Dream Team Autographs

I have been listening to Al Jarreau's music for many years and rarely comes to town but lucky for many one of his stops was in Orlando. Now there were only two of us waiting in an area that was not accessible to getting up close to any performer. But luck was on our side as we chatted with one of the rowdies who was terrific and pointed on the manager when we asked. Now many of the Musician Managers are usually cold to any requests to assist in getting an item signed but occasionally some will go out of their way to be helpful, but In this case Jarreaus Tour Manager most certainly went beyond, " JOE" was fantastic! We had heard that Jarreau had back surgery and was getting around quite slowly with a cane. He let us know that it would be difficult for Al to come out due to his limits and was in sound check but he never hesitated and told us he would help us. He even promised that he would not sign the albums and only AL Jarreau would. Believe m

There are only a few stars that many of us ever try to meet more than once. Some becomes friends ,others because of the rarity if they come to a certain area or some because it is always a pleasant experience. JOHN LEGUIZAMO is such a star where every time You meet him, he shows why he is such a fan favorite. People loved in SPAWN, MARIO BRORHERS, LAND OF THE DEAD and my personal favorite ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13. A friend and I drove almost 2 hours to catch him in his stand up show no less at an Improv and the 4 shows he had planned were sold out very quickly. I had the opportunity to see him a few years ago and after the show he sat and signed autographs and spoke to each one as if they had knew each other for years. NOT every star comes even close. After his 2 hour show , he came out and began signing autographs and taking pictures with a line of over 400 people. Lucky for us we were second in line and as I approached he tilted his head with a great smile and treated us

People sometime think there goes alot of planning in getting autographs and sometimes it is a spur of the moment if you are lucky. A Friend confirmed last night that MIKE FARRELL famous as BJ HUNNICUTT from the legendary series MASH was doing a play in a dinner theatre.The only problem it was almost 3 hours away at a place that I knew nothing about. One friend thought I was probably bored but the more I thought about it , I was very curious as I have never met this great star. So with the blessing of My Wife I was traveling not knowing what to expect. Mike Farrell was starring in Golden Pond and we headed to the matinee show. As many left , I asked the host if he would be coming out to the lobby to sign and with a smile she said" Sure after he changes" Sure enough he came into the lobby still forting that famous smile and though he has aged with his hair snow white he stood tall and welcomed everyone as if they were all his best friends. He chatted with each

KEVIN SMITH is not a household name but when one sees him on TV or the Movies you always hear "That Guy" Now though some may not know his name he has an unbelievable following of true fans and seems to sell out when he does conversations or small routines at many live venues. He gained fame from the movie CLERKS and another big following from JAY AND SILENT BOB. Lately You can catch him on the COMIC BOOK MEN which usually follows a little after WALKING DEAD on TV.He has taken on different roles as a writer. Director, Producer and and of course an actor. I have met him several times over the years and though again he entertains hundreds at a time he does appear to be very private and BUT will meet some of his fans with a SMILE if You catch him before or after a show and even at a Radio Station. I ran into him again the other night and he looked terrific. He has lost weight and is far from what his shirt that he loves to wear as a trademark says " FATMAN&q

     Every Day someone brings up something about JOHN TRAVOLTA ranging from his politics, religion or possible behavior traits. People have always made a habit of rushing to judgement on most anything especially people and I feel someone should write about the real Travolta. I have met John 4 times over the years and though not an expert on people , I have been lucky enough to be able to see and and make my own impression of many personalities over the years. Firstly Travolta is ONE OF THE MOST FAN FRIENDLY STARS you can ever meet. This past weekend only solidified the evidence and it is a shame cameras are not rolling at one of the events. His new Film THE FORGER was being highlighted in Tampa, Florida and a red carpet was planned with apx 1000 fans lining the ropes with a due excitement Prior to the arrival of Travolta several security staff kept announcing that " He is Not Signing Autographs" which was repeated so many times that most everyone thought that was t

             All My life, a nd my son to; We have looked at the glass being half full and always found something good in everyone and everything. Today something happened that is becomg more alarming and something that anyone who Collects Autographs should begin to ponder. Recently MICHAEL J. FOX was on the David Lettermans show and mentioned something that should open all our eyes. He said to Letterman , At every airport people are shoving BACK TO THE FUTURE items in his face that he signs and he feels he is signing their paychecks because all of it it being sold. I did see once how some of the hunters did bombard Fox and though he did not sign in that episode , it was horrific. But in many cases the Hunt for the autograph is the challenge and I have said it before You have to be really stupid not to be able to recognize someone that is a true collector and not a dealer who only sees the prize as a dollar sign. Maybe by coincidence or maybe the trend is making t

        The Florida Film Festival happens every year and special guests are invited with a Q & A after with the respected star. When I mentioned to some of my friends I was planning to meet BOB BALABAN , most looked at me and said" Who's That?" He had a small but memorable part in Midnight Cowboy with Jon Voight where Voight takes his watch. He later had larger roles in CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, GOSFORD PARK and recently in MONUMENT MEN. He wears his rim eyeglasses as if they were a part of him since birth and has a style of acting that is so different from all others.       Two of us were waiting for him and when he appeared there was no mistaking of who he was as we approached him. He smiled and there are people who truly glow with kindness and he is in that category.      He patiently waited as we took our pictures with him and signed a few autographs with no hesitation. He even mentioned that it was his pleasure to do so and even asked his wif

 Two years ago I had the opportunity to meet actor CARY ELWES famous for Princess Bride, Robin Hood Men in Tights to name a couple ,when he was a The Florida Film Festival . They were showing the Princess Bride and after he entertained us with a Question and Answer after the film and then proceeded to sit outside and sign hundreds of autographs for all types of fans. He was cordial, pleasant to everyone and only left a wonderful impression to me as a true gentleman. Over the years some said he was difficult at times but from my perspective he is one of the best. I was told that when he was arriving at the Airport some of the professional graphers approached him and he did not accomadate them at all with any autographs. He was coming to Orlando for the big autograph show MECACON so I truly do not blame him as many would be visiting his table to sign their photos for a price but he was honoring his commitment to the MECACON Promoters.       So by chance I was at the hotel he was st

Like so many millions we watched JAY LENO on the Tonight Show for countless years as he dominated his time slot with his nightly show. Over the years I must have seen his monologue and his interviews with so many stars at least a thousand times. With his shows in California many of us never expected to meet him in Florida but any thing is truly possible. Now that he is retired from the TONIGHT SHOW he performs several times a year across the country doing a stand up routine to fans who have always admired and enjoyed his humor. Luck has it as he was doing a show in Orlando where it is more than difficult to meet and obtain an autograph before or after the show. There were probably about 20 people who were waiting about 50 yards from his waiting Transportation with hopes that he would stop as he exited. As he approached his car he saw the waiting group and NEVER hesitated and walked directly over to all of us. Though he looked a little tired after his 110 ( almost 2