Tom Waldman, Writer, "Eastside Heartbeats"
In 1981, Tom Waldman and David Reyes interviewed Frankie Garcia, “Cannibal” of the 1960s vocal group Cannibal and the Headhunters. They met Frankie to learn the history of the group, including the incredible story of how four Latino kids from the projects got to open for the Beatles on the second half of their 1965 American tour.
The Chicago pop music scene in the mid-1960’s was an exciting time. With the blending of old Chicago blues with the new British Invasion, a whole new sound was being created in the Windy City. Small, Chicago, indie record labels gave local teen talent a chance to get their music heard for the first time. One of the most prolific young writers and producers of the day in Chi Town was Jimmy “Soul” Holvay.
Born at an early age in Tokyo, Keyboardist / arranger Gary St.Germain wanted to be Ringo Starr when he grew up.That didn’t come to pass (being Ringo or growing up), so he became an elementary music teacher. After attending CSU Fullerton and CSU San Bernardino (BA, MA, Dr. Pepper, Magna Too Loud), Gary’s teaching style developed into a combination of Mr. Holland and Mr. Kotter.
Benjamin Perez (Director) originated the role of Hal Fisher in the acclaimed and sold-out 2016 production of EASTSIDE HEARTBEATS. He went on to cover the role of Carlos Ramirez in the May 2016 extension. In 2015, he played “Senator Max Evergreen” in the national tour of NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, with original direction and choreography by Kathleen Marshall.
Waldman was also the creator and host of Rock and Roll Stories, a 60-minute interview show that ran on KLCS, the only PBS station in Los Angeles, from 2013 to 2015. In 2014, he had as his guest, James Holvay, who wrote ”Kind of a Drag,” “Don’t You Care” and other national hits for the Buckinghams in 1967.