Episode 43

The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR

Welcome to a patriotic, heartfelt, hilarious and musical celebration of Independence Day done in the indelible style of The Los Angeles Breakfast Club!

Trusty announcer Marc Hershon gets things rolling with some info about the origin of Independence day before longtime club emcee Richard Gilson and club President Lily Leirness lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Breakfast Club choir sings the Battle Hymn of the Republic and then host Phil Leirness takes over to celebrate the re-openings of both the in-person Breakfast Club and the Hollywood Bowl with an historic clip from 1935. Reverend Barbara Adams walks us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship" by celebrating the lives and careers of those 4th of July icons Jimmy Cagney and George M. Cohan.

There is a lot of patriotic and inspiring music, including performances by the Don Snyder Orchestra. There are thoughtful words from the club's Chairman of the Board, Jonathan Reich. There is a deeply touching personal story courtesy of Carole Nese. Esteemed member of the clergy Reverend Will Billow visits via Zoom to offer thoughts on his long career in the nation's capital. We get better acquainted with good ham an' egger Kevin Cartwright. Lily offers up personal thoughts about the club on Independence Day and previews all the exciting programs planned for the coming weeks as we leave zoom behind and head back to the Shrine of Friendship where we hope to bid you a "Good morning" real soon!