JANUS: The Video

It's January! The beginning of a new Gregorian calendar year. But did you know that January comes from the name for the Roman god, Janus, a two-headed deity? In Roman times, he was the god of all beginnings, invoked before all other gods at the start of all new endeavors. New Years Day was his particular holiday...and where we likely get the image of the old man handing off the year to a newborn baby. But when you go a little deeper...you just may be fascinated by this little known deity.

So as we enter and contemplate the new year, enjoy this brief educational video to discover how Janus may be relevant in modern times.

The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival PSA

I recently completed shooting and editing a Public Service Announcement for the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival. It's a wonderful organization that presents solo work in Los Angeles by female artists (and occasionally men too) from around the globe. I'm honored to contribute my skills to the cause and look forward to documenting the weekend of performances as well happening March 22-28.

Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival PSA 2012 from Jason Jenn on Vimeo.

Songs & Stories Teaser

Songs & Stories For Our Days Teaser Trailer from Jason Jenn on Vimeo.

I'm getting excited to present the newly reworked "Songs & Stories For Our Days".  It feels like the best way to start off this infamous turning point and mystically revered year of 2012.  I'm of course biased in thinking that everyone could benefit from experiencing the piece - it's a great way to be connected to the necessary energies for transcending this chaotic world we find ourselves in. The songs and stories were meant to be shared. They are filled with universal themes relevant to our modern life and all the glory and dilemma that comes along with it.

I presented a rough draft of the piece this summer to family and friends in Iowa. Now it is set for this revamped unveiling in Los Angeles. I'm actively seeking to present these Songs & Stories more and more, so if anyone can help me get connected with funding and venues around the globe to make that happen, please give me a buzz! JasonReBegin@gmail.com

While the teaser above is visually quite stimulating, I'm excited to present a very "naked" show - singing a cappella songs without the usual theatrical trimmings, which is forcing me to be as present, grounded, authentic, and fully committed in the delivery as possible. I am by no means the greatest singer, but what matters is, as I say in one of my songs, I'm going "to give it my all with spirit and heart!"

A Tune That Sticks in Your Head: Vacuuming Bees

Someday when I have more time I will explain more of the history behind this homage to cult campy movies (like John Waters) and live performers with music videos sequences for costume changes (like Varla Jean Merman) whom we so admire. And then there's the thing with the bees and our shared mythology of The Hive...but this incident was really about pesky yellow jackets, for we know that bees are beneficial and sadly endangered, but the rhyme scheme just worked better with bees!

Enjoy!