I've covered comedian Penn alum Ethan Fixell (C'04, Off the Beat) before as he and his friend Dave doubledated through North America.

Now Ethan just got added to the list of Penn alumni who have appeared on the Jay Leno show.

After the jump, watch Jay Leno's "favorite new comedy duo" perform a very funny musical number singing about people's facebook comments (minute 1:30) on the Jay Leno Show from this past Thursday.

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Since my freshman year at Penn in 1992, I've been a consistent fan of the work the Penn a capella group Off the Beat puts out. (and some of its alumni too)

After the jump listen to their great version of Coldplay's "Fix You" I just recently stumbled upon.

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Since the beginning of DT, I've been covering all sorts of stories about Penn alumni musicians, filmmakers, actors, plus dozens more entertainment professions.

Then, over the past couple of years on DT, I've been covering stories about new young alumni trying to break into careers such as acting, more acting, and music.

Now, this summer, we're going to be following two current undergrads who are out in LA exploring the world of entertainment.

To start things off, let me introduce to you LA native, Ali Kriegsman (C'13, Off the Beat). This summer Ali is working as an assistant for a clothing boutique, as an intern for a lifestyle and fashion magazine, as a hostess in an LA restaurant ...and as a blogger for DT!

While she is in LA, Ali blogs about her quasi self-deprecating, slightly offensive take on LA, "its desperate residents and the ridiculousness that ensues".   I'm bringing Ali to my DT readers because I think she has a fresh, fun young take on LA that I think many LA "new" residents have, but over time become immune to : )

After the jump, find out more about Ali, which resources she used to get her magazine internship and then read which celebrities Ali has seen, sort of met, and makes fun (!) of while she has been here in LA.

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Since my days as a Penn undergrad, I've always been a fan of Off the Beat and the talent the group gets from year to year.

Recently the group came to LA during their spring break and put on a great show.

After the jump, listen to some really powerful voices from both their LA performance and from a preview spring show video promoting their Spring show this weekend.

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As part of my new Fashionistas series, I share a story about one Penn alum's new media fashion company that began at Penn and is now an established online business...

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While I'm not a huge sports fan, as a Penn alum I can't help but get excited for the Phillies being in the World Series (and winning last night).

So on that note, in this whole Phillies frenzy, check out the video above of Penn's Glee Club singing a revised version of Bruce Montgomery's "Ain't-Cha Never Heard Of?" (originally released in 1989). The lyrics have been adapted to highlight the Phillies' coaching staff, top executives and names the complete roster from the 2009 National League Championship Series.

Recently, Mike Missanelli of ESPN Radio (950 AM / 97.5 FM) played the song and gave a big on-air plug to the Glee Club.   Let's all rally together to get more airtime by sending an email to "MikeMiss@950ESPN.com" or call the "Air Studio" (if you want to wait and try to get on the air on Mike's show) at 610-632-0950 -- or both!

And watch out for the audio track to go on sale on the Penn Glee Club's website soon!

This isn't the first time the Glee Club got involved with Philadelphia's sports teams...

• Watch the Penn Glee club bring their harmony to a 76ers game HERE 

More ways Penn express their Phillies love HERE

Speaking of the World Series, check out DJ Gregory's (W'03, Off the Beat) vlog below as he analyzes "starting pitching, offense, the bullpens and the managers to find that the difference maker may be the experience factor."

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Here's the scoop on some exciting news from 2 of our alumni:

Paul Provenza (C'79, Mask and Wig) has a new Showtime half-hour comedy series coming to Showtime, called "Behind the Green Room Door". If you recall, Paul directed and produced "The Aristocrats".

Per the Hollywood Reporter, "The six episodes, with host comedian Paul Provenza, will allow viewers inside the "safe" inner sanctum of a green room where legendary comedians will meet and personally talk with one another. The comedian guest list includes Jonathan Winters, Eddie Izzard, Roseanne Barr, Drew Carey, Robert Klein, Penn Jillette, Martin Mull, Tommy Smothers, Bob Saget, Sandra Bernhard, Andy Dick, Rain Pryor, Rick Overton, Paul Mooney, Bobby Slayton, Jim Jefferies, Patrice O'Neal, Andy Kindler, Dana Gould, Brendon Burns, Larry Miller and Reginald D. Hunter in addition to emerging new talent."

Read the Gazette article on Paul HERE

More Penn Comedians HERE

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After some great music on TV and films, Gabriel Mann (C'95, Off the Beat) and his group the Rescues have signed a record contract with Universal Republic!

My past posts about Gabe HERE

Other Penn musicians HERE

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More of DT's Bits and Pieces HERE

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Ethan Fixell (C'04, Off the Beat Music Director, right in photo above) and best friend and comedy partner Dave really like to double date.

They went on their first double date in 7th grade, then one in 10th grade.  Who knew that this would spiral into something, much, much bigger...

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Last year I wrote a post about DJ Gregory's (W'03, Off the Beat) involvement in the (now San Francisco) company of Wicked as well as provided you a sample from his very tv-episode-soundtrack friendly music.

Before he was a wicked awesome musician, DJ was actually a sports nut; he was a left-handed pitcher in baseball, recruited to play at a few division I schools, the quarterback of his high school football team, and a member of the Philadelphia Junior PGA as a kid.

And, now, with the performance experience he has gained, and the passion for sports grabbing a hold of him once again, he has made a move into sports broadcasting...

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Earlier this week, Penn had its Opening Convocation for the Class of 2013 at The Palestra. Below you'll find the 45 minute video, but let me point out some highlights for you:

• 7:40 - President Amy Gutmann talks about a Penn undergrad who won $250,000 on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" and also used to dress up as a hot dog at Penn basketball games!

• 10:53 - President Amy Gutmann plays "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" with the Class of 2013

• 20:25 - Off The Beat performs "Coldplay"

• 32:25 - The Glee Club performs "Let The River Run"

• 43:05: - Everyone sings "The Red and the Blue" and at 43:59 one of the professors(?) on the podium commits the ultimate Penn blunder at 43:59! 
  

Was it me or was there no mention of the breakdown of the class of 2013 students in terms of "the nubmer of students who own their own businesses", "the number of students who are magicians", etc...  I remember that info used to be one of the more interesting parts of this ceremony!

Another "Red and Blue" performance by the Glee Club HERE.

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Okay, while this isn't necessarily a "Penn Foodie" related post, musician Gabriel Mann (C'95, Off the Beat), is holding a spoon in the video above and tells us he and his band The Rescues are serving up some quality rock and roll music.   Good enough.

I briefly interrupt our Foodie series this week because I wanted to post this so all of you on the east coast are aware that Gabe and his band The Rescues are touring the east coast this week.  And if you remember from my DT posts, Gabe's band's infectiously addicting music has been featured on "Grey's Anatomy" three times this past year!

If you're in Philly, note below that they're playing at the World Cafe Live this Thursday night (8/20)!

Aug 19 2009 7:00P Club Passim- Boston, MA

Aug 20 2009 8:00P World Cafe Live Downstairs- Philadelphia, PA

Aug 21 2009 8:00P Canal Room-New York, NY

Aug 22 2009 8:00P Rams Head Tavern- Annapolis, MD

Aug 26 2009 8:00P Eddie’s Attic- Decatur, GA

Aug 27 2009 7:00P Merry Band Farm- Silk Hope, NC

Aug 28 2009 8:00P Evening Muse- Charlotte, NC

Aug 29 2009 7:00P Pour House- Raleigh, NC

Aug 30 2009 7:00P IOTA Club and Cafe-Arlington, VA

Click HERE for ticket information

Listen to The Rescues' music that was featured on "Grey's Anatomy" this year below:

Get the songs on iTunes:

The Rescues - Crazy Ever After - Break Me Out 2.0


The Rescues - Stay Over - Single - Stay Over

My past posts about Gabe HERE

Other Penn musicians HERE

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Last summer I attended a performance from Jonah Platt's (C'08, Off the Beat) One Night Stand Musical troupe. (he's the one in the white t-shirt, tie and hat above)

Not only was I blown away at how talented these kids were, but how quick they were to create an hour long musical based on a few words the audience suggested.

They are now back in LA this summer doing 5 weeks of shows before they head to NYC for the New York Musical Theater Festival this fall.

Check out their website for more information: http://www.onenightstandmusical.com/

And if you live in LA, get tickets HERE to see their show!
Thu, Jul 23 - Sat, Aug 22
Thurs, Fri 8 pm
Sat 8 pm and 9:30 pm

HALF-Off Advance Purchase:
Use Promo Code: musical


Get a taste of the talent here with these recent clips of Jonah and the ONS company below:

"Carpe Diem"

Carpe Diem (the show is called "Riding Weekend")-- it's only the 2nd scene of the show. After watching "the saddest news program on tv," two friends Dave and Roger decide they want to start living their lives to the fullest.


"Pot It In The Box"

The above show is called "the night that changed my life" -- my character, Billy, a young boy, has been pushed throughout the musical by his father and neighbor to grow up and become responsible, but all he wants to do is stay young and imagine things and play with his imaginary friend Peter. In the show's climactic scene, Maturity comes to Billy one night and tells him that if he wants to be mature enough to be with the girl from next door, whom he loves, then he needs to put Peter away for good, and "pop it in the box." (this was also the name of the audience-suggested song title that we had to sing).

Check out other Penn comedians HERE

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If you recall, last year Gabriel Mann (C'95, Off the Beat) was the voice of Obama in Jib Jab's "Time for Some Campaigning." 

In this new Jib Jab video, Gabe is now the "voice of reason" at the beginning of the piece (the first 20 seconds of the clip).

If you're not familiar with DT favorite Gabriel Mann, click HERE to check out my past posts to learn about this accomplished musician and all the cool things he's done (i.e toured with Alanis Morrisette, been on the grammys, his music in many tv and films!)



Other great Website Wednesday posts

New to DT? 14 easy suggestions to get started!

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It's apparent that the producers of "Grey's Anatomy" must really love the music of Gabriel Mann (C'95, Off the Beat) and his group "The Rescues" because the show will be featuring their songs "Break Me Out" and their brand new song, "Stay Over," in back to back episodes starting TONIGHT!

• "Break Me Out" will be heard in episode 19 (season 5), which airs this Thursday April 23rd at 9pm (TONIGHT) and will be the 3rd appearance of Rescues music on the show already this season. (the song is featured in minute 39:54 at abc.com)
• Next week, on Thursday April 30th, the show will debut the Rescues’ song "Stay Over" from the upcoming album "Let Loose The Horses." (the song is featured in minute 19:45 at abc.com)

Listen to the group's music (and watch the actual scenes) from their first and second appearances in "Grey's Anatomy".

Get a preview of the music below:

Get the songs on iTunes:

The Rescues - Crazy Ever After - Break Me Out 2.0


The Rescues - Stay Over - Single - Stay Over

My past posts about Gabe HERE

Other Penn musicians here

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Over the past few weeks, a whole bunch of performing arts groups at Penn have been showcasing their talent all over campus.

Check out the 20+ videos above, which include performances by Mask and Wig, Counterparts, the Glee Club, Off the Beat, Pennchants and a show called Elegies.

There is definitely a whole bunch of undergrads with lots of talent! Judge for yourself!

Check out what else is happening on campus

Join the new Dueling Tampons Facebook Fan page

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If you recall, Gabriel Mann (C'95, Off the Beat) and his group The Rescues' acoustic version of their song "Crazy Ever After" was on the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy.

Well, the producers must have loved this group's music because another song of theirs was featured in last Thursday's episode too! This one comes as a relief during a very funny and awkward moment during Callie and Dr. Hahn's first date as "new lesbians"! Check out minute :56 above and you'll see what I'm talking about!

Get "My Heart With You"


Get "Crazy After Ever"


Get the "Crazy After Ever" album

Rescues on Myspace

More of my past Gabriel Mann posts!

Other Penn musicians here

Join the new Dueling Tampons Facebook Fan page

New to DT? 14 easy suggestions to get started!

Friend Me Up:

Facebook MySpace Friendster Twitter Digg

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