...I began my career in entertainment at the Ensemble Theater Community School in Eaglesmere, PA. From this seed grew the mighty vine of my life as a performer.
I’ve often heard myself described in the business as a “jack of all trades”, but the cold, hard truth is that I am a jack of five trades: I’m an actor, a songwriter, vocalist, a musician and an MC/host/auctioneer.
Examples of my work abound on this site. Go to them now. You can read the rest of this blather later.
I recently returned to the bosom of the performing arts after an eleven-year break devoted to parenthood, during which I shifted primarily to the business side of show business, producing countless concerts and live events. Although it was difficult to place my art on the fabled back burner, learning the business of greasepaint was invaluable…and had the added bonus of enabling me to provide for my family. (What’s the difference between a large pizza and an artist? A large pizza can feed a family of four. Hahahaha! Ha.)
Here are some nice things people have said or written about me over the years:
“I had essentially fallen asleep. Then this guy came on stage.”
-Eric Grossman, The New York Press
“He’s like an American Johnny Rotten putting on a one-man performance of The Pirates of Penzance.“ -Jim Alexander, Melody Maker (UK)
“Directors and producers gravitate to James because his work never feels like a hokey put-on. Even when delivering prepared material, James seems to be conjuring it on the spot. He is always in the moment, and that is exciting to watch.” - Adam Kahan, Empire Entertainment
“Though we provided you little, if anything at all, in the way of informational materials to allow you to prep for the show, your quick wit, convivial manner, good taste, and powerful presence helped make the fundraiser a slam-bang success for our little org.” -Jeff Hobbs, Author and Board Member of The African Rainforest Conservancy
“There is no entertainment situation that James can't handle. Drop him onto any stage, in front of any camera, at any event, and he will make the thing come alive. He’s just a natural.” - David Yamner, Concept Artists
“James is a pro. He understands that he’s just one element of a show with many moving parts. So he’s a treat for the audience, but also for the show’s producers.” – Michelle Byrd, former Executive Director of IFP
“You are so funny up there that I almost forget how effective you are! But when we do that tally at the end of the night, the bottom line says we must be thankful to you for much more than your grace and eloquence at the podium.” -Candace Jarkow, Maverick Events