Keepin up with Les!

The latest...

2011-02-17T20:32:00.002-06:00

Well, it's 2011 and this is the FIRST time I'm blogging. It's just tough, cause I do most of this on facebook these days.

Well, the latest is I just had a GREAT first booking of my very own Rat Pack Show called Les Lankhorst presents, direct from Vegas- The Rat Pack Live! on the beautiful Regent Voyager! We started in Tahitti and ended up in Auckland, NZ 12 days later. TERRIFIC gig! We were part of the Dinner and a Show series and performed in the back lounge 7 nights!

The other big news is I'm getting set to play HAROLD HILL in the Lawrence Arts Center production of The Music Man in late March and early April!! It's a GREAT role and I'm digging in to it, cause it's haaaaard :)

That is all for the moment. Hope anyone and everyone who reads this is happy and healthy! If you're not...GET there!

Les

BIG NEWS!!!

2010-11-02T21:55:00.002-05:00

Gonna be a BALL! We Maaaaaay have a matinee on Sunday afternoon if sales demand it...but for now, it's only Friday night. Get your tix NOW!!!!

Branson Rat Pack Swings!

2010-07-24T01:18:00.004-05:00

Well, my few and faithful...we are in our second week, or is it our third...anyway...our second week of shows here in Branson. Things are starting to slowly pick up. We're getting better onstage and the audience is slowly starting to filter in. This has truly been a "soft" opening. Which has been good. It's allowed us to get comfy up there and make it really feel...real...for lack of a better word.

It sucks being here without Lori, but for now, it'll just have to do. Getting excited about next month's nuptials!!~

Well, if you happen upon this blog and want to see the show and don't know how to get tix....here's a link http://www.superstarslivetheatre.com/

On a more personal note, I'm SO thankful that my little sis' newest baby Dominic Christopher is back from the hospital after a little feverish scare. Can't WAAAIT to meet him in August!!!

Keepin it SWINGIN here in the middle of the Ozarks...!

Here in Branson...

2010-05-02T21:43:00.002-05:00

So I am in Branson with my friends, The Texas Tenors!! I am here to help them get there first appearance in Branson get off the ground. We are staying in the owner of their theatre's condo...and it's CRAZY!!! Right here overlooking the river and Branson Landing...just incredible! I'm also going to be looking for a condo tomorrow morning for when I move here for the Rat Pack show. Should be fun.
Dead tired now....good night!

BRANSON OPENING!

2010-04-29T18:32:00.002-05:00

Well, this crazy, topsy turvey world of my career keeps going round and round. I just finalized a deal to appear as Frank in The Rat Pack - LIVE & SWINGIN' at the Superstars Live Theatre in Branson, MO!! It's all going to happen pretty quickly with a May 25th or 27th opening and I'm excited about it! Of course timing a bit wacky w/ all the planning Lori and I are in the middle of with the wedding in August, but we are both exciting for the opportunity. It also, coincides with The Texas Tenors appearance in Branson in a couple weeks as well as a full run in the fall! I am actually going to Branson this weekend to help direct their Branson Show!

That's the big new for now. Lots of love and peace to you and hope to see you in Branson!!

Les

2010-04-01T21:13:00.003-05:00

See ya there!

All is well here in Salina. Just sitting down to work on my taxes, at the LAST possible minute! No too much else to report. Spring is sprung here in the midwest and so have my allergies...sheeesh! Oh, picked up my motorcycle from it's winter hunting grounds and gave it a couple nice rides yesterday. LOVE IT! Think I'll get a windshield for it though.
I'm out. Peace, love and we'll get 'em next year CATS!!!

BIG news...

2010-03-21T12:18:00.003-05:00

So it's official...Lori & I are engaged!!! I proposed to her on the first sea day of our cruise during out big, private family party to celebrate mom and dad's 50th anniversary. It went great and she said yes...so it's on baby! We're both very excited to have found each other and are ready for the next chapter :)

Happy 50th Anniversary Cruise for mom and dad!!

2010-03-11T01:02:00.003-06:00

Ok, we're about ready to head out on mom and dad's 50th Anniversary Cruise.....woooohooooo!!! We're doing 7 days out of L.A. to the Mex ican Riviera w/ a grand total of 21 of us!! Including the Taunte's and Han's from Holland! It's all very exciting! Now if I can just kick this little flu bug I've had for 36 hours! Oh AND if mom can get her knee healed up and is able to actually WALK....aaaaaugh! I'm sure it'll all turn out great! It's been SoOOOO long in the planning, I can hardly believe it's already here!

Should have some WONDERFUL news as well when we get back to civilization......check back in to find out!!!

Lots of peace and love from Kansas and the Pacific!

Les

Great little slice of life story

2010-02-25T10:19:00.004-06:00

Tom W. story

Here's a little story from my friend Tom, relating an experience his son had in L.A. I think you'll like...

...My son Brock’s experience yesterday was equally interesting.
In California, when they call you for jury duty, they put you into a pool, until you are picked up for a trial. So you can be there a while, several days until you are either selected, or the judge releases you.

The prospective jurors all were called into the court room and were told that the trial they were about to be considered for would take at least a month, and he asked if anyone had a conflict.
Of course, everyone in the place raised their hand. Over the two days this process took, Brock became friends with some of the people being considered for the jury.
So many people wanted out-- that the judge decided to meet with everyone in the pool individually to find out why they couldn’t serve, after admonishing them that it was their duty as an American to serve, and that he (the judge) had served his country faithfully in the Marines, and in war.

Brock was called in, and the judge said, “Young man, why do you need to be released from jury duty?”

Brock replied, “Sir, I love my country, and I believe it’s our responsibility to serve. But if you take me out of employment for one month, when the trial is over, I will be packing up my stuff, and will have to vacate my apartment, because I won’t be able to pay my rent. And it looks to me like everyone else in the room, the attorneys and even yourself, are being paid a pretty fair wage to be here. And even you, sir, were paid for being in the military, and you were provided food and a place to live. I just can’t make it on $10 per day, and I will not be paid if I am here.”

Having completed the visit, Brock returned to be with the rest of the group.
Brock and the other jury members had decided that--- stay or go, they’d have lunch together.

After meeting with everyone, the judge called the group back together, and out of the whole group, he only let Brock go.
He said, “This young man was the only one who was honest with me as to why he needed out, the rest of you are staying!”

Brock met with the group for lunch, and they really gave him a hard time. While eating, they noticed out the window that there were police everywhere, and the roads were blocked off.
They said their goodbyes, and Brock headed for the elevator to the parking garage, an area which was a number of levels below ground.
The door opened, and Brock stepped onto the elevator with three men, and the door closed.

Brock looked up and who was standing next to him….? President Bill Clinton, with two secret service men.
Clinton apparently had been meeting with some school children in the area and was headed for his own car.

They exchanged some pleasantries and Clinton asked Brock what he was doing downtown.
Brock responded, and told him about his jury experience. Mr. Clinton chuckled at the outcome and thought it was a great little story.
Brock said, “Thank you, Mr. President. Have a good day.” and headed for the car.
Just another day in L.A.

tw

City of Angels!!!

2010-02-11T16:26:00.003-06:00

OK, I know, I know Jeff....haven't posted in a while. That darn facebook just eats up ALL ONE'S TIME! haha! Anyway, we open our little show, City of Angels tonight for the sponsors and officially tomorrow night for the general public. Remember, if you're in the area of Salina, KS over the next two weeks, you MUST buy your tix now. We are only playing from tomorrow to Feb. 21st...that's only two weeks!!! Call 785-827-3033 for tix! Here's a little article that came out last week about the show. http://www.saljournal.com/news/Story/City-of-Angels-at-SCT-011810 (click it!)

I'm having lots of fun, but I tell ya....I don't know how folks with REAL jobs do this Community Theatre thang?!? I mean, it just EATS up your time! Love it though and I think it's going to be a very good show.

See you there!!!!!

Les

Rehearsals!

2010-01-06T10:24:00.005-06:00

Well, I have officially begun rehearsals for my latest endeavor...playing the lead character of STONE in the marvelous B'way musical "City of Angels"! It opens here in Salina at SCT the second weekend of Feb. '10 and my brother and I are playing the two opposing lead characters of Stine and Stone respectively. I can tell already that it's going to be lots of fun. My character is very old school, film noir detective who is essentially the fitionalized version of Alex's character Stine...the writer. The whole show plays out as sort of a play within a play and has lots of twists and turns throughout. Just a VERY fun, original musical!

That's really about it right now. Oh and it's crazy cold here in the Midwest and getting colder...ugh!

Happy New Year to one and all and let's hope this is that turning point year for ol' leslankhorst.com! :)

Warming in December

2009-12-20T09:52:00.002-06:00

Well, it's December 20th, 2009 and I'm getting ready for my final Christmas Show here in Salina. The first show was GREAT! Just had a few mis-cues w/ the band but nothing that diminished the overall effect. OH, and we had a SOLD-OUT house! Aaaand, just found out that we MAaaY be sold out today as well.....wooooohooooo!

I took that day off from church to focus and warm up and to give some LOVIN to Cooper! Here's a couple GREAT shots of him in his new FAVORITE place...under the Christmas tree.

That's it. Lots of Holiday love to you and yours and I'll see ya next time!

Les

First Rehearsal...

2009-12-16T23:25:00.003-06:00

Well, I had my first run-thru today w/ the Rhythm Section for my Xmas show and it went GREAT! They are all such wonderful guys and so kind and willing to work hard! IT was a loooong one...over three hours...but very successful!
Also wanted to let anyone reading know that as of end business hours on Wed, there were only 22 tix left for Friday night's show and a little over 100 available for Sunday Mat. Going GREAT!!!
Lot's of love from Kansas and here's to a GREAT TECH RUN tomorrow night w/ the full band and cast and elements!

xoxox
L

2009-12-15T22:24:00.003-06:00

"Well there's no place like HOME for the holidays..." Yes, ladies & Gents, Les is back in Kansas! I just got home this evening (thanks to a kind pick-up by my dad :) and am hard at work getting my S--t together for my upcoming Christmas show. Just a little heads up...I hear there are only like 40 tix left for the opening night, this Friday at 8pm!! Soooo if you don't have yours yet, you'd BETTA CALL 785-827-3033 after 11am Central time! I'm SOOO excited about this year's show. Got a lot of new songs, fun surprises oh and NEW "NEW KING OF SWING" T-shirst available...YES! They are going to be very cool!

(pics: 1. Lori, Me and folks at Flamingo Hotel in Vegas, 2. the Conservatory at Bellagio Hotel, Vegas)

I had a fab run doing The RAt Pack is Back in Vegas. I already miss my guys! There were/are THE BEST! I hope the boss man asks me back soon.

Alrighty, back to work.

LOVE from FROZEN Kansas!!

The Rat Pack is Back opening number

2009-12-08T14:26:00.001-06:00

HEre's the opening number from the show here in Vegas. EnJOY baby!

One Week down...

2009-12-07T04:04:00.004-06:00

So I've been here a little over a week now and it's gone great! We had a FAB audience tonight and T and his wife Jen were able to come as well! I can't believe it's the first time T has seen me in this show. Now I only have to get my MOM to see it sometime!
We had a bit of a sound mishap tonight w/ a bit of bad feedback...REAL loud and long. Bobby (Dean) sort of freaked out a bit but we got it all sorted out in the long run. Stuff like that happens from time to time, and I've always felt like it's how you DEAL with it that sets you apart. We went up to the restaurant FIREFLY (T, Jen and I) afterwards and had some snacks and a drink...relaxed time. I then proceeded to hit the slots for a bit. It was not my best night at that, that's for sure....greeeeeat.
Anywho...one more week! I can't wait for Lori and her folks to come this weekend...it'll be a BALL!!!

Alrighty then you all. Getting closer and closer to my Christmas Show, I sure hope you can make it!!

I'm out.
L

A Red Carpet Night!!

2009-12-05T11:10:00.002-06:00

Alrighty, NOW I feel like I've arrived in Las Vegas! I made my very first RED CARPET appearance (complete with lots of paparazzi) at the after party for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards here in Vegas at The Palazzo! It was THE BEST time! T and I attended and then Marcus and the boys from The Texas Tenors showed up and we just had a hell of a time yuckin it up w/ the likes of Carrot Top and Jimmie Johnson!

The Red Carpet thing was HILARIOUS! T went first and then me. While T was doing his thing the PR girl took down my name, making sure it's spelled right, etc... Then T finished and he walked by me saying "go do your thing baby". So I step out onto this little patch of carpet and Sprint Cup background and the Photogs starts snapping away shouting "this way!" and "now over here to your left" or "hey I like that pointing thing, do it over here!" ah hahahahaha...it was HILARIOUS! Anyway, so Marcus and boys show up about 45 mins after T and I go there and the 6 or so of us ended up on the balcony overlooking the strip having handrolled cigars and drinks and sharing pictures of our dogs! What kind of GEEKS ARE we??? It was the greatest time :) Now I'm tired though...zzzzz...

Alrighty, that's the latest. Enjoy my first VEgas paparazzi pic!

L out.

VEGAS part deux!

2009-12-01T10:13:00.002-06:00

Alrighty then, I am officially open in The Rat Pack is Back here at The Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV! I've done two shows so far and they've gone GREAT! Last night my voice was a tad rough around the edges. I think it was becasue I went running outside in this DRY, DUSTY air at around 4pm and I didn't give myself time to shake it off before showtime at 7:30p. No biggie, no one noticed but me :)
It's been great so far as well cause three of my great, BEST friends are living here and working...Marcus, T and Joe! After opening night T invited me over to his swank (and I mean SWANK!) pad about 4 blocks from where I'm staying. We watched the fake yule log burning on his 52" Plasma and had a couple drinks and just chilled...myself, T and his lovely wife Jen. It was good holiday times :)

OK, that's it from SIN CITY. Oh, my friend from L.A. Joe D'Amore is coming to see the show tonight w/ his family and friends! He's the owner of D'Amores Pizza in L.A...voted healthiest pizza in the U.S. like two years running...simply amazing pie! He's a great supporter of mine and is bringin his whole fam up to support me and see the show. Prolly gonna go out after for some food and drinks...

Peace out!
L

Giving Thanks 2009

2009-11-25T09:12:00.003-06:00

Well, I'm getting thru my Chart CRAZINESS prepping for my Christmas Show. It's just hard for me to do something SO far in advance...i'm the WORST procrastinator EVER! But, it's a good thing. The guys and girl in this years band will have the charts in plenty of time to work them out, and I've got it done ahead of time. Next up...I've GOT to open the CD factory!! Oh boy...

(completely random pic of the ship I was just on, The Vision of the Seas docked in Rhodes, Greece.)

Well, everyone out there...all 3 of your...I hope you have a MaRVELOUS Thanksgiving this year. I'm SOOO thankful that it worked out that I could be home w/ family and Lori this year!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2009-11-19T16:42:00.003-06:00

Well well well...almost home from Europe one final time this year....lordy! It was just about the LOOOONGEST 10 days in my life. Just lots of issues out there on the lovely Vision of the Seas...lots.

BuT...I'm in O'Hare waiting for my late flight and then god willing a comfy bed to sleep for...another god willing...at LEAST 8 hours! It will be almost 24 hours total of traveling with, um let's see...maybe an hour of sleep on the transatlantic flight!

I have only ONE WEEK to REALLy work out my Christmas show w/ the key parties involved before I leave for Vegas!

(two random pics from my walk around in Tunis, Tunesia last Sunday...LOVE that little kitty!)

Alrighty then...off for now!

Latest Poster and update

2009-11-06T09:21:00.003-06:00

OK, so I lied...HERE'S the Christmas Poster for this year. Many thanks to National Red Designs for the, um, design ;)

I'm off to Greece for a couple weeks and then all hell breaks loose as I do Vegas AND get my Xms show up an running...Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaugh!

Muah for now!

Les is BACK!

2009-11-04T15:14:00.002-06:00

Soooo the big newest news is that I'm returning for a limited engagement in the Vegas production of The Rat Pack is Back at the Plaza Hotel and Resort!! I'll be playin FRANK in the show from November 30th to December 15th, 2009! It'll be a lot of fun being back in the town working again and ESP. cause T and Marcus are there doing there thing at the same time!! YES!! But then it's ALL about rushing back to Salina and getting my Christmas show up and running....crazy!

Love to you all and see you there!!

Christmas Show Poster 2009

2009-10-29T00:49:00.002-05:00

So I wanted any of you faithful readers of my blog out there to have the first crack at this year's poster for my upcoming Christmas show. So, here it is!

Hope you see anyone in the area there in December :)

Vegas!

2009-10-27T01:23:00.002-05:00

WEll, it's been a bit since my last posting. I'm not even sure when or where I left off honestly. The fun news is we're heading to Vegas for the weekend!! We're going to be there for Halloween and the next day and we are seeing T and Jen and Joe and Gillian and going to see Marcus in his big America's Got Talent Live show at Planet Hollywood!!! Woooohooooo! Gonna be quick, but should be GREAT fun!

Let's see...what else...oh, well, my K-State Wildcats are #1 in the Big 12 North and I was able to go to the game this past Sat. in Manhattan, I saw them beat CU! Now we head into OU and it' gonna be VERY tough...but heck, still possible:)

That's the latest. Can't wait to see Jordan in his VERY first big, K-State Singers Concert this coming Friday! I'm working with them tomorrow afternoon in the Manhattan.

Peace and GO CATS!!!

Nominated!!

2009-09-08T12:52:00.004-05:00

Well, it looks like the kind theatre folk in Charlotte, NC have nominated the debut of my Solo Show "RED, HOT & SWING!" for 7 MTA awards! I'm honored just be nominated (as they say) but would of course LOVE to get a couple wins along the way :) Thanks to EVERYONE involved once again!!!
Here's the full list of Nominations:

Metrolina Theatre Awards Nominees
2008–2009 Season
Musical
Outstanding Production
Bat Boy: The Musical– Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte

Outstanding Lead Actor – Male
Ashby Blakely (Alexander T. Wolf) – The True Story of the Three Little Pigs – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Jon Parker Douglas (Ash) – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Jon Parker Douglas (Bat Boy) – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Matt Keffer (Leo Bloom) – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Stuart Spencer (Dave Bukatinsky) – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte

Outstanding Lead Actor – Female
Amanda Roberge (Wendy Darling) – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Candace Neal (Georgie Bukatinsky) – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Jes Dugger (Shelley Parker) – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Lisa Smith (Guenevere) – Camelot – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Liz Hyde (Meredith Parker) – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte

Outstanding Supporting Actor – Male
Adam Morse (Franz Liebkind) – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Alan Morgan (Harold Nichols) – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Corey Mitchell (Mrs. Taylor/Reverend Hightower) – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Jon Parker Douglas (Dan) – Slut – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Matt Cosper (Smee) – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Steve Bryan (Roger De Bris) – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actor – Female
Alyson Lowe (Shelly) – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Candace Neal (Ron, et al.) – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Courtney Markowitz (Ulla) – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Liz Hutchens (Lilly) – Slut – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Nicia Carla (Snail/Mouse) – A Year With Frog and Toad – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Pat Heiss (Jeanette Burmeister) – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte

Outstanding Cameo
Emily Hunter (April) – Company – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Jura Davis (Frog) – Honk! – Playing for Others
Salvador Garcia (Buddy “Keno” Walsh) – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Sean Watkins (First Nighter/Blind Violinist/Accountant/Bryan/Little Old Lady/Singing Hitler/Brownshirt Tenor/Heil–Los/Sergeant/Convict) – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Stephen Friedrich (Nana/Crocodile) – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte

Outstanding Direction
Alan Poindexter – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Billy Ensley – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Billy Ensley – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Dennis Delamar – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Kerry Ferguson – Slut – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte

Outstanding Choreography
Eddie Mabry – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Eddie Mabry – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Ron Chisholm – Disney's High School Musical – Central Piedmont Community College
Ron Chisholm – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Ron Chisholm – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre

Outstanding Musical Direction/Conducting
Drina Keen – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Marty Gregory – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Marty Gregory – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Noel Friedline – Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Ryan Stamey – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte

Outstanding Lighting Design
David M. Fillmore, Jr. – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Eric Winkenwerder – Alice in Concert – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Hallie Gray – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Samuel Guine 3rd – Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Trista Rothe – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte

Outstanding Sound Design
Chip Decker – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Chip Decker – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Elisheba Ittoop – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Robert A. Schoneman – Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Ryan J. Gastelum – Alice in Concert – Children's Theatre of Charlotte

Outstanding Costume Design
Bob Croghan – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Connie Furr–Soloman – Alice in Concert – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Jamey Varnadore – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Jennifer Matthews and Heidi O'Hare – Camelot – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Bob Croghan – The Producers – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre

Outstanding Set Design
Chip Decker – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Chris Timmons – The Full Monty – Theatre Charlotte
Gillian Albinski – Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Jayme Mellema – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Tim Parati – The True Story of the Three Little Pigs – Children's Theatre of Charlotte

Outstanding Technical Effect
Chip Decker – blood effects – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
David M. Fillmore, Jr. – Tinker Bell effect – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Drew Nowlin – zombie moose head – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Melissa Brown – make-up design – Bat Boy: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
ZFX, Inc. – flying effects – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte

Other Exemplary Performance/Element
Charlotte's Own small BIG Band – onstage band – Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Melissa Brown and Martin Barry – special make-up and effects – Evil Dead: The Musical – Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
Oompa Loompas – ensemble – Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka (TYA) – Central Piedmont CC Summer Theatre
Stephen Westerfield – cello performance – Les Lankhorst: Red, Hot & Swing! – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
The Lost Boys – ensemble – Peter Pan – Children's Theatre of Charlotte

hello........!!

2009-09-07T01:33:00.003-05:00

Well, it's about time I wrote in my blog again. I'm telling you, I've actually been really busy! It's been a crazy, wonderfully busy summer. Now it's quiet, but will soon get crazy again. I'm heading out very soon to L.A. to help my best friend Marcus and The Texas Tenors WIN the finals of America's Got Talent!!!! It's a HUGE deal for Marcus and his friends and family. He's such a great person on top of all his talent, so I hope everyone who reads this will vote for THE TEXAS TENORS on Sept. 14th. The final results will then be on Sept. 16th.

Yes, and we had a GREAT time at the opening game of the season in Manhattan. K-State scraped by UMass...ugh...it was ugly, but a win none-the-less.

Waiting to hear on some big news...I PROMISE to let you all know when/if it happens. Other than that enjoy the pic from this summer River Festival and...well, whatever I decide to throw in :)

xoxox

2009-07-15T23:23:00.001-05:00

See you all there! It's going to be a HOT time in the Little Apple Saturday night!!

Little Apple Jazz Fest 2009!!

2009-07-12T17:16:00.002-05:00

Hey all!

Just returning from Europe, but wanted to remind ANYONE in the area to come see me headline at this year's Little Apple Jazz Festival in Manhattan, KS. The festival begins at 4:30pm, this Saturday, July 18th, but I won't take the stage till approx. 9pm. We'll be on for one hour and I'm REALLY looking fwd to it! Doing a brand new tune for me, so look out for that and of course will have my CD's and new t-shirts for sale during and after the show.

Lots of love from Denmark and see you all soon!!

Les

Onwards w/ the Summer!

2009-06-19T23:27:00.002-05:00

Well, the summer just keeps moving forward. Thanks to all of you who came and saw a show (or three) at this summer's Smoky Hill River Festival. I think it all went VERY well. Just took a little trip to KC and then tonight sang for the the Friends of the River Project. They are trying to re-invigorate the Smoky Hill River in and around Salina. It's something that I am VERY excited about and I really hope we can make a reality.

Now, my next little jaunt is Dad and I are heading to East Prairie, MO so I can perform for the Main Street Festival for the Tour de Corn! Yes, the Tour de Corn. It's a big Bike Ride thru Southeastern Missouri and they asked me to do a show the night before at the big Main Street Party...how could I resist?! After that, it's OFF to the Baltic w/ Lori...woooohoooo! Can't wait for that project!

Lots of love from the Kansas heat...

t-shirt!!

2009-06-09T00:13:00.002-05:00

OK, so back again. We are getting ready BIG time for the Smoky Hill River Festival here at home. I am performing 3 times this year and really looking fwd to it! Check my website for those times (http://www.leslankhorst.com/).

Oh, and as of tomorrow I have an officia "Les is More" t-shirt available. It is only available thru me ...I can't officially sell it at the River Festival:( Soooo, let me know if you are interested...here's the front design. On the back there's just a little http://www.leslankhorst.com/ right below the collar. I have a VERY limited supply but really want to amp up the exposure at the festival this year so contact me at lescore67@yahoo.com if you want one. They are $15.00:)

That's it for now. I'm glad to be back and rarin to go on Friday morning!!! See you there!!

Back!

2009-06-07T12:08:00.002-05:00

OK, I know I know...it's been FOREVER!! Sheeeesh! Well, I'm back. BAck here and back in the States after a nice ship gig on RCL doing my directing thang. It went well. Ooops, better go for now...it's Sunday dinner time. I'll be back w/ pics later....
Les

Mehico

2009-04-18T11:47:00.002-05:00

Well, we are pulling into Cozumel Mexico as I type. I broke down and bought like 60 mins of internet for $25...that's after ONE DAY of being out of "touch". I'm so addicted to my communication devices!
Anyway, having a GREAT time here w/ Alex onboard the Carnival Destiny. We were in Key West half a day yesterday and rode bikes around and did a little shopping. Today we are in Cozumel from like 1pm to 10pm tonight. Our plan is to rent scooters and do the lap around the island...my FAVORITE thing to do here for like 15 years!
Sorry to my friends and fam for the mass posting, I can't send out reg. emails for some reason right now...ghetto. Speaking of.......the ship.....hmmmm....how do I say.....I think it's summed up in the first words spoken upon getting onboard "Tacky...thy name is Carnival." That's it. It's fun cause it's free, that is it.
Alex is right now explaining to me how to apply sunblock....good times. Ha!
Miss you!!
L

The Jury is in...

2009-04-08T23:41:00.002-05:00

So I spent the last two days actually SERVING on a jury. I, as most people, had hoped that I wouldn't get picked. But you know, it was a FASINATING experience for me. I actually was selected as the Jury Foreman. The trial was a Criminal Threat trial and basically it turned out that the State didn't meet it's burden of prood in this case. It wasn't an immediate decision and that was the most interesting part. Just being part of that process back there in the jury deliberation room was CRAZY! We were "hung" for quite a while. Lots of reasons really, but mainly because the defendant "seemed" to be guilty. But that wasn't our job, our job was to see if the State could prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Well, they just didn't. Honestly, in our opinion, neither side did a particularly good job at the trial. But the burden always rested primarily on the State to make the case.
Anyway, facinating couple days FOR SURE!

Op zoek naar Maria - Dans in het Centraal Station van Antwerpen

2009-04-02T11:06:00.001-05:00

FUN video from the Antwerp Central Station! LOVE IT!
Les

finally...

2009-03-30T01:13:00.003-05:00

Alright, alright...it's been a bit since my last post. Yes, we got back from skiing and it was a LOT of fun. Lori was a true trooper on the mountain. We actually ended only skiing the first day and then hiking and shopping the next day, but it was a great time. It's just fun to get up there and get away. Actually speaking of "up there"...why didn't AnYONE tell us ahead of time to drink TONS of water and take asprin like daaays before we head to Colorado!! Ugh, the last day I got some pretty serious altitude sickness...not fun!

Since coming home I had a wonderful Benefit show at Trinity and made lots of $$ for college scholarships for the seniors at Trinity.

That's it for now. All is well and working w/ the KState Singers a bit and then heading out on a ship FOR FUN w/ my brother soon on his AFFLAC reward cruise.

Lots of love...

Mountain High...

2009-03-17T00:33:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it to the town of Silverthorn, CO today. It was a GREAT drive, beautiful weather and smooth sailing. Tomorrow we're hitting the slopes early.

It's SO nice to be up here in the Rockies again. We got here around 3p today and just checked in and chilled out a bit...then hit the Outlet Mall...woohooo! Luckily I didn't find anything I needed!

Here's a pic from where we are going tomorrow....a little mountain called SKI COOPER. It's smaller and hopefully won't be as crazy as the big resorts for our first day of getting up on the skis.

That's it...from the Rockies...I'm out!

2009-03-09T19:22:00.001-05:00

Just a little reminder of my upcoming show to raise $$ for the new Youth Scholarship Fund at Trinity...see you there!
Les

email

2009-02-20T13:07:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share an email that I recieved from a fellow musician that I met after last night's show. I have to say, it was a particularly inspired show, but his words afterwards really meant a lot to me. Anyway, here's his follow up to her after show conversation via email...

Les

We really enjoyed your show. I saw you with the Rat Pack show, and knew the Sinatra stuff would be superb, but it was great seeing you branch out like that. Your voice is a fine instrument, and you use it so well in whatever the songs asks for (and knowing what the song asks for is an art in itself).

I told you how much the song ‘Vincent’ meant to me; my wife looked at me as you began, knowing how it would affect me. Attached is an essay I wrote for the Charlotte Observer a few years back. It says it all.

Regards,
Steve Stoeckel

And here's the column from The Charlotte Observer that he eludes to...just beautiful...

Vincent and Me

One of the many things I love about New York City is the sensation of seeing things in person that you’ve only read about or seen in pictures. You can have breakfast at the Carnegie Deli with Broadway Danny Rose, eat lunch at the Algonquin Hotel with Dorothy Parker, and then stand next to Cary Grant at the top of the Empire State Building. Or you can go to the Guggenheim Museum and stare at a Van Gogh painting…

It was a beautiful and disturbing picture, “The Mountains at Saint-Remy”: a small, dark cabin, nearly hidden by trees, dark and grotesque mountains with vaguely humanoid shapes, and, near the bottom, a tiny cheerful spray of wildflowers—the only bit of hope in a despairing landscape. I came back several times to stare at it before I left the museum.

A few days later, my wife and I drove back to Charlotte-- an interminable trip, but we travel well together, slipping from talking to silence to with little effort, and it was on the back end of one of the silences somewhere in Ohio that she punched the radio button just in time for us to hear Don McLean singing “Vincent.”

It was a tune that I’d liked enough when it was new, but too much airplay had diminished its appeal long ago. Now, listening to the words and music, I found myself being drawn in. McLean’s sweet, unadorned tenor and lyrics like “in colors on the snowy linen land” were taking me back to the painting and showing me the despair and longing I had discovered there. I once again saw the small burst of color in the middle surrounded by all the frightening images, and by the last chorus—“Now I think I know what you tried to say to me”—tears were rolling down my face. It was a perfect moment, made even better at the end of the song when my wife turned to me, tears in her eyes, and we both looked at each other and laughed. We got it. We understood.

Now, a year later, I find a CD of the song and decide to learn it. As the music plays, I run down the chords on my guitar, and that’s when the battle between my brain halves begins. Spock, the left-brained, cold, logical part of my mind, is deconstructing the song, working out the mathematical relationships of the chords and noting the subtle rhyme schemes I had missed earlier. This is analysis, not art appreciation—Spock’s idea of art is an electronic schematic—and it’s not until I try to play and sing the song that Murray, my right-brained, artistic side, wakes up. Murray loves emotion, any emotion, and he immediately reminds me of my year-old feelings about the painting by enthusiastically tightening my vocal chords, reducing my singing to so much throat-clearing.

Spock remarks that it’s highly unlikely I’ll be able to perform the song in public if I can’t get through it in my own music room. Murray argues that the emotion is much more vital than any public performance, which would only cheapen the song and the experience that led me to appreciate it so much in the first place There follows a long debate about the commercialism of music, which degenerates into snide comments about Murray’s tendencies to cry at weddings countered by disparaging allusions to Spock’s relentless cynicism.

I finally call a truce, and we all agree that I’ll learn the song and play it in public, keeping enough emotional investment to make it meaningful, but remaining detached enough to get through it in a professional manner. I accomplish this by playing and singing the song over and over, even singing to a tape in my car while driving.

I perform it the following night, and I do a fair job, hesitating just a bit at the line “you took your life as lovers often do.” As usual, the public performance cements the song for me; only now do I really own it.

Today I’m back in my music room. The small print of the painting that I bought at the museum is propped on my desk, “Vincent” plays over my sound system, Murray writes this column, Spock checks the spelling, and I try to make sense of it all. I have found out that the “Saint-Remy” in the painting was a mental institution that Vincent committed himself into; the hospital allowed him to paint as therapy, and he produced some of his finest works there, including “Starry Night.” He died the following year.

Here’s what this taught me: I don’t possess artistic genius, but I know what it looks and feels like; I know what to aim for every time I create something, and I know when I’ve hit it out of the ballpark. Also: I take Spock to work with me every day—it’s his ability to repair electronic devices that gives me part of my personal and financial gratification-- but the power of that painting reminded me of the importance of art and how society undervalues it, especially when funding issues arise. I need to let Murray out more; we all do, in fact: all of us who don’t totally make our living in the arts.

I remember a billboard I saw several years back; it said, simply: “Art is.” Now I understand.

Steve Stoeckel

Show pics

2009-02-17T09:11:00.003-06:00

Well, just finished up a GREAT, extended Valentines Day weekend here in beautiful Charlotte. Lori and I had a ball. She saw the last two shows of the week and actually was able to get some pics and a little video from the Sunday matinee.

We ate out at my favorite upscale eatery, BLUE on Valentines Day night...I had the best steak on earth...the BLUE Filet. God, what an incredible dinner!! Lori tried mine and it sort of spoiled her meal. But all in all a wonderful day and evening.

Yesterday she was still in town and we went and checked out the Museum of the New South right downtown by my old theatre, The McGlohan. It's a wonderful museum, but too many of the little interactive features were down. After that we had a fantastic lunch at a little joint that came highly recommended, Mertz Cafe right across College Ave from my theatre. Mmmmm M!...that was some good ol' Southern cookin! Perfect!

Ok, that's the story...now it's back to work and my final week here in Charlotte. I'm already missing it! Oh, almost forgot, my folks are driving in from Kansas on Friday...can't WAIT!!!!

Up and running...

2009-02-14T01:15:00.003-06:00

Well, I have to say, we are having a BLAST here in Charlotte!! The show really settled in tonight, probably for the first time REALLY. I mean, it's been swingin' the whole time and good, but tonight, just from our perspective, a lot of little things finally really just landed. We all went out after tonight's show to my restaurant of choice, BLUE, for a little 'Cast Party'...about 4 days late, but it was very nice. Just me, the entire band, Susan (the singer) and Douglas ( Producer ) and his wife Gillian (scenic designer). We all just sat around and enjoyed some food and drinks and talked. I LOVE the band...each one of the guys! I mean they are ALL just THE COOLEST and most talented Cats I've ever hung out with! And they are sooo appreiciative and happy to be in the show, I just LOVE that!

Anyway, it's late and I'm off to bed.

Two more shows then a day off, AND Lori is visiting this weekend....YEAH!

Charlotte, NC once again...

2009-02-08T11:48:00.002-06:00

OK, I made it to Charlotte and had a GREAT time doing so...what a great drive!
Anyway, I'm settled in my hotel and getting ready to for a beautiful run in the near 70 degree Carolina sunshine. It's good to be back here, I do love this place. Last night I went to see the guy who won Last Comic Standing last year. His name is John Reem...I think. He was HILARIOUS!! Now I don't generally go to see comedians...I think it has to do w/ me being burnt out on shoddy ship comics. But this guy was REAL funny. Oh, and they were shooting a Comedy Central T.V. special during the show I saw.
Alright, since I started writing this, I went for my run. It was difficult, but great!
Laters from Charlotte...the land of Carolina blue skies!

catch-up

2009-01-30T12:27:00.003-06:00

So, I forgot to share a cool pic from Vegas. We all went out and check out this un-publicized sort of Jam session at a place simply called "The Lounge" my last night in Vegas...it's at the Palms Hotel. Anyway this BAD-A group called Sante Fe and the Fat City Horns play there every Monday night late. It mostly consists of band guys from these various other "Main Stage" shows around town. So, they are INCREDIBLE! AND sometimes they have special guests just sort of pop in...well right as we were about to take off that night, Will Lee came up on stage. Now if you don't know him, you probably do but don't know it. He's the LOOONG time Bass player for David Letterman, and it was their week off from the show so he was living it up a bit in Vegas. Anyway, he's of course BAD ASS and after I just decide to go tell him what a long time fan I am. Well, we end up talking about Sinatra and a couple books that we'd both read about those old school days. He's VERY VERY cool and seemed as interested in what I did, as I was in what he did. So's here's the pic. He's bad!

That's it. Oh also wanted to put up a pic of my upcoming CD "Les Lankhorst LIVE at K-State". I'm not even sure if I've mentioned or shared it yet. It'll be available for general consumption after I return from Charlotte.

PEACE OUT and HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

2009-01-29T00:18:00.002-06:00

Hello all!
Well, I'm about a week away from my trip to Charlotte. All the preps are going good. I'm excited as HaZELL to get there and work w/ this band and all the good folks at the Blumenthal...they are AWESOME!
Oh, wanted to give you all, my faithful readers, a sneak peek to the logo animation that will be playing before my show on the main curtain at the Booth Playhouse. It's not completely finalized, but it'll sort of like this...
http://www.indievision.com/RH&SLogo/ReadMe.html

Other stuff....just got back from seeing my Wildcats play some INCREDIBLE Bball tonight against a pretty big rival in Mizzou. We KILLED 'em by like 18 points!! I think it was our best showing of the year, and for SURE in Big 12 play! What a kick to be around and be able to go to games and support my team...thanks SHAUN!!!

That's it for the mo. Need EVERYONE OUT THERE READING THIS to help me out and help me visualize a MARVELOUS RUN IN CHARLOTTE!!! It's probably my biggest show to date and could lead to some great things for me...thanks!!!

L

Back to work...

2009-01-22T17:42:00.003-06:00

Well, I'm back in KS and busy busy busy getting ready for the Charlotte show. I've solidified my artwork and packaging for my upcoming CD "Les Lankhorst LIVE at K-State"...pretty exciting for me:) Just getting ALL the particulars for the NC show all sorted out has pretty much taken up two full days. It's GREAT to be working on it though...getting me all jazzed up for it. (pic 1: Me, Matt Lewis, and T after Matt tore it UP as Elvis in the Legends show at the Imperial Palace on the strip. Matt's an old friend of ours from Worlds of Fun days)

(pic 2: Marcus, T and I on the rooftop of T's building in Vegas...great view!)

Oh, I also just inked a deal w/ this summer's Little Apple Jazz Festival at City Park in Manhattan, KS. I'll be the headliner at the one day festival...I think my show will start around 9:00pm on July 18th, 2009. BE ThERE!!

Had such a fantastic time in Vegas, but I'm sort of glad to be back and getting all my ducks in a row.

(pic 3: w/ everyone after T's starring performance as Frankie Valli in the number 1 show in Vegas, JERSEY BOYS!)

Enjoy the Vegas Pics!

Les

Red Rock

2009-01-18T13:40:00.002-06:00

So here are a few pics of T, Joe and I's time hiking around Red Rock National Park a few days ago. Oh, and a shot of me and their little doggie Oliver!

Enjoy...

2009-01-15T10:46:00.003-06:00

Will have some pics VERY soon, but wanted to say that I made it to Vegas safely and had a GREAT day yesterday. Got in around 10am Vegas time and promptly found out that my bag hadn't made the trip. Needn't fear though, just filled out the report, schmoozed the USAir luggage lady and heading for car rentals. Whereupon I schmoozed the car rental guy and got like a 2 level upgrade...I guess that's what one Les Lankhorst Singin Sinatra Volume 1 is worth right now--ha!....then heading out in my new Nissan Altima and met T for some Denny's!
Anyway, did that, went to T's new place (AWESOME!) and then ran some errands w/ Jen and him and then met Joe for some drinks and headed to Freemont Street. Got in around midnight after a VERY long day and sleep well on their pullout.
Now we're getting ready for a beautiful morning of hiking out at Red Rock National Park...yes! Pics later...I promise!!!

L

Update

2009-01-12T16:44:00.002-06:00

Alrighty, time for an update...

Sorry for taking so much time between posts, but it's either because A) I'm crazy busy and am short of time or B) there's nothing to report! In this case, it's neither...or both. Anyway, here we go!

Soooo we got our newest little Lankhorst...COOPER! He's a gem of a dog, just awesome! We've all taken to him already after just a few days and he's already working his way around the house and into our hearts....little cutie! I think he's a mix of shitzu and pekinese (sp?), but that's just a guess. The biggest thing with him is just keeping him from slipping out the front door. If he gets out, it's trouble, cause we live too close to a busy street and he's not real good about coming when you call his name. Probably partially cause his name is fairly new to him. Anyway, LOVE him and hate to be away from him, even for an hour or so.

Speaking of being away, I leave tomorrow for Las Vegas....BABY! Going mainly to see friends and have a bit of a vacation or holiday as the Brits would say. Staying w/ my buddy T for a couple nights, but mainly at the Monte Carlo on the strip. And half of that stay is COMP'D...wooohooo! Can't wait to see T do the lead in Jersey Boys there in Vegas. He's doing REAL well in the show and even got some glowing reviews from the BIG TIME Executive Producers of the show who came to see him about a week ago. GO T!!! Also hangin w/ my buddy Joe who's getting ready to open Shear Madness out there and my girl Lori is flying in the the weekend. Oh AND Marcus and Jan are coming in from L.A. to hang. Good times had by all, if you ask me.

That's the update. Hope the New Year is already treating you well. Good luck and God Bless!

Cooper...

2009-01-04T11:54:00.003-06:00

Well, keep your fingers crossed, this may be our new doggie. His name is Cooper and he was found on the side of the road on Xmas eve. My friend Karen has been fostering him in KC since than and he's about THE cutest dog I've ever seen! We just filled out the application and are waiting to hear back.

That's all. Happy New Years again...and keep your fingers crossed that our application goes thru. Oh, if you are reading this and want to save a GREAT dog go to http://www.tarasdream.org/ /great organization!

New Years Day 2009

2009-01-01T14:21:00.003-06:00

Gonna take a while getting used to writing "2009"...

So I finished my shows here in New Mexico and they went GREAT! Big huge auditorium, great band, good guys...just generally good times. Didn't do much partying last night. The show was over at like 7:30pm and me and the producer and the band guys just basically hung out backstage talking for like 2 hours and then headed back to the Hotel and I just talked to friends and fam and chilled.

Today though I had a great idea...I decided to take the brand spankin new light railway, the Rail Runner up to Sante Fe for the day. It's only like an hour or so by train from here and I would be back in time to catch my late flight outta here tonight. Well....after rushing to Walmart to buy a new little point n shoot camera and rushing to catch the 11:08a train...I got to the station and waited, and waited... Well, eventually one of the other peeps standing around came over and notified me that the train didn't RUN TODAY!! Aaaaaugh!!!! Man, I was all stoked to see Sante Fe again! It'd been since like Jr. High since I'd been there! Sheeesh! Anyway, I made the most of it and walked over to the Starbucks and read the NY Times and had a Coffee Frap for an hour or so and then just wandered.

That's it from NM. Peace and happiness through the New Year my friends!

Les

A Lankhorst Family Christmas!

2008-12-26T20:30:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to share my favorite recent pic of everyone (minus Christel and plus Lori).

Happy (early) New Year. I'm off to do The Rat Pack in New Mexico in a couple days:)

Les

Merry Christmas 2008!

2008-12-25T10:03:00.002-06:00

So, it's been a while since my last posting. I tell you, this facebook thing is sort of taking over my blogging. I don't have a blog on facebook, but they have this little two line "update" function and I sort of fill that in daily on what I'm up to or feeling. So sorry to my blog readers. Don't fret though, I'm still committed to my blog...just might have to put up with some breaks from time to time.

Well, my sister Carola and hubby Mike have been here since Saturday and we're all having a GREAT time! They made it in time to see my show last weekend TWICE! Mike even ran a camera the first night. Bill Weaver and Cable Access came in and did a 3 camera shoot..we'll see how it turns out. I hadn't been happy with their stuff in the past, but Bill's a talented guy, so hopefully it'll be something that I can send out eventually:)

Had a wonderful show, btw. It was a longer run than last year (four nights) but we just had a ball!

Oh and our Christmas Eve was great too! We had everyone here but Christel and family and Lori joined us as well. There was a little "Christmas with the Kranks" going on, but generally we all behaved ourselves. Then we headed over to Trinity for Christmas Eve and then PRESENT TIME! Just a very nice, family time...

Oh, I wanted to say...I'm VERY happy and grateful for something this year... I asked for donations after my show this past weekend for LIVING WATER INTERNATIONAL and in 3 shows we raised over $840!! I wrote the check and gave it to Barry at the church two days ago. It's a wonderful group that's sole purpose is to get fresh drinking water to those who don't have it all over the world. If we do the show again, I'll do that again. They say $1 can get water to 1 person for...get this...A YEAR!

Ok, that's it. Enjoy the Holiday Pics and god bless you and yours this wonderful day!

Les

Successful day

2008-12-06T23:17:00.004-06:00

So we had a very successful day here in Charlotte! Our audtions went very well, had some very talented local girls come in and sing, but we had to narrow it down to one and that we DID! Can't say "officially" who it is, but we I think we found someone who will lend a wonderful talent and presence to the show...very cool! (picture on right: Douglas, his wife Gillian and myself and Charlotte "theatre folk" Xmas party tonight)

After we finished up the auditions I was able to take in the Charlotte Symphony's "Magic of Christmas" concert and I'm telling you it was an INCREDIBLE performance. I haven't seen a full-fledged Symphony in quite while and this one...SHEESH! One of the highlights had to have been the symphonic telling of "Twas the NIght Before Christmas". It was narrated onstage in a little living room setting w/ four kids sitting in front of the narrator, but then the Symphony brought the story to life w/ some of the most georgeous music I've ever heard. It was sort of a mix between John Williams' Harry Potter stuff and his E.T. score...incredible!

(Pic #2: Intermission of "Magic of Christmas" at the main hall at The Blumenthal Center...the Belk Theater. My theatre is right next door to this...The Booth Playhouse)

I also met and worked with my piano player for the Charlotte show all morning. His name is Noel Freidline, and I am telling you, he is probably the most gifted players I've ever HEARD, let alone worked with. He's my age and originally from Clearwater, Kansas! Did a couple years of classical training at WSU then moved on. Anyway, couldn't be a nicer guy on TOP of all that CRAZY talent. I'm just thrilled that he's going to be my right hand man on stage here! Oh, and he was a feature soloist during the Symphony concert. He did a RIDICULOUS version of "Wassailing Carol" w/ a jazz combo in the second act...I mean RIDICULOUS!

So as you can tell, good time here. I'm off on a plane in less than 7 hours...so off to bed! Now it's full time BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS for Les!!!!

2008-12-05T21:45:00.003-06:00

Ok, no pics from my CaRaaaaazy day, but I will fill you in on how it went down...

Up at 5am CST
Fly to KC from Salina
Waiting at KCI for 3 hours
Get to Charlotte, NC at 1:30p EST
Picked up by Limo and got to Hotel, downtown Charlotte at 2p
Douglas (Artistic Director, Blumenthal Theatre) picks me up at hotel at 2:45p
Met w/ Lighting designer, Set designer, Tech Director, Marketing head, and various others for 2 hours
Went back to hotel for 45mins, layed on my back, stared at the ceiling
Went across the street to BLU for dinner w/ Douglas, his wife Gillian (scenic designer) and Tom Gabbard, GM of Blumenthal Theatre Co.
Enjoyed great conversation, scenic talk, and by Faaar the best tenderloin of beef I've ever had in my life for 1.5 hours
Walked down the street to McGlohan Theatre w/ Tom,G, and Douglas to see 8pm show of Legendary Guitarist/songwriter Richie Havens.
Amazing, but only lasted about 3/4 of the show, left w/ Doug and Gillian
Walked back to hotel (2 blocks away)
Fell on bed at 9:40pm EST.
Updating blog.

And all this on NO NAP! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh....! But what a great day. I'm telling you, these folks are like family. Treating me wonderfully. Got about 13 girls/ladies to audition tomorrow at 10am till 2pm for my show here in Feb. '09. Oh yeah, and re-connected w/ folks at the McGlohan...ushers, ticket girls, house mgrs....LOVE 'em!
It's a great life...but I'm done for the day.
L

Giving thanks...

2008-12-01T00:02:00.002-06:00

Well we are wrapping up a lovely Thanksgiving week here in the Lankhorst Universe. Christel and Paul and family all came down for the week and it was AWESOME! Little Sarah and the baby, Christian, both got Baptized this past Saturday here in Salina and that was a lot of fun. Just general good times to be had. It's always SO great having Christel back around for a bit. And of course Paul is just THE best, so we just had a lovely week really.

(look at this little guy!!)

I'm heading into crush time for my year. Got some SERIOUS readying to do for my Xmas Show from here on out. So that's what I'll be doin... I hope everyone out there had a wonderful week and please feel free to come and join me (if you're in the area) for some holiday FUN at my Xmas show. Tickets are selling fast! Visit http://www.leslankhorst.com/ or http://www.salinatheatre.com/ for more info.

Peace...

Made it!

2008-11-22T18:16:00.003-06:00

So I made it back from the Caribbean and the beautiful, if not a bit outdated, Monarch of the Seas. We had a GREAT time onboard. It was very cool working so closely w/ the whole cast this time around instead of just working w/ the singers. There were lots of issues along the way, ie. we ended up firing the sound guy AND the lighting guy in the two weeks we were out there. Sheeesh...crazy! BUT...the cast is wonderful and super talented and eager, so that part of it was a breeze. I loved working w/ the choreographer (Aussie) Amber as well. She's awesome and we got on great!

That's it. Now it's time to get back to my OTHER job...getting my Xmas show going! Oh AND heading to NC to audition girls to sing w/ me in my upcoming show in Charlotte in the New Year. That'll be REALLY cool!

Enjoy the pics!

2008-11-17T09:55:00.002-06:00

So I am about 4 days away from being done w/ my RCL Vocal directing contract. It's gone GREAT! The cast is really good and are all positive and rarin to go...makes it much easier on everybody!
We were able to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavor take off last Friday as we sailed away from Cape Canaveral, FL...sooo cool! Got some vid and pics, but it was a bit far away to be worth seeing.
Alright I'm off to try and catch the new Bond movie...yes!

xoxo
L

A New Era!!!

2008-11-05T20:34:00.003-06:00

Well, I haven't posted in a while but if there was EVER a time to write a bit, it's now. We have just passed a once unimaginable milestone here in America...we just elected a black man to the highest office in the land. Now I know everyone reading this already knows this, but it's worth putting down in print myself. It's something I have prayed for for probably my whole life...that this great country would have the fortitude and courage to see past our PAST and look into the future. Barack Obama is the most exciting, motivating, and courageous candidate that I have seen in my lifetime. This day felt different here in the U.S. It felt like a new wind was blowing. One that held unlimited potential and joy! I know it won't be a cakewalk for him, but I truly believe he and his staff will be able to thrust us into a new era, not just here in the U.S. but for the WORLD. We now can do what we used to ....lead the way again.

Ok, that's my sermon. Thank God and thanks to all of us who freely voted for him!

Ok, now on a less serious note, but just as joyful...you're gonna LOVE this video of my new little nephew swimming w/ his dad up in their cabin at the North Shore of Lake Michigan. The four of them...Paul, Christel, Christian and SUNNI went up there for a long weekend for their first anniversary! Look at this little guy SWIM!!

I'm away for a couple weeks on RCL, so posts will be few and far between...
PEACE...
L.

Update and Video

2008-10-23T02:05:00.004-05:00

Well, I am back from MN only to head out again tomorrow. I'm going to K-State for a couple days to help w/ the final tech run and then see the big Fall Show on Friday night. Should be very good. I'm excited for them!
Other than that I'm just out on the town looking for "Official Sponsors" for my upcoming Christmas Show. It's the first time I'm getting local sponsors and it's going well so far. If you're reading this and are interested, get in touch and we'll discuss:)
Enjoy the little video of Christian and Christel and fam. our last day in St. Paul. LOVE them all!!
I'm out,
L

Christian and family

2008-10-20T00:08:00.003-05:00

Hey there. So finished up our first full day here in St. Paul w/ Christel and her family. We spent the day mainly chilling and such. Little Christian is SUCH a cutie! We took him and Sunni for a loooong walk this afternoon...beautiful day here in MN...and guess what?...we gained a dog! This beautiful black lab mix came running up to us about 2 blocks from their house. Well, it just kept following us and playing w/ Sunni so we put him in the back yard so to keep him off the streets ya know? He's definately cared for, beautiful coat and teeth and sort of an area where a collar USED to be. Anyway, he's been in the back yard the whole day then I was saying goodnight to him out there and it started raining. Well, of course I couldn't leave him out there so now Sunni and him are laying right next to me on the living room floor (that's where I'm sleepin on my sleeping bag while i'm here). Boy, I'm a sucker!

Good night and enjoy the pics!

Done

2008-10-16T00:12:00.003-05:00

Well, thank god one aspect of this election season is finally done tonight...the debates. I didn't abhore them, but they did become a bit tedious and I esp. get tired of the analysis and OVER analysis afterwards...ugh. So that's done.

Not much else to report. I'm heading to K-State for my last round of work w/ the Singers. We're finalizing some work on w/ the soloists for the fall show which is next week in Manhattan.

Oh, I wanted to share a beautiful new painting my mom did. It's a modern take on a picture I'd taken of a Bird of Paradise flower in Hawaii years ago.

I hope you're all well and ready to elect a NEW PRESIDENT!!!

Peace...

Tribute

2008-10-09T11:23:00.005-05:00

Well, it's a very sad day around here. We brought Jojo home cause he was doing very bad this morning when we went to see him at the Vet. He's was in terrible pain and just not himself. We tried to make him comfortable here at home for an hour or so, but he was just in very bad shape. We made the decision to sedate him and then let him go.

With my dad's permission, I'd like to share a lovely Tribute to Jojo, written by my dad...

He was with us for fourteen years. They were wonderful years and wonderful memories of walks in the neighborhood, frolicking on a Florida beach, or just sitting near us as he looked at the world outside our glass front door. He was a wonderful and close companion who gave us unconditional love and trust, even during the difficult last few days of his life. With deep sadness we had to let him go. As difficult as it was for us make the decision, it was not fair to him to let him suffer any longer. His name was JoJo. We will miss him terribly, for he was more than a pet--he was our beloved friend.

We will all miss him terribly.

Jojo

2008-10-07T16:12:00.004-05:00

Well, I don't usually do this, but I'm going to ask everyone and anyone reading this blog to say a quick prayer for our little dog Jojo. He woke up yesterday very sick, panting and shaking and not really wanting to move. He's now been at the Vet over 24 hours receiving and IV drip and antibiotics. He's just very special to all of us and he's soo scared right now. We all just hope and pray little Jo gets thru this. He's already old, but I can't bear the thought of him going on these terms...all scared and hurting. The Vet doesn't know what caused it, but he's doing everything he can to help Jo.

That's it for now...thanks.

Les

Weak-end

2008-10-06T09:44:00.005-05:00

So Alex and i did our annual K-State football game trip this weekend...and it was a disaster! The Cats faced off against Texas Tech in our kickoff to the Big 12 schedule and we got distroyed! (pic 1: Alex and I on Alum side meeting friends) Now I've been trying really had to stay positive about the team and our coach so far...but it was truly an embarassing display.

Alex and I had a good time. We got up to Manhattan early and had a beer and walked around the stadium enjoying the annual fall tradition here in America of TAILGATING. It's really quite a site. Literally miles of people setting up tents, trucks, buses, vans and tables worth of food and of course... drinks. What's funny to me is the disparity between the "Alumni" side of the stadium and the sort of designated "student" tailgating area. (pics 2&3: INside the stadium shots) From where we parked we had to walk thru the "student" area. It's like a scene out of every parents worst nightmare...students everywhere partying and getting smashed right out in public. It's in this stretch that's surrounded by some trees and marked by dirty, dusty paths and roads, sort of tucked away in plain site. For some reason it's legal here for underage kids to do beerbongs and walk around shirtless...not sure why. Maybe because it's on a dirt road or surrounded by 4x4 trucks...so it's officially the "country"...I'm not sure. One things for sure...we was never so blatant when we where in school. It was sort of fun and frightening to see at the same time.

So making it thru this hoard and continuing to the opposite side of the stadium we got to the main "alumni" sections and side. Now this is pretty much same atmosphere, but just minus the cute drunk coeds doing beerbongs and dusty roads. They are replaced by cute "cougars" drinking mixed drinks and older guys cooking anything and everything on their $3000 grills next to their $38,000 Lexus'. But basically the same vibe. It's that mix of hopeful optimism and cocktails to start off the day and the Big 12 season. (pic 4: Me and my running partner in Saina, Mike Payne) Unfortunately, the cocktails AND the optimism wore off that day as Texas Tech routed my team and pretty much set the course for the rest of the season. Let me tell you, it's MUCH more fun when we win. That buzz sort of continues, instead it was replaced w/ the urge to take a nap! Oh well, there's always next year. Maybe if I'm lucky I can get invited to a tailgate party on the STUDENT side! Ha!

Christmas in September

2008-09-30T00:08:00.003-05:00

It's almost October so yes, it's time to start thinking about my Christmas Show! So here's the early mock-up of my newest Show Poster. I'm pretty happy with it;)

I had my last full day with the KState Singers today. They all had to perform their solo's in front of the rest of the group in order to be considered for the two solo slots in their upcoming Fall Show. They ALL did such a great job. Quite simply, they are ALL great kids!

Good night for now...

Les

KS Singers and Audtion Workshop

2008-09-27T17:08:00.003-05:00

Hello all!

Well, I'm about 3 hours from seeing the local production of The Producers here in Salina at SCT. It's supposedly one of the best shows they've put on and it's the final weekend...I'm really looking forward to it. Oh yeah, and Alex, my brother, has a supporting role as one of the zany production staffers...Kevin. Yes, the leather wearing, gay as a 4 dollar bill Kevin. And from all accounts, he's pretty much steals at least his scene! Awesome!

So update...my little Audition workshop at K-State very well last Thursday. It wasn't AS well attended as I'd hoped it would be, but it was a decent turnout and everyone there seemed to be really into it. As a matter of fact a couple of the KS Singers afterwards couldn't believe the hour was over...which is always a good sign. I'm headed back on Monday to finish up with their solo work and then that'll be it till right before the show in October. They really are a GREAT bunch and I love working with them AND the two directors!

Just finished going on a nice long B-E-A-UUtiful bike ride with Alex. He's about 1 week into his radical DeToxification Diet and it doing great! As a matter of fact the day BEFORE he started his diet we went riding and there's this big hill on Iron Ave in town and I KILLED him getting to the top of it. Well, today he ALMOST beat me to the top! Of course he's like 8 pounds LESS than he was the last time, so I should HOPE he almost beat me...ha! He's doing great though and I fully expect for him to not only lose like 25 pounds after the 3 week diet, but to have a much better outlook and general health.

That's it...shower time!

KState Singers fun...

2008-09-25T00:54:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm almost finished with my two weeks of workin with Singers this semester. They have made marked improvement even in just these 1 plus weeks I've been around. They are all VERY committed and great kids (hate using that word, once again...but just easier). Today we went over the Nichols Hall and they worked in front of the mirrors in the dance studio for the first time. I hope they do that again...it was really good for them!

Well, tomorrow I doing my little lecture at KState, my very first BIG University Lecture/workshop!! Yay!! It's called "The Art of Auditioning" and basically will go over the universal Do's and Don'ts of auditioning for stage. After my lecture I'll have a few "kids" actually audition and will put together a mock judging table and give have everyone give some input into their auditions. Should be a pretty fun hour!

That's it. Here's my Workshop Poster and some pics from Singers today...

Ta ta...!

GREAT week at KSU

2008-09-20T17:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I had a wonderful week at my Alma Mater, good ol' KSU. Even though I wasn't happy with their performance on the Grid Iron this past Wednesday, I decided to put it past me and go to work there the next day anyway...ah ha ha ha! What a great bunch of kids ( I hate using that word for college students, but it just makes it easier to dicern who I'm talking about) and what an incredible couple of new directors. They are in quite capable hands. But that being said, I think I provided some pretty cool insight so far. So next week we'll do some more cleaning of the songs learned and also getting to the solo portion of the program. This will be the fun part. They are some brave ones...putting themselves up there and just doing their thing...LOVE 'em!

Ok nuf of that...I've got new pics of Christel and Paul's lil' one Christian...Yay!!!! I'm going to go up and meet my new nephew first week of October I think. Pics:
1. Chrissy and Christian
2. Christian (aritistic)
3. Monica and the lil guy (that's Paul's oldest girl)
4. Sarah and Christian kissing (Paul's youngest...besides Christian)

Enjoy!!!

L

CA trip

2008-09-18T00:18:00.003-05:00

Oh man, I haven't updated in a while...sorry. Had a wonderful long weekend trip to L.A/San Diego area! Marcus did a GREAT job in his show "The Altar Boyz". Hung out there in San Diego for a couple days and saw the show twice. Oh and I made some inroads w/ the Executive Producer of The Lawrence Welk theatre where Marcus' show was at as well. I know my show would be a PERFECT fit there!

After my time there, I drove to L.A. (just an hour and a half on a Sunday morning) and met Carola, Christopher, Gina and Chris' mom and aunt at the Santa Monica Pier for some sightseeing. We then went back up to Valencia and Cro's house for the rest of the afternoon. After some very nice chill time in their backyard by the pool with everyone, we headed BACK to the city and met Marcus and Jan and my friend Jodi and her new husband Kent at Tony Roma's...mmmmm.... After dinner we walked around City Walk for a bit then back to Marcus'. It was a whirlwind, but a great time! SOOO nice to see Carola and Mike and Chris and Gina and...well, EVERYONE!

I'm now in Manhattan working w/ The K-State Singers for 2 weeks. It's been going VERY well. They are all very talented and I think they'll have a wonderful group this year. We decided that I'm going to do an Audition Workshop and a Solo Performance Master Class next week with the Singers. Should be fun!

Oh, and my CATS lost tonight...ugh! I was SO excited to see them on National T.V. and we BLEW IT! Soooo very disappointing. I'm afraid in Shaun's words..."this is going to be a loooong season..."

I'm out.
L.

Wabash Closer

2008-09-09T21:39:00.003-05:00

Well, here first hand is a video of how I closed my marathon show this past weekend at the KSU Alumni Center at the Annual Benefit for the Beach Museum. The song, for those not in the KState know...is the classic KState Fight song sort of turned into a swing tune for me by my friend Gayle McMillen. I loved doing it and will most likely do it again when given the chance. GREAT way to end a perfect night at KState!
Enjoy!
L

Great Weekend!

2008-09-07T15:38:00.002-05:00

Well, all-in-all it was one wonderful weekend in Manhattan! The show on Saturday night was a ball and very well received and then yesterday, Harvey and I had such a GREAT time watching the K-State game in the Bill Snyder suite. Oh, and the CATS won 69 to 10...yeah, good day. It was very cool when we were walking into the stadium, I was stopped like 3 times from folks who had seen the show the night before. One drug us (willingly) to their tailgate party and we hung out and had a beer and met everyone. Come to find out, his wife is a Ballard, who is a mainstay in the sporting goods biz in Kansas, and who I worked for during my college years at their outlet store! SMALL world! EVERYONE was sooo nice the whole day. We met some old highschool friends of Coach Snyder's in his press box and Harvey knew people that they knew from the old days in and around K.C. Just a great time made even better because the Cats WhOOPed up on poor Montana State. It was just so surreal sitting there in the box seats of the man who the STADIUM IS NAMED AFTER! And to top it off, they are all such nice folks and made Harv and me feel right at home.

I'm worn out man. I always forget how wore out I am when a gig this big is over. PLUS the show itself was a little longer than usual...I think almost 2 hour 20 mins. Yes, that's a lotta Les! Ha ha!

Take care and next up, a trip back to the left coast for the weekend.

L out

Lunch at the Prez's

2008-09-04T21:51:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm in Manhattan and chilling before tomorrow night's big show for the Beach Museum Fund Raiser. I came up today and once again was the special guest at a luncheon for selected sponsors of the event in the backyard of President and Mrs. Wefald. It was VERY nice and very nice to see my friends again. President Wefald stopped in briefly and made a point of stopping over and saying hello to me. I told him not to miss tomorrow night's show cause "...as far as I was concerned, it was the first stop on their retirement tour." He loved that.

Oh and at the end of the lunch Ruthann asked me to say something and sing something (if I wanted) so I gave them a little of "How Deep is the Ocean". It went well and was generally a very nice lunch.

That's it for tonight. I'm off to bed early after I go over some songs and show stuff.

till next time...

Big Show!

2008-09-02T08:50:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm just a few out from my big show at K-State on Friday night. We've had a couple band rehearsals and they are going to be outstanding...pretty much the best local band I've worked with:) As a matter of fact, I will post a little vid of our last rehearsal, minus my violin player...but you'll get the idea.
Not much else here, cept getting all geared up for this show. I've been running and biking a lot lately, thanks to the favorable weather, so that's been VERY good. Today though we've got a line of storms rollin thru....boo.
That's it from Kansas. Wish me "Break-a-legs" on Friday night...should be a kick!

One more Lil' Christian Vid

2008-09-01T08:43:00.002-05:00

LOOK at those BIG EYES just straining to see all around him. I can't WAIT to meet this little guy!!!

Christian's Video Debut!

2008-08-29T23:36:00.002-05:00

GREAT quote!

2008-08-27T23:37:00.002-05:00

Ok, so here's THE quote of this campaign season and it's provided by the one and only Bill Clinton...it's SO TRUE! Here speaking of America:
"...people the world over are much more impressed by the power of our example, rather than the example of our power."
AWESOME~!

Little Christian Brosi...

2008-08-27T23:34:00.002-05:00

What a SWEETHEART! I can't wait to meet him! These are already a few days old and as you know they change quickly at that early age.

CUTIE!!

Christian Gunther Brosi

2008-08-23T00:31:00.002-05:00

Well, someday, that little guy will go online and see this post.

Yesterday, August 21st, 2008, Christel and Paul welcomed a little boy into the world. His name is Christian Gunther Brosi and he weighed in at 7lbs, 7oz and about 21" long (I think). He was born at 9:08am and I got the call around 10am from Paul. We're all SOO excited. Christel has wanted to be a mom as long as I remember and now it's happened. I'm SO proud of her and happy for the whole family!
Mom and dad left at 5am that morning and got to St. Paul around 4pm and were able to visit Christel and the baby and even hold the little guy.
When we have a decent pic, I'll add it to this post or just post it separately. YAY!!!!

I'm off for my first rehearsal w/ the KState band tomorrow morning. I'm pretty darned excited, we've got lots of neat little surprises in store and I think I'm going to have some very good friends in attendance as well that night on Sept 5th!

More later... goodnight!
L

latest...

2008-08-21T01:07:00.005-05:00

Well, the latest news is CHRISTEL is gonna have a baby SOON!!!!! We just heard the news that it's a'happenin! Mom and dad are leaving for Minneapolis in the EARLY EARLY morn and taking Jojo. Yay!!! It's all very exciting, and so far the latest report is that everything's going very well.

Other stuff...
Oh, got my first rehearsal w/ the KState band on Saturday. I'm, of course, just NOW getting all my music finalized and put together. I'm such a "last minute" sort of person.

That's it really. Just getting stoked about the KState show and LOVIN the Olympics!! I think I might have a crush on BOTH of our (the U.S.) Beach Volleyball players. They won the Gold tonight in the pouring rain...they ROCK!!!! LOve 'em!

No pics...sorry, just words.
Peace out from Kansas...
L

Back

2008-08-11T10:39:00.003-05:00

Alrighty then...so that was a pretty typically HORRENDOUS couple days of travel. I'm telling you, this country's infrastructure is FALLING APART! I don't think i've spoken to a single friend or family member in the past year who've had a pleasant flying experience. My very first flight of the day, two days ago, was late. Which then proceeded to make my one day trip turn ever so slowly and ridiculously into two days of travel. I ended up stranded in Denver AGAIN Saturday night and barely made it back to catch my little guy in his last performance of Doody in the summer production of GREASE here in Salina. He did great...even if the song is crazy high for him.

Let's see...what else. Well, now I've got to get busy busy busy getting my Kstate show all put together. It's coming along nicely though. Got some new stuff and some surprises cooking for my Kstate freinds...can't wait!

Oh, and THE OLYMPICS!!! YES, I almost forgot! That mens 4x100 swimming final last night was OFF THE HOOK exciting!!! I've never seen a race so close and exciting! Me and dad were yelling and jumping around...it was AWESOME! If you're not watching...watch the Olympics! It's truly the greatest sporting event around and there are some wonderful stories this years!

Enjoy the Caribbean pics!

Cozumel

2008-08-06T15:40:00.002-05:00

OK, so I'm in Cozumel again. This time is all about two rehearsals of the last two shows for the singers and then getting off and walking to downtown in the HEAT!!! Uuuuugh! I made it though and had some lunch and dried off at Cafe Denis....love it. Nachos and Yucatan Tacos...oh and two coronas! Yummmy! I was just a little buzzed when I left, cause I hadn't eaten all day, then wandered into a silver shop and what started out as a $246 silver necklace and cross pendant, I walked away for $40. I'm still not sure it was a deal...those places are crazy!

Well, if I sign off now, I'm done in a half hour. Back in two days!

Everything's great here...just hot and sweaty! Been working out like a fiend...yes!

Love...
L

Ok, Ok...

2008-08-02T16:23:00.002-05:00

...I´m back! Yes, I know I´ve been away for over a week and those of you out there who regularly read me, I´m sure you´ve moved on to like...oh, I don´t know...reading USA Today?!

So been out on the Enchantement of the Seas for like a little over the week now. I´ve directed and put up two shows in that time, and although the second premiers tomorrow night, it´s all gone well. I´ve had to sort of crack the whip this first time out, but the kids have gotten their act together generally and I´m happy.

I´ve been working out really hard and consistently out here...which was NEEDED and feels GREAT! Today I´ve been in Cozumel all day. AFter running the Jazz Set w- the Boy and Girl 1´s w- the band, I got off the ship and have been, yep you guessed it, riding my scooter around the island all day. I HATE not sharing pics with this entry, but this internet station computer won´t have it. Got the scooter rented like a little after noon and am just now back near the port and it´s almost 5pm. BEAUTIFUL day out on the road. I hit the opposite side of the island and stopped this time and couple times. The first time, what was probably the best Margharita I´ve EVER had and a dip in the crystal, blue-green water. Wow...VERY nice!!
I then continued to the joint at the corner right before I head back to the city and had another drink and talked to the sweet, bar dog. He was SOOO skinny...felt awful. But he was so chilled, we just sat and chatted. It´s sort of funny talking to a dog in broken Spanish, but I tried.

Alright, that´s all. One more cruise, of 5 days, then I´m back and preppin for the KState show!!! Woooohooo!

Miss you...
L

Always...

2008-07-21T23:18:00.004-05:00

Here's the video of me singing the Buble' version of the Willie Nelson standard "Always on my Mind". The track is perfect and it felt pretty good. With a really exposed, simple song like that, it always takes a while to REALLY get in "inside" my head, ya know. That was like the second time I sang it all the way through. Just sort of decided I should do it.

I hope you like it! Getting ready for my RCL gig still. Still avoiding learning the Choreo that I have to TEACH! Auuuuugh....!
Peace and good night...

"...Little Shop, Little Shop of Horrors..."

2008-07-21T10:35:00.004-05:00

Enjoy this clip from last night's Benefit Concert at South High. It's the song "Suddenly Seymour" from the musical Little Shop of Horrors. Jordan and his friend Ali Watson are playing Seymour and Audrey. I spent about an hour working with them a couple days ago and I think it went VERY well! Well, except that Jordan's mic didn't kick in till a couple words into the song. Also the video isn't the greatest, but at least it's something and you get the idea.

The show went VERY well and they ended up raising almost $2000 for the Baseball Team, The Salina Blue Jays, here in town.

Now I've GOT to get ready for my Royal Caribbean gig....ugh...choreography!

The Jury's in...

2008-07-18T12:29:00.004-05:00

The below is a review I published on yahoo movies. Have a read...

Well, the bar has just been raised, and I'm NOT talking about The Dark Knight generally. The bar has been raised singularly...by the late, GREAT Heath Ledger. I have not been mezmerized by one single character in a movie since...well, since never!

I went to The Dark Knight(last night at midnight)purposely trying to keep my expectations at a minimum. The buzz was so loud for this movie and for Mr. Ledgers performance, I desparately wanted to watch it with open, fresh (albeit sleepy) eyes. Well, I needn't have worried. It is a better movie than his last, Batman Returns. It really has everything in it, good storytelling, amazing action, NEW Bat toys, and of course wonderful acting. I will say though, it was about 30 minutes too long. There really seemed to be a perfect point to end...I won't SPOIL it for people who haven't seen it yet. But I will say it's right after we see what had happened to Harvey Dent. Honestly, I have the feeling the choice to go on and add that 30+ minutes had to do with the fact that Mr. Ledger had passed and they couldn't do the second movie from that point. It really seems like it's one movie PLUS about half of another.

Now, about Heath Ledger's performance. He is, in EVERY WAY, simply mezmerizing!! He alone will have people CLAMMORING to see this film and second and third time! I couldn't get enough of him on screen. I kept trying to SEE Heath Ledger behind that hideous white paint and subtly, green streaked hair...but he was no where to be found. He simply WAS THE JOKER. It makes it even more profoundly sad that he is not here to not only bask in the fruits of his intense labor, but now the film makers are left with a HUGE void to fill. It's primed for more Joker, but what actor has the metal to follow THIS? None I can readily think of.

Go see this movie. Not tomorrow, not next week. Go see it now! Get a large bucket of popcorn and a large, caffeine filled soda...cause it's a marathon, but GO SEE IT!

It's time...

2008-07-14T11:57:00.003-05:00

Ok, so this summer's about to get REAL interesting! This Friday, The Dark Knight premieres world-wide and I'm thinking it's going to be the biggest movie release of all time! What w/ just the fact that it's the next Batman movie, then add to that the amazingly creative director, Chris Nolan, and what he did w/ the latest one...then of course to top it off, the mystique around Heath Ledger's performance of the Joker and his untimely death. I'm expecting HUGE things and am SOOOO glad I'm going to be around to see it w/ family and friends!!!!

Other than that, just basically about as BUSY as I can be right now...planning my Benefit Show (this Sunday, July 20th @ 7pm at South's Theatre) and working on my next big K-State show, and working on my Royal Caribbean Cabaret shows install that's coming up in a week. Oh and there's more...I'm trying to put together this year's K-State Singers show, being as I'm their consultant this year and fresh of a VERY inspiring workshop in Ohio! Whew!

More soon....

Long time no see....

2008-07-12T16:22:00.004-05:00

Ok, I'm BACK! Whew...I've been busy busy busy man! Just returned from about 6 days in Ohio at a Show Choir camp/workshop. My days were full from morning to late night w/ workshops, seminars, retreats, shows, new music read-thrus, parties w/ the other teachers and then finally some sleep. The College, Heidelburg College, was very cute...small, but beautiful and quaint, as was the small town of Tiffin.

I met some VERY cool people and made lots and lots of contacts for my work as a Performance Consultant as well as my Performing stuff. Just a wonderful time. I hope I can continue to go back. It's funny, but being around teachers the whole time took some getting used to. Most of the initial conversations that I'd happen upon revolved around like budget problems, staff changes, kids attitudes, etc... It was just wierd for me, being as I don't deal with ANY of that stuff in my daily routine. It was also neat how all these teachers come to this camp to just escape all of that! By nightime they are all ready to go out and have a couple of drinks and relax. Oh yeah, we had a planned social event every night, like bowling one night, or a nice restaurant another night, or a wine and cheese read thru of some new music that transistioned into games night. That night ended w/ me shredding on some Guitar Hero, thank you very much! Oh yeah, most of the days were taken up w/ reading thru brand new arrangements of choral and show choir music w/ the arrangers. I met arrangers that I've heard of my whole singing life, including Kirby Shaw...my personal favorite!

Pics: 1. Main Building and Great Hall 2 & 3. Me doing FEVER at Teachers/Staff Talent night (they didn't know what hit 'em ;) 4. Wine and Cheese new music read thru w/ Roger Emerson 5. Me and Kirby Shaw

That's it fo now.

Lawrence, Kansas

2008-06-30T10:24:00.002-05:00

So I'm back from a nice time in Lawrence this weekend. I sang at the wedding and it was beautiful ceremony and great time. It was friends of ours from church, David and Linda Smith's daughter Hilary getting married. I did a new song for me and from everything that I heard, it went very well. I did the little done Josh Groban song FOR ALWAYS and the classic ONE HAND, ONE HEART.

I also got the chance to see one of my best friends and his family, Brian and Michelle Powell. Love them! We had brunch on the Saturday of the wedding at a cool, trendy little diner called Miltons. We had to wait like 40 minutes for a table, but it was a GREAT time!

That's it. Now getting ready to jet off again in a few days. This time, I'm going to a Show Choir Workshop/Camp to get ready for my stint as a Consultant for K-State Singers! Should be a good week.

Later for now...

Fly me...Cali style!

2008-06-23T15:19:00.002-05:00

Stacey Nicole's Wedding

2008-06-23T13:38:00.005-05:00

So Marcus and I had a ball at my friend Stacey Nicole's wedding. She was REALLY surprised that I made it, so that was nice. I actually caught up with my Rat Pack is Back producer and a couple Vegas cast member friends of mine including my good buddy, Kyle Diamond who plays Sammy. I love that guy!

Anyway, here's some pics from the event. I even got up and sang w/ the band, imagine that!

Pics: 1. Me and the Rat Pack gang 2. Stacey and Colin 3. Marcus and his AMAZING reward cake!

Last day here in Cali! It's been a wonderful and productive time:)

L out.

Good stuff...

2008-06-22T13:16:00.002-05:00

So we had fun last night here at the TPC Country Club here in Santa Clarita. I went in and surprised Gina's family at her aunt's 40th anniversary party. I did about 5 numbers and just had fun with everyone. They were all pretty surprised and I think it went over very well. As a matter of fact I made a couple good contacts because of it. We'll see where it goes.

Heading down to the San Diego area to the wedding of my friend Stacey Nicole with Marcus today. She's the "Marilyn" at The Rat Pack is Back show in Vegas and we've worked together many times and just generally a GREAT girl! Pretty cool that I'm in the neighborhood during her wedding!

Oh, it's going to be like 109 degrees today...fun.

Universe of fun!

2008-06-21T10:22:00.004-05:00

Ok, so we survived our day at Universal Studios. We even got a first person look at the area that was burned down by the fire last week at the studio. It was a very fun, but HOT day. I think the temps got up to 102 degrees yesterday here in L.A.! Wow....yeah, it's dry heat, but HOT none the less.

Marcus and his friend met us first thing in the morning at the park and we stayed till closing. I've been here this whole time and haven't even seen my friend Marcus till yesterday...jeeez! He's been busy working. So it was Carola, Jordan, Marcus, Jan and myself in the heat and fun all day:)

Now a quick review of Universal Studios itself, for anyone interested. Generally it's nice, but I'll tell you this much, it's not even CLOSE to as entertaining as Universal Studios in Florida. The park itself is a bit dirtier and just not as well thought out and designed as Florida. I think if you're out here and want to do a theme park, it would HAVE to be Disney World...the original.

(Pictured below: me in front of the War of the Worlds Crash set) That's it for this morning. I'm actually going to be singing out here tonight at the local country club! Chris' girlfriend Gina asked me if I would come in and surprise her aunt and uncle at their 40th anniversary party with some songs so I said, "heck yeah!"

Enjoy the pics!

Biking and stuff!

2008-06-20T01:31:00.002-05:00

Well, we had a fun, and sun filled day today. After some coaxing, Jordan finally woke up and we headed towards Santa Monica Pier and parked for the afternoon and rented bikes just like last year. It was a VERY fun day! Jordan eventually woke up and didn't complain quite as much as he did last year about actually being "outdoors" and "in motion"....yeah, it's a pretty big deal for this one;) So we were on the bikes for about 3 hours and made it back to Valencia before the crazy rush hour traffic hit. We actually have been able to visit Carola everyday at her work, and we did it again today and brought her a Starbucks frozen coffee to finish off her day, oh and to cool her off. It was about 102 degrees in L.A. today! BUT...at the beach it was a very pleasant 81 degrees...very nice!

That's it. We are up REAL early to go w/ Marcus and his friend to Universal Studios tomorrow. LONG day ahead and I'm going to try to get some sleep. Oh, almost forgot...I was fortunate enough to go into the studio last night w/ Chris and we knocked off FOUR TRACKS in like two hours! He's a WIZ at the board and has about the best ear I've heard in the business. Love that kid!

Off for now...

2008-06-18T13:42:00.002-05:00

Carola and Mike's place

2008-06-18T13:34:00.002-05:00

So here's some pics of Cro's new house here in Santa Clarita. It's SOO nice and we're having such a great time. It's getting hot today though...whew! But at night...it'll be PERFECT again!

One more...

2008-06-17T01:16:00.003-05:00

OK, so I have ONE MORE video my nephew Chris' killer rock band. This one is from The Malibu Inn a couple nights ago. They are performing the classic Beatles song Eleanor Rigby. It's a fantastic arrangment of the song and they rock it out! Forgive the mispelling of "Eleanor" at the beginning of the video. Watch it, rate it, ROCK OUT!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KUR722ct67Y

Love from L.A...

Key Club Vid

2008-06-15T12:00:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd post a link to a video that I put together from Mission Black's performance at The Key Club in Hollywood. It was a great night and I think they are just going to get better and better and bigger and BIGGER!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0M5k5gPBCwc
Have a look and make sure to leave POSITIVE comments and ratings!

Les

It's a PARTY!

2008-06-15T11:07:00.003-05:00

Jordan and I jammin on the way to L.A.

Round 2

2008-06-15T02:52:00.003-05:00

So we had a nice relaxing day of hanging out in in Cro and Mike's backyard in and around the pool. It's such a GREAT neighborhood!

Oh and we all went out and saw Mission Black's second show in as many days in Malibu last night. They ROCKED that little pub man! It was a marvelous drive just to GET to this hole in the wall. At the end of the long winding road was Pepperdine University and the beautiful and foggy dusk coast of Malibu. They were playing at a joint called the Malibu Inn. Really just a resturant and bar in one w/ a decent live music reputation. Anyway, it went great and then after Mission played, Chris played drums for a really hard group called Uriah. They were the "headliners" and the crowd really got into them.

Anyway, it's late, I'm up watching one of my favorite movies of all time "The Sting" and have to get back to it.

Later from LaLa...

Got here...and ROCKED!

2008-06-13T16:30:00.002-05:00

Alright...so the news is, WE MADE IT! Wooohooo! Yesterday was a long day of driving AND pretty much right after we arrived we all headed to Hollywood and The Key Club to see Chris' new band Mission Black perform in the Finals of a competition for a spot on this summer's Vans Warped Tour. They did GREAT and we had a ball. Going to put a couple pics from last night up and then later I'll upload some vids as well.

Peace out from the WEST COAST baby!

Halfway there...

2008-06-12T07:02:00.002-05:00

OK, so it's 6am mountain time and we are heading out from our halfway point, Grants, New Mexico for the last leg of our trip. We made REALLY good time yesterday and the day FLEW...thanks to all THREE Special edition, Quincy Jones produced, EARLY Michael Jackson CD's and about 5 episodes of Family from my ipod.

Oh, and a TORNADO hit Salina yesterday...the DAY we leave, a tornado hits Salina. I haven't heard officially, but I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. There was pretty BIG hail and trees down and such, but hopefully everyone is ok.

That's it...we GOTS TO GO....!!

Pics: Me and Jordan posin. And that would be a HILARIOUSLY Ghetto car we saw and Jordan snapped in OK City! Ah ha ha ha!!

J & L out!