October 27, 2003
Here's a press release from SteveBertrand.com:

After two successful records as the frontman of The Tories, Steve Bertrand is embarking on a new musical chapter with the band Avion.  The album is slated for a March 2004 release in a joint venture between The Console and Image Entertainment.

The cd features 13 tracks with guest appearances by Rami Jaffee of the Wallflowers, Sergio Andrade of Lifehouse, and Matt Bissonette of The Ringo Starr Band.  The album was produced by Bertrand with four songs co-produced by Stuart Brawley who also mixed the majority of the record.  Songs from the forthcoming album have already been featured on NBC's "AUSA", MTV's "Tough Enough" and NBC's "Scrubs".

The band features Jamie Wollam (drums), Josh Dunahoo (guitar), Ben Hazlett (guitar, keyboards) and Joey Clement (bass).  The band is currently playing shows in the L.A. area and will be shooting a video for the first single this fall.

As many of you know, Jamie Wollam played drums in The Tories, so this is a familiar collaboration for him.  We wish Jamie a lot of luck with this new musical venture, and hope that he still finds time in his busy schedule for the occasional Venice show.

In the meantime, be sure and catch Avion live at The Gig in Hollywood on November 8 and December 5.  Show Jamie your support!  The Tories was a great pop band, and I have high expectations for this one as well.


October 17, 2003
The time has come to create German-language sections of both the Yahoo Groups e-mail list and Venice Talk Bulletin Board. I do, however, need German speaking Venice fans to run and moderate them. If you'd like to volunteer, please e-mail me at matt@venicecentral.com. Thanks!

In other news, if you're in LA tomorrow night looking for something to do, go check out John Vester's performance at Borders Books in Torrance.  Showtime and address are on the Tour Dates page, at the very bottom.


October 7, 2003
A huge congratulations to Marcia Stanfield from Colorado.  She won the "Lunch With Venice" auction, with her final bid of $1,775.  Marcia writes, "My family and I have been Venice fans for several years, and I'm delighted to have this amazing opportunity while contributing to such an important cause."  Many thanks to all who participated.  And to the Stanfield family, enjoy your time with the guys!

In other news, Mark Lennon has opened up his own webpage, from which you can purchase his hand-painted pants and his "Christmas In the Groove" CD.  Check that out at markylennon.com.


October 6, 2003
The auction is up to $1,775, and there's only one day left!  Tension is mounting...  Time is running out...  Get those bids in, right over here.


October 4, 2003
Just under three days to go on the auction, and we're up to $660.  Great job, everyone!  But I think we can do better than that.  We're talking about a private audience with Kipp, Mark, Michael and Pat, all at the same time!  You getting to know them, them getting to know you.  A wonderful memory you'll carry for the rest of your life.  How much is this worth to you?  $700?  $750?  $800?  It's only money.  You can always make more.  But this opportunity may never come again.  And you'll be helping a charity at the same time.  (Which makes it a tax write-off!  Yay!!!)  Place your bids right over here.


October 2, 2003
Wow!  With four and a half days to go, bidding for Venice's "Lunch With A Leader" auction is already up to $510!  This is great news for the Communities In Schools charity.  Place your counter-bid right over here.  Do I hear $520?