Amanda was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California. As a teen, she was discovered in a local theater production and soon was recurring on Universal’s When the Whistle Blows and won a Best Young Actor award for her work in the ABC After School Special: She Drinks a Little.
Leading roles in major motion pictures came next, including hits such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, A Nightmare on Elm Street, John Cusack’s obsession in Better Off Dead and Kevin Costner’s love interest in Silverado. In television she was seen in a recurring role as Woody Harrelson’s girlfriend on the hit sitcom Cheers and was a series lead on Highlander.
More recurring guest stars followed in such notable shows as St. Elsewhere, Cagney and Lacey, Quantum Leap, NYPD Blue, JAG, and many TV movies & pilots including ABC’s acclaimed The Final Days as “Tricia Nixon”. More recently she has recurred on CSI, Major Crimes, Murder in the First and All Rise.
Amanda continues to garner critical-acclaim in the independent film world for her work in films such as Powwow Highway (Independent Spirit Award and Sundance Film Festival winner), the thriller Oct. 23rd (Best Actress at the Santa Monica International Film Festival), the psychological drama The Id (Best Thriller winner at The Hollywood Reel Independent Film Fest), more recently, the western Badland (Best Supporting Actress at the C & I Movie Awards & Netflix Top Ten) and the horror film Hunter’s Moon (opposite Thomas Jane).
Efren Ramirez has been working as a professional actor for many years. Initially, his career consisted of guest star appearances on television, as he appeared in diverse roles on “E.R.”, “AMERICAN DAD”, “JUDGING AMY”, “THE DISTRICT”, “MAD TV”, and “SCRUBS.”
However, it was his memorable portrayal of “PEDRO” in the feature film “NAPOLEON DYNAMITE” that dramatically launched what has become a hugely prolific acting career with an unusually diverse series of performances in Film, Television, Drama, Comedy…every imaginable medium and genre.
In the years since that film was released, Efren Ramirez has appeared in scores of films and television shows, including leading roles in the HBO film “WALKOUT”; with Edward James Olmos, “EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH”; opposite Dane Cook and Dax Shepard, “CRANK” and CRANK HIGH VOLTAGE; opposite Jason Statham, (playing his own twin brother in the sequel.) He also appeared in “GAMER” with Gerard Butler, “WHEN IN ROME” with Kristen Bell, “CROSSING THE HEART” opposite Kris Kristofferson, “HOUSE OF MY FATHER” opposite Will Ferrell, and HBO’s EASTBOUND AND DOWN” with Danny McBride.
Most recently, you can expect to see him in FOX’s Television hit “THE GRINDER” with Rob Lowe and the animated series “BORDERTOWN” with Hank Azaria and Alex Bernstein, HULU’s “DEADBEAT” with Tyler Labine, and the film “MIDDLESCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE” based on the James Patterson best seller.
Efren Ramirez currently resides in Los Angeles and New York. When he isn’t filming, he is spinning records as a guest D.J. in clubs all across the country. He has published his first book DIRECT YOUR OWN LIFE. Efren recently returned from a USO TOUR visiting our troops in Bahrain, UAE, Dubai, and Africa. He frequently speaks to students at high schools and universities and is very involved with charitable organizations.
https://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/aal-efren-ramirez.jpg7201280Kevinhttps://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AAL_Gradated-1030x1030.pngKevin2023-11-15 15:13:162023-11-29 18:00:34EPISODE 288: ALL ACCESS LIVE WELCOMES NAPOLEON DYNAMITE’S EFREN RAMIREZ
After a spirited (!) UK tour with A Flock of Seagulls, I was inspired to get to know these characters a little more. Jim AKA “Sasquatch” DeBarker handled Tour Manager, Front of House engineer and bus driver duties. Doug Nissley was the jack-of-all-trades backline tech, hauling gear, tuning and prep’ing equipment for the shows, and providing comedic relief and Sasquatch language translation.
NOTE: SO sorry about the static-filled audio from my line. Apparently my connection wasn’t clear and gets very difficult to hear, but the guys are WELL worth gutting it out!
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Welcome to the show singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer/sound engineer/master engineer, The Cyber Phounkist Ultra Van Krome! “UVK“ hails from Portland Oregon and proudly flaunts a PHD in Phounkology, having played with the best in the music industry from global stars Miles Davis. Prince, George Clinton, Chaka Kahn, Tower of Power, Thara Memory, Curtis Salgado, The Esquires, Janice Scroggins, TC Coleman, the Mayther brothers, LaRhonda Steele and SO many more!
1990 Oregon Hall of Fame Inductee UVK sings & plays all the instruments on his studio outings. The brainchild & alter ego of Producer multi-instrumentalists Stevie Ray Mays, aka “Ultra Van Krome LLC“.
“You’s a Twisted Mha Phugga, Van Krome!“
– Miles Davis to a sold out performance in Portland OR in 1986
“Miles loves you, so you gottsta be Twisted, at least that’s what he told me “
– Prince 1986
UVK has a new album produced by Dan Reed, fronted by slammin’ new single “Chocolate Rocket“ features a killer video produced by Dan Pred / Video Media. Check it out, and then check us out when we go live on All Access Live with Kevin Rankin!
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LEE AARON:one of Canada’s most iconic vocalists, a songwriter, producer, and fearless re-inventor. She was one of the very first women writing and performing hard rock, releasing her first album (The Lee Aaron Project) at the age of only nineteen. Her sophomore release, 1984’s Metal Queen solidified Aaron as a trailblazer for women in rock in the 80’s with the title track – an anthem of feminine empowerment and shout-out against the sexism toward women in that genre – garnering her respect and legions of rock fans around the globe. Over the years it has become an enduring anthem of empowerment for men and women alike. Aaron went on to work with producers like Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd) Peter Coleman (Blondie, Pat Benatar) and appear on the Scorpions Savage Amusement album singing BGs after producer Dieter Dierks heard her perform live while recording her 1987 concert in Mannheim, Germany with his mobile studio. Later releases, 1989’s Bodyrock and 1991’s Some Girls Do both reached multi-platinum status and included chart-toppers like “Whatcha Do To My Body” and “Hands On.” She’s shared stages with Heart, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Suzi Quatro, Sinead O’Connor, Mötley Crüe, Van Morrison, and more. Chart Magazine proclaimed Aaron’s Bodyrock LP (1989) one of the 20 most influential Canadian albums of the 80’s with Alanis Morrisette and Shania Twain both “under Aaron’s influence.”
Seventeen albums into her enduring career, with multiple accolades, including 10 JUNO nominations, CMPA Songwriters, Much Music Video, Music Express, and Toronto Music Awards, she’s still going strong. In 2016 Aaron was honored with a permanent star on the Arts Walk of Fame in her former hometown (Brampton) for her contribution to Canadian Music.
In 2004 Aaron took a decade long hiatus to raise her family (with husband/drummer John Cody) but blazed back onto the scene (in 2016) with Fire And Gasoline, meeting rave reviews. With a wealth of new original material and a refreshed rock sound, she has released 5 albums since, all of which she self-produced. World-renowned mix engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Bryan Adams) has worked alongside Aaron and the band on her last 2 albums bringing his trademark, kick-ass sounds to RADIO ON! (2021) and ELEVATE (2022) her latest release.
Join our spirited live chat as we discuss her forthcoming Induction into Canada’s Rock Fame!
https://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/all-access-live-lee-aaron.jpg8161500Kevinhttps://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AAL_Gradated-1030x1030.pngKevin2023-09-05 14:20:592023-09-05 14:20:59THE METAL QUEEN LEE AARON ROCKS ALL ACCESS LIVE with KEVIN RANKIN
Love, Oregon is a spectacular celebration of Oregon’s music, food, and nature in the serene setting of Camp Colton September 1-3, 2023.
Hand-curated by Chef Bidwell and a team of local farmers, the festival menu is a tribute to Oregon’s seasonal bounty. Paired with live music from Oregon artists, engaging workshops, and fun activities, it’s an immersive experience you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are on sale now, offering full access to Camp Colton’s 80-acre natural playground, sustainably sourced meals (brunches & dinners included), wine tastings, musical performances, workshops, parking, and on-site tent camping. Options for cabins, yurts, RV, and car camping are also available.
Experience the true spirit of Oregon at Love, Oregon. Join founder Caroline Fitchett and sidekick Julie Joachims on All Access Live to learn more about this unique celebration!
Tig often says, “I think I came out of the womb banging on things.” As a child Tig couldn’t be kept away from pounding on anything that made an interesting noise, buckets, coffee cans, magazines. At the ripe old age of 5 he saw the rock band KISS on the Midnight Special Concert TV Show and his life was forever altered. From that moment on, he was on a quest to try to duplicate every beat and every sound on KISS Alive. “I knew in that moment, that’s what I am going to do!”
His first formal music lesson was in the 4th grade. Drums weren’t an option in the grade school band, so he took Flute & Piano. At home he built a drum kit out of practice pads and soda bottle cartons. At age 12 he studied under the world famous instructor, John Rinaldo at Eagle Rock Jr. & High School. There he met Jazz legends Shelley Mann, Louie Belson, and his private teacher, 4 time Grammy Winning Drummer/Percussionist Martin Flores.
He started jamming with anyone with desire. This led to his first paying gig at 14 and his first signed act at 16 Aaronsrod (Roadrunner/CBS).
It’s been a constant stream of bands, recording sessions, and tours ever since. “I basically said YES to everything my schedule would allow”. Here’s a partial list of the acts Tig has toured and recorded with in the last 10 years:
Drug Of Choice
Kevin Martin & The Hiwatts (Candlebox)
Maiya Sykes
The Motels
Zero1
Molly Zenobia
Bow Wow Wow
Paluka
Billy Vera & The Beaters
DownTown
Gene Loves Jezebel
As an accomplished sound engineer, producer and musician, Tig aspires to serve the song rather than the ego. If asked to sum it up he’ll say “it’s all about conveying emotion through sound”.
https://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/all-access-live-tig-moore.jpg8161500Kevinhttps://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AAL_Gradated-1030x1030.pngKevin2023-08-06 14:24:552023-08-07 15:55:56ALL ACCESS LIVE with TIG MOORE
ALL ACCESS LIVE is excited to have founding members Robert Sarzo and Tony Cavazo on the show to share a remarkable journey, currently bringing us to the premiere of their new album due in August 2023.
Hurricane is an American heavy metal band formed in 1983, originally featuring current Foreigner lead vocalist Kelly Hansen (vocals/rhythm guitar), Robert Sarzo (guitar), Tony Cavazo (bass), and Jay Schellen (drums).
Quiet Riot’s Kevin DuBrow introduced Sarzo and Cavazo in the early 1980s. After deciding to form a band, they recruited Hansen and Schellen.
The Band’s discography includes: Take What You Want (1985), Over The Edge (1988), Slave To The Thrill (1990), Luiqifury (2001) and RECONNECTED (2023).
Current Line-up is Robert Sarzo (Guitar), Tony Cavazo (Bass), Mike Hansen (Drums) & Dan Schumann (Lead Vocals), all of whom feature on Hurricane’s latest Album “RECONNECTED”.
https://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/all-access-live-hurricane.jpg8161500Kevinhttps://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AAL_Gradated-1030x1030.pngKevin2023-07-10 14:47:562023-08-07 15:56:47HURRICANE’S ROBERT SARZO AND TONY CAVAZO JOIN ALL ACCESS LIVE
23 Outstanding bands on 3 stages, delicious foods, onsite camping, and a giant party of rock n’ roll revelers at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Events Center. We’ll hang with pros from the nation’s greatest tributes to discuss what Harefest is all about. Co-Hosted by Dan Bozyk, we’ll peer behind the scenes of this epic festival of bands honoring rock n’ roll’s biggest bands.
Steve Blaze, guitarist and founding member of the million-selling rock band Lillian Axe joined All Access Live with a humble, honest and inspiring conversation about human nature, kindness, promoting positivity and what parenting really means. A fun appearance by his hilarious and gentle mom Judy, we learned about what inspired Steve from his adolescence to pursue music as a lifestyle, walking away from his Pre-Med scholarship to LSU. Ah, KIDS! 🙂
Steve Blaze, guitarist and founding member of the million-selling rock band Lillian Axe, is taking some big steps forward in his relentless pursuit to establish the group’s rightful place in hard rock history. With an impressive schedule of tour dates that includes a return to the Monsters Of Rock Cruise in 2022 (their 6th appearance), multiple festivals, the first tour of the U.K. in ten years, a 2023 U.S. tour, and the release of the brand new album and anthology, Lillian Axe is poised to add to their already significant list of accomplishments and keep doing what they do best: delivering dramatic rock ‘n roll to the masses.
Blaze, whom Guitar Player Magazine listed as “one of the most underrated guitarists in the world,” leads the charge alongside fellow axe-slinger Sam Poitevent (a member since 1999) and original bassist Michael Maxx. Vocalist Brent Graham, after working with Steve Blaze in other projects, first took centerstage when Lillian Axe was featured in the hit NBC show “Constantine” in 2015. Former Pretty Boy Floyd drummer Wayne Stokely provides the groove which supports the blistering guitar work and Graham’s powerful pipes.
The latest album “From Womb To Tomb” was released in August of 2022 as the band signed their 9th record deal with Global Rock Records to not only release the new album but to reissue the band’s extensive back catalogue.. Also released in April, 2022 was a three disc anthology entitled “Psalms for Eternity,” a time capsule of the bands prestigious career.
Lillian Axe gained international recognition with albums on MCA Records and IRS Records in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They have toured with and shared the stage with hundreds of bands over the years including Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Sammy Hagar, Megadeth, Rob Zombie, Eddie Money, Ratt, Skid Row, Godsmack, Accept and many others, as well as rocking hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide at major festivals such as Sweden Rock, Bang Your Head, Rockin’ the Bayou, Monsters of Rock Cruise, Firefest, and Rocklahoma. Though the music has evolved and progressed in the decades since, the band still treats their audiences to MTV singles like “Dream Of A Lifetime,” “Show A Little Love,” and their version of the Badfinger classic “No Matter What.”
In 2010, they became the first-ever hard rock act inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. In November, 2021, Steve Blaze was inducted for the second time for his individual accomplishments as a guitarist and songwriter, which include multiple TV and film soundtracks and appearances, sessions for major artists, and nine years as guitarist for legendary rockers Angel. In 2017, Lillian Axe was awarded the Jackson Indie Music Ikon Award for their musical contribution to the Mississippi music scene for the last 30 years.
https://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/all-access-live-steve-blaze.jpg8161500Kevinhttps://www.accesskevin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AAL_Gradated-1030x1030.pngKevin2023-06-05 19:29:542023-06-08 21:23:22LOVE AND WAR WITH LILLIAN AXE’S STEVE BLAZE