A "Dukes" event in Georgia in 2013? Great! Meet the man behind it ...

Sakes alive, the dust just settles from Hazzard Homecoming, and there's already a new "Dukes of Hazzard" event to look forward to? (Besides the Louisiana event -- looks good, but a little far for us to drive.) Yes, organizers are now busy planning the Dukes of Hazzard Georgia Reunion for the spring.

The Middle Georgia Speedway in Byron, just south of Macon, will provide the setting for the event on March 8-10, 2013. This classic car show and music fest will feature the core surviving cast members of the show greeting fans and signing autographs: John ("Bo Duke") Schneider, Tom ("Luke Duke") Wopat, Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach, James ("Rosco P. Coltrane") Best, Sonny ("Enos Strate") Shroyer, Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones and Rick ("Cletus Hogg") Hurst.

BRBTV spoke to the man behind the event, Chris Jennings of Gray, Georgia.

"This event will be huge!" he says. "We have seven of the original cast members of the best television show of all time! On top of that, we are putting together one of the best classic car shows of all time! And the lineup of music artists that we are contracting (to be announced) is absolutely INCREDIBLE!"

And anytime you bring a "Dukes" event to Georgia, it's a big thing, we know, since Georgia is the birthplace of the "Dukes." It affords fans the opportunity to carry on a long tradition of bringing their Generals to photograph at some of the original filming sites of the show. Jennings wouldn't be surprised by that.

"It would be nice to tour the old filming sites," he says. "Don't believe that I personally will have the time to do so until after the event. I am hoping that the attendees of our event will have that opportunity to do so while visiting our beautiful state."

For Jennings, hosting this "Dukes" reunion is definitely a labor of love. We asked him a little about what the "Dukes" means to him, and perhaps who is his favorite character ...

"I have been a 'Dukes' fan since 1979," he tells BRBTV. "I grew up on 'The Dukes of Hazzard.' I have not had the opportunity to meet all of the actors in person. Only Sonny, Rick and James. I would say that in that aspect Sonny is my favorite. We have become close friends over the last few years. We talk on a regular basis. He is just really down to earth. But of course, they are all really nice people."

Jennings, who owned a car dealership, talks about first meeting Shroyer: "I am a member of our hometown classic car club, the Jones County Cruisers in Gray, Georgia. One of our members, Jimmy Edwards, and his son Kyle are huge 'Dukes' fans. They own a General Lee and a Hazzard County Sheriff's car. They invited my family and I to attend and ride with them in the Covington, Georgia, Christmas parade, in which Sonny Shroyer was the Grand Marshall. We had the opportunity to meet Sonny and his wife, Ms. Paula, who is absolutely adorable."

He continues, "My wife and I owned a car lot in Gray. We spoke to Sonny about maybe doing some commercials for us. He really seemed excited. After exchanging phone numbers, Sonny called me about a few weeks later. As a matter of fact, it was New Year's Day. My wife and I were in Pigeon Forge on vacation, and Sonny called to wish us a Happy New Year's. I know that he is a busy man, but for him to just call my family and I out of the blue, it really means a lot."

He says, "It grew from there. And although he never did the commercials for us, my wife and I put together a classic car show to raise money for our church's Road to Hope program. We asked Sonny to make an appearance. During planning and in conversation, I made a statement about, 'I would like to have Sheriff Rosco come, too.' He said, 'I will have him call you.' And he did. We put the show together and we were able to fund the whole program for our church. It was a HUGE success!"

So from there, came another idea, as Jennings explains: "While the actors and their wives were in town, we spent a lot of time together. We ate together, sang together, laughed together. It was great. We talked about another show at that time. My wife said I was crazy! Although it was fun, it was A LOT of work! And as a car dealer, I really have a lot on my plate. But after all, I told myself, that was SOOO much fun, I want to do it again, ONLY BIGGER!!! I love seeing all of the smiles on people's faces when they see those actors and can hug them while getting their picture made. It really makes my day!"

Thus, a fun-filled weekend for "Dukes" fans in March is born. "The event will also include helicopter rides, monster truck rides, military tanks and Humvee exhibits, bounce houses, vendors, food and much much more!" Jennings tells us.

"I guess my wife is right, I might be a little crazy!" he adds.

No, Mr. Jennings ... we fully understand ....

Be sure to "like" the Facebook page for the event and keep an eye on plans as we get closer to March. BRBTV will be there, and is looking forward to being in the beautiful state of Georgia again!


Photo courtesy of Chris Jennings; please do not copy without permission.

Bits 'n' Pieces: Stacy Sullivan, A Martinez, Byron Cherry have stuff goin' on

Stacy Sullivan was the cute little gal named Bitty in the last year of "Santa Barbara." Remember her, in that whole Ballymoor thing? Sullivan went on to some other roles after "SB" but her real love is music, and she just released a new CD on Tuesday: "It's a Good Day: A Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee." She has live shows coming up to accompany the release, at The Metropolitan Room in Manhattan:
Oct. 17, 11:30 p.m., After the Cabaret Convention
Oct. 18, 11:30 p.m., After the Cabaret Convention
Sat., Nov. 10, 11:30 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30 p.m.
See the Facebook event page for the upcoming shows. Sullivan looks just beautiful.

A Martinez, our own Cruz Castillo of "SB" who has done episodes of A&E's "Longmire" recently, is confirmed for a new movie in the "Chucky" series. "Curse of Chucky" is scheduled for a video release next year. "Went to the cast read-through yesterday and then got to spend the evening with the great Brad Dourif ('Lord of the Rings,' 'Dune' -- and the man who plays the psychopathic human behind Chucky)," Martinez said on his Facebook page, in response to a question from "SB" blogger Pier from Italy. "I had just seen Brad the night before in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' in which his brilliant performance earned him an Oscar nomination. 'Curse of Chucky' is a terribly dark story, but it's also very well-written and cast, and promises to be a fun ride for those with the stomach for flat-out, nerve-wracking horror."

The Hollywood Show is doing it again, driving us crazy with all the wonderful stars of classic TV they're serving up. The next show in Burbank is October 6-7 and features Audrey Landers of "Dallas," John Saxon of "Dynasty," Lauren Tom, who's done many voices in the animated shows we love such as "Justice League," "Batman Beyond" and "Superman." And we rue not being able to meet John Amos of "Good Times"! Rats. Check it. The November show in Vegas will include Jenilee Harrison of "Dallas."

It's great to hear that Byron Cherry of "The Dukes of Hazzard" is back in front of the camera. In our August 9 post, we mentioned some projects Cherry has in the works, and now we have an update. Cherry will play a sheriff in "The Lighthouse," scheduled for this year (Cherry tells fans they're aiming for a late October release). Danny Glover also stars in the film, and Cherry says he was great to work with. He just got back today from filming in Florida. See the plotline on the IMDb; this one sounds good. "I play Sheriff Grady in the movie and had an awesome time hanging out with alligators, big bugs, snakes in Florida," Cherry says.

Remembering Lance LeGault

As Ray Bonning on "Dynasty," he was the henchman of the mysterious Logan Rhinewood, the tall bulldog at the door with the emotionless face, swiftly preventing Blake Carrington from learning more about his powerful adversary. On "Dallas," he was Al Halliday in the latter years of the series. He even guest-starred on an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1980's "The Runway, as Les Sloane) and "Wonder Woman" (1978's "Hot Wheels," as the swindler Otis Fiskle). Lance LeGault appeared on just about every great classic TV show you can name.

LeGault died at his L.A. home on Monday afternoon, as reported by his daughter Mary to various news agencies. He was 75.

Born William Lance Legault in Chicago, his TV career was prolific. But he got his start in stunts, actually, doubling for Elvis Presley in several movies in the 1960s. He dabbled in singing over the years, and he was a pilot. But TV roles were his game, and he had a military tough guy thing going on with that low voice, playing stern types in many roles. He is known as Col. Roderick Decker on "The A-Team" and Col. Buck Greene on "Magnum, P.I.," for instance. And the myriad other shows he appeared on -- "T.J. Hooker," "Columbo," "MacGyver," "L.A. Law," "Knight Rider," and so many more -- testify to his skill and appeal.

LeGault had another "Dukes of Hazzard" connection, voicing the balladeer in the "The Dukes of Hazzard: Return of the General Lee" video game in 2004.

BRBTV extends condolences to LeGault's loved ones.

Star Wars Celebration VI: Anthony Daniels and other sights and sounds

So why didn't Uncle Owen recognize C-3PO in Episode IV of "Star Wars"? It was little Anakin Skywalker who originally built this protocol droid, after all, and C-3PO spent a lot of time there on Tattooine, with Anakin and his family. Hmmm ... Anthony Daniels and his panel of (audience) experts tackled that question and others at Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida, a couple weeks back. BRBTV captured the fun and tomfoolery on video, and you can see it now on the BRBTV YouTube channel ...

We also have a few other fun sights and sounds from the event: Legos galore, a droid race, some Jedi Knights demonstrating their prowess, ya know, that kind of stuff ...

And finally, what's a good con without some cosplay? BRBTV gives you the perspective a cosplayer who's a pal of ours ... So, who is the Fem Vader????

Find out more about Tom Wopat's new album, as well as upcoming appearances

When BRBTV spoke to Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," at the Hazzard Homecoming a few weeks back, he mentioned his new album. Here's the latest e-news from Wopat's PR crew, including some more info on that album ...

It's time for an update on what's been going on with Tom this summer! He went into the studio in NYC with a group of fantastic jazz and swing musicians to record a brand-new album, you can see photos HERE. The record will be released in early 2013, but we'll be sharing songs and images from the album soon! 

In fact, Tom had a photoshoot just last weekend for the album packaging, with his talented son Joey behind the camera. Watch a behind-the-scenes video from the photoshoot HERE!

We will have many more updates over the next few months, and in the mean time, take a look at the tour dates below to see if he will be performing near you! And have you ever wondered what a Tom Wopat show is like? Watch THIS video to see him perform "Maybe Someday Baby" live in Niagara Falls.

Sincerely,

Wopat Webcrew

UPCOMING APPEARANCES:Sept 29 - Dukes of Hazzard Family Reunion - Livingston, LA
Oct 14 - Missouri Theater - St. Joseph, MO
Oct 17 - Sharon Lynn Wilson Center For The Arts - Brookfield, WI
Oct 19 - Al Ringling Theater - Baraboo, WI

2013
Jan 8 - Green Valley Recreation Center - Green Valley, AZ
Jan 11 - The Smith Center / Cabaret Jazz - Las Vegas, NV
Jan 12 - Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center - Livermore, CA
Feb 16 - UCO Jazz Lab - Edmond, OK
Mar 1 - Del E Web Center - Wickenburg, AZ*
Mar 2 - Chandler Center for the Arts - Chandler, AZ*
Mar 23 - Palm Springs Art Museum / Annenberg Theater - Palm Springs, CA

*Performing with John Schneider!

Get the news first! Follow Tom on:

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Official Site

Didya catch the jump of the General Lee at Hazzard Homecoming?

Well, if you didn't, you can now. Both the Saturday and Sunday car jumps, actually. BRBTV caught 'em on video, and they're part of our Hazzard Homecoming 2012 playlist. We're concluding our weeklong highlights of the event, held a few weeks back in Washington, Virginia, with a couple action-packed videos -- not only the two jumps, but some sensational stuff on stage ...

See the 'Dukes' cast take to the stage at Hazzard Homecoming

When "Dukes of Hazzard" star John Schneider sings "Country Girls" on stage, those country girls swoon, and when the whole core cast of the show takes to the stage for the "Dukes" theme song, everyone -- male and female! -- loves it all the more. At the second Hazzard Homecoming in Washington, Virginia, a few weeks ago, they did just that. This week, BRBTV is serving up some sights and sounds -- as well as some stars -- in the Hazzard Homecoming 2012 video playlist. In the next couple installments highlighted below you'll see the cast performances on stage, as well as a little slice of the action in the wrestling ring, one of the many activities going on at this weekend event.

Take a trip (back?) to Hazzard Homecoming 2012 with new BRBTV videos

What exactly is a gumbush? Well, one of BRB's friends wondered that while we were all waiting in line to have a General Lee hood signed by "Dukes of Hazzard" star Sonny Shroyer. (And hey, they did drive all the way from Detroit, so it's only right they ask something really meaningful!) You'll see Shroyer's response in the latest videos on the BRBTV YouTube channel, along with Tom Wopat's answer to the possibility he'll appear in more episodes of the TV show "Longmire." It was all part of the fun of the second Hazzard Homecoming in Washington, Virginia, a couple weeks back, as we reported in our August 11 and 14 posts.

BRBTV is serving up some sights and sounds -- as well as some stars -- in the first couple parts of this Hazzard Homecoming 2012 video playlist. You'll see not only those stars, but also some Civil War soldiers, some horses, a whole lot of blazin' orange 01 cars, the inside of a blazin' orange 01 bus, and a great display of "Dukes" memorabilia.

WB calls Confederate flag removal reports 'inaccurate'

In a seeming reversal of an earlier decision to remove the Confederate flag from the General Lee on future toys and other items (such as a rumored new TV series), a Warner Bros. spokesperson told NBC's "Today" show yesterday, "We were not, and are not, planning to change the design of the General Lee on merchandise.  All reports to the contrary have been inaccurate."

In the meantime, of course, since the news broke a few days ago, thousands of fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard" have spoken out, all across the Internet, about the (apparent) earlier decision to remove the flag. It seems the root of this "news" came from a post on the HobbyTalk.com message board, apparently from a toy company spokesman. But as you dig into the details, you have to wonder ... was this all just rumor? Or maybe where there's smoke, there's fire? We'll let y'all decide that for yourselves!

Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones, who spoke out about the news a couple days ago (see the full, unedited text of his statement in our Wednesday post), is claiming victory for the Hazzard Nation. "This is not only a victory for those who love the show," he told fans in an email blast early this morning, "but a victory for the voice of the people, and in my opinion, a victory for mutual respect among people of different ethnicities and backgrounds. We should now be gracious and thank the folks at Warner Bros. for changing this misguided policy. Perhaps they will listen to the fans when they produce 'Dukes, The Next Generation'! Wouldn’t that be great?"

Indeed. Jones shared that idea of his with BRBTV in an interview for our reference guide "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", an idea he pitched to WB years ago. With the reboot and next-generation approach of "Dallas" now so successful, perhaps WB is taking note ...

Ben Jones speaks out on WB's decision to remove the Confederate flag from the General Lee

Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has never been afraid to speak his mind over the years about issues pertaining to the TV show that made him a star. And with his subsequent political career, it only makes sense that he voice an opinion about political issues. The latest is the decision by Warner Bros. to remove the Confederate flag from the roof of the beloved General Lee car, which, as he argues, is basically the most famous TV car there is. The decision pertains to future usage of the car, such as in toys, not retro stuff (not the episodes themselves, evidently!).

Many fans have already weighed in at the above ScreenCrush.com link. In an email blast sent out to fans early this morning with the subject line "DUKES OF HAZZARD’S “COOTER” BLASTS 'P.C. IDIOCY' AT WARNER BROS. TV," Jones says this ...

______________

Since 1978, when filming started for “The Dukes of Hazzard” television series, Warner Bros. Television and its licensees have earned hundreds of millions, perhaps billions, of dollars from the ongoing success and enduring popularity of this old fashioned family show. The show’s timeless look and charm continues to find a new audience as youngsters discover the show’s good clean fun and their parents appreciate the wholesome values the show espouses. The good guys win, the bad guys get their comeuppance, nobody gets hurt, and a good time is had by all. And by “all”, I mean “all”, regardless of race, color, religion, or ethnicity. Hazzard County is a “hate-free” zone.

Now, over 33 years since the show premiered on CBS-TV on Friday nights, Warner Bros. has issued a new and terribly insulting attack on the South, a region and a culture which Hollywood has trashed for decades.

“With stupidity,” said Friedrich Schiller, “the Gods themselves struggle in vain.” He must have been talking about the decision makers at WB. In a fit of political correctness, the company has dictated that no longer will the “General Lee” have a Confederate Flag on its roof. (For the culturally deprived, the “General Lee” is a 1969 Dodge Charger, perhaps the most popular car in the history of entertainment.) Some unnamed genius at the company feels that the flag is “offensive to some” and therefore it has no business on a classic t.v. comedy about a bunch of good ol’ boys and girls in the Southern mountains. This is a new level of “P.C.” idiocy. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of being insulted by morons.

Now, here is “the flaw in that slaw”, as Rosco P. Coltrane used to say. First of all, because of seven seasons on prime-time and through countless reruns, syndication, hit cable runs, VHS sets, video games, reunion movies, a feature film, tivo, international viewings, youtube, websites, and a very popular DVD series, the General is always going to have a flag on its top. Tens of millions of earthlings have seen it repeatedly for decades. And when it isn’t there, the obvious question will be “where is it?”, followed by, “that’s not the General!”

Secondly, the presumption that the show’s millions of minority viewers are put off by the flag belies the fact that African Americans, especially in the South, watched (and still watch) the show faithfully. As a producer of Dukes fan events, I can assure you that this is so.

Thirdly, the timing of this announcement is mind boggling. We are now in the Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the American Civil War. It is a time for reflection and reassessment, and I have seen descendants of both sides of that struggle reverently honor the effort and sacrifice of both armies. To insult the lasting symbol of the Southern soldier is itself a divisive and, well, bigoted act. This is not “offensive to some”. It is “offensive to many”, myself included.

I made a decision when I was a kid that I “would live and die in Dixie” and do what I could to end segregation, discrimination, and “white supremacy”. In that effort, I was shot at, sucker punched, threatened repeatedly, and jailed several times. But, just like in the “Dukes of Hazzard”, the good guys won.  Dr. King was a proud Southerner, and he believed that the most important bridge to be built was between working black folks and the working white folks who opposed them. That South is slowly evolving, but it won’t fully become reality as long as corporate types, caving to political pressure, gratuitously insult the descendants of the Confederacy, who are as patriotic as Americans can be.

Symbols have different meanings for different people at different times. Whenever a group of organized bigots get together, mostly up North, they always seem to desecrate the Confederate St. Andrews Cross, the Christian Cross, and Old Glory. They are a pitiful handful of life’s losers, who seem, however, to attract every network camera within miles. Those creeps even give bed sheets a bad name. And as a proud Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, I am not going to let their actions destroy the reputation of my ancestors. And for the record, I am also an Honorary Life Member of the N.A.A.C.P.

Ben Jones
Washington, VA

 

Star Wars Celebration VI: Droids, Darths and other delights

Another Star Wars Celebration is over, and it was four days jam-packed with all kinds of intergalactic goodies at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. BRBTV offers another photographic glimpse to follow up Thursday's post.

Temuera Morrison, who portrayed Janga Fett (father of Boba Fett) in the prequel trilogy, spoke with fans during a Q&A session on Friday.

The English-born Anthony Daniels played protocol droid C-3PO throughout all six movies, as well as in other "Star Wars" incarnations such as video games and the "Clone Wars" animated TV show. Daniels spent time with fans on Friday afternoon, even inviting a few on-stage to answer audience questions about "Star Wars." He had a little extra fun with a fan named Danny in a C-3PO costume.

Steve Sansweet has an amazing collection of "Star Wars" memorabilia, a slice of which was part of a special display at Celebration VI. His Rancho Obi-Wan is open to tour.

A costume masquerade on Saturday afternoon featured Savage Opress, above, Mother Tousand, below, and a ton of other "SW" characters, all competing for awards and many whose costumes reflected months or even years of work.

BRB's friend Andrea Melchiori of Kalamazoo, Michigan, entered the contest as the Fem Vader! Look for video of the Fem Vader, as well as Anthony Daniels and other sights and sounds of the event, on the BRBTV YouTube channel soon.

 

Look out -- there's that Fem Vader again, this time menacing an AT-AT Imperial Walker. Andrea says it took about a year to piece her costume together. Her inspiration for it? "I wanted to do a Darth Vader costume, but I didn't have my costume tweaked enough that I could join the local garrison (501st Legion). A garrison member suggested I do a Fem Vader. That was about a month before last year's DragonCon in Atlanta." Celebration VI marks the second time she's worn the costume at an event, and she's got a few more tweaks she's going to make to it.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

The view from Star Wars Celebration IV

The sixth Star Wars Celebration is happening this weekend in Orlando, Florida, and BRBTV is there, media pass in hand (well, really, on neck) and happily drinking in the sights and sounds. How about some photo coverage of Day 1! Well, sure ...

R2-D2 and all his friends, R4 included, were out in full force, and one room at the Orange County Convention Center was even devoted to the astromech droids and those who build them.

Jedi training for "younglings" happens several times a day throughout the weekend!

We even got a glimpse of one of the stars of the TV shows covered by BRBTV ... well, at least an action figure of one! Check out the latest figure of Lando Calrissian, as played by Billy Dee Williams, our own Brady Lloyd of "Dynasty." Below, another slice of the memorabilia to be had on the vast convention floor, which you just can't cover in one day. Fans can even behold -- and purchase -- props used in the production of the six movies.

BRB's fave "Star Wars" characters are Anakin Skywalker and Darth Maul, but her favorite "things" or creatures, if you will are the Boga lizard and the At-At Walker, above. Sheer delight!

Almost thawed out, she is, from that snowy encounter with the At-At. And below, another chance encounter, this time with her delicious Darth Maul ...

Actor Ian McDiarmid, whom "Star Wars" fans know so well as Senator Palpatine / the Emperor, appeared this evening to an immensely packed house in one of the venue's theaters. He talked about some of the scenes in the movies, such as the opera scene with Hayden Christensen (and what influenced the particular way he was talking in that scene!), and he told the story of first meeting George Lucas and how Lucas' compliment of "nice nose" came to mean so much!

On to Day 2 tomorrow! Look for video coverage of the event on the BRBTV YouTube channel soon.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Steve Geppi talks with BRB about his business and his life's work on an upcoming episode of "Fantastic Forum"

BRBTV founder Billie Rae Bates continues her work for the Washington, D.C.-based "Fantastic Forum" TV show, and the show's producer, Ulysses Campbell, keeps giving her clips she can be proud of. Below is the latest of her interviews for the show, with Steve Geppi, owner of Diamond Distributors, an interview we gave you the heads-up on in our July 22 post.

In this interview, which will be featured in an upcoming episode of the show, Geppi talks about how he built up his companies, how he compiled that amazing pop-cultural memorabilia collection on display at Geppi's Entertainment Museum, and what fascinates him so much about his hometown of Baltimore.

Keep your eye on the "Fantastic Forum" website for more goodies, and remember you can catch the show in all kinds of places:

• Washington, D.C., on DCTV Comcast channels 95 and 96 and RCN channels 10 and 11 and Verizon FIOS 10.
• Montgomery County, MD, on Montgomery Community Media (MCM-TV) Comcast channel 21.
• Fairfax County, VA, on Fairfax Cable Access (FPA-TV) Cox channel 10.
• Arlington County, VA, on Arlington Independent Media (AIM) on Comcast channel 69 and Verizon FIOS 38.
• Prince George's County, MD, on Prince George's Community Television (CTV) Comcast channel 76 and Verizon FIOS 42.
• Baltimore City, MD, on Community Media of Baltimore (CMBC) Comcast channel 75. 
• YouTube, NCC1727 channel
• Vimeo, Ulysses Campbell's channel
• And the episodes are now even featured on Daily Motion!

Hazzard Homecoming finishes well

The dust has settled, and it's back to the reality of the workweek for most of us. But we've got some fond memories of this past weekend's Hazzard Homecoming at the Ben Venue Racecourse in Washington, Virginia (or Amissville, depending on how ya look at it!). The event, hosted by Ben Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and his wife, Alma Viator, featured the core cast, as we showed you on Saturday, as well as a heapin' helpin' of live country and bluegrass music, games for the kids, fattening festival food (ask us about the deep-fried Oreos that were rather divine despite about a 45-minute wait to get 'em!), BMX stunts, General Lee jumps, a car display, live pro wrestling in the ring, and more.

Here are a few additional images to remember the weekend by, including a real money shot of the cast posing for some photos behind the stage after performing on Sunday evening (they were still looking for Sonny Shroyer, though) ...

From left: Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones, Tom ("Luke Duke") Wopat, Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach, John ("Bo Duke") Schneider, James ("Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane") Best, Rick ("Deputy Cletus Hogg") Hurst.

We've got a whole big mess of video we shot from the weekend with the new BRBTV HD camera; watch this blog and our YouTube channel for that ...

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

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Hazzard Homecoming: How about a yeeeeee-haaaaaa for Day 1

It was certainly sunny. And it was hot -- though there was a cool breeze blowing through now and then and not a drop of rain all day. But more than that, at the Ben Venue Racecourse in Washington, Virginia, it was a testament to the fact that when Ben and Miss Alma throw a party, people show up. Just as many as the jam-packed first Hazzard Homecoming in 2011, by our accounts.

The second Hazzard Homecoming, moving its location from last year's venue a few miles down the road, boasted a rousing success for its first day today, as thousands of fans flowed in from all over, waiting in looooooonnnng lines for items signed by the cast members, listening to good ole country music on the stage, eating a funnel cake or two, beholding a bunch of General Lees and other beautiful cars, and just all-around taking in the awesome sights.

BRBTV was there, as you see here! Billie Rae Bates and Will ("The Voice Man") Rodgers strolled the grounds (and Will even made it up to the stage for a minute to do a "Dukes" voice or two) and had a fab time. Will was particularly impressed at the dedication of the cast, who made sure fans knew they were appreciated. Indeed, BRB witnessed Tom Wopat's particularly tender spirit with the kids of all varieties who made the trek through his line, and Will saw Catherine Bach wait until every fan was served, even while the stunt show was going on across the field.

"I don't know of many stars who will do that," Will says. "They were willing to stay and make sure that every fan that waited in  line to see them was taken care of, regardless of how tired they were at the end."

The event, hosted by Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones and his wife Alma Viator, was a grand reunion of the core cast, with this first half of the weekend punctuated in the evening by their appearance on-stage, performing (you guessed it) the "Dukes of Hazzard" theme song and other faves. Look for video of all that great stuff on the BRBTV YouTube channel soon.

Besides the star power, the event showed some muscle in its cars, the stage acts it served up, and other fun stuff you just have to walk around to see (we wanted to get those Civil War guys shooting off the muskets -- maybe tomorrow!).

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV 

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Byron Cherry has some movie projects in the works

Our buddy Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry has got his star shining brightly lately, out and about at events like the Louisiana "Dukes of Hazzard" reunion we mentioned earlier this week, and being featured in places like PowerBlock TV / magazine and Mopar Muscle magazine. Now he's got some screen stuff going on, too.

According to his official website, Cherry will be appearing in the movie "Ring of the Fallen," starring Anthony Hopkins, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, and The Rock! Byron is cast as Deputy Ralley. Also look for Byron in a new film called "Dragon Child," which was scheduled to shoot this year.

By the way, Cherry is donating his personal General Lee to the Tim Welborne Muscle Car Museum; see the video at CoyDuke.com.

By the way, we're heading to the Hazzard Homecoming this weekend, so look for our standard fun-filled coverage of the event on this blog next week!

Louisiana "Dukes" event plans to serve up the full surviving cast

Any year with a big "Dukes of Hazzard" event like this weekend's Hazzard Homecoming is a good "Dukes" year, we know. And we do have the benefit of the episodes currently being on the air again, on CMT, after all. But throw in the Galax event a few weeks back, plus another blockbuster event with cast members showing up, and it's a really big "Dukes" year.

In fact, the Dukes of Hazzard Family Reunion and Car Show in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, in September has a whole lot of reason to boast. They're not just featuring cast members -- they're offering up the complete surviving cast. BRBTV has nothing but a robust round of applause for show organizers who have the respect to invite all of the cast (as, we might add, John Schneider was gracious enough to do with his Dukesfest in Atlanta a few years back). So here it is, the glorious roundup:
John Schneider (Bo Duke)
Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke)
Tom Wopat (Luke Duke)
Byron Cherry (Coy Duke)
James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane)
Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate)
Don Pedro Colley (Sheriff Ed Little)
Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport)
Rick Hurst (Deputy Cletus Hogg)

And it's a free event? Wow. This truly is Hazzard County. And if that wasn't enough to convince you, one of the show organizers is Jim Hogg.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Henderson Auctions on Highway190 west of Livingston, Louisiana. Keep an eye on it at this Facebook page.

Announcing the BRBTV Report on "Justice League"

We did a report on "Batman: The Animated Series." Then we did a report on "The New Batman Adventures." Then it was "Batman Beyond," then even "Superman: The Animated Series." Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Glen Murakami, James Tucker and crew didn't stop making these shows, so you didn't expect us to stop watching 'em and reporting on 'em, now didya?

Brand new from BRBTV is the "Justice League" report, covering all five seasons of this fabulous animated series, from its 2001 debut through its evolution to "Justice League Unlimited." Talented writer Will Rodgers steps in again for this one, bringing his keen grasp of detail and offering comprehensive analysis and commentary you won't find anywhere else. Rodgers has the credentials: Take his "Ultimate Super Friends" site, for instance. He lends that expertise on these various assembled DC superheroes to the new "JL" Report, giving a full background of the creation of the show as well as a (long!) synopsis and commentary on each and every episode. This Kindle document is a whopper -- the equivalent of 300 letter-sized pages, and our biggest in the BRBTV Reports series so far!!!!

"Justice League: A BRBTV Report (BRBTV Reports)" is No. 12 in our series of BRBTV Reports, and it's part of a four-product-release year. So stay tuned ... the other three aren't too far behind ... and one's even going to be a new installment in our print book series ...

Latest episode of "Fantastic Forum" discusses the comics-based animated series we love

"Batman: The Animated Series" came up in conversation the other day. So did "Batman Beyond." And "Justice League," with its fab Hawkgirl-Green Lantern romance. Add in a little Scrooge McDuck -- even Darkwing Duck. A touch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. What's the context here, you say? The latest episode of the Washington, D.C.-based TV show "Fantastic Forum," produced by Ulysses Campbell. Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV continues her work for Campbell's award-winning TV series, hosting this one from Victory Comics in Falls Church, Virginia, with fun 'n' lively panelists Abby Pritchard, Bryan Lyles and Roberto Ortiz ...

Remember, you've got all kinds of ways to catch this great show:

• Washington, D.C., on DCTV Comcast channels 95 and 96 and RCN channels 10 and 11 and Verizon FIOS 10.
• Montgomery County, MD, on Montgomery Community Media (MCM-TV) Comcast channel 21.
• Fairfax County, VA, on Fairfax Cable Access (FPA-TV) Cox channel 10.
• Arlington County, VA, on Arlington Independent Media (AIM) on Comcast channel 69 and Verizon FIOS 38.
• Prince George's County, MD, on Prince George's Community Television (CTV) Comcast channel 76 and Verizon FIOS 42.
• Baltimore City, MD, on Community Media of Baltimore (CMBC) Comcast channel 75. 
• YouTube, NCC1727 channel
• Vimeo, Ulysses Campbell's channel
• And the episodes are now even featured on Daily Motion!

Steve Geppi talks with BRB for "Fantastic Forum"

He's a very accomplished businessman, born and raised and still based in Baltimore, and he's a titan in the world of comic books. He's Steve Geppi, one of the owners of the Baltimore Orioles and owner of Diamond Distributors, Gemstone Publishing and the Geppi's Entertainment Museum, most notably. He's a true rags-to-riches success story, and in a new interview with BRBTV's Billie Rae Bates as part of her continuing work for the "Fantastic Forum" TV show, you'll learn more about that.

BRB talked at length with Geppi about his approach to business, what he values most, what comics he loved as a kid, and even just how he went about acquiring the amazing collection of pop-cultural entertainment memorabilia on display at the museum, where the interview was conducted, along with "Fantastic Forum" producer Ulysses Campbell. Read a little more at the "Fantastic Forum" blog, and watch for clips from the interview on the show, which you can catch in all kinds of places:

• Washington, D.C., on DCTV Comcast channels 95 and 96 and RCN channels 10 and 11 and Verizon FIOS 10.
• Montgomery County, MD, on Montgomery Community Media (MCM-TV) Comcast channel 21.
• Fairfax County, VA, on Fairfax Cable Access (FPA-TV) Cox channel 10.
• Arlington County, VA, on Arlington Independent Media (AIM) on Comcast channel 69 and Verizon FIOS 38.
• Prince George's County, MD, on Prince George's Community Television (CTV) Comcast channel 76 and Verizon FIOS 42.
• Baltimore City, MD, on Community Media of Baltimore (CMBC) Comcast channel 75. 
• YouTube, NCC1727 channel
• Vimeo, Ulysses Campbell's channel
• And the episodes are now even featured on Daily Motion!

Photo by Ulysses Campbell / Fantastic Forum

Spotted: Powers Boothe

We know his calm, authoritative voice as villain Gorilla Grodd on the "Justice League" animated series, lending far more intelligence to that crafty character than his animal nature would afford. He also voiced Lex Luthor in the "Superman: Brainiac Attacks" animated movie. But Powers Boothe has had a big career in front of the cameras, too, starring as the vice president on "24" and in many other roles over the years (and even just appearing the "Avengers" movie).

We got to see his handsome face in the 1996 movie "Dalva," starring Farrah Fawcett. Here, he plays it rough-hewn and edgy, but somehow poetic, as Sam, the love interest for Farrah's lead character. In the story, Dalva had a child at age 17 and was forced to give him up for adoption, only to seek him out later, on his 21st birthday. Sam, the polite-talking rancher type, helps the process.

While Farrah plays it much younger, about 37 to her real-life 49, Boothe acts more his age, which was 48 at the time. And while Farrah pulls off her young-switch by acting flighty, girlish, quite out-there, Boothe is straight, logical and tough, despite the womanizing he does in the film. A bit of a Marlboro man, he is, and he wears it well, though you can't help but think he's better suited to a suit -- and the more crafty indulgences of Gorilla Grodd, who's a study in contrasts.

Special thanks to Tracy for passing the movie along to us!

Are we in the "Golden Age of Geeks"? Tune in to the discussion on "Fantastic Forum"

Is geekiness now in style? It sure seems to be, with the popularity of shows like "The Big Bang Theory" and the immense mainstreaming of comic cons in recent years. It's the topic tackled in the latest episode of the Washington, D.C.-based TV series "Fantastic Forum." Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV continues to be blessed by her work on this show, serving as a panelist in this episode and also featured in the special segment on Free Comic Book Day, which we showed to you last weekend ...

We taped this episode at Victory Comics in Falls Church, Virginia, and it really turned out nice! And remember, "Fantastic Forum" is a show you can catch in a whole lot of places:

• Washington, D.C., on DCTV Comcast channels 95 and 96 and RCN channels 10 and 11 and Verizon FIOS 10.
• Montgomery County, MD, on Montgomery Community Media (MCM-TV) Comcast channel 21.
• Fairfax County, VA, on Fairfax Cable Access (FPA-TV) Cox channel 10.
• Arlington County, VA, on Arlington Independent Media (AIM) on Comcast channel 69 and Verizon FIOS 38.
• Prince George's County, MD, on Prince George's Community Television (CTV) Comcast channel 76 and Verizon FIOS 42.
• Baltimore City, MD, on Community Media of Baltimore (CMBC) Comcast channel 75. 
• YouTube, NCC1727 channel
• Vimeo, Ulysses Campbell's channel
• And the episodes are now even featured on Daily Motion!

"Shazam!" set for September 18 DVD release

At long last, the big-bro show to our beloved "Secrets of Isis" is getting its due. "Shazam!", the half-hour, live-action Saturday-morning TV show of the '70s, is scheduled to be released on DVD on September 18.

The DVD set will contain the full series, all 28 episodes airing across three seasons from 1974 to 1976. It will retail for $34.95. Fans have been asking about this one for a long time, even before the 2007 DVD release of "Isis." Warner Bros. will release "Shazam!" via their Warner Archive Collection. This is a manufacture-on-demand (MOD) release, according to TVShowsonDVD, available exclusively in the U.S. and only through Warner's online store.

We're glad to see Jackson Bostwick was chosen for the cover! BRBTV got a chance to interview Bostwick, who portrayed Captain Marvel in the first season and a half of the show, at last year's GMX event in Nashville, Tennessee. Catch the interview on our BRBTV YouTube channel as you prepare for this fall's release of the series!

Also, BRBTV has been working on an installment of the popular BRBTV Reports series focusing on "Shazam!" so look for that soon!

DVD image from TVShowsonDVD.

Nicholas Walker, Part 2: Beyond Frank Goodman

In the first part of our interview with Nicholas Walker last week, we discussed his approach to the role of Frank Goodman on "Santa Barbara" -- and it couldn't have been an easy task, we know. Walker lent a certain amount of humanity to Frank's persona -- a marked woundedness -- that provided much more depth to a character that could have just come off as flat. In the second half of our interview, Walker talks a bit more about that, but also about what he has going on these days -- and if there's a chance we'll see him on the small screen again soon ...

Is there anything you would've done differently with the Frank Goodman character, if you were one of the show's writers?
"As a soap it's really interesting, because the writers write what I call a skeleton script, and because the medium is so fast, the main core of the ensemble of actors take the skeleton script and infuse their own personalities and sentence structuring during the rehearsal process. I've experienced it in different ways. You might see Frank going ape in the situation, and it was written as just anger, but I, as an actor, I love surprising and showing that behind the rage there's this hidden pain that fuels the rage. So the written anger in the scene is infused with real pain as depicted with real tears. We have a symbiotic relationship with the writers. Hopefully they would say we didn't write the scene anticipating the wounded part but the actor brought an interesting contribution.

"It's so fast. In an hour show like 'Santa Barbara,' it's just shy of 100 pages. They crank it out day in and day out. In the blocking rehearsal, the ensemble of the show, say, make the script come alive as we are standing and talking the script. All of a sudden, the script gets lifted off the page very quickly. It's so quick. ... My theatrical training did not serve me in soaps. I had to find a different approach. When I was rehearsing George Bernard Shaw, every comma, every word, must be said exactly as written. So coming into the soap world, and one hears actors saying no, I'm not going to say that, it's like, wow, I am in the Twilight Zone ... I realized there was no point in memorizing word for word before blocking rehearsal and the breakdown of the script. Then you memorize it, rehearse and you do it live. It’s more of a controlled scripted improvisation.”

How about hate mail -- did you get any of that? (I have to ask because I know Terri Garber got hate mail just for her character daring to pursue Cruz Castillo!)
"Yes. It was interesting that I received more hate mail when I played the role of Jimmy O'Herlihy on 'General Hospital.' I actually had death threats so the FBI was brought in. The person / persons who wrote to me knew too much personal information, and I was in possible danger. That's the other side of celebrity that people don't take in or believe. There is lack of boundaries and privacy. It's pretty amazing what people will do."

Who was the best to work with, among the "SB" cast?
"A Martinez. He was a very generous, kind actor. He's rare, because he's not ego-driven. And it was a great homecoming for me because Kim Zimmer was also a cast member with me on 'The Doctors.'"

Do you have any keepsakes from the "SB" set? Did you keep any of your scripts?
"No. To be what I call current and present as an actor, as an artist, once the role is done, it's done. I just let go of everything so I can be open for the new characters to emerge. If you lock onto things and hold onto things; it gets in the way of the work."

Your last credited role is in 2003 -- do you have any plans to return to screen acting?
'I do, actually. I took a long sabbatical for my most important life’s work. Fathering my four wonderful children. The time is a comin’ for a re-entry into the world of acting."

What role do you feel like you're best known for?
"Well, it's interesting. If I'm in Europe and specifically Italy, 'Capitol' was the number-one primetime show for five years. So I'm a rock star in Italy. And even today, if you look at my Facebook page, you'll see there's a big 'Capitol' fan page out of Italy. You'll see that they've basically resurrected the show. I've done interviews. They want to bring back 'Capitol' via the Internet or on another format, that's quite amazing after all these years. I would say in New York, it's Max Holden of ABC’s ‘OLTL.’ As you know each network has different demographics."

How would you characterize the demographic for "Santa Barbara"?
"That's a good question. I was part of the last cast for that show, so I never really experienced the demographic. The show got canceled, so it was hard to get a read on the demographic. I think 'Santa Barbara' was big in New York, as well, because I remember going to a church where there was a meltdown of fans for Marcy Walker and company."

What's the craziest thing you've ever read about yourself in the press?
"Here's the real truth. I don't read my press good or bad. I get irritated because I make the effort to be accurate, and then later I read nonsense that I didn't say. I was misinterpreted purposely or innocently. People hear what they want to hear, or they're motivated by their own agendas. ... As an actor I really try to come from a pure place. And if I'm aware of what previous critics have said good or bad. As a human, I will always shy away from where I am hurt, and then I'm not true as an actor. My job is to be true to the character, whether the public / critics like it or not. Because otherwise you have an internal editor and are therefore disconnected in the scene. All of a sudden, as you're trying to be in the creative process of bringing a life alive, you're editing and double-guessing yourself all along because of previous criticisms that have maligned you in some way. I think criticism is a necessary component of what I do, and once I enter the public arena, I become public property.”

I know you talked about being a father. What occupies your time these days?
"I love being outside. I've been blessed that I can make a living doing what I love to do. As a kid I always loved to be in the plant world, building things. So I'm a designer / builder in the landscape architectural world. That's my day job. My other job is I work as a design ambassador for Kathy Ireland Worldwide. She asked me to join her team and brand in 2001 where we launched Jardin at the San Francisco Garden and Flower Show."

"While I was doing soap operas all those years, I simultaneously ran my landscape business. I would start my landscape day from 7 to 12 and then go to the studio. I have naturally lots of energy (and you kinda have to when you have four kids, by the way), so I did two jobs. ... Thank God that Kathy Ireland came to me in 2001 and said, I want you to develop an outdoor division for my brand. She has a business that's worth two billion dollars and growing. You can check it out on KathyIreland.com. You'll see my work there. I represent the green aspect of the brand, it’s about bringing the outdoors in. ... The mission statement is celebrating gardens and the outdoor experience.

"And raising my four children is my favorite and most important job. I really love it. I've had a career where I've been blessed to portray a variety of roles.”

Have you seen any of the recent web soaps, such as "The Bay," and what do you think of the trend toward Internet-based soaps?
"I have not seen them. Conceptually, I think it's great. This soap opera medium is not dead and thankfully has a new life on the Internet. Perhaps once the fad of reality TV has gone its course maybe the audience will reclaim their soaps. Thank-you for this interview; I enjoyed it.”

And BRBTV extends heartfelt thanks to Nicholas Walker for his time!

Billy Campbell takes on the role of Abraham Lincoln next

Billy Campbell has enjoyed a prolific career in the years since he played Luke Fuller as a young'un on "Dynasty." With roles on "The 4400," "The O.C.," "Law and Order: SVU" and a whole lot more, he's kept his star shining. Lately he's been playing Darren Richmond, troubled political candidate, on AMC's "The Killing."

His next role will keep him in both politics and killing, as Deadline TV is reporting: "Killing Lincoln" begins shooting in Virginia this month and will feature Campbell in the title role. It's based on a book by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard and will air on the National Geographic Channel.