{"id":18502,"date":"2019-05-16T08:41:10","date_gmt":"2019-05-16T12:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/?p=18502"},"modified":"2019-05-16T08:41:18","modified_gmt":"2019-05-16T12:41:18","slug":"on-stage-carla-olson-and-todd-wolfe-bring-history-to-the-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/?p=18502","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Carla Olson and Todd Wolfe bring history to the stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span lang=\"EN\">By Denny Dyroff, <\/span><\/strong><em><span lang=\"EN\">Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_9555\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Todd-Wolfe-Carla-Olson.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9555\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9555\" src=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Todd-Wolfe-Carla-Olson-350x274.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"274\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-9555\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Carla Olson and Todd Wolfe<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">When legendary singer\/songwriter\/rocker Carla Olson and iconic guitarist\/songwriter Todd Wolfe come to perform at The Living Room (35 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, <a href=\"https:\/\/thelivingroomat35east.com\/\">https:\/\/thelivingroomat35east.com<\/a>) on May 16, they will bring a lot of music history with them. The two music veterans are touring in support of their new album, \u201cHidden Hills Sessions,\u201d which was just released on May 3 on Red Parlor Records.<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Olson has made her career as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and producer on the West Coast. She appeared in Bob Dylan\u2019s first video<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">(\u201cSweetheart Like You\u201d) and Dylan thanked her by giving her one of his songs (\u201cClean Cut Kid\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Her 1984 debut album, \u201cMidnight Mission,\u201d was as leader of the Textones and included Gene Clark (Byrds), Ry Cooder and Don Henley (Eagles) as guests. A few years later Clark, who was the Byrds\u2019 primary songwriter in their early years, and Olson recorded which is regarded as the first Americana album, \u201cSo Rebellious A Lover.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Since then, Olson has released solo albums and a live record with Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones). She is one of the few currently active women record producers and includes among her credits Paul Jones (Manfred Mann), Phil Upchurch, Jake Andrews, Joe Louis Walker, Chubby Tavares, and Barry Goldberg (Electric Flag, The Rides).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Her duets album, \u201cHave Harmony, Will Travel,\u201d featured Richie Furay (Poco), Juice Newton, John York and James Intveldt. Olson\u2019s most recent solo album, 2017\u2019s \u201cRubies &amp; Diamonds,\u201d featured Olson and George Callins of the Textones, plus most of the members of the Swedish rock band Wilmer X.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Wolfe spent five years touring the world with Sheryl Crow &#8212; including writing and recording with her. After leaving Crow\u2019s band, he has spent the past 15 years touring the US, Canada and Europe with his own band, The Todd Wolfe Band and releasing nine solo albums. He has also recorded with legendary Mountain guitarist\/singer Leslie West on two recent albums by West and two albums by Mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Wolfe also has played on two of Olson\u2019s albums and joined her on a tour of Japan in the early 90s. His songs have been covered by a diverse array of artists including Stevie Nicks, Faith Hill, Larry McCray, Phish, Deborah Coleman, The New Seekers and Shannon Curfman.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Olson and Wolfe first crossed paths more than three decades ago.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI knew the sax player from the Textones,\u201d said Wolfe. \u201cI had heard about the band and they needed a guitar player for a short period of time when they came to Irving Plaza in 1985.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cLater, Carla was working on her album with Mick Taylor and asked me to play. I also did some gigs with them in 1993 when we went to tour Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cCarla was doing the album with Mick, but he didn\u2019t finish it. So, I did some guitar work. I also played on the second studio album in 1995.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Olson said, \u201cThe synchronicity of the Textones winding down necessitated me playing with other people. Todd was a great fit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cTodd does great guitar work. He has great tone. He just plays naturally what you want to hear. When we did gigs back then, we even played a show at the Chestnut Cabaret in Philly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Wolfe lives in Woodland Hills, California now but he spent many years living in eastern Pennsylvania.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI lived in the Lehigh Valley for 15 years,\u201d said Wolfe. \u201cI spent seven years in Bethlehem Township and then eight years on College Hill near Lafayette College in Easton. I really liked living in Easton.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI moved back to California in 2015. I had my own band up and running but I always wanted to work with Carla again. We said that we should do some acoustic stuff \u2013 that we didn\u2019t need a drummer. So, we started doing some acoustic shows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Olson said, \u201cMichael Reid, who is the engineer on our album, saw our shows and said &#8212; why don\u2019t you come in and do a record? Todd and I work together well so we decided to do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cThe Hidden Hills Sessions\u201d was recorded at Reid\u2019s Rancho Relaxo studio in Hidden Hills, California, with Olson and Wolfe playing all acoustic guitars and mandolin (Wolfe) and a few long-time musical associates including Tad Wadhams (Lowen &amp; Navarro, Sheryl Crow) on bass and Victor Bisetti (Los Lobos, Matthew Sweet) on drums and percussion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The album includes several covers that the duo truly make their own &#8212; including Steve Winwood\u2019s Blind Faith classic, \u201cCan\u2019t Find My Way Home\u201d and Gene Clark\u2019s beautiful, \u201cIn A Misty Morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cWe recorded the album at Rancho Relaxo, which is on the border of Woodland Hills and Hidden Hills,\u201d said Olson. \u201cThat\u2019s where the name \u2018Hidden Hills Sessions\u2019 came from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Wolfe said, \u201cThe studio is at Mike\u2019s house. He\u2019s a master at ProTools. We started laying some stuff done in late 2017. Carla and I did a lot of the tracks live. Victor Bisetti did some percussion on it. And, we did one track live with a band.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Olson said, \u201cFrom crowd response at our shows, we found what the audience really liked. They liked when we sang together \u2013 especially on \u2018Can\u2019t Find My Way Home.\u2019 We did a few covers, but mostly we wrote a bunch of songs together. The covers were really great songs \u2013 \u2018Blue,\u2019 which was a B-side of a Mick Jagger single; Gene Clark\u2019s \u2018In a Misty Morning,\u2019; and \u2018Wild Horses,\u2019 which my favorite Stones song ever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Video link for Carla Olson and Todd Wolfe \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xKaCIIevbjg\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/xKaCIIevbjg<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The show at the Living Room will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Another upcoming show at the Living Room is the \u201cRogers &amp; Butler EP Release Party\u201d on May 17.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Fans of Hudson Taylor are in for a double treat this week.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_9556\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hudson-taylor-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9556\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9556\" src=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hudson-taylor-1-350x251.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"251\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-9556\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hudson Taylor<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Hudson Taylor is a two-man band featuring Harry and Alfie Hudson-Taylor, brothers from Dublin, Ireland. On May 16, they will headline a show at Johnny Brenda\u2019s (1201 North Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-739-9684,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.johnnybrendas.com\/\">www.johnnybrendas.com<\/a>). The following evening, they will open for Rodrigo y Gabriella at Franklin Music Hall (421 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bowerypresents.com\/greater-philly\/shows\/franklin-music-hall\">https:\/\/www.bowerypresents.com\/greater-philly\/shows\/franklin-music-hall<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The Irish Americana-pop duo is touring in support of its most recent EP \u201cBear Creek To Dame Street,\u201d which was released September 21, 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cThe new EP is a mix of studio material and live material,\u201d said Alfie Hudson-Taylor, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from a tour top in Boston. There are four live songs and an additional five songs that were previously recorded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cWe recorded the five songs over a six-week period at Bear Creek Studio in Seattle. That was two years ago. We cut 15 songs altogether at Bear Creek. We\u2019ve released 10 of them so far.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cThe first stuff we released from the bear Creek sessions were on our last EP \u2013 \u2018Feel It Again\u2019 \u2013 which came out last March on Rubyworks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">That EP gave listeners a taste of Hudson Taylor\u2019s fresh sound, including the singles, \u201cFeel It Again\u201d and \u201cRun with Me,\u201d along with three other tracks \u2013 all produced by Ryan Hadlock, who has worked with The Lumineers and Vance Joy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cThe live tracks were taken from a show at The Olympia Theatre in Dublin in February 2018,\u201d said Hudson-Taylor. \u201cWe were touring with a full band for an Irish tour. It was a great show with all our family and friends there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cIt was an amazing audience. The songs we took from the show were all tracks we had recorded in the studio four years ago. But they got changed when we were playing them live.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The sweet-voiced brothers grew up in Dublin, where their father was a musician and their mother was a dancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">According to Harry Hudson-Tylor, \u201cWe were 16 and 15 when we started making music \u2013 accidentally. We were away on holiday with our family in Italy near Venice in 2008. I had my guitar and we played around a beach campfire. We were playing covers. The first night we played there, there were about 10 people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cWe came back the next few nights and the crowd got bigger each time. There were a lot of Germans there and they liked how we played. The Germans suggested that we go on YouTube. That set us off. We were really young at the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Alfie Hudson-Taylor said, \u201cShortly after that, we started busking in Dublin. Harry was away at school. He\u2019d come back on weekends and we\u2019d busk at places like Grafton Street and Temple Bar. It was great.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cBecause we were in Dublin, a lot of international people were coming through. So, we were able to build a global audience. A lovely way to experience any city is to busk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">That was just the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cOnce we graduated from busking and putting videos on YouTube, we moved to London and put our first EP,\u201d said Hudson-Taylor. \u201cThat\u2019s when we took it serious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Prior to being signed they released their debut EP, \u201cBattles,\u201d in August 2012, which peaked at Number1 on the Irish version of iTunes and at Number 14 on UK version of iTunes. In November 2012, they followed with a second EP, \u201cCinematic Lifestyle\u201d and a third, \u201cOsea\u201d, in October 2013. It was around this time that the band signed to <a title=\"Protected by Outlook: http:\/\/webbeta.sov.uk.vvhp.net\/~polydor\/group_artists.php?id=213. Click or tap to follow the link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http:%2F%2Fwebbeta.sov.uk.vvhp.net%2F~polydor%2Fgroup_artists.php%3Fid%3D213&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd19db66a9bbf4e9afc6308d6d97b931b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636935522105989306&amp;sdata=UFnGxmc%2BTHZB5Ojgy30afo7ANCybr11wjdcwsjfIBc4%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Polydor Records<\/a> in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The brothers released their debut album, \u201cSinging for Strangers\u201d in 2015. Most recently, the band enjoyed a very successful 2017, playing to one of the biggest crowds of the weekend at the Electric Picnic festival in September. \u201cFeel It Again,\u201d the lead-off Irish single from the new album, was one of the biggest national airplay hits of 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI\u2019d describe our music as pop-rock with a folky feel \u2013 and a Celtic influence,\u201d said Hudson-Taylor. \u201cIt has songs with an awful lot of harmonies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The brothers are already working on their next recorded project. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cWe just spent a week in the studio in Nashville recording new music,\u201d said Hudson-Taylor. \u201cWe\u2019re really excited about it. Working with different people is great but our approach now is different. It\u2019s similar to how it is live with a set number of players.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cWe spent the last week in Nashville tracking new material. We plated Nashville three months ago and met a producer we met who liked our tunes. His name is John Rausch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cOn our shows on this tour, it\u2019s my brother and I and two other brothers backing us \u2013 Oisin Walsh-Peelo on keyboards and Tadgh Walsh-Peelo on violin, mandolin and guitar. They both also sing. The show is a nice family affair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Video link for Hudson Taylor &#8212; <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/nn2RJdBRCsc\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/nn2RJdBRCsc<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The show at Johnny Brenda\u2019s will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $18.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The show at Franklin Music Hall, which has Rodrigo y Gabriella as headliners, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45.29.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Other upcoming shows at Johnny Brenda\u2019s are Damien Jurado on May 17, It\u2019s The Year 1999 on May 18, and Filthy Friends on May 21.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">May 16 is a night for comedy.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_9557\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/paul-bond.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9557\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9557\" src=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/paul-bond-350x254.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"254\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-9557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paul Bond<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">On Thursday night, it\u2019s time for Candlelight Comedy Club\u00a0at the Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware,\u00a0302- 475-2313,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org\/\">www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org<\/a>). The headliner will be veteran comic<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Bond, a Long Island native, is stand up comedy veteran with a high-energy act that always finishes on a funny note. He toured with Saturday Night Live\u2019s Jim Breuer for three years as his opening act and heavy metal guitar player.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Bond has been on \u201cThe Roast of Denis Leary,\u201d the Comedy Central special, \u201cHardcore\u201d with Jim Breuer, and MTV\u2019s \u201cMetallica Icon.\u201d His talents have been seen on VH1\u2019s \u201cStand Up Spotlight\u201d as well as in a video shown on Saturday Night Live.\u00a0 Bond has also been heard numerous times on radio\u2019s \u201cOpie and Anthony Show\u201d on Sirius XM.<br \/>\nHis resume also features live appearances at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, the Riviera in Las Vegas, Madison Square Garden, Dangerfield\u2019s, House of Blues venues around the country and Los Angeles\u2019 Hard Rock Cafe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">This week, he makes a return appearance at the Candlelight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI\u2019ve been to the Candlelight plenty of times,\u201d said Bond, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from his home on Long Island\u2019s East Shore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cIt\u2019s usually around Christmastime. I do a lot of shows around the holidays because I want to sell my Christmas DVD \u2013 \u2018A Very Filthy XXX-mas.\u2019 Joan (Alster Weisblatt) is on the show this week and I\u2019ve worked with her before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">If you like your comedy served up fast and furious with an adult edge, then Bond will satisfy your appetite &#8212; and then some.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI\u2019m an adult act but I\u2019m not dirty,\u201d said Bond. \u201cI\u2019m silly about it \u2013 but no \u2018F-bombs.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cIt\u2019s a little comedic journey that I like to take audiences on. I stay away from politics. No-one wants to hear it \u2013 left wing, right wing or Buffalo wing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cMy show is physical comedy and it ends up being musical comedy with me playing guitar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Bond has been inspired by many comedians, but one stands out above the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI love George Carlin,\u201d said Bond. \u201cHe was my biggest influence \u2013 along with Steve Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI pay homage to George Carlin in my act. He was famous for his \u2018Seven Dirty Words\u2019 routine. I take it further and talk about how those seven words became dirty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Bond does however get dirty at times with the other major activity in his life \u2013 animal rescue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI\u2019ve always loved animals and now I rescue animals\u201d said Bond. \u201cI love rescue work. We find colonies of feral cats, get them \u201cspayed and released\u2019 and make sure they have enough food to eat. I love all animals but cats especially.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cPeople who say they don\u2019t like cats have never lived with one. Cats are amazing animals who deserve a lot of love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">At that point, Bond brought his cat to the phone to say hello \u2013 and his cat responded with a vocal greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Cats frequently howl &#8212; for a variety of reasons. Bond\u2019s audiences also frequently howl \u2013 for just one reason. They howl with laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Video link for Paul Bond \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5mxXBMya2JI\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/5mxXBMya2JI<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Paul Bond\u2019s show at the Candlelight Theatre also features Joan Alster Weisblatt as the opener and David Evans as the MC. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include complimentary light fare buffet, cash bar, and free parking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Additionally, the Candlelight Theatre\u2019s production of the hilarious comedy \u00a0\u201cLend Me A Tenor\u201d is running now through June 23. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings (doors 6 p.m.\/show, 8 p.m.) and Sunday afternoons (doors, 1 p.m.\/show, 3 p.m.). Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $63 for adults and $33 for children (ages 4-12).<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_9558\" style=\"width: 250px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/kristina-img.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9558\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9558\" src=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/kristina-img-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-9558\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kristina Kuzmi\u010d<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">On May 16, The Keswick Theatre (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.keswicktheatre.com\/\">www.keswicktheatre.com<\/a>) presents an evening with a comedian whose first show was less than two months ago \u2013 \u201cThe Hope and Humor Tour \u2013 An Evening with Kristina Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d<\/span><span lang=\"EN\"> bases her comedy routines primarily on the subject of parenting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cThe topics are parenting-related\u2026guilt and insecurity,\u201d said Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">, during a phone interview Tuesday evening. \u201cBut, it\u2019s not just a show for parents. We talk about feelings every human feels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">, who moved from Croatia with her family when she was 14, has built an impressively large fanbase large with her direct sense of humor coupled with heartfelt practical advice. She is a creative parent who attracts people with her ability to relate and motivate without being pretentious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u2019s path to be a standup comic was strange and sometimes painful \u2013 two factors that make her humor so approachable and human.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI studied theater in college at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California,\u201d said Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d f<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">rom her home in Valencia, California.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cEventually, I started going through hard times. I was divorced with two kids and living on food stamps. I was really struggling. I was living in L.A. and got really depressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cSlowly, I regained my confidence and put my life back together. I decided I wanted to give to others what I had needed. I made videos with moms who were struggling. I heard from moms who said I gave them hope. That\u2019s why I call it the \u2018Hope\u2019 tour. I want to make sure every person leaves the show feeling encouraged \u2013 encouraged, brave and strong \u2013 even if they have had a rough year or two\u2026or five.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">There\u2019s a saying that \u201cthe way to a man\u2019s heart is through his stomach.\u201d For Kuzmi\u010d, the means to an end was through the stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI pulled out of my struggle,\u201d said Kuzmi\u010d. \u201cI felt like I had nothing. The only thing I was confident in was that I can cook a great meal. Back in 2007, I invited friends to bring people to my house on Wednesdays and I\u2019d feed them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cThrough that, I changed my attitude. I got positive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI met my current husband and got married. The day after the wedding, he said \u2013 what do you really want to do? So, I started making cooking videos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">In 2011, Kuzmi\u010d was chosen from 20,000 applicants and crowned the winner of Mark Burnett\u2019s reality TV competition \u201cOprah\u2019s Search for the Next TV Star.\u201d Later, Kuzmi\u010d\u2019s first reality show titled \u201cThe Ambush Cook\u201d aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cOprah gave me a TV show and that was a start,\u201d said Kuzmi\u010d. \u201cIt was a typical cooking show. Then, I took some time off. Five years later, I decided to put out some parenting videos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The videos were a huge success. Kuzmi\u010d\u2019s comedic talents grew and the rest is history. On March 29, she performed her first live stage show and felt the positive feedback from the audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cI like to make people laugh,\u201d said Kuzmi\u010d. \u201cAnd, I always want people to feel more confident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">And, she loves to cook.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">\u201cMy favorite dish without a doubt is Zagorski \u0160trukli,\u201d said Kuzmi<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">\u010d<\/span><span lang=\"EN\">, who is still feeling good from the success of Croatia\u2019s soccer team at the 2018 World Cup . \u201cIt\u2019s a Croatian dish made with pastry and cheese.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">If there were one phrase to describe Kuzmi\u010d\u2019s positivity, cooking prowess, humor and ability to make people feel good about themselves, it would be \u201cvrlo dobro,\u201d which is Croatian for \u201cvery good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Video link for Kristina Kuzmi\u010d \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/2vdO6UazEus\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/2vdO6UazEus<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The show at the Keswick Theatre will start at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $33.25-$78.50.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Other upcoming shows at the Keswick Theatre are The Fab Faux with The Hogshead Horns, The Creme Tangerine Strings, Erin Hill &amp; Jim Boggia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">On May 17, \u201cThe ELO Experience &#8212; Strange Magic\u201d on May 18, and <a title=\"More Info\" href=\"https:\/\/www.keswicktheatre.com\/events\/detail\/367887\">Damien Escobar <\/a>on May 19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/flash.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9559\" src=\"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/flash-350x197.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"197\" \/><\/a>Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org\/\">http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org<\/a>) will present Mason Porter and Friends Present The 6th Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash! on May 17 and Brand X with special guest Andre Cholmondeley on May 18 and 19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The Steel City Coffee House (203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-933-4043, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com<\/a>) will host The Doubleclicks on May 17 and The Climaxers, Florida Wayne and, and Labella &amp; Poole on May 18.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Chaplin\u2019s (66 North Main Street, Spring City, 610-792-4110,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/chaplinslive.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/chaplinslive.com<\/a>) will host Blue Roots and Ted the Fiddler on May 17.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, 610-649-8389,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ardmoremusic.com\/\">www.ardmoremusic.com<\/a>) will have Thank You Scientist on May 16,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">Splintered Sunlight with special guest Brown Sugar on May 17 and Maceo Parker on May 19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.st94.com\/\">www.st94.com<\/a>) has The BB King Blues Band Ft. Michael Lee on May 16, The Blasters on May 17, Red Molly on May 18, Leo Kottke on May 19 and Uriah Heep on May 20.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The Grand Opera House <\/span><span lang=\"EN\">(818 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5577, <\/span><span lang=\"EN\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thegrandwilmington.org\/\">www.thegrandwilmington.org<\/a>) will present The Bronx Wanderers on May 17 at The Playhouse and \u201cThe Rock Orchestra Performs Genesis\u201d on May 18 at The Baby Grand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN\">The Locks at Sona (4417 Main Street, Manayunk, 484- 273-0481, <a href=\"http:\/\/sonapub.com\/\">sonapub.com<\/a>) will present Suzanne Westenhoefer with special guest Sara Henya on May 17, Molly Tuttle with special guest Dee White on May 18 and Cory Massi on May 19.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times When legendary singer\/songwriter\/rocker Carla Olson and iconic guitarist\/songwriter Todd Wolfe come to perform at The Living Room (35 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, https:\/\/thelivingroomat35east.com) on May 16, they will bring a lot of music history with them. The two music veterans are touring in support of their new album, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4357],"tags":[7979,3162,6736,7981,7982,7980],"class_list":["post-18502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-carla-olson","tag-featured","tag-hudson-taylor","tag-kristina-kuzmic","tag-paul-bond","tag-todd-wolfe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18502"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18503,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18502\/revisions\/18503"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}