Extras
Some
great links...
|
|
The
web sites noted in this section are all special to me for different
reasons.
I've
had the pleasure of working with many of these people -- interviewing
them, taking pictures of their performances, and in many cases
creating great friendships.
This
area will more or less always be open to development and changes,
so I hope you'll stop back and check it out frequently. And, I
hope you'll enjoy (and support) what you find.
| ComplemenTerry
Designs |
|
ComplemenTerry Designs is a project
for Terry and I to work on together -- when it comes to
the actual talent though... the designs... the arrangements...
the production... it is Terry's skills and vision that lead
the way. You can check out the ComplemenTerry Designs
pages here on the In My Backpack site. And, you
can also find items for sale at Etsy and more details on
Facebook.
|
| Jay
Gillen |
|
Sure... I may be biased... but I love his
work. From the basic ideas he gives you as sketches to the
more developed ideas, there is a creativity and talent here
that is quite striking. Take a few moments to check out
his material, and be sure to visit the sites of his friends.
|
| Keris
Stainton |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keris has been a friend of ours and In
My Backpack since the early days of the site. She was
one of the participants in a Harry Potter edition of the
"Lucky Seven" interviews, and was also kind enough
to take part when we revisited the Potter universe with
a second effort on the subject.
Most recently, she joined us for a terrific
interview focusing on her and her writing. She currently
lives in England, writes on a variety of subjects, and offers
some simply fantastic reading in published books and on
her web site.
The
pictures you see here and in the interview with Keris have
been provided by Keris Stainton. All rights to these pictures
belong to Keris, and she has approved their use on my site.
They cannot be used for any other purpose without her permission.
|
| Brian
McCullough |
|
|
|
.JPG)
|
Brian McCullough is known internationally
as one of the finest tribute artists in the world. For almost
two decades he has been a featured cast member with Legends
in Concert. In addition, he regularly appears in full
shows on his own and with other performers.
He has an incredible voice and a soft-spoken
charisma that immediately charms and connects with audiences.
While watching him on stage, you can't help but feel he
is exactly where he wants to be, is loving every moment,
and that your enjoyment of the show is the key element in
his enjoyment of performing. And when it comes to performing,
he is damn good.
|
| Chris
VanDahl |
|
|
|
.JPG)
|
As a performer, Chris VanDahl is the complete package --
he doesn't just take command of a stage... he grabs it,
fills it beyond capacity with thunder and electricity, and
thrives on delivering audiences to experiences beyond their
wildest expectations.
He has been compared to Steven Tyler throughout his career,
and he currently offers stunning efforts as both Tyler and
Aerosmith as a featured performer with the casts of Legends
in Concert and with his efforts as a member of the
world-class tribute band Aeromyth.
|
| Brandon
Evans |
|
|
|
|
Soft-spoken and thoughtful, Brandon is an incredibly approachable,
kind, and terrific young man. He's also an amazingly talented
performer, and has a tremendous presence on social media
platforms.
Get over to YouTube to check out his work. (Go there now!)
The
pictures you see in here and in the interview with Brandon
have been provided by Brandon Evans. All rights to these
pictures belong to Brandon, and he has approved their use
on my site. They cannot be used for any other purpose without
the permission of Brandon Evans or his authorized representatives.
|
| Bruce
in the USA |
|
|
|
|
Led by Matt Ryan, there are a few things
you need to know about these guys... (1) An amazing collection
of people. Friendly, approachable, and thrilled about what
they do. (2) Outstanding musicians. Their live performances
are energetic and passionate, providing the best tribute artist
effort in recognition of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street
Band that you will ever see. (3) It just so happens that I've
worked with them. In the summer of 2010 they became aware
of some pictures I had taken of their set for a project I
was working on, and Matt approached me about working with
them on a complete package. You can find the results of that
on their web sites, like the one linked to here. |
| Rick
Price |
|
|
Rick has a tremendous voice and is a
gifted live performer. His music is filled with a passion
that immediately connects with an audience. It's an amazing
thing to be a part of, and I highly recommend taking any and
every opportunity you may have to see him on stage. Also,
look for his music. Given the acoustic foundation of the collection,
I would highly recommend the release Revisited. |
| Terry
Fator |
|
|
|
|
Terry is a comedian... a singer... an impressionist...
a celebrated all-around entertainer that has gone from victory
on America's Got Talent to las Vaegas as a headliner
with his own theater at The Mirage. He has brought many
lovable characters to the stage with him, and thrilled audiences
along with earning critical acclaim.
The
pictures of Terry included here and in the interview have
been provided by Terry Fator and Terry Fator Companies.
All rights to these pictures belong to Terry and Terry Fator
Companies, and Terry Fator Companies has approved their
use on my site. They cannot be used for any other purpose
without the permission of Terry Fator and Terry Fator Companies.
|
| Brigitte
Valdez |
|
|
|
|
Brigitte is an amazing performer... a
true powerhouse that electrifies audiences with an incredible
voice. She has been a member of Legends in Concert
since 2002, dropping jaws with her incredible tribute to Celine
Dion. |
| Tom
Sadge |
|
|
I've had the chance to see Tom perform
twice to date, and the easiest description I can offer is
that the man has a fantastic voice. There is a depth and power
to it that makes him a natural, and he has worked in radio
on the air. Singing is a passion for him, and he brings a
great combination of energy, pride and showmanship to the
stage. His tribute for Neil Diamond is simply incredible.
You would be hard-pressed to find a nicer individual or more
professional entertainer. |
| Kelly
Smith |
|
|
|
|
Kelly Smith has performed
across the country... and literally around the world... entertaining
people with an incredible stage presence and a fabulous voice.
She has delivered tribute performances as Cher and Shania
Twain, and provided the singing voice of Cher for the movie
And The Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story. |
| Art
Vargas |
|
|
|
|
When performing on his own, Art is regularly
backed by The Swank Set, a dynamic and talented group of
musicians that provides his showmanship a rock solid foundation
from which to soar. And soar he does. I've seen Art perform,
and he is fantastic... but don't take my word for it. The
Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Life
magazine have named him their Best Entertainer in annual
awards and reviews. Publications… too many to list… have
run out of adjectives to capture the essence of his performances.
Art Vargas and The Swank Set are, time and again, recognized
as one of the best show bands in Vegas today.
The
pictures you see here and in the interview with Art have
been provided by Art Vargas. All rights to these pictures
belong to Art, and he has approved their use on my site.
They cannot be used for any other purpose without his permission.
|
| Kevin
Mills |
|
|
|
|
Look over Kevin’s accomplishments and
it won’t take you very long to realize that he is one of the
very best in the world at what he does professionally… and
that is performing as an Elvis Presley tribute artist. He
has been recognized with accolades and awards pretty much
since the very first time he performed as Elvis, and the applause
has only grown louder… the praise has only become stronger.
Kevin is incredibly versatile with his portrayal of the King,
expertly covering the ground from the Louisiana Hayride
days and early Elvis of the 50s, through the movie years and
the Comeback Special, and ultimately into the iconic
jumpsuit of Las Vegas and Aloha From Hawaii. |
| Joe
Bonamassa |
|
|
I had the opportunity to interview Joe
for a "Lucky Seven" column, and I left very impressed
with a man that was as friendly and accommodating as he is
talented. Visit his site... buy his music... and if you can,
see him perform live. |
| Christina
Shaw |
|
|
|
|
Christina is a talented woman that currently
performs professional tribute acts for a number of singers,
including Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Faith Hill.
(And… she has recently begun to add Lady Gaga to her resume.)
Two things stand out from any performance… her strong vocals
and the undeniable enjoyment she takes from being on stage. |
| Daryl
Wagner |
|
|
|
|
Daryl has performed on some of the greatest
stages, with some of the biggest names. He’s been on Broadway.
He’s worked with Rosemary Clooney and Bernadette Peters.
And now, he is delivering a brilliant tribute to Liberace
that showcases his phenomenal talents accompanied by a terrific
cast.
Most
of the pictures you see here and in the interview with Daryl
have been provided by Daryl Wagner. All rights to these
pictures belong to Daryl, and he has approved their use
on my site. They cannot be used for any other purpose without
his permission.
|
| Scott
Jordan |
|
|
|
|
Scott Jordan has been on stages across the country delivering
world-class tribute performances as Justin Timberlake. He
has a true passion and appreciation for what he does, offering
this fantastic and humble opinion of his professional efforts:
“the great thing is that I’m getting paid to do what I’d
do for free in my truck.” Scott is looking to bring his
work to stages around the country, and is a name to check
out and a show to see.
Most
of the pictures you see here and in the interview with Scott
have been provided by Scott Jordan. All rights to these
pictures belong to Scott, and he has approved their use
on my site. They cannot be used for any other purpose without
his permission.
|
| Tommy
Emmanuel |
|
|
Breathtaking... brilliant... outstanding...
dynamic... incredible... just a few of the words you could
use in describing Tommy, and those don't even begin to provide
the credit he deserves. Widely regarded as one of the finest
guitarists to ever play, he is a creative and unique professional
that excels whether you are listening to a recording or watching
him live... and understand, a Tommy Emmanuel live show is
simply beyond compare. It is a rollicking, thrilling, emotional
experience that will have your heart pounding and leave all
of your senses dazzled. |
| Ines
Zak |
|
|
|
|
Ines has performed around the world...
and left thrilled audiences at every show. As one of her professional
efforts, she offers a dazzling tribute as Shakira for Legends
in Concert. She is also widely recognized for her outstanding
performance as Gloria Estefan. In addition to these efforts,
Ines continues to tour with groups like Monroe Powell and
The Platters. Her smile, powerful singing voice, and overall
personality earn praise at every turn. |
| Sara
Hickey |
|
|
Sara Hickey is a versatile
entertainer with a beautiful voice. My personal experience
in watching her was while performing a set of Carrie Underwood
songs as a member of Legends in Concert. These
days you are most likely to catch her in Las Vegas, where
she has been on stage at The Orleans and on Fremont Street
along with several other notable casino properties.
|
| Legends
in Concert |
|
|
Legends in Concert is the best
of the best... offering the top tribute artist performances
in the world. The organization is a collection of some of
the most professional, accommodating, and friendly people
I have ever had the pleasure to work with. |
| Deirdre Flint |
|
|
|
Deirdre is a fantastic woman, and an
incredibly talented musician with a wonderful sense of humor.
Her comedic view of life is at the heart of her musical
efforts, which features such classic songs as: "The
Boob Fairy," "The Bridesmaid Dress Song,"
and "Cheerleader." She performs as a solo artist,
as well as a member of the girl-supergroup, The Four Bitchin'
Babes. Her resume includes wins of the Kerrville New Folk
Award and the Falcon Ridge Showcase.
|
| Joe
Posnanski |
|
One of the most well-known and celebrated
sports writers, he is also by far one of the most productive.
He has won numerous industry awards, including recognition
as national sports columnist of the year on multiple occasions.
He is also a best-selling author, with the tremendous The
Soul of Baseball to his credit.
|
| Tom
Colicchio |
|
You may know him as one of the leaders
of the culinary industry, currently providing outstanding
dining options across the country under the Craft name.
Or, you may be familiar with his work on Top Chef,
one of the best and most entertaining cooking shows on television.
However you know him, Tom takes pride in delivering high-quality
efforts.
|
| Suzi
Quatro |
|
A leader in the music world, Suzi changed
the industry for women. As the introduction on her web site
says: "...she kicked down the door, and the rest followed."
|
| Earl
Swift |
|
A tremendously gifter writer, Earl has
provided efforts in a variety of settings, from newspapers
to books. His work has been recognized numerous times, and
he continues to provide brilliant storytelling that informs
and entertains.
|
When
in doubt, all images and material seen on the In My Backpack
web site should be considered the copyrighted material of Bob
Hocking and In My Backpack.
Occasionally,
several artists and individuals that have worked with Bob on projects
have provided photographs to accompany these efforts. This includes
interviews and articles (along with some additional work), and
is noted as appropriate. While these images are not owned by Bob
or In My Backpack, the use of these images was approved
by the appropriate individuals and/or their authorized representatives
and they should be considered protected content.
***
PLEASE NOTE *** Use of any of images for any purpose other than
their use here at In My Backpack should not be considered
granted or approved by Bob, In My Backpack, or the
owner of the rights for the image.
If
you have any questions about any of the material found on the
In My Backpack site, including pictures, please contact
us by e-mail.
~
Thank you
|
|