Entertainment – Page 2 – Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Jack Bogut, Pittsburgh Radio

Jack Bogut:

Can you give readers a quick idea on how you decided to enter into broadcasting and what made you decide to pursue this career – and how you landed in Pittsburgh in 1968?

A friend got a job at a brand new radio station in Dillon,Montana and when I heard his voice coming out of the radio in my Mom’s car, I wanted some of that fame for my self. (The whole story is contained in track #2 of my storytelling CD, “Mental Movies” entitled – “Failing Your Way to Success.”)

While working at KCAP in Salt Lake City, I was asked to do a pro bono recorded presentation sampling all the radio stations in the market for The National Association of Broadcasters convention being held in our city. It was heard by the National Program Manager for Westinghouse Broadcasting who stayed in town to listen to my show and ultimately offered me a job at KDKA.

What have been the favorite – and least favorite – parts of the job?

Favorite: the chance to be accepted by a large audience, useful to the community, have fun, and get paid for it.

Least favorite – Negotiating contract renewals.

You’ve been in the broadcasting business for over 50 years now – how has the business changed over the years – and has it been for the better?

The number of radio stations competing for listeners is much greater today, to the extent that we all “narrowcast” to a specific age and gender niche instead of “broadcast” to a general audience of men, women and children of all ages. We were also encouraged to be personalities on the air and develop a personal relationship with the audience.

It is the nature of things to change so radio is no better or worse than it was, just different.

You’re so well-known for your on-air storytelling. How did that begin for you – and how hard is it to come up with so many new story ideas?

Listening to music always creates mental images for me. Playing that music on the air and extemporaneously verbalizing what I see or feel over it became a form of word jazz I called “Home Movies (or videos) on Radio.” Sometimes I would have an ending in mind and make up a story to fit, or have a beginning in mind and have to find a way to end it before the music ran out.

It was a little scary but great fun to do.

Is oral storytelling becoming a “lost art”?

I think people are becoming reluctant to tell stories because of the need to be politically correct. Society has become very territorial about individual space and rights and seems to look for ways to be offended. A wise person once said that adversity brings us together; prosperity pushes us apart. What happened on 9/11 is a good case in point.

What sports and teams have you enjoyed most – and why?

I have long been a fan of The Steelers, The Pirates, and The Penguins. All of these teams are metaphors for the rest of us. When they work totally together as with no thought about individual achievements, they are unbeatable. When they don’t, individual players still shine but other teams can win.

Who have been some of the most enjoyable athletes and coaches you’ve met – and what made them so?

Steve Blass, Dave Guisti, Kent Tekulve, Chuck Tanner, Dan Rooney, Chuck Noll, Andy Russell, Jack Ham, Mike Wagner, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Mel Blount; all were great leaders and team players first, and individual stars, second. They were also outstanding members of the community with their support of local charities and organizations.

What have you experienced that you think would surprise fans most about Pittsburgh and/or any of it sports teams?

When it comes to giving, Pittsburgh is one of the most generous communities per capita in America.

Any last thoughts for fans?

All of the athletes and owners I have met and known say essentially the same thing. “Fan support can be the difference between a championship and “almost…”

Go Steelers! Come back Pirates! Thank you, Mario! And return safely, Sid!

William Dagen, President of the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame

First, how and when do the Beaver County HOF get started?

The Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame had its first banquet in 1976 and has been running yearly ever since. The organization originally consisted of 13 sports-minded figures in the county. One of those happened to be Tito Francona, by the way. The first President and generally known as the founder of the BCSHOF was Alex Scassa, Sr. It was always Alex’s goal of writing a history of sports in Beaver County. An annual banquet basically took the place of detailing Beaver County’s rich heritage in sports.

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Donnie Iris – Pittsburgh Rock Icon

Donnie Iris:

First off, can you tell readers what you’ve been up to lately and about your new album and upcoming gigs?

Starting sometime after the first of the year, we will start working on a new CD.

You’ve been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for many years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

I started singing at a very early age. My mother played piano, and she taught me how to sing.

You’ve been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for many years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

My advice to people who would like to get into the music scene would be to work hard and long, whether just singing or playing or writing. And don’t quit.

Many see the life of a musician as all bright lights and glamour, but it’s a tough business. What’s been the most difficult aspect of the music business for you and how have you been able to overcome it and stay active for so long?

The toughest part of the business has been the financial aspect. It sometimes can be very difficult to make a living in music. Many artists give up because they can’t make ends meet just doing music. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to follow my heart and make a living at music, VERY fortunate!

Who influenced you most in terms of your approach to music and how have you been able to use that influence to create your own sound as opposed to just “copying” another’s?

My influences have been varied. People I looked up to and influenced me most were Marvin Gaye, Tony Bennett, The Beatles, and many more.

The Pittsburgh music scene has been growing in prominence but hasn’t launched that huge local artist recently. Is anything missing from the local scene to foster more musical talent?

I think the Pittsburgh music scene is alive and well. Many wonderful artists occupy this area. Whiz Khalifa is a prime example.

On to sports….are you a sports fan – and if so, what teams to you follow most and just how avid a fan are you?

I am a huge Pittsburgh sports fan! Steelers, Pirates, Penguins. It don’t get no better!

Have you had any experiences playing for/around some of the area athletes or hanging out with them? If so, what were those experiences and players like?

I played at Deisel acouple of times and hung with Big Ben, Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith. Great guys.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Parting words for my Pittsburghers: We are really lucky to live here! My take is that Pittsburgh is truly a special place.

Larry Richert, Pittsburgh Celebrity Hockey Team

Larry Richert, Pittsburgh Celebrity Hockey Team (May 2, 2011):

First, can you tell us how the Pittsburgh Celebrity Hockey Team got started and where/when fans can see the team play?

We combined some members of different charity organizations who were playing games almost twenty years ago, including KDKA TV and Radio, Penguins Alumni and some other players who were looking to donate their time to raising charity funds while having fun playing.

What are some of the more memorable venues you’ve played in and what made them so?

Johnstown War Memorial Arena is one of many but because of “Slapshot” it seemed especially nostalgic. The team once played the CIA outside of Washington DC. Their team came out in black, no numbers and wearing sunglasses!

How is the organization funded – the equipment, ice-time, etc… and are the players compensated?

The players are of course not compensated and we rely on donations of ice time and the funds that we raise go primarily to children’s charities. We also love to support youth hockey and the sled hockey team has been a favorite event.

What are some of the different charities you play for and how do they reach out to you?

Over the years we have played games for EMS Organizations, Children’s Hospital, Youth Hockey Programs, Sled-Hockey Team, Fire-Fighters Memorial Fund just to name a few.

Who is on the team – who are the regulars fans can expect to see when the team plays and who are some of the surprise players that have played over the years?

We have had an amazing list of celebrities over the years. Steelers H-O-F member Jack Lambert, Former Penguins GM Craig Patrick, Pens H-O-F member Joey Mullen, Brian Trottier, Jay Caufield. Also a host of TV and Radio personalities like KDKA-TV’s Ross Guidotti. WDVE’s Mike Prisuta has joined us in the past along with many other Pittsburgh notables.

Can you describe the fan experience for those who have never seen the team play?

Just a fun time! We really enjoy the games and we hope the fans do too!

Who do you play against – is there a league you are involved in of any sort and how often do you play?

We don’t have a league per se however we have had long term relationships with organizations. We at one time were playing 12 games a season. It’s been more difficult in recent years to make that kind of commitment.

Any of the players surprising in terms of their ability on the ice? Who are some of the players that entertain fans the most, and how do they do so?

Any of the Penguin alumni usually demonstrate why they were professional in that they make it look so easy!

For the rest of us you really appreciate their talent. But we have some guys who may not be as well know who really are good hockey players.

What have been some of the most memorable experiences with the players/organization so far, and why were they so?

At our last outing at RMU we had all three Hansen Brothers from “Slapshot” play! That was a hoot!

Any plans to draw more attention to the team in future? How do you promote the team and the causes you support?

We are always looking to grow the organization. We need to take more advantage of social media. Our new President Bob Black is very well connected and we are hoping next season is a winner for all especially the charities.

Don Skwar, ESPN

Don Skwar, Senior News Editor, ESPN (March 9, 2011):

First, can you briefly explain you role as Senior News Editor at ESPN – what that entails?

I oversee the Event news editors – there are eight of them – whose job it is to ensure the editorial directionof the games that are on ESPN’s various networks as well as ABC. I also oversee the bureau reporters and producers, whose job it is to report on various breaking news and feature and enterprise stories that will make their way onto ESPN’s various programs.

You seem to be very involved in the development of journalists – as the President of the APSE (Associated Press Sports Editors) and with your work at the Sports Journalism Institute. What advice would you give young journalists trying to get started today?

I actually don’t have a role with SJI, although one of the people who works with me – Sandy Rosenbush – is a co-founder of SJI. I was the president of APSE back in 2001-2002. As to what advice I’d give to young journalists trying to get started today: Same as I gave in the ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s – make sure you’re passionate about your work, because the long hours and grunt work won’t seem like work at all; be fair and balanced in your reporting; and realize the importance of being right, not first.

What have been some of the most exciting – and most difficult – stories you’ve overseen in the seven years that you’ve been at ESPN?

The Tiger Woods controversy. Barry Bonds’ pursuit of Hank Aaron’s home-run record. The BALCO/steroids issue. And by the way, I was involved in the coverage of all of these, but I wouldn’t say I oversaw them.

As advertising revenue on the web becomes harder to maintain, how are you able to leverage your content to find alternative sources of revenue? What’s worked – and what hasn’t?

I’m not involved in dotcom, so that’s hard for me to answer. I do know that ad placement is key, as is the charging for our Insider package – and we’re able to do that because of the talented insiders we have. And that only comes because we’ve outlaid money to get them. Some things never change: Money does help to beget money.

How do you differentiate yourself from the ever-increasing number of independent news sources -blogs, twitter….how do you deal with those as information rivals?

They’re very real, and very immediate. The landscape for competing media has changed drastically in the last five or so years. We need to be aware of that competition but, as I mentioned above, we also have to be sure we’re right, not necessarily first. It’s great to be first, but not if you’re wrong.

I also think that some blogs and sites don’t really care about being accurate as much as they want to get the word on the street out there and let the readers decide if it’s true or not. While that’s an interesting philosophy, I still think readers will have a greater tendency of returning to a source of news that is reliable and accurate.

What are your big objectives for 2011 at ESPN? Any specific objectives you are looking to accomplish?

I’ve got a new job heading my way in a few weeks: as the overseer of the weekend SportsCenters. The amount of talent on the various SportsCenters is overwhelming, and it’ll be humbling to work among that talent. I look forward to it, nonetheless.

From a Pittsburgh perspective, some fans have complained about the fact that ESPN’s sports coverage has become too general and nationally focused for the Pittsburgh market. Radio stations have removed local broadcasting in Pittsburgh, for example. Can you explain how you have addressed the need to create more locally-focused content portals for Pittsburgh fans and what future plans for doing so might entail?

I don’t know enough about what’s going on in the Pittsburgh market to comment intelligently on this. I do know we’ve started and have been successful with local dotcoms in five major markets – Boston, New York, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles – and there’s always a possibility we could expand into more markets in the future.

There is an increasingly large number of stories covering the personal and legal lives of sports figures. How do you determine what to publish these stories and when you have enough information to cross the line from a potential story to a story you decide to run?

It’s really a case-by-case basis, with the popularity of the person, the severity of the crime and several other factors coming into play. As to the legal side of things, we will run a story if an athlete has been charged. We won’t necessarily run it if that athlete has been accused. We also weigh how much play that story might be getting in other media outlets. So a lot of issues and circumstances have to be out there.

How do you address those who say ESPN is too closely tied into the leagues/teams it covers and sometimes appears biased or unwilling to tackle stories that are negative towards those leagues and teams?

We definitely have ties to leagues and teams. We’re rightsholders with a lot of them. But I can say unequivocally that our affiliation – large or small – with a team, a league or a player doesn’t interfere with our pursuit of any story.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Just to hit ‘em straight.

Randy Baumann – WDVE

Randy Baumann – WDVE Morning Show Interview (March 3, 2011):

First, where can readers find you on the air and online?

They can find me on 102.5 FM www.dve.com @DVERandy and on Facebook

What’s the best thing about your job – and is there anything coming up on your show that fans should watch out for soon?

Best thing about the job has to be working with a tremendous amount of talented people and getting paid to goof off. I think people are really going to dig what DVE has planned for the web. They’re making a concerted effort to be THE site for both expatriate Pittsburghers and those still living here.

Who’s funnier – you or Jim?

Jim. Wait, I thought you asked ‘Who smelled funnier’. Still Jim. But no, really- Jim

Tell readers something about yourself that we’d be surprised to know.

I’m Banksy

Who are the sports journalists and broadcasters that you follow most closely, and why?

Locally Collier leads the way, but I like Molinari, Dejan, Rossi and Bouchette. Nationally, I’m so immersed in the web each day that I usually follow what guys are doing online.

So Peter King, Bill Simmons, Jason Stark, Deadspin guys, whomever is writing on my Fantasy league sites.

A special nod goes out to the Pensblog guys, who provide great satire/coverage of the Penguins. Somebody should really be paying them to do that because, to my knowledge, no other website has ever defined a sense of humor and created a language for an entire fan base. THATS influence.

What teams and players do you follow most closely?

The two local pro teams and the Pirates.

What have been some of the more interesting Pittsburgh sports figures you’ve met and what made them so?

Mario. People stand up straighter when he walks into a room. I’ve seen it. People straighten up like caddies as Lacie Underall walks past them

Which Pittsburgh sports figures that you have encountered had the best senses of humor – and how so?

Brett Keisel has an awesome dry sense of humor. He’ll never be known for it because the beard looms too large, but he should be known for it. Max Talbot and Colby Armstrong together could at times be fall down funny, Steve McKenna was a natural comic, much like Josh Miller, and the entire Pirates front office is hilarious.

Ward on Dancing with the Stars. Thoughts? Is this almost too easy? Are you going to ride him for this and how bad will his teammates do so?

As long as he dances to ‘Renegade’ every time, I’m fine with it.

What’s your funniest/most shocking on-air experience with a Pittsburgh sports figure?

Edgar Snyder hijacking a segment with Myron Cope, where he proceeded to bring up a couple of things that Myron would’ve rather he didn’t. The message on our producers voicemail after that show would’ve been Lee Elia good. I’m glad it got erased.

Any last thoughts for readers?

I think the Pittsburgh Power has a legitimate shot at a division title.

Ed Monaco Pennsylvania Hall of Fame

First –can you tell readers a bit about the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and about your chapter in specific. How did both get started?

The Washington-Greene chapter was founded in 1986. There was an earlier Washington County Hall of Fame founded in 1971, but it was not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1962. Our membership is open to everyone for a $10.00 annual fee.

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Bill Crawford

Bill Crawford – (October 3, 2011):

First off, can you tell readers how you decided to become a comic –what was that moment when you realized ” this is it – this is what I am going to do with my life!”

Well, I’m not sure I ever had a single moment when I decided to become a comic; I think it was more of a collection of moments failing to become anything else.

What’s been the most exciting venue for you to play in so far and what’s been the funniest experience you’ve had on stage?

DC Improv was an awesome experience. It was the first time people cheered every time the host said I was from Pittsburgh. I’ve been working in Ohio a lot.I had an old woman flash me as soon as I walked on stage recently. I laughed so hard I forgot my material.

Every set should begin like that.

What about growing up in Pittsburgh has most inspired your comedy and routines?

I started in Pittsburgh, so everything about growing up there inspired my comedy. If you want to get big laughs in Pittsburgh, you learn quickly to have a local spin on your material. You can do other stuff there, but it never gets the same reaction.

Also, my mom fist fought the Pirate Parrot at a picnic in the early 90’s. So that helped.

It’s not all glamour is it? How hard is it traveling constantly and starting off, trying to make ends meet?

No. Its very brief moments of glamour on stage followed by a prolonged state of desperation and anxiety off stage. There is nothing funny about trying to do stand-up comedy for a living.

There are a number of good comedians coming out of Pittsburgh –you, Steve Byrne, Billy Gardell….do you guy’s get at all competitive? How do you help one another and work together?

Billy Gardell and Steve Byrne have helped me tremendously. There is no way I would be where I am without them. Both have been a mentor of mine and Steve has taken me on tour with him.

I would take a bullet for either of those guys. If someone was shooting at them at the same time, I guess they would have to compete. Lots of pressure to be a sports fan in Pittsburgh.

How did this influence your comedy?

I never fully understood the magnitude of that pressure or Pittsburgh’s love of sports until I saw a Statue of Franco Harris beside a Statue of George Washington in the main terminal of the Pittsburgh Airport. We consider the Immaculate Reception to be as prestigious as the Revolutionary War. Then it became clear. Being a sports fan in Pittsburgh is as important as being on the frontlines fighting the British for our independence. It writes itself.

Who are your favorite sports teams and athletes – and what makes them so?

Steelers are my team. I’ve always loved football the most. I watch them every Sunday with my family. And if I’m on the road, I find a Steeler bar and watch it with my extended family.

Ever perform in front of any Pittsburgh athletes or meet any? If so, what was that like?I got to do a black tie event at the Duquesne Club. Mario Lemieux was there. Meeting him was a dream come true for me. If you’ve ever been to the Duquesne Club, you know I can’t sayanything else about it.

If you were the GM of any Pittsburgh team, which would it be, why, and what would your first big decision as GM be?

Steelers. I would fire Steely McBeam and burn his costume before a division game. Then I would draft 4 offensive linemen in a row.

Where can fans see you next and can they purchase your material on Cd/print etc.? If so, where?

I will be on the road for rest of the year, but I am headlining the Pittsburgh Improv December 22nd and 23rd. I will have a cd or a dvd available by then hopefully. You can find out where I will be if you check out my Official Site for Comedian Bill Crawford and my twitter account //twitter.com/#!/Crawfability and my facebook page at Bill Crawford

Any last thoughts for readers?

We are living in hard times. I know we are all busy and worrying about our own problems, but its important to remember that we are all on this journey together. Lets take care of each other. If nothing else, lets at least be empathetic towards people struggling. Unless they are from Cleveland.

In that case, F@#K THEM!!

Scott Blasey of the Clarks

Scott Blasey of the Clarks (September 28, 2011)

First off, can you tell readers what you’ve been up to lately and about your new album and upcoming gigs?

Well, I just wrote a new song last night so that’s exciting. The last Clarks record was in ’09 and I wouldn’t mind making another one in the next year or two. Show-wise, we’re in the college season- lots of schools and our annual Halloween cruise on the Gateway Clipper.

The Clarks have been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for a number of years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

We started as a cover band at IUP in ’86. We put out our first record (on vinyl and cassette!) in’88 and made Pittsburgh our home. WDVE started playing our stuff in the early 90’s and it just took off from there. Starting out in the music business is very different today than it was back then.

Play anywhere and everywhere. Write great songs (easier said than done). Get on the youtube and get yourself out there.

Many see the life of a musician as all bright lights and glamour, but it’s a tough business. What’s been the most difficult aspect of the music business for you and how have you been able to overcome it and stay active for so long?

Traveling is difficult. I’m a homebody. I like routines and working out and eating good, and those things are hard to do on the road. Getting along personally and creatively with three other guys for 25 years ain’t easy either.

How has the band managed to stay together through the years when so many bands seem to struggle doing so?

It boils down to respect. You have to respect each other’s ideas, lifestyles and choices, even if you don’t embrace them. That’s hard. And you have to compromise and have common goals.

I know there are hundreds to choose from, but what have been some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a musician and what made them so?

The Late Show with David Letterman was a career highlight. It legitimized us to a lot of people. The first Surge Festival at Starlake Amphitheater in 1997 was a defining moment. We headlined a show with Gathering Field and Brownie Mary that drew over 17,000 people.

Who influenced you most in terms of your approach to music and how have you been able to use that influence to create your own sound as opposed to just “copying” another’s?

We were influenced early on by bands like the Replacements, R.E.M. and U2. The Replacements were a big influence because they embraced the punk ethic of it’s more important to be passionate than good.

I think it took a couple albums for us to find our own sound, maybe Let It Go was the first where we took our influences were more subtle and our own voices were coming through.

What would surprise fans/readers most about you and the band?

I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was in college, same with Greg. I joined the band 6 months later and learned on the job. The Clarks are the only band I’ve ever been in.

The Pittsburgh music scene has been growing in prominence but hasn’t launched that huge local artist recently. Is anything missing from the local scene to foster more musical talent?

Actually, hip hop artist Wiz Khalifa is from Pittsburgh and he broke through huge this year. Mac Miller is next I hear.

As far as rock/pop bands there hasn’t been anything big nationally since Rusted Root in the 90s. Anti-Flag tours internationally but they’re not a mainstream success. I don’t know why it hasn’t happened. There are a lot of talented people here. It’s a tough industry and I don’t think it’s anything that Pittsburgh is not doing that’s keeping it from happening.

On to sports….are you a sports fan –and if so, what teams to you follow most and just how avid a fan are you?

I’m a big sports fan, but not huge one like some folks in this town. I can walk away from a Steelers loss without feeling suicidal!

I was a Pirates fan first. My dad used to take me to games at Three Rivers Stadium in the early 70’s. Steve Blass was a hero, and I’ve had the pleasure of talking to him a few times. Then I became a die-hard Steelers fan. Four Super Bowl victories will do that to a sports-loving teenager.

Then of course the Penguins in the early 90s when I was living in Shadyside made me a hockey fan. I got to drink beer out of the Stanley Cup late one night at Doc’s Place thanks to Paul Steigerwald.

Have you had any experiences playing for/around some of the area athletes or hanging out with them? If so, what were those experiences and players like?

I had the pleasure of performing for the Lemieux family at the home of a mutual friend. The kids are fans of the band and Mario and Natalie are great to talk to. Bob Errey is a fan and I’ve talked to him a few times, same with guys like Craig Wolfley and Tunch Ilkin. Walter Abercrombie came up to me after I performed the National Anthem at a Steelers game, shook my hand and told me I did a great job.

Those things stay with you. Everybody I’ve met has been a class-act.

If you could be the GM or player for any local team, which would it be and what would be the first thing you’d do?

Pirates- sign Derrick Lee.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Thank you for all these years of support. Pittsburgh has been very good to us and we love this place.

Steve Byrne, Comedian

Steve Byrne:

First off, can you tell readers how you decided to become a comic –what was that moment when you realized ” this is it – this is what I am going to do with my life!”

I never sought out to become a comic. I ended up getting a job right out of college at Caroline’s Comedy Club in New York City, sweeping the floor, taking reservations, etc.. I watched all the young comics come in and out of the club and thought “I’d love to try that out”.

After my first time on stage, I knew that stand up is what I was going to do the rest of my life. Never knowing it could be a career. I’ve been very fortunate.

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