POZ and We Love Soaps and Love Out Loud

Lovin' Out Loud: Greg Turner & Brian Hewson

Greg Turner is a product of New York University’s Department of Dramatic Writing . He was a 2008 Semi-Finalist for the Disney Fellowship in Feature Film. For the past two years, Greg has been working on Empire, an internet soap opera, he co-created. Season four of Empire is currently in pre-production and the first three seasons are available at www.empiretheseries.com. Greg and his Empire producing partner, Brian Hewson are also in development for a new webseries starring Martha Byrne. His new musical All Fall Down, written with Selda Sahin, was produced in the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) directed by Lonny Price and starring Jenn Colella and Mary Testa. A finalist for the 2008 Eugene O’Neill National Music Theatre Conference, All Fall Down is based on his play of the same name, which was produced at the NYU Festival of New Works in 2002. In May of 2009, Greg made his European debut as a playwright at the Keller Theatre with his comedy The Gift Exchange a workshop production in New York from 2007. Greg has adapted The Gift Exchange into a screenplay and is planning to film it on location in Vermont. Brian Hewson graduated from New York University in 2003 with a degree in Communications. He has spent his time since then in a myriad of activities including general management of All Fall Down. For the past two years he has been working on Empire. In Turner and Hewson we get to experience the future of a genre that will never die. These young turks are on board for Love Out Loud VI. Come meet and greet the future of story telling.

Kristen Alderson Loves Out Loud

Bucks County, PA is somewhere fictional One Life to Live’s Llanview might very well be and it is the birthplace of Kristen Alderson who has been playing Starr Manning on the show ever since she auditioned for the role at the age of six— that’s more than half her life! She brought a lot of pizazz to the younger Starr, the offspring of two very, for lack of a better term, charismatic individuals: no mean feat. Alderson is a natural. At that early age Kristen was already a show business veteran given her experience as Molly in Annie. The multi-talented young lady virtually grew up with the character of Starr and then brought new and interesting interpretations to the role when Starr became a teen mother. She first came to Love Out Loud in 2008. Kristen will once again be joining our fundraiser. Let us hope the bright future that awaits her will serve as a good omen for AIDS Walk New York.

Billy Magnussen Loves Out Loud

Anyone who includes carpentry among his interests has to be quite an interesting fellow and As the World Turns was blessed with the very interesting Billy Magnussen as Casey Hughes fresh from his Broadway stage debut in the classic comedy, The Ritz, starring Rosie Perez in 2008. As a member of that cast it is particularly poignant because it was a hit originally in 1975 when the sexual mores of this country had not yet been effected by the HIV virus. This Queens native who was raised in the Deep South comes to Love Out Loud for a second time, along with other local celebrities, who are lending their names and energies to HIV and AIDS awareness—some are young people who don’t know a world without this disease. It is reassuring that this young man is involved in raising awareness as well as helping out with a fund raising effort.

Soap Opera Royalty Loves Out Loud: Thom Racina

Thomas Frank Raucina was born in Kenosha. To help finance college, he wrote books simply to earn money- books that he didn't even want recognition for. Thom Racina (as his professional name came to be) wrote Westerns, romances, porn or whatever else the publisher paid him for. He moved up to mainstream publishing with a take-off on The Happy Hooker: My Own Story, by Xaviera Hollander, called The Happy Hustler, which he wrote entirely in one weekend. The novel ended up being successful, selling three million copies and spawning three sequels. His breakthrough came in 1977 and was titled The Great Los Angeles Blizzard."Rights were purchased to adapt it to the big screen, but the cost estimates for the film were too high for it to be profitable. Racina took a 19-year hiatus after this novel to work on writing for TV. He gave the world 4,000 broadcast hours of Search for Tomorrow (1980), General Hospital(1981-1984), Days of Our Lives (1984-1986), Another World (1986-1988), Generations (1988-1991) and Santa Barbara (1991-1992), besides writing for the much-acclaimed nighttime series, Family (1978-1979). As a writer for the soaps, he received five Emmy nominations, one specifically for "Luke & Laura's Wedding on" General Hospital- the single highest-rated episode in daytime history (30 million people tuned in). “I loved being head writer, for you get to play God and get paid for it to boot! It was a great time, and sometimes, I'll admit, when I'm feeling lonely in my newly-chosen solitary profession as a novelist, I do miss it. But I can't do both, and having a book or two on library shelves when I'm gone means a great deal. Writing books is nourishing for the soul.”After many busy years spent writing for TV, Racina returned to life as a novelist and moved to Palm Springs. It was not difficult for him to get back into the swing of writing thriller novels, with Snow Angel being published shortly after in 1996. He has since written Hidden Agenda (1998), Secret Weekend (1999), The Madman's Diary(2000), Never Forget (2002) and Deep Freeze (2005). We are proud that this very caring man who is had in common by both Elizabeth Taylor and Brad Pitt will be at Loud Out Loud VI. Read more about him here.

Scott Evans Loves Out Loud

Scott Evans is best known for his role as the police officer Oliver Fish on One Life to Live. He is the younger brother of Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, Captain America: The First Avenger.) Scott was born in Sudbury, Massachusetts. He studied theater at New York University. Chris Evans told The Advocate in February 2009 that his brother was openly gay. In a June 15, 2009 interview with AfterElton.com, Scott Evans discussed the fact that he had come out at age 19 before he had pursued acting professionally. He said, "I didn’t want to be one of those people who goes back into the closet and tries to hide because I knew it would come out. With the success of my brother, I didn't feel it was necessary to hide it once I'd come out. I'm an out person, as opposed to an out actor, I suppose." Initially brought in to One Life to Live for five episodes, Evans returned several times. In July 2009 it was confirmed that his character Fish would become involved in a romantic relationship with another man [source: Wikipedia]. The storyline was followed religiously by AfterElton.com and engendered a loyal following for the characters and actors involved. Although the Network pulled its support from something that initially brought much good will in the LGBT community at large, there is still much loyalty for Scott because of his courage and involvement in a groundbreaking story. Last year Scott stepped to help us with an auction for an autographed copy of Details with the cover story about him. We are very happy and proud to have his personal participation in Love Out Loud VI.

Sean Ringgold Loves Out Loud

Ringgold, who hails from Rockaway, Queens, has worked with many celebrities on and off camera. As a bodyguard he worked for the likes of Tom Cruise , LL Cool J, Queen Latifah and Ludacris but it’s his on camera appearances in movies such as American Gangster, television shows Gossip Girl, and BET’s 106 & Park, his role One Life To Live not to mention the music videos for Elephant Man, Jim Jones, and a number of national and regional commercials that have created buzz for and interest in this talented actor. This former New York State Arm Wrestling Champion wears many hats; actor, stuntman, model and personal trainer to name a few, but it’s his passion coupled with his ability to find something inspirational in everything he does that fuels is acting career. “To be in television you have to feel good about who and what you are in order to reach higher levels of success. Success is something you attract into your life by the person you become.” Ringgold wants to be challenged by roles that are outside of his character and different for someone of his stature. He’s a man on a mission, who wants to be recognized for his talent and show “[that] there’s no limit to what a kid from Rockaway Beach can do. I Want to show who and what I am,” says Sean. Stay tuned there’s more to come. In the meantime come say hello to Sean at Love Out Loud VI. He was there last year and we are very proud to have him with us this year. His generosity and support speaks volumes.

Jersey Boy Loves Out Loud: Tom Degnan

You gotta love a guy who loves the Phillies. OK? The eldest of three siblings, Tom Degnan, who was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania grew up outside of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A self-proclaimed sports fanatic, he was on the track team in high school and briefly considered trying out his athleticism at the collegiate level while attending Notre Dame, but he ended up majoring in finance, instead. "There was a short window— very, very short window — where I thought about actually walking on to the track team for hurdles," he told Soap Opera Digest. "You realize that all the kids who play varsity sports are bigger, faster, stronger than you so that wasn't going to fly!" It wasn't until Degnan took a theater class—just to fulfill a requirement, no less—that he discovered his passion for the stage. In 2008, Degnan went on to attend Case Western Reserve University, where he received an MFA in Theater. After a couple of small television appearances, Degnan was tapped to play mysterious war veteran Riley onAs the World Turns in 2009. Riley was revealed to be Margo's son, Adam, who had been presumed-dead in a bombing in Afghanistan.In November 2010, Degnan joined the cast of One Life to Live in the highly sought after recast role of Joey Buchanan (initially believing he'd lost the part to Josh Kelly, who plays Cutter). Degnan has also appeared on The Good Wife and is currently in a band with his former As the World Turns co-star Billy Magnussen (ex-Casey). We are proud to have him take part in Love Out Loud VI. This event only gets better every year and Mr. Degnan proves it. Thanks to Soap Opera Digest for the biographical information.

Jeremiah Clark Loves Out Loud

Described as “Amazing, Fantastic, Phenomenal!” by Feast of Fun blog gurus Marc and Fausto, Jeremiah Clark’s passion for music started at a very young age. This self-taught pianist and guitarist released his first album at the age of only sixteen and has since spent years crafting a unique sound that blends his soulful voice and acoustic instrumentation with a deeply-rooted southern heritage. His latest release, the highly-anticipated "Just Another Sad Song," was wholeheartedly embraced by fans all over the country and has made him “A Pittsburgh sensation,” according to CUE Magazine.-With lyrics often referred to as “deeply poignant,” Jeremiah Clark masterfully balances poetry with practicality. While his songs usually take on a more serious tone, his performances are refreshingly lighthearted. He enjoys telling comedic stories about family, friends and traveling between tune joking that, “If you don‘t laugh and cry at some point during the show, I simply have not done my job.” His third tour will take him to 60 U.S. cities over the course of 2011 playing for countless, eager fans. Learn more at www.jeremiahclarkmusic.com.We are proud to announce that Jeremiah will be on hand for Love Out Loud VI Come out to support our efforts for AIDS Walk New York on May 11, 2011

Martha Byrne Loves Out Loud

We Love Soaps and POZ are very proud to announce the addition of Martha Byrne to Love Out Loud VI. Martha Byrne made Lily Snyder her own on the CBS Daytime Drama As The World Turns and received two emmys for her achievement. Although most people remember her for the landmark role, Martha has starred in the feature film, Sliding Home and her music is featured in the soundtrack to the film. Additionally, Martha co-produced her self titled debut album, Martha Byrne, and wrote and recorded two cuts for the soundtrack of the feature film Jane Doe starring Calista Flockhart. She also recorded an original song for the independent film Beggars & Choosers in which she appears. Martha’s extensive and impressive career has seen her working along side some of the industry’s finest actors. New World Television cast Martha as the lead in the television pilot Inheritance, a project based on the best selling novel. The Los Angeles Times singled out Martha’s performance in the Fox Network Movie, Pink Lightning. Presently, Martha is putting the finishing touches on the follow up to her debut album Martha Byrne. Martha is married to a retired NYPD Sergeant and has two beautiful children. As if that weren’t enough Martha is proud of her fundraising efforts on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She has chaired and coordinated the Annual Daytime Television Hospital Benefit since 1993, and looks forward to many more successful fundraising events in the future. And now she will be on hand on May 11, 2011 to meet and greet her many fans to help raise funds for AIDS Walk New York on behalf of POZ and We Love Soaps.

Nicholas Rodriguez Loves Out Loud

Whoever paraphrased Will Rogers and said, “I never met a Texan I didn’t like” must have known Nicholas Rodriguez. We Love Soaps and POZ are very proud to announce that actor and singer Nicholas Rodriguez will be joining Love Out Loud again on May 11 at Prohibition. Part of One Life to Live's landmark gay story line, Rodriguez was known to Broadway musical lovers from his roles in Tarzan, and Almost Heaven.When the talented, handsome Texan came to television land he played Nick Chavez on One Life to Live, Mr. Rodriguez had this to say: "I'm just so grateful to be working with people like Brett and Scott, and Tuc Watkins has been a really big help. Everybody's just so cool. They're such pros…If we can put that in American homes, people who may not know another gay person, people that live outside of New York and California, if they can like us as real people, then we're really making a difference... It's real, deep love and issues that we're dealing with…Being an artist, I have people I look up to who have been out and proud in the community, and it's not like I've ever not been out, but I've never really mixed it with my work. So here I am finding myself playing a gay activist, and in real life, I could do so much more in my personal life… It's just making me realize I can do so much more good with it." Here’s the rest of the interview at AfterElton's Gays of Our Lives. Rodriguez just completed a run as Curly in Oklahoma! down in Washington, DC. Last November he was interviewed again by AfterElton, check it out.Come on out to meet and greet the really, really nice and multi-talented Nicholas Rodriguez.

Stewart Lewis Does Love Out Loud

For the second year in a row we are proud to announce that Stewart Lewis will be part of the proceedings on May 11th at Prohibition. There is a new interview at TopGaySongs.comStewart Lewis’s soulful blend of pop and folk has been featured on many TV shows, including Ghost Whisperer, Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, and MTV’s Laguna Beach, as well as the feature films A Four Letter Word, Just Friends, and Firehouse Dog . His magnetic stage presence and quirky storytelling have earned him spots opening for Shawn Colvin, Patty Larkin, Josh Ritter, Sheryl Crow, and Ani Difranco to name a few. For more information, visit www.stewartlewis.com.Go here for the rest of the interview.Stewart Lewis began his career in the living room of his parents home, when at a mere age of five he was thrown a tambourine. His parents moonlighted in a bluegrass band and there was always four part harmony around the fire among sleeping labradors.Attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, a few years later, Stewart directed plays and starred in the main stage production of Pippin. At the time, his band Acoustic Junction was becoming a college jam band phenomenon, opening for Blues Traveler and The Band among others. After graduating, Stewart left the band to pursue acting in New York. After a short stint on CBS’s Guiding Light, Stewart decided to move back to Colorado and pursue a solo singer-songwriting career. After the release of his first recording Faces in the Crowd, Stewart’s soulful blend of pop and folk was featured on Ghost Whisperer, MTV's Laguna Beach, Joan of Arcadia, Dawson's Creek, Biggest Loser, and Firehouse Dog. He has shared the stage with Grammy winner Shawn Colvin and indie stalwart Ani Difranco. Stewart was the very first artist signed to the Here! TV Network and Regent Entertainment's new music venture, Here! Tunes, where the CD, In Formation was released. He is also the author of the semi-autobiographical novel Rockstarlet, and Relative Stranger (praised by Augusten Burroughs) both from Alyson Books. No wonder Neil Plakcy at GayWired referred to the fetching Mr. Lewis as a triple threat. If threats be the food of admiration, threaten us, please. It was a reference to his three major talents as a singer/songwriter/novelist. No doubt there are more threats coming. He is part of the WCBS radio family, doing thrice-weekly reports on “City Life” in Manhattan and the five boroughs.As Stewart is wont to remind us: Music is such a gift, and it really does make the world go round.

Laughin' Out Loud at Love Out Loud

Adam Sank is a very funny fellow and a charmer. When appearing with Stewart Lewis at The Stonewall Inn, Adam was laugh out loud funny. Therefore, asking him to help out as a host for Love Out Loud VI was a no-brainer. We all like a dose of sensitivity with our humor. He is the perfect choice and it didn’t take him very long at all to decide to help out.Adam Sank is one of the most recognized openly gay stand-up comics in the country, having been featured on Season Six of NBC's Last Comic Standing, in which he advanced to the New York showcase. He has also appeared on truTV's "Smoking Gun Presents: World's Dumbest Criminals," Vh-1's Best Week Ever and Here-TV's Hot Gay Comics, along with multiple appearances Sirius-XM OutQ Radio. On the East Coast, Adam has performed at all the major New York comedy clubs and has headlined in Fire Island, NY (The Ice Palace at Cherry Grove) the Poconos, PA (Rainbow Mountain Resort and GNI Retreat), Cape May, NJ (Cabanas on the Beach and Martini Beach) and Rehoboth Beach, DE (The Blue Moon). From 2006 to 2007, he hosted Adam Sank's Gay Bash, a monthly showcase, at Caroline's on Broadway and later Comix comedy club. And for three years, Adam was the host and producer of the wildly successful Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour at New York's Therapy lounge. Adam currently hosts That Sank Show every Wednesday night at New York's Bar-Tini Ultra Lounge. On the West Coast, Adam's comedy has been featured at Thank Gays It's Friday at West Hollywood's Laugh Factory, Gays R Us at the Hollywood Improv and Rainbow Comedy Night at Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, along with headlining spots at San Diego's Madhouse Comedy Club and Ocean Beach Comedy at Winston's. The proceedings just got better with the addition of our laugh out loud host on Wednesday May 11, 2011 at Prohibition 5:30 to 9 for POZ and We Love Soaps’ fundraiser for AIDS Walk New York: Love Out Loud VI.

Tuesday Talent: Our Sister Ilene

It's that time again to make people aware that the largest AIDS fund-raising event in the world is going take place in the city that many people consider to be the capital of the world. New York can afford the opportunity not only for formidable events like the New York AIDS Walk but also to become friends with exceptional people, one of whom is the multi-talented Ilene Kristen (Grease,Ryan's Hope,One Life to Live) who is generous to a fault and was the first to volunteer her presence and musical talent for Love Out Loud the annual fund-raiser promoted by POZ magazine at Prohibition. This year it's taking place as usual on the Wednesday prior to the walk on May 11, 2011 from 5:30 to 9:00pm at Prohibition at 84th & Columbus. The idea, of course, is to get fans to come meet their favourite celebs and donate to the team effort. Ilene has been part of every Love Out Loud. The woman's generosity and kindness is without bounds. When Ilene becomes your friend, your life gets better.Ilene's shows are full of reminiscences in which she relates to her audience as if they were in her living room. She herself says so. Nonetheless her music is sultry, smooth and funky at one and the same time. Still this smoothness wraps itself around complex and sensitive lyrics in her original material. "Hold on to the earth with your own two hands and never say goodbye" are the lyrics she wrote in response to The World Trade Center tragedy and the loss of her good friend Nancy Addison from Ryan's Hope. The song is the memorable and poignant, "Flesh and Blood." She has lost many friends to AIDS and is very much impacted by the disease which has now ravaged the world for over twenty five years. It's no wonder that this vibrant, diminutive powerhouse is always eager to lend a hand, clearly one of the most generous spirits alive. To know her is to love her.One of the many people who love her is quintessential musician, Murray Weinstock. Come hear the sound of creativity that night.