artists:

Mary Mary & Don Floss, DJ Adam J ft. Amelle & Nightcrashers, Passenger, DJ Mawely ft. Thane, Alive Way ft. Justinas Stanislovatis, Angelique Sabrina, Ben DJ!

 

Air Date:  3/17/14 

 

Broadcast # 212

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents

“New Media & New Music”

Air Date:   Mon., 3/17/14 – 9AM & 9PM (PST)/Noon & Midnite (EST) @www.KLEDLive.com (91.1FM) Los Angeles

The Ultimate Underground Experience Presents “New Media & New Music”

A couple of weeks ago, Damian Pellicione invited Uncle Earl to the 5th Anniversary Celebration of New Media Vault and Pre-Oscar Party at the W Hotel in Hollywood.

The Station Lounge was packed with a wide array of interesting guests from the Entertainment Industry, as well as, people from other notable industries.

You will be hearing from attendees, sponsors and the host himself

I will also be breaking new music form around the world and sharing an excerpt from “Own Your Dreams” by John C. Maxwell…………….

Commentary

Marianna, Steven Sievers, Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy, Abby, Samuel Culver, Christian Ijin Link, Ricky Nicks, AXA Financial Advisors, Bill “Nu Spin Music” Watford, Kisha Lockett, Shawn J., Emmanuel, Justin Torbati, Damian Pellicione!

Special Note:

Announcing The Release Of My New Inspirational Single “FATHER” Dedicated To My Deceased Dad William Lacy Phillips (1/28/11). A Special Thanks To David Miranda & The Unisoul Records and Productions Family For Their Love & Support!

Available on Jango Radio, CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and hundreds of stores worldwide!!!!!!

Support Can Be Beautiful :O))

Musical Artists:

Mary Mary & Don Floss, DJ Adam J ft. Amelle & Nightcrashers, Passenger, DJ Mawely ft. Thane, Alive Way ft. Justinas Stanislovatis, Angelique Sabrina, Ben DJ!

Special Thanks:  

 

Sound Cloud, LinkedIn, mp3waxx, Reverbnation, Musik Lounge,  KLED Live FM, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Music Xray!

 

Air Date:    Mon., 3/17/14 – 9AM & 9PM (PST)/Noon & Midnite (EST) @www.KLEDLive.com (91.1FM) Los Angeles

 

 

Broadcast # 212

Direct Link at: www.UltimateUnderground.com or www.kledlive.com

Podcast at: www.UltimateUnderground.com and http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id466386433

Uncle Earl & Damian Pellicione

Uncle Earl & Damian Pellicione

5th Anniversary & Pre-Oscar Celebration

5th Anniversary & Pre-Oscar Celebration

Mary Mary

Mary Mary

Don Floss

Don Floss

Uncle Earl & Marianna

Uncle Earl & Marianna

DJ Adam J

DJ Adam J

Amelle

Amelle

Nightcrashers

Nightcrashers

Supa Pirate Booty Hunt

Supa Pirate Booty Hunt

Passenger

Passenger

Christian Ijin Link & Samuel L. Culver

Christian Ijin Link & Samuel L. Culver

DJ Mawely

DJ Mawely

Thane

Thane

Ricky Nicks & Leroy Campbell

Ricky Nicks & Leroy Campbell

Alive Way

Alive Way

AXA Financial Advisors

AXA Financial Advisors

Angelique Sabrina

Angelique Sabrina

Emmanuel & Shawn Jermaine

Emmanuel & Shawn Jermaine

Dahveed, Amber, Steven

Dahveed, Amber, Steven

DJ Alex Byrka

DJ Alex Byrka

Uncle Earl, Bill Watford, Kisha Lockett & Flex Stream Girls

Uncle Earl, Bill Watford, Kisha Lockett & Flex Stream Girls

Ben Dj

Ben Dj

Damian, Uncle Earl, Justin, Marianna

Damian, Uncle Earl, Justin, Marianna

Boys In Tech TV Project

Boys In Tech TV Project

Music Xray

Music Xray

KLED Live FM

KLED Live FM

What An Awesome Experience Working On This Project….One More Show Tomorrow :O))

I ONLY HAVE EYES

EYES CAST

“Dancing From The Ghetto” (Part 2) Featured – Noho Arts Commission

Written by  

Dancin Program

Well…..Well…..Well…..Here we are again! In my last installment I took you on a trip from the beginning of my career until my unleashing in Hollywood. Let’s just get right to it….shall we????

The year 1988 – I was now on the “A-List” of dancers and I didn’t even have a clue. The ride became fast and furious very quickly. I was determined to get a chance to dance on “FAME” but no cookie. There was someone similar to my type on the show but my first gig with Ms. Debbie Allen was at Le Sporting Club Du Monte Carlo with her act. It was my first time to that fantastic city and got to meet the Prince of Monaco.

For the next couple of years, I was bouncing between Ms. Allen, Michael Peters and Lester Wilson, each claiming that I was “their dancer.” Mind you, I belonged to no one but myself. They both kept me on a serious schedule of TV shows and live appearances including: The Debbie Allen Special, The 1st Annual Movie Awards (Peters), The 63rd, 64th & 65th Academy Awards (Allen), Comic Relief (Lester Wilson), The Essence Awards (Peters), Sammy Davis Jr. 60th Anniversary Tribute (Allen), The Las Vegas Hilton with Bill Cosby & Phylicia Rashad (Peters), Welcome Home America USO 50th (Allen), Jackson Family Honors (Peters), The Emmy Awards (Lester Wilson) Black Filmmakers Hall Of Fame (Peters)……..you get the point lol…….

I must take a moment to give a shout out to all the amazing teachers who kept my engine running and my chassis well tuned: Jackie Sleight, Joe Bennett, Doug Caldwell and Claude Thompson. I also taught some classes at a few studios: Du Pree Dance Academy, Studio A and Alley Kat. Let me not foget to mention that I was till traveling to Japan to teach, perform and choreograph with Broadway Dance Center Tokyo, choreographing numerous club shows, TV shows, commercials, music videos and Live concerts. The money was STUPID and creative juices were flowing!
Then came movie time……once again, the schedule became frantic. I was blessed with the opportunities to dance in such films as: Polly 1 & 2 for Disney (Debbie Allen), Sister Act 2 with Whoopi Goldberg (Michael Peters), What’s Love Got To Do With It with Angela Bassett Michael Peters), Death Becomes Her with Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis (Brad Jeffries), Hot Shots with Charlie Sheen (Lester Wilson), The Five Heartbeats (Michael Peters) and my 1st featured role as “Teddy The MC” in the CBS TV Movie “Stompin’ At The Savoy” starring Mario Van Peebles, Lyn Whitfield, Vanessa Williams, Jasmine Guy, Darnell Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Dawnn Lewis.

I was in heaven….a huge leap out of the dance corp onto the big screen. I had gone back to my roots as and Actor. The phone began ringing off the hook after I appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, Backstage Magazine and Daily Variety. The most major call came from Casting Diva Robbie Reed. She was looking for an actor to portray Jermaine Jackson in The Jacksons TV Movie “An American Dream.” Ms. Reed called me to audition numerous times and I could not pull myself together to go in.

Now most actors would jump at the chance but for some reason, I was thrown into a dismal state of being. Looking back, I now realize that I had a serious case, “Fear Of Success.” I digress to say that I came from humble beginnings and my Life in the entertainment industry was already fulfilled, due to the fact that I was doing what I loved, earning a very healthy living, traveling, working with the best individuals in every field of my art and I was still in my 20’s. The fame of it all was not appealing and scared me because I was witness to what happened to fellow Artists once bitten.

After my brief hibernation period, I emerged with a vengeance! Once again, Momma Debbie Allen was there to uplift and support me. She requested that I join her during the final season of “A Different World” as her assistant, principal stand-in and featured guest star in a few episodes. This opportunity afforded me the chance to sharpen my tool kit in many areas simultaneously. I took her shot notations, help her set-up shots and was a featured singer/actor on camera. It doesn’t get any better than that. I learned everything they never teach you in school and I am forever indebted to Ms. Allen. I love her dearly.

I must mention that in the midst of all this activity, started to panic and think about my future after Dance, even though the end was nowhere near insight, I thought hahaha……so I enrolled at Sound Masters Audio/Video Institute in North Hollywood and became a certified Sound Engineer in 1994. Wouldn’t you know that on the night of my graduation, we had the major Northridge earthquake. It was a sign that I was truly coming out but to where and what, was left to be desired!

In 1996, after a few more trips to Japan, more TV shows and dance concerts, I got the old “Broadway Itch” again. In December, I packed my bags and headed for NYC after receiving a call from Mercedes Ellington about a new musical “Play On” (based on Twelfth Night) that she was choreographing for Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. That was all I needed to know! By this point, I am still in my prime at the age of 33 and so ready. It was so exciting to work with Director Sheldon Epps, Musical Director Luther Henderson and Associate Choreographer Louis Johnson. The cast was stellar: Carl Anderson, Tonya Pinkins, Andre DeShields, Larry Marshall, Yvette cason, Cheryl Freeman and Lawrence Hamilton, to name a few.

During previews, I received a call from the producer of a touring company of “The Wiz.” He was looking for a choreographer and was recommended to me. OH MY GOD!!!!! Before he could offer me the job, I was in rehearsal in the day and performing at night. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! Now….get a load of the cast of “The Wiz” – Peabo Bryson (Wiz), Ce Ce Peniston (Glinda), Tony Terry (Tin Man) and Diva Grace Jones (Evilene)….I almost pissed my pants! They all were so amazing to me and very supportive, especially Grace.

On the first tour stop, Philadelphia, I would take the train down for rehearsal and rub back to perform each night. This went on for about a week or so. The show opened to mixed reviews but it was an awesome experience. It came time for my final payment but for some reason the Producer refused to pay me. The show was at intermission, Grace and the cast rallied around me in support and told the Producer that if I did not receive my money, the cast would not continue the performance. My mouth dropped and I went numb. I never felt such love but they all knew how hard and tirelessly I worked to make them feel comfortable and look their absolute best on stage. Eventually, I was paid and the show went on. After the show Grace offered me a ride back to NYC in her limo.

What a time and fun ride we had, cocktails were flowing and we bonded like you wouldn’t believe. Note: She had just finished the show, jumped into the limo in full stage beat (make-up) and we made a food stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. Of course, she wanted to come inside with me hahaha. You should have seen the entire place come to a stand still. Here is Diva Icon, Grace Jones, in Evilene make-up, tight leggings, heels, huge ring in her nose and demanding service…..PRICELESS!!!!!

OK…back to “Play On”…..we are in previews, show is going well, I was in performance one night, friends in the audience, low and behold, there is a major set malfunction, I am riding onto the stage on unit, 2 twirling towers start to leave the stage as I enter, they do not clear in time, sets crash and I am caught between and 100lb piece of wood falls on me. I can definitely say that ‘I was a show stopper.’ Not funny! Needless to say, I was out of the show before opening night….DAMN! Before I could heal, the show closed and I went into a major depression.

In 1999, after tons of therapy, I heard they were hiring for “Fosse” on Broadway but there would be a cattle call. I was number 101. People and myself were amazed that I recovered so well and so fast. I was asked to join the touring company which I refused. They later called and said that a slot in NYC became available and asked my interest. Before they could ask….I was in rehearsal replacing Sergio Trujillo featured as Mr. Bojangles….NIRVANA! Also joining the cast was my dear friend Stephanie Pope, as the Star, and Keith “Tyce” Di Orio as Bojangles Spirit.

Ann Reinking actually put me into the show and gave me her blessing. While I was over the moon , the experience was not the most enjoyable or memorable , due to a few circumstances. I needed constant therapy to maintain such a rough schedule and challenging performance, I felt a sense of dis-ease with a few cast members and Broadway was changing into a numbers game….it was losing that Family feeling so I began to change inside and out, lost respect for the work and myself which led to an early termination by mutual decision. So what did I do, took my show on the road and headed for Japan to Star in my own Fosse revue produced by K-Broadway Tokyo.

I was able to offer employment to a few good friends, Garry Q. Lewis (Choreographer/Performer) and Terry Mathis (Hair Stylist). While sitting by the pool one day, I was surprised by a visit from my friends Sharon Ferrol and Choreographer Keith Young who happened to be in Tokyo with Baby Face. We had a ball and the show went well.

After returning to New York, a few days later, the “911 Incident” happened. I actually watched as the second plane plowed into the second tower. I felt as if I was watching a Steven Spielberg movie.

I worked on various other small stage productions, low budget films and began working with DJ’s singing dance music. While walking down the streets of NYC during the Winter of 2001, I heard “Hey Lacy, we been looking for you,” it was friend and Choreographer Ken Roberson. He told me to call Director Charles Randolph Wright immediately regarding a new musical workshop being created using the Gamble & Huff music catalogue . Well, after a few workshops over a year, the role of a lifetime was built on me to Star in “Me and Mrs. Jones” as Calvin The DJ starring Lou Rawls, Darlene Love, Nita Whittaker, Nika Noni Rose, Andrew Wright and Orfeh as my Co-Star at the Prince Theatre in Philadelphia. Can you say “winning” LOL

However, a few days shy of opening night, I ruptured a vocal chord and was put on vocal rest. I had no understudy which meant the show had to shut down. I was in a catatonic state. This had never happened to me in my entire career. I was replaced without consideration, sent home and spiraled into a deep, dark depressive state for over a month. I would not leave the bed or my room and would not eat much. My Mom was very nervous and concerned so she booked a cruise ship gig and took my sister and I away. I sailed into a New Year and new chapter.

I must say that it did some good but when I returned, I got wind that “Me and Mrs. Jones” was starting up again without me. That did it! I truly had a nervous breakdown then. My friends Sharon Ferrol and Keith Young called me and said, “Lacy get over here to LA, we have a spare room for you.” I took the offer which was the best thing I could have ever done. Leaving New York lifted fifty (50) pounds of my shoulders. My voice came back without surgery and no severe damage. How do you spell GOD!

Within days I was feeling myself and once again, the phone rings. This time, it was casting director Peter Wise offering me the male singers cover position in a new musical starring Chaka Khan set for Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel directed by Billy Porter, choreographed by A.C. Ciulla and musical direction by Stephen Oremus. Would you believe…..I Said NO!!!!! hahaha He kept calling and I kept refusing. I had low self esteem, was in a state of confusion and thought my career was over. But….after offering me Assistant Director/Choreographer and a significant paycheck, I finally said YES!

That was the inception of my company, Uncle Earl Productions now Uncle Earl Enterprises. It was the 1st major step in taking back control of my destiny, my career and my Life! I could go on and on about the rest of my career but that is irrelevant, at this point. The whole purpose of sharing my journey was to enlighten and educate, if only one individual who may need inspiration, about how I survived the roller coaster ride of this business through adversity from the beginning to this very day. Each day I awake, I feel blessed and highly favored for the valleys and the hills.
I am now on the path of nurturing and sharing my gifts with up and coming talent and pay homage to those who graced the stages of the world before me. I would not change one moment, there are no accidents or coincidences. Everything that happens in your Life is relevant to your growth: mentally, emotionally and physically.

I welcome you all to discover The Ultimate Underground Experience, my global music, arts and education multi-media project. It encompasses theater, film, music, video and production. It is a safe haven for total artistic and creative expression. The aim is to bridge the gaps between Humanity using Arts & Education as tools.

I want to thank Nancy Bianconi and the Noho Arts Commission for allowing me to express myself on such an amazing platform. I welcome any and all inquiries for partnerships and/or investment options.

Lacy Darryl Phillips aka Uncle Earl is currently Producer/Host/DJ of “The Ultimate Underground Experience” Radio Show and TV project broadcast every Monday, Thursday and Saturday 9am & 9pm at www.KLEDLive.com (91.1 FM) sponsored by www.MusicXray.com . He also serves as Media/Marketing Director at www.WorldDanceAwards.com produced by Allen Walls and Carey Ysais.

For more information, please go to:

www.ultimateunderground.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/earlhitz012210
https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-UNDERGROUND-EXPERIENCE-RADIO-SHOW-ULTIMATE-UNDERGROUND-TV-PROJECT/104694422912265
https://twitter.com/theuncleearl
 http://www.linkedin.com/in/lacydarrylphillips
http://www.reverbnation.com/TheUncleEarl
https://soundcloud.com/underground-hitzhttp://www.musicxray.com/profiles/841
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ultimate-underground-podcast/id466386433?mt=2
 https://plus.google.com/+LacyPhillips